The Blessing: Giving the Gift of Unconditional Love and Acceptance

Excellent for young parents.

In our world of fast everything, do we really have the time to bless our children, spouses, families and friends? I know my own time management is stretched to the limit with keeping our home, educating our children, being an involved wife, and so much more. So, how do we bless others? Why is it so important?In The Blessing (revised and updated), John Trent and Gary Smalley introduce us to 5 biblically proven ways to bless our children and others. With many examples, both from scripture and the counseling practices of the authors, the elements are not only defined, but also put in context for us."Children from every age long for the gift of "the blessing" - the unconditional love and approval that come from a healty relationship with their parents. This life-changing gift, essential for instilling a deep sense of self-worth and unshakable emotional well-being, contains these five essential elements:"Meaningful touchA spoken messageAttaching high valuePicturing a special futureAn active commitmentEach biblical element of the blessing is discussed and modeled in the book In this revised edition, the authors have included practical ideas, questions, exercises, and links for online resources. There is a section for planning a blessing event for a child, preparing a written keepsake blessing, and living out the blessing every day of our lives.For adults who have missed out on the blessing in their own lives, ths book includes hope for "reversing the curse" and helps readers find blessing in situations of divorce, death, desertion, adoption, and blended families.I especially liked the chapters "If You Missed the Blessing" and "Reversing the Curse." I know many adults that didn't grow up in a loving environment and continually seek the blessing in any way possible - not all healthy ways, either. This cursed can be reversed, and these parents can bless their children!I learned many ways to bless my children and family from this book. This book is one that I will refer to often. I read (and reread) parts of this book over 3 week's time. The Blessing is a book that you read in small chunks and mull over each point.I highly recommend this book for every parent ----- no matter the ages of their children!My rating: 6 out of 5 stars----------------------------------------------------------------------------------I received a complimentary copy of this book from booksneeze.com, a part of the Thomas Nelson Publisher, for my honest review.

The Blessing book is very easy to read and understand. I recommend this book to everyone. It has a lot of simple instructions on everyday living and how to show the best love to all...

Love this book and the idea from the movie, "Show Me the Father."Making plans to write my own blessing for each of my adult children and close friends...even my Pastor.It's soo inspiring for creating "the Blessing" for others who are close to your heart as a special, loving gift. <3

The old story of children and adults seeking and not receiving a parent's blessing is retold here, with some touching and even heart-wrenching anecdotes. The five elements of an effective blessing are clearly delineated, and the challenge to parents is clear. As someone working with adults, I wished for more specifics about how to help adults heal by blessing them later in life, but it was still a good read and a useful resource.

The author has kindly found a way to help people connect every living being with God. How amazing it would have been to grow up living from this perspective. I highly recommend learning how to give and receive the blessing! It has helped turn my life back into the loving light of God after a very dark soulful journey.

This is a really good book. Bought is several years ago but just picked up a couple days ago to go back and read one of the chapters on how to bless when it hard. I highly recommend reading this book before having children. Great information.

As someone who grew up with some emotional and spiritual neglect, this book was a piece of the puzzle for me. It helped me grasp some of what I missed out on, and why I struggle with wounds as an adult. And it helped me see how I can embrace them for myself now!I really resonated with the part about Esau's cry for a blessing too! I felt like it was a similar cry my heart has had since I was a child.I highly recommend this book to others like me and parents who want to give their children more!

I enjoy reading this book. It can connect to alot of people or families out there. I recommend this book to all my friend's.

I have been so blessed by this book. Insightful, useful and much needed for parents who desire to bless their children.

The Blessing is a life changing book that can help you understand your own experiences,and assist you in raising your own children. A must read for every parent.

The servce is excellent and the book is excellent. I would recommend it to other people as well. I am happy

Love this book. Great stories to clarify and an easy read.