Be Different by Sheila Walsh (with giveaway!)
-April 11, 2011-Comments (28)
As Christians, we are called to be in this world, but not of this world. Romans 12:2 says, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God." God’s direction here seems very clear to me. He never specified any exceptions or exclusions. Black and white. Small and tall. Old and young. Yesterday and today. We are ALL called to be different.However, today’s society is becoming increasingly separated from God. Moral standards are being stretched and manipulated. Blatantly sinful behavior is accepted as status quo. Unethical actions are being praised in the name of political correctness. Humans are becoming desensitized by the shocking content of television, movies, and radio. At times I am tempted to ask, What is going on here?! Does God see what is happening to our nation, and does His heart break too as our world is turning into such a modern Sodom and Gomorrah?
I don’t know about you, but as a mother of a 14-year-old boy, I feel that my mother-hen radar is running full force constantly! Thankfully, my sweet boy has surrounded himself with friends who are positive influences and godly young men and women. But my heart breaks over hearing the stories he shares of friends who are struggling. Babies are having babies, children are growing up way too fast, and they are emulating the "new normal" standards they are watching on TV every night. As parents, it's our call to stand up for what is right and good and embrace biblical teachings and standards as the ruler with which we measure ourselves.
John 2:15-17 says, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. For all that is in the world ... is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away ... but he that does the will of God abides for ever.”
As parents, entrusted by God to lead these precious lives towards a life of freedom in Him, we have to find a way to show our children the beauty in God’s standards. By rejoicing in His ways, living by his Word, and enjoying every minute of it, we can show our children how blessed the life of a child of the King can be!
The old saying stands, "If everyone else jumps off a bridge, will you jump too?" Just because the kid next door is ruining his reputation online or the kid down the street is wearing the latest ridiculously short shorts, doesn’t mean every child will or has to. Parental guidance is a strong force to be reckoned with! Armed with the truth that a life in the Light is a life filled with peace, grace, and adventure, let’s remind not only our children but also ourselves that God’s standards have not changed with the in’s and out’s of society’s fads. Even if staying on the winning side means being coined "different" or "strange" ... God loves us deeply. Let’s honor that love by being in the world ... not of it.
Sheila Walsh, a successful speaker, is author of the award-winning Gigi, God’s Little Princess series, and other books such as The Shelter of God's Promises and The Heartache No One Sees. Sheila lives in Frisco, Texas, with her husband, Barry, and son, Christian.
Want to win a copy of Sheila's latest book, How to Be God's Little Princess, for your little girl? We have FIVE copies of the book and TWO kits that include the book, tiara, bracelet-making kit, and princess cup.
Book description: What does it take to be a princess? Sheila Walsh has some important answers to share for every little girl. The book covers lots of how-to topics — how to make the best pink cookies, how to wear a tiara, how to earn money at home, how to care for a royal dog, how to be respectful, how to use good manners, how to help Mom, how to follow Jesus, how to act like a princess when things go terribly wrong, and many more.To win, just tell us about the little princess(es) in your life who would benefit from the book!
For an extra entry, become a fan of our Facebook Fan Page and leave us another comment that you did.
We'll choose winners on April 18. LifeWay employees are not eligible to win. One comment per person, please. USA only.
Comments (28)
I have a 2-year-old little princess who is growing up way to quickly for her Mama! :)
I would love to read this book, and I know my daughter will like it, too.
Posted on April 11, 2011 1:48 PM
I liked you on Facebook!
Shoopette's Book Reviews
Posted on April 11, 2011 1:48 PM
I have 2 little princesses, age 5 & 6. Although they are my granddaughters I know they along with their mother would love this book. I tell them that they are Princesses because they are a daughter of a king and beautifully and wonderfully made.
Posted on April 11, 2011 2:15 PM
I have a 3 year old little girl that when asked what her name is she replies "Princess Natalie"....while it is cute I would like her to understand and appreciate her role as a princess in God's kingdom. Since our heavenly father is the King, she is afterall his little princess!
Posted on April 11, 2011 3:07 PM
I have a 13 month old little boy witch im raising in the word of the Lord Jesus, and now im expecting a baby girl!!! So I would love to read her this book as she grows up and im sure this book will inspire her and make her grow a strong relationship with the Lord.
Posted on April 11, 2011 3:16 PM
I have a 7 yr. old and an 11 yr. old. They both love everything pink and princess and both want to marry someone like their Godly Daddy. We are talking to them both about courtship and both want to do that when they are older.
Posted on April 11, 2011 3:16 PM
I have a 2 (month away from 3) year-old princess named Evie. She is a beautiful princess and a gift from our Father. She definitely believes she is a princess - calls me a princess (sometimes queen :)) and calls her daddy her prince. We pray daily that she'll ask Jesus to save her as soon as she's able to understand and that God is already molding her future husband into a godly man that will love her the way Christ loves. Our princess loves to sing and dance, and she is learning to love Jesus in her own little, sweet way. What a blessing children are! Psalm 126:3, Luke 1:49!
Posted on April 11, 2011 4:15 PM
I would love love love this for my princess. She's 3 and my little miracle.
I'm already a Facebook fan!
Posted on April 11, 2011 4:31 PM
My 3.5 year old daughter has the God's Little Princess Bible and she loves it. We read from it every night. I've also purchsed the God's Mighty Wariior Bible for my 8 month old son. We love these children's bibles!
Posted on April 11, 2011 5:38 PM
I'm also a fan on facebook!
Posted on April 11, 2011 5:38 PM
After 20 years of having all boys, my little 2-year old Princess is a whirlwind of all things, pink, frilly and girlie! As she grows, we pray for wisdom to guide her in God's way. We'd love this book! (I also liked you on facebook.)
Posted on April 11, 2011 7:52 PM
We have 3 little girls ages 9, 7 & 4. We have just recently finished a Chip Ingram study about parenting in our defective world and have become super passionate about training our girls up to be godly women despite all the pressures of this world!! Thanks so much for this, Sheila!!
Posted on April 11, 2011 8:35 PM
We like Parent Life on Facebook! Thanks!
Posted on April 11, 2011 8:37 PM
I have 3 little princess a 4 yr. old, 2 yr. old, and a 2 month old. I know they would love this book, my 4 yr. old will tell you she is God's and daddy's princess.
Posted on April 11, 2011 10:17 PM
I am raising my 11 yr old daughter, who really lacks lady-like manners, although not for lack of teaching. No doubt she knows Jesus. I'd love some help to mold her into God's Little Princess!
Posted on April 12, 2011 6:48 AM
My granddaughter, Kennedy Ireland just turned 5yrs old. They last year they moved to Phoenix, AZ from Redding, CA. She had lived with in a 1/4 mile from us and we would always play dress-up, together. I think this book would bless her and help her remember the days we played together plus it would install in her an identity of who she was created to be. There is no better time to start training for reigning than at an early age. I love that Sheila has written a book for young girls.
Posted on April 12, 2011 10:07 AM
I have a three princesses ages 7, 5 and 1! This book looks great!
Posted on April 12, 2011 12:24 PM
I have two little princesses to benefit from this now (ages 6 and 3), and another little princess due in July. So excited about this book!
Posted on April 12, 2011 7:01 PM
I liked you on facebook!
Posted on April 12, 2011 7:03 PM
My Littel princess just became a big sister and has two older brothers. I would like her to always remember that she is a little princess even if she is surrounded by boys. She is precious and has added a lot of joy to her family
Posted on April 12, 2011 8:21 PM
My 3yo loves the Gigi books and would love this, too!
Posted on April 12, 2011 8:30 PM
We have 4 children, my youngest is a little girl after 3 boys. We have a TON of boy things in our house, and need to get some pink girly stuff or her!!
Posted on April 12, 2011 8:55 PM
I would love to be able to give this to my youngest daughter. She is 7 and very much wants to be a princess. The last couple years have been rough for her and this fits right in with what I know she needs right now - to know she IS Gods daughter and his princess :) Also, I am so glad I found this site (through the inclusive church) loving what you offer here!
Posted on April 13, 2011 5:39 AM
Fan on FB!
Posted on April 13, 2011 5:39 AM
I have a 4 year old princess. We struggle with somethings like sharing, tantrums, wanting everything, etc since she's an only child. She always picks her child bible for story time - we've read through it 5 times at least. I'm not sure what book would be the next one to add in for storytime. Your book sounds perfect for us.
Posted on April 13, 2011 7:22 PM
I am so excited to be getting a chance to review this book as a part of the blog tour. Come check it out at http://www.startsateight.com on April 26th! I will be giving a book away as well! My 11 year old has read it and I will be sharing her thoughts. ( I will say this, she is NOT giving up her copy anytime soon!)
I would be equally happy to win a copy as I would love to share this book with my 9 year old niece.
Posted on April 16, 2011 6:24 PM
I have two daughters who would very much benefit from this book! I love it!
Posted on April 18, 2011 10:51 AM
I have a 4 year old little girl who is growing up so fast! Woud love to have something like this for her!
Posted on April 18, 2011 2:33 PM