Jim and Shirley
Thank you soooo much for writing your book Contending for the heart!! We downloaded it last night from Kindle and I just spent the last 2 hours this morning pouring through it. I cried, I rejoiced, I thanked God. My husband and I have 4 kids- 7, 5, 3, and 1- we have been involved with the parenting ministry Growing Kids International since our first was born and have enjoyed the the fruit from it tremendously but when we got ahold of Andrew’s teachings about 9 months ago our hearts have begun changing and wondering if there is more to how we train and love our kids. I truly feel that your book is just that!!
WOW!!! I called my husband before I was even done with the book and left a message saying we needed to go through this book in our next small group. With that being said- do you guys have a workbook that could go with this? We have enjoyed having study guides with Andrew’s books and I am hoping that you have something in the works too . Thank you for what a wonderful example of grace filled parents you are- I look forward to meeting you both one day- whether in THIS world or the next.
Blessings
Karis
Hi Jim and Shirley
I just wanted to let ya’ll know that the book “Contending for the heart” is absolutely amazing!! It is so powerful. I was deeply moved and ministered to. The Lord has been showing us so much about His love and grace in our own lives and we have been applying that to our parenting but your book takes raising children to a whole new level! I have never read a book like yours. The Holy Spirit revealed things so clearly to me when reading. It is truly life changing for us and our children. I just wanted to thank ya’ll for writing the best book I have ever read on parenting! May the Lord Jesus bless you, the book and your ministry!
Rachel, CO
Jim
First, let me say, Contending for the Heart” is without a doubt, the very best book on child rearing that I have ever read! Van finished it first and loved it! We are recommending it to everyone in our church; In August we are doing a marriage advance and we will recommend it there! While reading it, I experienced every emotion fathomable; through many tears, smiles, and many others expressions of emotions, I gained much education on God’s loving grace that all parents need to know. You are an anointed author, and I hope you write many more books. Van and I will be some of your greatest mouth pieces to get the book into the hands of as many parents as possible.
Regina, GA
Dear Jim,
Contending for the Heart is the BEST parenting book I have read in my 16 years of trying to “get this right”…haha. I think everyone who will disciple, pastor, or have any kind of relationship at all should read this! My favorite part of the structure of your book was the way you gave examples that lead to victory and overcoming by Love, Grace and Word, instead of negative examples. Every word of your book was encouraging and supportive. More please…..more stories and examples. My only criticism is you need this out on CD so it can be listened to, as well.
The Lord has been setting my husband David and I free from law and condemnation in a Big way this summer. He is teaching us Grace and Mercy and your book is a big part of applying that in our home! I heard you may come do a seminar in our city, will you please let me know when you do?
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you and God Bless You, Shirley and your Family!
Tracie, Fairplay CO
Jim,
The book really had a profound impact on me. My kids are 3 and a 1/2 and 2 and I am SO GLAD to have gotten my hands on this book now! Understanding the difference between punishment and discipline and between compliance and a repentant heart changes the way I look at parenting. I now understand what I really need to contend for is the heart. It is a book you put down but you never put away… the teaching is so practical you bring it with you into everyday parenting situations. It really is a game changer. Thank you so much. It really came as an answer to prayer.
By the way… I really think the book was well written. People learn best through stories. And I remember the stories from the books. If it was all just textbook teaching I may not remember it as vividly as I do. But the stories… the mother who overhears her son praying for forgiveness and so doesn’t have to discipline him… the father stuck in traffic on a hot day and comes home to find the lawn unmowed and over-reacts with his son… the stories stick in your head and encapsulate the teaching in a very practical, hands on way.
Anthony, Canada
Jim and Shirley,
This is the best book I have ever read on raising children. It is absolutely wonderful! I wish I had had it when my children were young. It combines heartwarming stories that brought tears to my eyes with tremendous Biblical truths. This book goes to the core, the very heart, of raising children to be all that God desires. Thank you for presenting these truths in an easy to read format. It was hard to put the book down. I just ordered 5 more copies to give away. I highly recommend this book to every parent, grandparent, and teacher.
S.C. Athens, GA
Jim,
I just finished reading Contending for the Heart on a flight across the country. I was disappointed that the book wasn’t longer as I found myself devouring its wisdom with an eager heart. As a 41 year old father of three I found the stories heartwarming and poignant. The application of scripture and the understanding of God’s heart for the family was especially insightful and I read it with a great sense of the Lord’s love and care.
I liked the examples of families from each life stage, especially since my wife and I are balancing the demands of our young son who is still in diapers with the fact that my oldest daughter is in full blown puberty and quickly approaching womanhood. Jim, you helped me realize that it’s never too late to change my approach to parenting.
K.F. North Carolina
Jim and Shirley,
The book is awesome. The examples given really bring scriptural truths home. Sheila and I wish we had read it when our children were small. We have recommended it to all the people in our church. Thanks for helping families see the truth of the gospel of grace.
From the perspective of a proofreader and copyeditor, let me say that the book is very well written. The use of story to drive home your point in each chapter was perfect. You truly connect with your readers on many levels. But I’ve read a lot of well written books and rarely have I been prompted to write to an author. No, the reason I am taking the time to write to you today is because I am a mother of two sons – ages 12 and 14.
Thank you for sharing the wisdom God has given you in the area of contending for the heart of our children. Over the course of the proofreading project, I spent a good deal of time discussing with my husband the truths I read in your book. Much of what was written, we have put into practice over the years, but we received new insights and for that, we are grateful. I was encouraged and challenged by your words. In my opinion, that is the hallmark of a great book – its effect on the reader.
May God bless you richly as you continue in His work!