Luther and Katharina by Jody Hedlund

This historical fiction contained many factual events and the names of actual characters. In the 16th century, nun Katharina von Bora’s led an escape from Marinthron, where she had been cloistered since the age of five. The cruel and self-righteous Abbot Baltazar is relentless in his pursuit of the missing nuns. Smuggled writings of Martin Luther and his sweeping reformation focused on the Catholic Church caused rumblings of discontent among priests and sisters who were celibate and unable to marry. The escaped nuns hid at the Black Cloister belonging to Martin Luther, much to the apprehension of Luther’s pastor. Offering sanctuary to the nuns, Luther and his men reside in the barn to avoid disgrace.  Katharina clings proudly to her noble birth, seeking a wealthy bachelor to wed. Scandal follows her everywhere.

Not a student of history, this intriguing novel gave me an insight into the personality and teachings of Martin Luther. The vivid details the religious persecution fostered by the Holy Roman Emperor, and the cruelty of the Peasant’s War were relatively unknown to me. I enjoyed learning about his life and his marriage to Katharina. Martin Luther with a background in law called into question some of the basic tenets of Roman Catholicism, and began the Protestant Reformation.

30 Ways a Father can Bless his Children

Blessing occur in the Bible and we casually say, "Bless you!" when someone sneezes, but how great an effect could you have on the life of your child if you intentionally and thoughtfully decided to bestow blessing on your children. John Trent has written a short book of 30 specific ways a Father can bless his children. Many of you may have grown up with abusive fathers or fathers who worked all day and sat in front of the television until he went to bed. Fathers may find it easier to relate to children by commenting on what they are doing wrong instead of what they are doing right. It takes an effort to becoming a loving attentive father with the right words to encourage your children. Trent says You can point your children toward Gods best and his blessing tomorrow, even if your father never gave you the blessing! This small book came at the perfect time for me. My pastor is teaching that Isaac only had one blessing to give his sons. When Jacob stole the blessing from his twin Esau, regretfully Isaac had no blessing left to give his favored son and Jacob had to flee for his life. How wonderful that fathers today can bestow blessings every day, any time. There doesnt need to be an event or even a success to bless you child. A few examples the author shares are the toothpaste blessing, the salt shaker blessing, and the tipping blessing. These example can teach the child valuable lesson in dealing with others. My favorite may be the Friendship Blessing. Especially teenage daughters need to know there are friends who stick by you while other will turn on you or betray you in time. The biblical lesson of Jesus and Judas may help children be prepared when a friend turns their back on them. Training as a CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocate, we provide a voice for battered and abused juveniles. These children have rarely heard a kind word and often are ignored or neglected by parents who use alcohol or drugs to dull their own pain. The handout will be a good source for me to connect with the youth that I will advocate for in court. Thank you Rose Publishing for allowing me to review this book.

30 Ways a Mother can Bless her Children

John Trent has written a series of four books on how to bless others. This book is entitled 30 Ways a Mother Can Bless Her Children. Trent is insightful and relates how his own mother blessed him and his brothers. He shares: If you were not blessed as a child, remember you can reverse the curse. You can learn what it means to bless others. Every mother has the choice set before her to choose life over death; to step toward or just step away. Jesus said in John 10:10 I have come that you might have life and have it abundantly. John Trent share many ideas his wife Kari uses to bless their daughters. A mother can create a culture blessing in her home.
 Trent lists five Essential Elements: 

• Meaningful Touch 
• Spoken Message 
• High Value 
• Special Future 
• Active Commitment 

Trent suggests paying attention to your childs strengths. Every person is gifted uniquely. He presents a simple chart to help decipher your childs gift. Make an active commitment from the heart to see that blessings come to pass in the child's life. Words accompanied by actions lived out. Mothers be intentional about connecting point and blessing your child today. Many of the 30 blessings in Trents book I have used raising my own children and grandsons. The Blessing Bags for the homeless teach children to recognize the homeless. The Selfie Blessing seems doable with all the photos so easily uploaded to social media. Wonderful ideas to record special times together like in Mommy Date night. Throw and Catch Blessing was a unique way to foster conversation. Many simple expressions of love from a post it note, to a special plate, to special display encourage children and let them know that they are important. Rose Publishing gave me this pdf for an honest review. 

30 Ways a Wife can Bless her Husband

Love is important to God. 1 John 4:11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. The word "Love" is used over 300 times in the Bible. As we model God’s love for us, we can show that love to our spouses. In the Bible a blessing was invalid unless it was spoken. The spoken message has the power to build up or tear down a person's sense of worth. John Trent co-authored several books with Gary Smalley. Spinning off of their successful book the Language of Love and his recent book the Treasure Tree, Trent has written four short books for family blessings. This book 30 Ways a Wife can Bless her Husband is especially needed for the husband whose love language is “words of affirmation.” Some women may be offended by Paul’s exhortation for wives to submit to their husbands in Ephesians 5:22.  But who would not want to bless their husband. The word "blessed" means to “bow the knee.”

By expressing high value in your spouse, you can see potential in your husband and encourage him through meaningful touch and spoken words of blessings. To be effective, blessings are not merely spoken but lived out with active commitment. Of the thirty blessings Trent offers, my favorite is # 8-Least Favorite Chore Blessing where you take over the job your husband would like to avoid. Another timely tip is #14 Unplugged Blessing when you spend quality time together without technology. If you take the time to observe your husband and try these blessings you will in-turn be blessed by God. Rose Publishing gave me this e-book for and honest review.