Naturally since this is Thanksgiving week our thoughts steer toward thankfulness. In the middle of our busy schedules, it’s easy to forget to be thankful. We tell our children to say “thank you,” but are we really teaching them the discipline of gratitude? Fifty years of studies on happiness has shown that those who practice gratitude are healthier, happier, sleep better, are more helpful, and have stronger relationships.

Common suggestions for teaching children the skill of gratitude, at least once a week if not daily, include:
Keep a “Thankful” journal of things you appreciate (let little ones dictate to you).

• Write thank you letters—just because.
• Keep gratitude lists as a family.
• Family members share at dinner or bedtimes three things they're grateful for from their day.

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Beside Still Waters by Tricia Goyer

I’m not a “Buggy” (Amish) genre fan, but this book has caught my attention and heart. The birth of the main character is based a true incident. Marianna came to the world after a terrible accident while her two older sisters left for heaven. She works hard to make up for the loss and to obey all the rules of her Amish community. However, her parents decide they need a change and move the family to another Amish group in Montana. This community, woven into the lives of the Englisch, has very different ways than the one Marianna is accustomed to in her childhood Indiana home.

Marianna discovers that Montana not only holds a new way of life, but also a new relationship with God. The mountains, trees, and still waters draw Marianna closer to God in ways she never experienced before.
I’m amazed at how much Tricia packed into this storyline without making me feel overstuffed. I now have a deeper understanding for the Amish in general, their struggles, their ways, their differences among groups. The story is full of twists and turns and delightful surprises. I was disappointed when it ended and cannot wait for the next edition of Big Sky Novel series.

I met Tricia many years ago at a writer’s conference and have been enchanted with her ever since. She is an amazing woman who never stops. She writes fiction and nonfiction and loves to address issues that moms, especially teen and young moms face. Once you read one of her books you will want more.

Tricia Goyer is the author of twenty-four books including Songbird Under a German Moon, The Swiss Courier, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like MomSense and Thriving Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife.

While Nancy and I share the same last name, we are not related. However, from the moment I met her, I knew we would become good friends and sisters. She has been a big encourager in my life and I’m excited to let you know about her new book Secrets to Parenting Your Adult Child.

Nancy has left no stone unturned in this great resource. She addresses everything from setting healthy boundaries, handling disappointments, children-in-law, grandchildren, to taking care of yourself during this season. This book is packed with practical steps, resources, and ideas on establishing great relationships with adult children. Nancy shares from her own personal experiences as well as from many other parents who she has meant in her role as a counselor and life coach. I love her openness and honesty of her own mistakes and temptations to control and overprotect her children. Every chapter provides bullet points that readers can implement and apply immediately. Whether your relationship with your kids is great or strained, you will benefit from this book. Maybe your kids are teens just entering this stage, this book would make a great preparation course for the future.

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Mona Hodgson and I met at least twenty years ago when we were both aspiring writers. Mona Hodgson is one of the sweetest women I know, and I am happy to call her a dear friend. In 1987, Mona Hodgson began writing articles, poems, and short stories for publication and has had several hundred printed in more than 50 different publications. Her publishing credits now include two historical novels, nearly 30 children’s books, and contributions to 11 books for adults. When I travel I always feel so proud when I see Mona’s books on shelves in hotel gift shops and airport bookstores. She has worked hard at her craft and it shows.

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Christin Ditchfield is one of the sweetest spirited young women I know who possesses a sincere love for the Lord. In A Way with Words, she challenges women to embrace God's gift of words and to think carefully about how they use it. This books was so encouraging and challenging for me that I know that I will return to it again and again. It caused me to examine my heart and how I use my words.Christin looks at twelve timeless principles as she calls all women to recognize when words are their "weapon of choice," and when to use them to bring life, healing, and encouragement. Each chapter includes wisdom from influential women throughout history and a Bible study for individuals and small groups.

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Lydia is a prolific writer who has contributed to thirteen books and has written hundreds of articles, devotionals, book reviews, and personal experience stories. Focus on the Family's Clubhouse magazines for children publish regularly Lydia’s recipes, which she develops and tests with her grandchildren. Her bimonthly column, “A Cup of Tea with Lydia,” appears in The Country Register papers in the United States and Canada with a readership of nearly 3/4 million. Her grandchildren call her “Grandma Tea.” For more information check out her blog Preparing Your Heart.

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Award-winning author and international speaker Cecil (Cec) Murphey has written or co-written more than one hundred books, including the New York Times’ bestseller 90 Minutes in Heaven (with Don Piper) and Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story (with Dr. Ben Carson). His books have sold millions of copies, have been translated into more than 40 languages, and have brought hope and encouragement to countless people around the world. 

His newest releases are Hope and Comfort for Every Season (#119) and When a Man You Love Was Abused: A Woman’s Guide to Helping Him Overcome Childhood Sexual Molestation.For more information, visit www.cecilmurphey.com. 

» Read the full book review on www.TheSpiritualMom.com.

My buddy Jim has written a book that you won't want to put down. This book is filled with suspense and intrigue. It mixes in some supernatural, but not the kind that keeps you awake at night. Watch for a book signing in the near future, here at The Salt Shaker. » Order his Book

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