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Sacred Parenting: How Raising Children Shapes Our Souls Audiobook
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(4.03) - 359 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Parenting is a school for spiritual formation—and our children are our teachers. The journey of caring for, rearing, training, and loving our children will profoundly alter us forever.Sacred Parenting is unlike any other parenting book you have ever read. This is not a “how-to” book that teaches you ways to discipline your kids or help them achieve their full potential. Instead of discussing how parents can change their kids, Sacred Parenting turns the tables and demonstrates how God uses our kids to change us.You’ve read all the method books. Now take a step back and receive some much-needed inspiration. You’ll be encouraged by stories that tell how other parents handled the challenges and difficulties of being a parent—and how their children transformed their relationship with God. Sacred Parenting affirms the spiritual value of being a parent, showing you the holy potential of the parent-child relationship.
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"Received this book as a gift after my son was born, and I really enjoyed it. I learned how God uses our children to teach us, rather than us teaching our children. I never considered that before reading this book, but it is so true. It is not a typical "how to" parenting book, but it is just what I need on the days when I have no patience. I am reminded that God has given my this little boy because he trusts me to raise His child. There is no greater responsibility in life. The message was an important one. I recommend this book to all new parents."
— Bree (4 out of 5 stars)
Sacred Parenting Listener Reviews
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" A powerful conviction of why we are parents. It's often easy to lose sight of the why when the journey gets in the way. He does a wonderful job of reminding us of our great responsibility and the blessing and honor God has bestowed on parents "
— Vnoelp, 2/14/2014 -
" loved it. not a "how-to" parenting book but more of a book about how God uses parenting to shape the parents. "
— Lauren, 1/28/2014 -
" I appreciated the way that this book didn't sugar coat parenting and the experiences related to being a parent. It was very validating for me and turned out to be one of the best parenting books that I've read. I liked the no nonsense approach. However it is important to note that it is VERY bible based and makes a lot of Christian references. If that kind of thing makes you uncomfortable, stay away. "
— Hayley, 1/27/2014 -
" A must-read for any parent who wants to grow to be more like Christ through the practice of parenting! "
— Jenna, 1/19/2014 -
" Laying down your life for your kids ... a great theme in this book. And he doesn't go overboard into the "do everything for your kids so they'll have a perfect life" deception either. He also has good insights on Biblical passages as to how the Father would feel about us as kids. Looking forward to reading his other - Sacred Marriage. "
— Paul, 1/16/2014 -
" This was an amazing book. All about the different ways in which God uses parenting to form us spiritually - very profound, helpful, sparked great conversations with my wife. It's not a how-to book, but it is helping me be a better daddy all the same (so it's how-to in a round about way). Highly recommended! "
— Tim, 1/15/2014 -
" Loved this book. It made me then want to read his book on marriage . . . . "
— Meredith, 1/8/2014 -
" Nice idea of reversing the thoughts about having kids: they are great teachers and impetus for spiritual growth, and are a legacy to leave behind. Still, this didn't seem enough to sustain the length. The rest was little more than a standard take on Christian ideology, which I didn't enjoy. "
— Oliver, 12/29/2013 -
" Maybe the best book I've read on parenting (a seriously small group). Gary Thomas was easy to read and had a beautiful perspective on raising children and being a parent. This book came at just the right time for me. "
— Keri, 12/18/2013 -
" Great book dealing with the way that God uses parenting to stretch and shape us. I'm not all the way through it yet but I have really been challenged and encouraged by this book. "
— Lisa, 12/2/2013 -
" A parenting book that helps communicate how parenting changes our souls as parents. Like a long letter from an older, wiser, in perspective brother reassuring me as a mother, challenging me to dig deeper and be willing to be shaped by my children and their needs. "
— Moyra, 11/26/2013 -
" It really helped me understand that our children and their futures are not totally in our hands so we have to rely on God and let him lead. He willl teach us alot if we are open to him. Great read! "
— Erin, 11/14/2013 -
" Excellent perpective on why we have kids. "
— Erin, 10/17/2013 -
" I really enjoyed this book. One I wish I had read right before, or after, having our first child. Still worth while reading while parenting at any stage. "
— Todd, 8/20/2013 -
" If you read one book on parenting, make it this one. No, it won't tell you "how" to parent, but it will give you a bigger vision of how God can use it in your life to shape you. "
— Gina, 6/6/2013 -
" Really encouraging for me as a parent to see the role I have as a key way for God to shape me more into the image of Christ. "
— Tim, 4/3/2013 -
" I'm still working through this book. So far- it has been awesome! "
— Kristie, 12/17/2012 -
" One of the best parenting books. "
— Lori, 10/1/2012 -
" An Excellent book on parenting and how it affects you! "
— Leigh, 4/4/2012 -
" loved it! again, similar to sacred marriage it is a good reminder that God uses parenting to grow the parents too! "
— Terri, 7/17/2011 -
" I would say this book is good but not as great as I expected. Not revolutionary (as it claims) and yet worth reading to be reminded of the priority of parenting to God and for His kingdom. The Epilogue was my favorite chapter - so start there if you read this book. "
— Heather, 6/16/2011 -
" Interesting perspecting on how parenting shapes our souls "
— Lauren, 4/5/2011 -
" Really encouraging for me as a parent to see the role I have as a key way for God to shape me more into the image of Christ. "
— Tim, 3/10/2011 -
" I have not read many parenting books yet, but this one is going to be hard to top. If I didn't have others waiting on the shelf I'd start this one over again! "
— Gunner, 7/23/2010 -
" I'm re-reading this book for a book discussion at the end of July. It's amazing how much I'm getting out of it since I haven't read it for a few years! I really enjoy this book and it is great for shaping my perspective in parenting. "
— Susanna, 7/11/2010 -
" Maybe the best book I've read on parenting (a seriously small group). Gary Thomas was easy to read and had a beautiful perspective on raising children and being a parent. This book came at just the right time for me. "
— Keri, 7/7/2010 -
" An Excellent book on parenting and how it affects you! "
— Leigh, 6/12/2009 -
" good, i thought it had a lot to chew on but great challenges and new insight on parenting. "
— Sherra, 5/6/2009
About Gary Thomas
Gary Thomas is professor in education, University of Birmingham, having previously worked as a teacher and as an educational psychologist. He has written more than twenty books and as been the editor of several major journals in education.