Product Description
Moms get so busy with the doing and the giving for their families that they never seem to have enough time to rest and receive. So many moms have bought into the world-view that they can have it all and then believe the self-talk that if I don't do it, it won't get done! Isn't it ironic that so many mothers are running on empty? Lisa Whelchel delivers a book full of practical tips and advice for mothers on how to find lost time in their day to nourish body, soul, and spirit. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Great book!
Feeling stressed out?Feeling guilty for wanting to take care of yourself?Get this book...mommies need to take care of themselves so they can take care of their families!!!!!Thanks Lisa for making me feel "normal" and for sharing your personal experiences!!!!!

So Positive, So Encouraging
What a positive, encouraging book from one of my favorite "celebrity" authors.

Lisa Whelchel writes with realism and honesty, but she also offers hope and help. Anyone trying to be a better mom (or trying to accept herself while working on it) will find useful information here! I've already discovered a few favorite chapters that I read and re-read often.

Great book! A purchase you won't regret.

If you're a single mother, I also highly recommend:
Raising Great Kids on Your Own: A Guide and Companion for Every Single Parent

Must read for mom's
Wow!Since becoming a mom, I've had less time to read, but this was a quick read that proved inspiring.With tons of ideas on all aspects of your life, Lisa encourages you to pick one.I will definitely be reading and rereading this.My husband has liked the changes that I have implemented.

book
Great book! A must for any busy stay-at-home mom. Arrived in great condition. Very pleased. Thank you!

Great Book
This book is a great read, fun and easy, with good ideas for how to revive a tired mommy! I think you'll enjoy it- I did! ... Read more

Product Description
Drawing from her own family's experiences and from interaction with other parents, Lisa Whelchel offers creative solutions for parents who are out of ideas and desperate for new, proven approaches to discipline. In addition to advice on topics such as sibling conflict and lying, Whelchel offers a biblical perspective and down-to-earth encouragement to parents who are feeling overwhelmed. A handy reference guide that provides ideas for specific situations rounds out this resource that will be a blessing to parents and their children. Now in softcover. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (184)

Great alternatives to spanking and time-outs
It's so sad to me to see so many one star reviews.I completely believe those people don't believe in discipline at all.(Or when they see anything Christian they can't remain objective.)And if you don't believe in training your kids to understand consequences I can see how you would think Lisa and all parents like her are some kind of Nazis.However, for parents who aren't so delusional and aren't afraid of reading something Christian this book is a great tool.

I don't agree with every suggestion but that does not make any of them abusive.I realize there are in the world some Biblical extremists who believe in beating their kids and really are abusive.Lisa is so far from that that again I cringe to read what people have written about her book.So, if you believe in giving your kids some kind of consequence at all for disobeying, disrespect, etc. this book is for you.Ignore all the bad reviews. However, if you believe children never do wrong whether intentional or not, then I feel sorry for you and please stop slandering people.Save the word abuse for people who truly do.

A conservative Christian mother who doesn't like this book
I believe children need boundaries, clear expectations, clear communication, and parents who won't "give in" or back down or be lazy or spoil them.I am a conservative Christian mother who is yearning to raise my children with a firm but loving hand, and to communicate with them as the people created in God's image that they are.

There are times that I do come up with "creative" ideas for my kids.Right now I have a rewards poster on the wall, wherein they color more squares and get closer to little goals, if they complete their morning chores on time, and well.Last week, My daughter received a skittle for each piano song she practiced because it was so very difficult for her, having taken the summer off.So I'm not against **occasionally** dangling a carrot for the kids.Additionally, there have been times where my kids did get natural consequences.Taking one hour in the shower, and then being late to dinner, means my daughter gets no dessert because there simply isn't time for it.She is so long finishing her dinner, that we are through with dinner and dessert before she barely gets a mouthful.

BUT...BUT...I just feel like this book is a never ending series of either dangling carrots or humiliations.There are constant presents, awards, prizes, and gimmicks for every little thing she wants the kids to do.Conversely, the book has innumerable ideas for shaming, humiliating, annoying and embarrassing kids with "creative" ideas to correct their behavior.Again, these are not "natural consequences." They are a constant merry go round of weird and unusual ways to frustrate the child.It seems rather controlling to me.

There are better Christian parenting books out there...Don't Make Me Count to Three, Hints on Child Training, and "Get Rid of whining, complaining, and Bad Attitudes in You and Your Kids" are all good options to consider.

Not the godly approach to parenting it claims to be.
One of the principles of this book says that you must keep ramping up the correction until the child submits. Possibilities include piling on chores, putting hot sauce on the tongue, and spanking. She makes it sound plausible, and so I tried her methods. It only took a few days to figure out that this approach just plain doesn't work. When my daughter is in "that mood," she will dig in her heels and feed meanness right back at me. We could theoretically keep going back and forth until it crosses the line into abuse and she still would not submit. It works better for me to calmly separate her from the situation, refuse to engage in the battle, and come back to the issue at a later, calmer time.

As for Welchel's suggestions for ways to use the scriptures for reproof, my heart tells me that this approach would teach a child to resent God and his word. I will not use the word of God as a whip or to bolster my authority as Whelchel seems to recommend. There are more effective times to teach from the scriptures than in the heat of the moment. During early morning devotional and during family night works much better for us. I believe God wants us to follow him out of love and because we know that he wants what's best for us. If that's how he parents us, that's the kind of parents we should try to be.

Excellent Read
I really enjoyed this booked, it is jam packed with Great Insight and advice.Tons of story and information. I have told all my friends/family about this book and told them it is a must read.I can't stand to part with mine, I know I will look back it plenty of time in the many child rearing years that I am facing.I hope that this book will be an encouragement and in part some new wisdom to you.

This a great book!
I can see that not all of the methods in this book are for everyone.However, as a Mother of 3, I can appreciate that someone has done some research on what works with children and taken the time to put it all in a book. She has a TON of wonderful ideas on discipline.I personally would not do them ALL, but don't let that keep you from reading the book.There are a lot of wonderful and creative ideas in this book.
If you want to keep conflict out of your home then the children need to learn to respect you as the parents AND respect one another.There are a lot of examples and ideas in this book of ways to make this happen.

To the people that freaked out and called the techniques in this book "abusive". Try re-reading the book and picking out what is in your opinion NOT abusive and see if it makes a difference in your home. Don't toss the whole book aside because you don't agree with it as a whole. Take a highligter to it and higlight what you think is a good idea.Chances are you will run out of highlighter ink before you hit the end of the book.

She gives an idea in the book of this.If the kids don't get out of the bath when they are told to, turn the cold water on them.They will get out with a quickness, and chances are you will never have to tell them twice to get out of the bath.I can see that if you held your kid in the bath under the cold water, YES then that is abusive.But, this author doesn't say anything like that.I had to laugh at this section, my Dad would turn OFF that hot water from the water heater while I was in the shower if I was in there too long.Let me tell you, my shower time came back to a realistic time really quick.I knew how much time I was alloted (8 minutes or something) and then the hot water got cut off.It worked for me and I in no way felt "abused".Was I mad?As a teenage girl, OH...YOU BET!But, did the lesson work?of course it did! He only had to do it to me twice!

Read the book with an open mind.If you aren't really looking for some creative ideas for raising your kids, then don't bother reading it. ... Read more

Product Description

Former Facts of Life star Lisa Whelchel shares her experiences of growing up without true friends and how she learned to find and develop them as an adult through God's grace.

Not many people can say they lived their most crucial developmental years on the sound stage of a wildly popular TV show. But that's exactly what happened in Lisa Whelchel's life. As a child, she learned to guard her heart so tightly to avoid true hurt that she found herself unable to form lasting friendships as an adult.

Friendship for Grown-Ups details her experiences of learning to come out of her shell, to trust, risk, and become vulnerable by God's grace and find meaningful friendships. Readers encounter her captivating story and refreshing perspective on life's most precious gift--and they find practical tips for their own friendships along the way.

Customer Reviews (101)

Open book mentality!

Saturday, August 14, 2010
Lisa Welchel's "Friendship For Grown-Ups: What I Missed & Learned Along the Way"


Friendship For Grown-Ups:What I Missed & Learned Along the Way, by Lisa Welchel



Lisa Whelchel is a Christian Actress, Author, speaker for Women of Faith, and fellow homeschooling mom.She was the child star "Blair" in Facts of Life.Her experiences, beginning in the filming of Facts of Life, pwere what began her journey that is described among the pages of Friendships for Grown Ups.As an independant individual most of her life, she had a hard time understanding what real friendship is.


Lisa is a bit of an open book.Her no-holds-barred style welcomes you in, and makes you feel like you're talking to a friend.


I would recommend this book to anyone who has the "loner" mentality.I have tendancies to need personal space often, and there were many parts of this book I could easily relate to!
I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers, a.k.a. "Book Sneeze" as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

For Women
We were optimistic about a new book on friendship, and found that it was mostly biography, and the parts that did focus on how to make friends was focused entirely on women making friends of other women.The one chapter that described an AA mentor friendship with a man ended abruptly just as the challenges of friends with a man were emerging.For the girls, its OK.

Quotes abound
This is a book about (of course) friendship.Finding it, loosing it, learning from it, finding it again, trying to build it & maintain it.It is written from the personal experiences of Lisa Whelchel, a 1980's television actress who has had her number of friendship setbacks and is desperately trying to learn how to build friendship relationships while overcoming the obstacles from her past which hinder her.It shows her struggles, her difficulties, and her successes.

Overall, I didn't enjoy this book.I just didn't connect with the topic and the manner in which Lisa wrote about it.I found the chapters to be disconnected and the flow to be jumpy and haphazard.Lisa included many personal letters and emails written by her to friends and by her friends to her.I found these to be too personal, too intimate to be shared.I found myself feeling as though I were looking at someone's personal computer and reading what I shouldn't.

I also thought that Lisa quoted other authors way too often. At times I felt like perhaps I should just put down her book and read the books she was quoting instead.I wondered if I'd enjoy those other books more in their entirety than the selected snippets strewn throughout Lisa's book.

There were some great suggestions about the importance of being "real" and authentic with our friends, about not hiding behind masks to be someone we're not with our friends and about honesty in friendship.All good reminders to keep ourselves genuine in our friendships and in our life.But overall I didn't enjoy the book.

I would not recommend this book to a friend.I think if someone is looking for a book on friendship, there are other's that are likely better.Perhaps one of the overly-quoted ones from this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the [...] book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 [...] : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

A Great read
I finished Lisa Whelchel's book "Friendship for Grownups" this morning and I will tell you - this book has power!


I absolutely loved this book!Why?Because it is a great demonstration of the power of testimony, as opposed to a "how to" approach.Lisa writes from her heart and soul; sharing her own struggles with friendships over the years.She points out her own vulnerability and insecurity that caused some friendsto walk away and also shares stories of the walls she erected around her heart in order to survive in the business she was in.

The most freeing aspect of this book for me, was her willingness to risk rejection with those she cared about, by writing out her feelings. She was willing to face conflict in order to grow; which was inspiring to read.So many times we stuff our feelings of rejection deep inside - or at least we think they are buried deep - but really they are stacking up like a pile of bricks! Lisa calls this the "Brick at a Time" concept, which means that each little annoyance or problem that occurs between two people can easily begin to stack up over time and become a brick wall.

Not that we need to voice every little thing that annoys us; but if it is something that could potentially come between you and someone you care about, it's better to lay it on the table and deal with it before it becomes a wall between you.


Overall, this was just an honest testimony by a woman looking for some close friends she could feel safe with. She does add to the back of the book, some pointers on friendship; but the true heart of the book is just her testimony to what God was (and still is) trying to teach her about friendship.

Facts on Friendship
Having read a few of Lisa Whelchel's books, I was already familiar with her easy and enjoyable writing style. However, in this book Lisa truly opens up and allows readers to become more than that and see into her heart. Coming to a point in her life where she could share more openly has not only been a long road, it has been a struggle.

Being a child star may seem fun and glamorous to those viewing it from the other side of the television screen, but for Lisa it caused her to build up walls which would protect her heart and what little self-esteem she had.

For a lot of people there is nothing like facing those years with good friends by your side.That is what Lisa discovered that she was missing. She had become so walled up that she hadn't allowed herself to have good or even best friends. She had plenty of acquaintance friends, but none close enough to truly know her.

It took one friend who was willing to painstakingly chip away at the wall and be patient until Lisa was willing to show some vulnerability.Lisa shares what she learned on this path to finding true friendships.

She realizes that this is a journey that we must each take for ourselves, but she hopes to make it just a little less bumpy by giving us some advice.

Such an easy friend from someone we have all considered a friend since watching "Facts of Life"! ... Read more

Product Description


The ADVENTure of Christmas is a guide for moms concerned that their children are losing sight of Jesus in the midst of the distractions the holiday season brings. Lisa Whelchel was such a mom, but instead of abandoning the traditions of Christmas she rediscovered their original meanings, which were intended to remind people of God’s unfathomable gift. Hanging lights on the house, wrapping gifts, and decorating the tree have become opportunities to teach her children about how they relate to Jesus’ birth. With The ADVENTure of Christmas, mothers can redeem what’s been lost from the very symbols that are gentle reminders of the true meaning of Christmas.

Have you discovered that Jesus sometimes gets lost in the middle of the hustle and bustle of His birthday party? Would you like to be able to keep your children's focus on Jesus and also join them in the wonder of the celebration?

For each of the twenty-four days preceding Christmas, The ADVENTure of Christmas serves as a fun and handy guide that describes the significance behind your favorite traditions. Hanging lights on the house, wrapping gifts, and decorating the tree will become opportunities to share how these customs relate to Jesus' birth. The ADVENTure of Christmas recaptures the true meaning of this beloved season, giving reasons to celebrate for years to come.

Story Behind the Book

Feeling like Jesus had gotten lost in the frenzy of the holiday season, I asked the Lord to show me what I could do to teach my children the true meaning of Christmas. I was caught off-guard when He simply replied, "Don’t do anything differently. Look in the middle of the celebration and you will find Me." He was right. There was no need to orchestrate moments to pontificate about "the commercialization of Christmas." Instead, Jesus is beckoning us to come to the party and bring the kids. In doing so, we run into Him at the mall, the movies, even at school. He hides in the lights, the carols, and the cards. He is there when we dress the evergreen tree, when Dad dresses up in a red suit, and even when we eat turkey and dressing! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (28)

Very Pleased
I purchased this book to help incorporate Jesus in our families personal Christmas traditions. The lessons are so sweet and practical in teaching our children the true meaning of Christmas. I look forward to many years of using this book and the lessons during the holiday season.

This book is incredible
I love this book.First it's beautiful to look at.Great colors.Second it explains where all the Christmas traditions come from.Why they started in the first place.For example, why do we put lights on the trees, or why we have candy canes it tells you why.Then it also has an application of how to break it down for little ones and explain it to them.This is set up as an advent book so you can do one page a day until Christmas comes.

Great book!
Have you ever wondered what the Twelve Days of Christmas are? Did you ever wonder why we light candles at Christmas or put stars on the tops of our Christmas trees? Then you need to buy and read this book. Highly recommended.

Great christian mom's helper.
Great help for those who want to teach their children that Jesus is the reason for the season.

The Adventure of Christmas
I love this book!I love all the informative reasons that decorations mean what they mean.It will also help explain who Santa Clause really is when my oldest doesn't believe any more.I also like all the teachable moments. ... Read more

Product Description

Through hilarious stories moms will find encouragement, understanding, and a few moments of peace.

Lisa Whelchel definitely knows how to speak the language of motherhood. From the days you just want to break down in tears because the kids are sick and cranky and the house is a wreck, to the joys of seeing your kids' eyes light up when they "get" a new understanding of God's love, she's been there and can relate. Through 52 mini-devotions, Speaking Mom-ese provides encouragement and connects moms to each other and to God.

Customer Reviews (2)

Perfect!Just what I need.
I love this little book.It is the last thing I read every night.My heart feels full once I finish reading and ready to end the busy day.I would recommend this book to any mom out there in need of a short pick me up.Lisa really puts being a mom into perspective and begins each chapter with a bible verse and ends it with a prayer. I plan on purchasing a few for my dearest mommy friends as gifts.Thanks Lisa.

Mom-ese review
Great little devotional book.Nothing too in-depth, but nice short devos that a busy mom can easily add to her day.I like Lisa Whelchel and have been impressed with her other books as well. ... Read more

Product Description
Moms burn out because they give and give and give some more! To combat this burnout syndrome common to moms, Lisa Whelchel created Mom Time. Using the experience and practical ideas she used in her own Mom Time, Lisa shares the four ingredients for successful Mom Time--food, faith, friends, and fun. An included DVD explains how any mom can start her own Mom Time. The book is divided into five sections:

1. How to Start a Mom Time Group
2. Faith Time: General Topics for Discussion
3. Conversation Prompts for Creative Correction
4. Recipes
5. Game List

Customer Reviews (1)

Not as helpful as expected
I purchased this book to help me get my own MomTime group started and I anticipated finding information on how to do that.There is a basic framework provided, but it's not as specific as I would have liked, especially on ideas for childcare for very young children.Much of the book (23 pages) is filled with recipe ideas for the group - these are complete menus for up to 12 weeks.Several of the other pages are full of topics & questions for discussion - I would find these helpful if starting up a group on my own.

Overall, I didn't find it complete enough to help me start my own group, but others may find the basic framework to be just what they need. ... Read more

Product Description
Drawing from the Book of Proverbs, the former star of The Facts of Life, who now leads the fast-paced life of a wife, mother, speaker, and author, invites readers to consider how these ancient words of wisdom are applicable in raising young children today. Grateful to have these guidelines to live out the privilege of parenting, Whelchel turns to this supernatural advice to take on the sometimes superhuman task of loving, nurturing, discipling, and disciplining children. Organized as quick-reads for mothers with precious little free time while caring for their precious little ones, it's a smart selection for wise moms. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

not my favorite
Her other devotion books are better than this one.This has been my least favorite of them.She is a great writter but this one was too specific for me. ... Read more

Product Description
As Blair Warner on The Facts of Life, Lisa Whelchel matured from a snobby prep schooler to a responsible adult. Now the actress recounts the journey she's made in real life, from a shy, small-town girl in Texas to the glamorous life of fame and fortune in Hollywood -- and finally to suburban life as a pastor's wife and homeschooling mother of three. Poignant autobiographical stories reveal the developing trust in God that has enabled Lisa to grow in grace through seasons of pressure, pain, and prosperity. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (21)

Somewhat Shallow Bio with Confused Spirituality
This somewhat shallow bio is a frustratingly less-than-candid look at the young TV star's faith story. Whelchel writes in a gossipy, girl-next-door style that often focuses on superficial issues. She states up front that she is not going to tell you all her life stories, so she skips some key moments in life that we could learn from. She also fails to include any pictures (odd since she says she is a "photohistorian"), so you can't relate to any of the many physical things she alludes to the in the book. The book will certainly appeal to similar female audiences but taken as a whole it doesn't provide much depth.

This may be because as a child actress she lived in L.A. while her parents lived in Texas--kind of odd for a young teenager. That would have a huge impact on who she is and how she views God. But she doesn't deal with that major issue, just as she ignores the fact that her mother regrets ever letting Lisa go off to California in the first place. Her mom's perspective should be an indication that maybe Lisa being on her own during her formative years wasn't such a good idea.

She summarizes her first few years in the TV business in a couple of paragraphs, with few stories about her years on Facts of Life. She does take a couple of paragraphs to explain the famous episode where her character was supposed to lose her virginity. It's wonderful that she stood up for her beliefs, but years later when the producers chose to have another character lose her virginity and wrote a pro-abstinence speech for Whelchel's character, Lisa refused to do the show and asked to be written out. That's one of many odd choices that she defends and claims are God's will, when they are merely her own choices.

She makes a lot of really, really bad decisions. She wastes her money and goes broke. She pursues and falls in love with a Jewish guy even though she is evangelical Christian. Sometimes she decides something and says it's God will, other times she decides something and say she wasn't listening to God. There is no depth of analysis here about what she learned from her mistakes or to discover whether the choices she made were really of God.

For example, she had a choice to replace an actress in the now-infamous sitcom Hello Larry--which would have been a guaranteed job--or she could wait to see if the Facts of Life pilot was picked up as a series. She obviously chose Facts of Life, but now she says it was "God acting as my manager." No, it was her choice. There was another time when she wanted to sell all she had and give it to the people of Haiti. After many discussions with her parents and manager, she decided to keep her possessions--then later claims she didn't hear God's voice (and blames her parents and manager) when she ended up losing her money in bad investments! No, she just made bad choices. She in retrospect praises God when circumstances go her way while condemning others when they don't.

The overwhelming sense in reading the book is that this is one confused woman. She acts like she has it together, but almost everything she writes about reveals complete confusion over decision-making or future direction. Most shocking is her story about being "engaged" to her future husband--he apparently never really asked her to marry him. Instead their church pastor falsely announced their engagement, she was too frail to say anything and she convinced herself that it must be God's will.

The whole story of her marriage makes no sense the way she tells it--she had never kissed him, never shown interest in him and had told him she wasn't physically attracted to him. Yet five months later they were married, in a $50,000 wedding completely planned by her husband. She treats it as an act of faith in God's will but it comes across as an unreasonable act of stupidity. Then she's surprised when they have three kids by their fourth wedding anniversary and she is depressed?

They were spending over $50,000 a month, got into deep debt and had to give up everything, including their house. Her naïveté was costly, but she never seems to accept complete blame. Her husband gets the brunt of her disdain and she comes across as a bit of a spoiled brat, similar to her TV character. Then when things turn around due to the help of others she says that God was working. Where is the acceptance of personal responsibility? Her theology is based on circumstance and coincidence without a thought that she bares responsibility for her life's direction.

Another bizarre story involves her youngest child needing heart surgery.The doctors wanted it done shortly after the girl was born--but Whelchel delayed, waiting for a divine healing.By age two the doctors said the hole needed to be operated on while the girl was young, yet she still delayed until the kid was six years old.Then when she physically saw the chest distortion she decided to go ahead with it.She turns it into a story of how "God's timing" was right because in those six years the operation changed to make the scar much smaller!She never see that she made the choices, even putting her child's life in danger by going against the doctor's wishes.

So her weak theology blended with mediocre storytelling makes for a disappointing book. If you are looking for inside stories of The Facts of Life you won't find them here--the ones she tells (like the other girls getting mad at her for reading books on the set) have been told multiple times elsewhere.

In the end this is supposed to be a spiritual book, with little lessons geared toward women struggling with some of the same issues she has gone through. And she sounds like a sweet person who longs to honestly serve God. Her willingness to stop watching R-rated movies and stop drinking shows a commitment to listening to Him. And her 40-day "fast" of things (stop shopping for 40 days, stop criticizing her husband for 40 days) is a great concept. So this review is not a condemnation of her as a person.

It's just the picture she paints of God is a gentle daddy who never gets upset at wrongs done by His children, one who doesn't expect His followers to keep rules or to work too hard to do their best. Is this because she had a distant father who lived in Texas while she was a child in California, a dad who could never discipline her from long distance? Her always-accepting, grace-based God (who she repeatedly calls "Father") is certainly popular in Christian circles these days but ignores other aspects of God in scripture that ask for obedience. Instead of just choosing to do what's right she seems to excuse away her faults and wrongs to promote a simplistic, circumstantial faith without corresponding works. This will make some readers feel connected to her but it may also be a distortion of the gospel.

I'm Not a Reader, Yet...
Honestly, I skim through books and don't consider myself an avid reader.I look for the highlights on each page, but this book...this book was so entertaining and so inspiring that I had to read it slowly.I love Lisa Whelchel!!!She encourages all to look deep inside and upward to our heavenly Father with trust.I love her honesty and highly recommend this book to everyone!A+ in my book!

Compelling and from the heart; a great read
Another celebrity book, or so I thought. My wife saw Lisa in person a couple of years ago and of course bought her book and enjoyed it. I didn't touch it even though she highly recommended it simply because it was another celebrity book and written from a woman's perspective. My preconceived ideas were changed one day however, when I was between books and grabbed it up out of shear boredom. Just a couple of pages later I was hooked and could not put it down. Lisa Whelchel can write! I immediately identified with this woman and came to love her. Having an ADHD child and a shared love for God made her real. Her story is as beautiful as Blair, minus the snob. (Yes, I watched Facts of Life and had a crush on Blair too).

Okay, Lisa, you taught me something: I guess you can't judge a book by..., well you know.

Great Book!Thanks!
I really enjoyed reading this book.It helped put my life into perspective.Sometimes we all run fast and live hard until we realize that there comes a point when we need to rest and come back home-----to God.I want to thank Lisa Whelchel for writing such a fine story.The title caught my eye since so many of us are familiar with the show that started off with so many memories.For me it was the beginning of the end of my elementary school life and the beginnings of my High School days and til It's last year (1987-1988) of my first year in college.I hope that with all of our memories and best times we also find the time to read Lisa's Book.Great book!Go get it!:)

Recommend (Just know what you are buying)
I enjoyed this book and was moved by it. I am a fan of Lisa's since her "Facts" days; I did my research first and I knew that the book did not have a lot of detail about her work on the show, so I didn't have those expectations.The book is religious in nature but in my opinion it was a very accessible, breezy read and I think there is something in it for everyone.In fact, I read it, and then I read it AGAIN as soon as I finished it! It really made me stop and think.I laughed, I cried, I said, "oh yeah, I know *exactly* what she's talking about!" Give it a look, it will be worth your time. ... Read more

Product Description
Discover the Diversity of Homeschooling

Confused and intimidated by the complexities of homeschooling, many parents assume it could never work for them. Now an updated edition of So You're Thinking About Home Schooling by Lisa Whelchel—herself a homeschooling mother of three—introduces to readers fifteen composite portraits of homeschooling families who show how every family can successfully face the unique challenges of its situation. The story-based approach deals with common questions of time management, teaching weaknesses, and outside responsibilities, as well as children's age variations, social and sports involvement, learning disabilities, and boredom. Seeing a wide variety of homeschooling families in action gives parents the information and confidence they need to make their own decisions about home-based education. Includes a new chapter from Lisa and an all-new resource guide with recommendations from real-life homeschooling families!



"I'm Thinking About Homeschooling"

You're also probably thinking, But can I really teach my children? Where do I start? What if I need to work outside the home? Must I have twelve children, raise goats, and bake my own bread? And what about socialization?

I could tell you the answers to these questions, but I would rather show you. Beginning with my own, I want to introduce you to fifteen families in fifteen unique situations who have all chosen to homeschool for different reasons, using a variety of learning methods. So… let's rap lightly on the homeschool door and peek inside before we decide if we are ready to move in!


Story Behind the Book

"My hope is that by the end of the book, and a stroll through the neighborhood, you will feel more confident as you identify a family situation and teaching method that resonates with your personality and philosophy of education. From there, you can simply look to the end of each chapter to find a sample schedule for the homsechool day and list of curriculum suggestions for that particular teaching method."

—Lisa

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"Deciding if homeschooling is right for your family just got easier with this warm, entertaining, information-packed portrayal of its flexibility, diversity, triumphs, and challenges. Grab a cup of tea and enjoy!"

—Linda Dobson, author of The First Year of Homeschooling Your Child ... Read more

Customer Reviews (44)

Loved it!
I've been homeschooling for a few years now so I wasn't sure if I'd get much out of a book called "So You're Thinking About Homeschooling" since I made the decision years ago to homeschool so I'm not in the "thinking about it" stage, but I enjoyed reading this book so much, its so encouraging to read about other families who homeschool too.

Good Tidbits
The stories are VERY diverse. with each story I have been able to walk away with something. In one story a mother said she didn't stress herself out about utilizing all of the pointers from the many homeschool books she'd read, b/c those pointers are from each person's best day and it would be like her having so many people's best day, every day...and that's not reasonable. Also, reading these stories offered me no pressure to apply everything I read. So many other things I've taken away from the book to enhance my relationships with my children and to make our days and lives run so much smoother.It's a good and easy read. A days worth of reading for a life full of homeschool enhancements

What a helpful book
Thank you to Lisa for making homeschooling more inviting to the average family.I was the mom who said, "no way, not me", but God has used this book to show me that I CAN DO IT!I love how it takes you into each family's home and allows you to really see that no two homeschool families are the same.Everyone is different and there is no right or wrong way to approach homeschooling.You do what fits your family.She even goes as far to say that homeschooling may NOT fit your family and that is okay too.

This is a must read for anyone who is even remotely contemplating the idea of homeschooling as an option for their family.It is an easy read and inexpensive.I am actually in the process of purchasing several copies to keep on hand to give people who indicate to me they have a curiosity about homeschooling.I sincerely believe that it will help them determine if homeschooling is right for them.The book is that well written.

So, satisfy your curiosity and educate yourself about the world of homeschooling.You will be glad you did.

Good resource
Easy read. Good look at different types of families & their methods on homeschooling. Good insite for the NEW homeschooler.

Great book, very informative!
I enjoyed this book, it was an honest perspective on homeschooling for those interesting in it and had alot of helpful information, I would recommend this book in a heart beat! ... Read more

Product Description
Surely you know someone who is an amazing prayer warrior but finds herself caught in the battle of day-to-day chores...and then winds up feeling like she has short-changed her prayer life because she has been slaying the dragons that cross her path in daily life. She's one of the busiest people you know, who truly cares about the people in her life...and in her children's lives...and in her friends' lives.

Lisa Whelchel has now given us (and our prayer warrior friends) a tool that can be used to leverage those rare and treasured moments of free time when we want to pray, but simply don't know where to begin. The Busy Mom's Guide to Prayer helps organize our prayer priorities so that we can pray in a practical and effective way and be confident that our petitions are covering people and issues that are important to us.

Lisa has provided the framework, you get to provide the content, and the Holy Spirit will provide the power! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

What a helpful book.
This book has been very helpful in my prayer life.It helps me, a mom of an 8yr old and a 10mth old keep on track.I recommend this book to anyone who is short on time and ideas.This will help you to be able to keep your prayer life straight.

A bit confusing...
Not what I was looking for.If you are wanting a simple, quick devotional book this is not the one for you.Thought it was actually confusing on how to use the book.

GREAT GIFT!
I gave this to my sister along with the "Busy Mom's Guide to Bible Study" and she LOVES it! She is activly looking for other young mothers to gave a set too.

What a valuable resource!
I am a very busy mom with 2 teenage boys 16 & 17.I get up early in the morning to do my bible study and pray.Most mornings I was feeling like I was rushing to get through my prayers, I was having a hard time concentrating because of all the things I needed to do that day.Having this book slows me down because it has such great ideas to think and pray about.It is not just for my children.It prompts you to pray for myself, my husband, my pastor and my childrens sunday school teacher.I have found this book to be the most useful of my prayer journal.It reminds me to pray about the things that mean the most to me.She is really in tune with the praying needs of mothers.

Help for the busy
A good structured approach to prayer time.If you need some guidance as far as what to pray for and how, this book will help. ... Read more

Product Description

A Bible Study Plan for the Busiest Mom!

The Busy Mom's Guide to Bible Study is an amazing Bible study tool specifically aimed at moms. What makes it so remarkable is the way author Lisa Whelchel has packed twenty solid Bible study tools into a five-day-a-week, fifteen-minute-a-day, anybody-can-do-it plan.

Not only is this plan doable, it's satisfying. As a busy mom, you give of yourself all day long - often with no way to refresh and replenish the cravings of your own soul. But this simple three-month, come-along-beside-you guide will take you deep into the Word, nourishing your heart and soul. And in just three months, you will be a changed woman - changed by the power of God's word in you. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Good book, but not what I was expecting
In recent years, I have participated in Beth Moore Bible studies as often as possible.However, since I had my son, I just don't have that kind of time, focus, or brain-power.What I was looking for when I ordered Lisa Welchel's book was a study that I could work on by myself during naptimes...something that would still challenge me and keep me focused on God, but without quite so much "homework" and page-flipping.However, it's not really that kind of book.Instead, it teaches you methods of studying the Bible.While I do see the benefits of doing your own study and not having it "regurgitated" to you by someone else, I guess this is just not what I need right now.I'm looking for a little more guidance in my studying.

This book would be perfect for a woman who wants to learn HOW to study the Bible on her own.

quality me time
Just as good as the others in the series.Gives me direction in my few brief minutes each day so I don't waste time floundering around trying to focus.

Busy Mom's guide is ok
I am looking for a simple, quick daily devotional guide and this was no quite what I was looking for.To me, it seemed a bit confusing how to use the guide.No offense to those that love this book, I am sure at a different stage in my life this would work wonders.I have 2 small children and I don't have the brain activity to get what I needed out of the book.

GREAT GIFT!
I gave this to my sister along with the "busy mom's guide to Prayer" and she LOVES it! She is activly looking for other young mothers to give this too.
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Product Description
My heavenly Father has taught me many earthly lessons says Lisa. Such as what to learn from failure; when it's good to give up; why He sometimes says no; how to spend money who to marry; and the list goes on. a delightful book filled with wisdom and humor ... Read more

Product Description
Scores of people attribute their faith to a "praying grandmother." That's why Lisa Whelchel teamed up with her mother, the grandmother of her children, to create this guided prayer journal for the busy grandma. In just ten minutes a day, even the busiest grandma can pray through six prayer categories, and in one month bring nearly one hundred and fifty matters before her heavenly Father. This you-can-do-it guide offers prompts that can be used for each grandma's special needs. Everyone knows what a difference grandmothers make in their families; through prayer, those differences will last for eternity. ... Read more

Product Description
Moms get so busy with the ?doing? and the ?giving? for their families that they never seem to have enough time to ?rest? and ?receive.? So many moms have bought into the world-view that they can ?have it all? and then believe the self-talk that ?if I don?t do it, it won?t get done!? Isn?t it ironic that so many mothers are running on empty? Lisa Whelchel delivers a book full of practical tips and advice for mothers on how to find lost time in their day to nourish body, soul and spirit. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (29)

Great book for the mommy in me
I have just finished reading the book was a great book for all moms to read it reminds us and also shows us how to take care of not only our bodies, but our souls too.

Much Needed Encouragement
This book is not "another self-help book".If you need encouragement and simple yet innovative ways to take better care of "you" in all the areas in your life, like most of us Moms do, then you'll enjoy this book.It's written in small enough bites that you can easily read a very short chapter and the "rest stops," that have practical application, in 10 minutes or less--perfect for Mom's.The book is about a serious subject--taking care of yourself so you can continue to have energy over the long haul to take care of your family-- but it is handled with a light and funny tone.There are 10-20 suggestions for each area of encouragement--which offers "something for everyone."You WILL NOT feel guilty about what you're not doing! Mrs. Welchel does a great job explaining How and Why the practical ideas are not meant to be another chore on our never-ending list of things to "accomplish."She compares the ideas in the "rest stops" to a picnic with a lot of variety to choose from, but of course you wouldn't eat 3 different kinds of sandwiches, 4 bags of chips, one of every kind of vegetable and fruit and finish it off with cookies, cake, pie and brownies--soooo, neither would you try to "eat everything" at every "rest stop" and them make yourself feel guilty for not doing so.Truly ENJOY being the wonderful Mom you already are!

Me in Mommy?
This is an awesome book for a frazzled Mom who has to wear more hats than hours in the day. Its tough to find balance when husbands, kids, jobs, overflowing toilets, telephones, and emails seem to constantly throw plans off course. Lisa provides tons of material for you to "pick one and stick to it" to help even the scale. This was such a good book I would recommend even buying it at full price. LOVED IT!!

Great book for moms
I thought this was an amazing book.Lisa has a way of giving advice and encouragement that never sounds condescending or preachy.She really has a beautiful spirit.I've given this book as a gift to several of my girlfriends.

Great for moms with all ages of kids
I am always looking for help getting myself better organized and doing what is right not what is easy.This is an awesome book with great suggestions.Thanks Lisa! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Ok for older kids
I mostly enjoyed this study, and think that the author is well versed, however, my child is between 2 and 3 and many things aren't totally applicable to young ones. Seems like better ideas for 5+. I did enjoy her ideas pages at the end of each chapter for how to teach your kids certain traits. I'll come back to that and maybe reread the study in a few years. The homework was only so-so I felt. I enjoyed the ideas of how each child can be different and needs some "creative thinking" to teach.

Thinking about doing the bible study!
This is the 3rd book of Creative Correction I have purchased and hopefully I can keep this without the temptation of giving it to a needy parent.... I don't know what book the first reviewer read, couldn't have been this one.Great ideas with scriptures to back them up, have used some of the tools and PTL, they worked.I encourage you to get this book. Thanks Lisa- Bless you!!

Very practicle and down to earth
I loved the way she gave practicle tools that everyone can use on any child.I am a mother of 4 boys and each one of them is different so it is a nice reference book now that I have completed the 6 week study.I would highly recommend this book to everyone who has chilren or who works with children.

TREMENDOUS
I RECEIVED MY PURCHASE PROMPTLY AND IN THE EXACT "GENTLY USED" CONDITION WHICH WAS DESCRIBED.

Ignore the troll reviews
This Bible study series is great.Lisa is real, likable, and the advice is helpful.I've led this study at my church and absolutely nothing in this book is objectionable.There are hard line anti-corporal punishment nazis who blacklist this book, in addition to other books that do not object to corporal punishment.Lisa believes that spanking is appropriate in certain situations, as do I and every other mother I know.The point of this book and the Bible study, *however*, is to provide parents with effective alternatives to the usual swat on the tush that, let's face it, most kids ignore.Lisa suggests children should be held accountable, given choices when appropriate, and showered with loving guidance and grace as they move into adulthood.I don't know how anyone can argue with positive reinforcement and instilling values.
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Product Description
Drawing from her own family's experiences, and from interaction with other parents, Lisa Whelchel offers creative solutions for parents who are out of ideas and desperate for new, proven approaches to discipline. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Best book on discipline ever written
This book has been a reference our family has gone to time and time again.The other two reviews written before mine were obviously by individuals who have not even read the book.Lisa loves her children and the Lord and has mapped out many discipline techniques for families to choose from, along with many bible verses for support and reference.She has written many good books but this is one of my favorites.

Read the hardcover reviews
This book discusses creative ways in which to humiliate and shame your child into submission.Child playing with matches?Burn up his favorite toy.Child wants to go to the bathroom?Say no just to teach her submission to you in all things.Child hits a sibling?Put him in boxing gloves all day so he can't eat or play.Child giggles and asks for water before bedtime?Tell her she can stay up all night but make her stand in the middle of the room until she falls over.Yeah, this is great parenting advice.

Be "creative" in dumping poop in your child's room? How can this book have a publisher?,
Whatever Whelchel says, Jesus would not approve of her disgusting methods. He said "Whoever harms one such as these had better be bound by a millstone and thrown into the sea." Pretty strong words that should make would-be degraders of children think again.

The "creative" in the book means suggesting punishments like putting children in handcuffs, and making them walk on dog poop. She doesn't believe in discussion, only immediate compliance to her commands, which are sometimes very absurd or cruel themselves, like not allowing bathroom visits.

She says she was "raised in the South where she was compelled to called all adults sir and ma'am." Is she saying her methods follow "good southern discipline?" Is filling a little boy's room with "manure" (page 75 in the book "Creative Correction") "good southern discipline?"

She gets "creative" by having them earn get out of jail (means punishment) free cards. Will the cards get them out of the punishment of "molding children" that uses "screwdriver" "hammer" and "sandpaper" techniques? (p.133) Hopefully her "respectful southern children" will respect themselves and give her a get out of HER jail free card.
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