August 08

Setting Boundaries With Your Adult Children                                     PR BV4529 BOT

Six Steps to Hope and Healing for Struggling Parents                         Reviewed by: Dorcas Fong

by Allison Bottke  

I like this eye-opening book. It is a refreshing insight for me because I am not a parent, but I probably can fit the category of Adult Children to a tee.

The author recommends a SANITY approach to setting boundaries with adult children:

S = Stop enabling, stop blaming yourself, and stop the flow of money

A = Assemble a support group

N = Nip excuses in the bud

I = Implement rules and boundaries

T = Trust your instincts

Y = Yield everything to God

I feel this book is written for a particular type of parents with a particular kind of children; children who refuse to take responsibility for their own lives and insist on relying on their over-giving parents to support them. Though I cannot identify with either party completely, the wisdom that comes through the honest counsel is practical and useful.

I would recommend however, as with the reading of all Christian
literature, that the writings be taken with a pinch of salt and with a willing
heart which seeks the Lord’s counsel in what the true issues are within each family.

How To Pray When He Doesn’t Believe                                BV4528.15 TIZ

Reviewed by: Tan Ai Boon

This book is divided into 43 short and easy-to- read chapters.  It was written primarily for women praying for their unsaved husbands.  Maureen Tizzard became a Christian when she was 25.  Her husband, Bill, reacted by giving her an “It’s God or me” ultimatum. When she chose God, he packed his bag and left.  He returned the next night after she promised not to go to church or the ladies’ meetings.  He allowed her to have a Bible.

 

A brand new Christian, Maureen struggled through her difficult situation, often feeling overwhelmed by Bill’s verbal abuses and her situation. However, she was greatly encouraged by her friends, her pastor and the brothers and sisters of her church who backed and supported her in prayer. 

 

Maureen read the Bible daily and prayed often.  She prayed unceasingly for her husband’s salvation.  She learned to be obedient to God and to listen to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. As time passed, her situation improved and by God’s grace, Bill even witnessed her baptism.  Maureen shared many principles which she learned in praying for her husband and how to live effectively as a Christian before him.  She testified of God’s many answers to her prayers and how after eighteen months, Bill became a Christian.

 

At the end of the book, there is a helpful Reader’s Guide for personal reflection or group discussion. 

 

Do read this book if you are praying for an unsaved spouse as it will definitely encourage you.