"Pitchin' a Fit" Book Review

We don't have chickens and our family hasn't taken a 31-day road trip, but I have no trouble relating to the events described by Israel in the introduction of "Pitchin' a Fit." Maybe it's because that van and those sweet souls have spent several nights at our house. But really, I think that any parent has had similar moments of frustration, anger and regret.

This collaboration from Israel and his wife Brook is an excellent resource for dads and moms (or soon-to-be parent) who don't want to be that yelling, angry parent. This quick read is filled with the anecdotes, wisdom and practical advice in a conversational format that draws the reader in (and screams "mark this for later because you will need it again!") and helps parents show God's love to their children even in frustrating situations. Unlike many other parenting books, the reader isn't asked to simply take advice from the Waynes, but instead the book leads the reader back to scripture over and over again. At the end of each chapter, questions to consider will take you deeper into your journey. 

The reader will walk away equipped to identify issues that lead to anger and create a more harmonious environment for their families. These chapters walk you through overcoming anger:

1. Stressed Out and Overwhelmed
2. Is It Wrong to Get Angry?
3. What Causes Anger?
4. Provoking Our Children to Wrath
5. Trigger Happy — What Sets You Off?
6. Yelling Moms, Hollering Dads
7. “But I’m Not Patient!”
8. What Patience Is and Isn’t
9. Nurture in the Heart of Correcting
10.The Power of Affirmation
11. Creating Peace in the Home12. Accountability

You can find more information on "Pitchin' a Fit" at www.nlpg.com/pitchin-a-fit.

Time for Granny

Our daughters recently started visiting with an older lady in the community. She is a ninety-year-old lady who is able to do most things, but enjoys companionship and requires that everyone call her "Granny." She reminds me of many elderly people we have gotten to know over the years. It seems that as people become less able to do things, their family and friends slowly back away. Not because they don't want to be around, but often because they are afraid and uncertain about what's happening to their loved one. Our girls have learned to just be yourself and live life. Here are some of the things they have been doing with Granny and suggest that you do with an elderly person in your life:

Cook a meal using one of her favorite recipes. She can't cook, but she still knows the details.
Go for a walk and let her tell you about the neighborhood. Or her childhood. Or anything she wants to talk about.
Talk politics. She's been around to see a few elections!
Sew a quilt, knit a blanket or crochet a hat.
Clean. Granny can spot dirt a mile away, even if it's not really there.
Make a scrapbook of cards, photos or newspaper clippings. You'll learn a lot!

Most importantly, take some time each week to spend with someone who doesn't move as fast as they used to. You'll enjoy the pace.