Families Where Grace Is in Place

by Jeff VanVonderen

Book Overview

Now updated with discussion guides for families and small groups, Families Where Grace Is in Place continues to minister to couples and parents nearly twenty years after it was first published. Using his professional and personal experience, VanVonderen shows readers how to nurture God-honoring relationships free of manipulation, legalism, and shame. This book is a practical and insightful discussion on living a graceful life and building a strong...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0764207938
• ISBN13: 9780764207938
• Release Date: November 2010
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.56 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Great Read!!

I grew up in a very controlling family. To date this is the best resource I have been able to find to address most of the issues that come along with this type of abuse. This book is a true gem for anyone struggling to understand their controlling upbringing, or even their own controlling behavior as a result of it.

By FAR the best parenting book I've ever read

This book is the best book I've ever read on parenting. I'm so excited about how I will parent now, and I am not intimidated by its truths. They are freeing, and have given me so much hope for being a better parent! If you are a parent, this is a MUST read. This book will help you love your child and bring him up in a healthy way that will enable him or her to be a strong person of character. I also recommend the book "Tired of Trying to Measure Up" by the same author. I read it before I read this book, and it really helped set the stage for me as a person before trying to be a good parent. I can't say enough good things about it. I'd rate it 20 stars if I could!

Are you ready for a real change?

This is an outstanding book. Now I really know what a shame-based family is. OUCH! But I also now know how I can change to make my life better. To become more gracious in my relationships. It was so good, I ran a workshop at our church to share the excellent information to others. No one can afford to spray shame on our spouse and children. This may just be what you are looking for if you are READY TO CHANGE.

This book reminded me of what God is really all about!

I bought this book at a point when I was frustrated and at the end of my rope as a parent. This book was a God-send. Now, the challenge will be to work on ways I can change my discipline style from one of controling behaviors to controling environment and let my kids choose their behavior (and the consequences thereof). But at least I know that God loves me, and loves my family, no matter what. Thank you!

an excellent look at what it means to really live in grace

This book is an absolute must read if you privately wonder if God is more concerned with your behavior than the needs of your heart. Vanvonderen explains why we will never feel fulfillment or joy simply by conforming to Christian standards. Using the Bible as the basis of his discussion, he reveals a God who wants to meet our deepest needs and transform us from the inside out. Vanvonderen shifts the focus from outward performance to the "fight of faith" in our marriages and our family life--defining the fight as the struggle to believe that Jesus can truly fill us when we are tempted to find our significance in people or things. Much of the book is devoted to parenting, and Vanvonderen shares honestly about his own process of becoming a grace-full parent. Without shaming or guilting, this book helped me reconsider what it means to really live a free and honest life. This practical and insightful discussion of grace is one you won't want to miss.