Smalley andTrent's bestselling book offers a fresh, updated look at the life-changing gift the Bible calls "the blessing." Here, Dr. Trent tells of...
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reviews
Oct 03, 2011
Soaring Eagle
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Everybody wants to be loved and accepted. Mr. Trent explains how in the Old Testament Esau missed out on his father's blessing; it went to his younger brother. Even now, we also want this blessing of love and acceptance from our family and/or friends. This book explains how you can be a blessing to your children; who crave our acceptance and our love.
As soon as I started to read The Blessing e-book, I knew that I made the right choice in choosing this book to review. I am a parent and More...
As soon as I started to read The Blessing e-book, I knew that I made the right choice in choosing this book to review. I am a parent and More...
Oct 01, 2011
Andy
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I first read this book over ten years ago, before I was a parent.
From the adult child point-of-view, this book confirmed what I knew already, that my parents are top-notch!
Now, I returned to this book as the parent of a 6-year-old daughter and 8-year-old son, and I found it a more challenging read.
How have I fulfilled the five elements of the blessing, an ancient practice of encouraging children to grow up into productive, responsible, loved adults?
1) More...
From the adult child point-of-view, this book confirmed what I knew already, that my parents are top-notch!
Now, I returned to this book as the parent of a 6-year-old daughter and 8-year-old son, and I found it a more challenging read.
How have I fulfilled the five elements of the blessing, an ancient practice of encouraging children to grow up into productive, responsible, loved adults?
1) More...
Jul 21, 2011
Elizabeth
rated it:
The Blessing: Giving the Gift of Unconditional Love and Acceptance by John Trent
I received this book by agreeing to blog about it from Thomas Nelson Publishing and when my mom asked what I was reading now, she said, oh yes The Blessing. Well I had never heard of it but I should have guessed that she had as she did a great job of giving that to me and my brother.
The book shares the reason the blessing of a child is so important, shows how it happened in the Bible, then goes through sev More...
I received this book by agreeing to blog about it from Thomas Nelson Publishing and when my mom asked what I was reading now, she said, oh yes The Blessing. Well I had never heard of it but I should have guessed that she had as she did a great job of giving that to me and my brother.
The book shares the reason the blessing of a child is so important, shows how it happened in the Bible, then goes through sev More...
Jul 10, 2011
Coranne (Short and Sweet)
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I enjoyed this book. It was written in a combination of stories, lessons, and real life applications. The blessing that we are to give to our children is made of five parts: meaningful touch, a spoken or written message, attaching a high value, picture a special future, and active commitment. I will admit- at the beginning of this book I was a little confused- the entire idea of this book is very similar to the 5 love languages and I knew that was written by someone different. After re More...
Jul 05, 2011
Melanie
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The Blessing- Giving the Gift of Unconditional Love and Acceptance
John Trent and Gary Smalley have outlined some important actions parents (and spouses or friends) can take towards encouraging and blessing the people around them. Through the five elements that make up what they have coined as the Blessing (meaningful touch, spoken message, attaching high value, picturing a special future, and active commitment) Parents are encouraged to bless their families. There are many updated web too More...
John Trent and Gary Smalley have outlined some important actions parents (and spouses or friends) can take towards encouraging and blessing the people around them. Through the five elements that make up what they have coined as the Blessing (meaningful touch, spoken message, attaching high value, picturing a special future, and active commitment) Parents are encouraged to bless their families. There are many updated web too More...
Jul 01, 2011
Eva
rated it:
My thoughts:
I’m 20, enjoying complete singlehood, and God doesn’t seem to have any plans in the near future for that to change. So why would I want to read a book that seemed targeted at parents with children? I guess (from past experiences) I knew that it would also hold interesting insights that also extended to relationships outside of parent-child relationships. And that proved correct. Even though the book put a lot of stress parents giving the blessing with the child(ren) (and vice More...
I’m 20, enjoying complete singlehood, and God doesn’t seem to have any plans in the near future for that to change. So why would I want to read a book that seemed targeted at parents with children? I guess (from past experiences) I knew that it would also hold interesting insights that also extended to relationships outside of parent-child relationships. And that proved correct. Even though the book put a lot of stress parents giving the blessing with the child(ren) (and vice More...
Jun 26, 2011
Thomas
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This book has been a “blessing” to me and I believe to my family. I know I have been impacted by it in the past without even knowing the source. I have been taught this before. I have heard about the importance of specifically and formally writing and sharing a wonderful vision of the future for your friends and loved ones. This book was probably one of the influencers in those who have shared this with me. And although I have been influenced, I don’t think I have ever formally committed to
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Apr 13, 2009
Jodi
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I felt like this book was written just for me! I am trying so hard to raise my children so that they have confidence in themselves and feel loved by us and accepted. This book addressed exactly these issues so wonderfully! I know that I will never be a perfect parent, not do I want to be, but this book helped to show me that there are a lot of good things that I am doing already for my children. I probably do need to spend a little more time getting down and playing with my children and list
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Nov 08, 2011
Michael
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I am often reminded of how awesome my childhood was, and how the many blessings my parents and family gave me have helped shape how I act, react, and bless others.
In this revised and updated version of The Blessing, Trent and Smalley intertwine lessons and Scripture, which guides those that have never received the blessing of others, to those that received half-blessings.
Blessings are like oxygen and water. We need both to thrive and survive. Whenever you can, bless someone, More...
In this revised and updated version of The Blessing, Trent and Smalley intertwine lessons and Scripture, which guides those that have never received the blessing of others, to those that received half-blessings.
Blessings are like oxygen and water. We need both to thrive and survive. Whenever you can, bless someone, More...
Dec 30, 2008
Debbie
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This book seems to be primarily for those who feel like they haven't received their parent's approval/blessing and want to make sure they know how to pass that blessing on to their own children. For that end, it's a very good book because it tells you in detail how to go about it. It also specifically speaks to those who feel like they never received this blessing from their parents and helps them work through that pain (whether those parents are dead or are still living and might someday give
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Feb 20, 2012
Erin
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"Giving the Gift of Unconditional Love and Acceptance" -- who does not want a part of that?! Having a number of children in my sphere of influence, and wanting to make the most of each opportunity, I was thrilled to be able to read this book. Originally published 25 years ago, this updated version brings Biblical insight up to today's terms, complete with references to Facebook and Skype!
What is "the blessing"? It's a way of letting your child know that you love More...
What is "the blessing"? It's a way of letting your child know that you love More...
Aug 21, 2008
Mikejencostanzo
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There are some books that I read the whole way through and come out feeling like it's been a journey I'm glad I went on. The type of journey where I'm glad I read every word on every page, because the author's words, examples & stories served to shape me paragraph by paragraph, page by page. To skip any single portion of the book would be to miss out on a nuance of personal growth prepared by the author. The book Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero was this type of book for me,
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Apr 21, 2009
Margaret
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The is a wonderful read for anyone who is a parent and wishes to give their children encouragement, love, support, etc. Although written from a Christian perspective with various scripture references throughout, etc., even for parents who are not Christian, it gives great examples of ways to bless your children. It also offers examples of lives that have not received parental blessings and how that affects them and their children.
Really interesting to read both from the perspective More...
Really interesting to read both from the perspective More...
Mar 26, 2011
Carrie
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The Blessing by John Trent, Ph.D., and Gary Smalley is a research-based, anecdote-filled Christian explanation on how to make your children (and parents) feel blessed and receive blessings, as well as what can happen when parents fall short of blessing an individual. The formula for giving a blessing is Bible-based and experientially tested by the author(s). While the anecdotes are very moving and sometimes painful to read, they completely illustrate the author(s) points. At the end are sever
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Oct 04, 2011
Shola
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Great book both for young and old,anyone looking to be the best out of life. The Blessing will convict you as a child, parent and friend to be a blessing. And to sum it all Jesus can reverse every curse, he is Hope.
Jan 07, 2011
I have read this book- about 15 years ago, and I can't find my copy. Would love to re-read now I have kids. It is such a powerful concept!
Aug 22, 2007
Jennifer
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This book teaches that blessing others is necessary for their emotional well-being and self-esteem. He uses it mostly in the context of parent to child and breaks it down into 5 steps that are similar to the Five Love Languages. He bases it on Jewish tradition of blessing their children, and goes back to when Jacob gets Esau's blessing. Some of this most good parents already do, but it's a reminder to be intentional and specific. Also great for those who missed out on The Blessing from their pa
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Nov 30, 2009
This book was highly recommended by my pastor. It teaches you how to be a more loving in your relationships.
Oct 17, 2011
Robyn
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This is another one of those books I wish I had read years ago as a young mom.
Feb 24, 2010
Lorie
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First off, I must confess that I finally finished this book after the third time I tried to read it. Just did not engage me at all. I had to "force" myself to wrap it up and get it back to the library!
That being said...
Although I agree with the precept that a family blessing can be handed down or up, Smalley's always got a way of smashing invidivual feelings into his "cookie cutter" four or five patterns. He stretches his theory past the point of real More...
That being said...
Although I agree with the precept that a family blessing can be handed down or up, Smalley's always got a way of smashing invidivual feelings into his "cookie cutter" four or five patterns. He stretches his theory past the point of real More...
Oct 16, 2011
Some
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Excellent. I just love the fact that I have personally broken free of an intergenerational curse and now am busy about weaving a legacy of grace, love and friendship to my miracle and blessing, my son Will! Through imparting on him in various ways and in unique measures his intrinsic worth, I am slowing removing the human "spiritual cataracts" if you will of this life, to see a little bit of what the Father's love for all of us is. A fine book. Read it and bless your awesome kids!
Oct 31, 2011
Ron
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If you really want to know what life is all about and live a life of significance, this is a great book to help you on your way.
Mar 17, 2008
Samantha
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This book changed my whole outlook on child/parent relationships and how they work. It's incredible! a very timely read for me. I would recommend that everyone read it and apply it to their lives. Find out just what "The Blessing" is and what it really means to us. I plan to read this one again!
Aug 02, 2007
Jeremy
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This book is a must read for parents, and a really should read for everyone else. Incredibly powerful message of the need for proactively blessing others, based not on psychobabble, but Scripture.
Oct 10, 2010
Marsha
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Interesting concept about family blessings - both ones that we hope to receive from our parents and ones that we are called to give to others as followers of Christ
