Parenting with God

Have you ever wondered about children with disabilities and how their parents raised them to be independent adults?

Have you heard of Nick Vujicic and thought how his childhood was like or how his parents raised him to be such a God-fearing man and above all, how was he raised so that he can marry a wonderful woman of God?

“You may lack limbs, but don't let that define what you can or can't do.”

That’s the life-changing advice Boris Vujicic spoke to his son, Nick, who was born without arms or legs. With the help of his parents, Nick has become an internationally-known inspirational speaker, a best-selling author, the founder of the non-profit organization Life Without Limbs and, most importantly, a loving and responsible husband and father himself.

But Nick’s journey didn’t start there. Raising the Perfectly Imperfect Child is the inspiring, powerfully transparent story of how two unprepared and overwhelmed parents–Boris and Dushka Vujicic–overcame their grief, fears, and badly shaken faith to raise such an accomplished, faith-filled, and perfectly imperfect son.

Through their stories, Boris offers practical advice and encouragement for all parents facing a “new normal” when raising a special needs or unique child. With transparency and tenderness, he addresses the spiritual, emotional, and financial challenges, as well as offering insight on how to equip a child for happiness and success in life.

Your Guide to What Special Needs Kids Need Most: Love, Roots, and Wings

A Special…Rewarding Journey

Told from the perspective of a humble father, who at times questioned God and his own worthiness, this book addresses the unique challenges of raising a special needs child.

Facing a mountain of doubts and debt, the Vujicics feared their son would never be able to get out of bed, let alone receive an education, support himself, or have a family of his own. And they questioned how a loving Father in heaven could have allowed this to happen.

Yet once they gave up their narrow expectations for the perfect child, their imperfect son taught them that there are no limits to what a determined, faith-filled, and unstoppable individual can accomplish with the help of supportive parents and a caring God.

Boris candidly addresses this family’s journey as Nick becomes aware of–and overcomes–the extent of his disabilities, as well as bullying, despair, and suicidal impulses. Other challenges included the stress a child with a disability put on their marriage and the need to not neglect the needs of their other children.

Overflowing with inspiration and practical advice, Raising the Perfectly Imperfect Child helps everyone understand that they can find the strength to give a child what is needed, despite the challenges faced.  And the results include the rewards of a satisfying and joyful spiritual life.

Bible by the Handle

Have your children ever wanted a handle for their Bible? Now is the time to get this one, featuring a plastic handle for your kids to carry their Bible around! The best part is that the Bible is a board book so spills can be easily wiped off and little hands can turn the pages easier.

Parents love introducing their favorite Bible stories to young children, and this book of Bible favorites is the perfect way to share these timeless stories with kids. This book features some of the most popular stories from the Bible with short text and bright art, perfect for little ones’ attention spans. With a padded cover and a purple plastic carry-me handle, this book is easy for kids to take on the go. This low-priced book would make a wonderful gift for children and grandchildren!

Bible stories include: Adam and Eve, Noah’s ark, Moses, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Esther, Jonah, Jesus’ birth, Jesus’ miracles, death, and resurrection.

Raising Expectations

I think that young people these days are prone to make excuses or give up too easily when something hard comes around.

Even though I teach 8-9 year olds, I still see the lack of resilience that is forming from their home environment to avoid and run away from the problems rather than facing them head-on.

Written when they were 18 years old, Do Hard Things is the Harris twins’ revolutionary message in its most compelling form, giving readers a tangible glimpse of what is possible for teens who actively resist cultural lies that limit their potential.

Combating the idea of adolescence as a vacation from responsibility, the authors weave together biblical insights, history, and modern examples to redefine the teen years as the launching pad of life and map a clear trajectory for long-term fulfillment and eternal impact.

Written by teens for teens, Do Hard Things is packed with humorous personal anecdotes, practical examples, and stories of real-life rebelutionaries in action. This rallying cry from the heart of revolution already in progress challenges the next generation to lay claim to a brighter future, starting today.

Swimming with Faith

I loved this book for young children because it gives them a role model to follow. We have all heard of Ben Carson, Tim Tebow, and Jeremy Lin as Christian leaders on the field, on the court and even in the surgery room.

What I have never heard of before was a young Christian swimmer until I received this book. Missy Franklin is one of the most talented swimmers in the world. She is a four-time Olympic gold medalist and currently holds the world record in the 200-meter backstroke and American records in both the 100-meter and 200-meter backstroke. She was Swimming World’s World Swimmer of the Year and the American Swimmer of the Year in 2012. This story tells of her rise in fame and humbleness in the sport.

Burning Proof

This book by Janice Cantore is the only one I have not been able to get into. I read this book over the time of 4 months and still cannot get through twenty pages without having to put the book down.

Don't get me wrong. I love Janice's books. As soon as I open to the first page, I am riveted on the spot until the last page. I love the thrill of reading and being in the passenger of the action. In those pages, I'm not a normal person but a witness to a homicide case or a civilian that is taking in all that is happening.

This book just didn't work out for me. The summary of the book seemed interesting to me:

After months of investigating the brutal homicide of a young girl, Detective Abby Hart finally has the evidence she needs. But when the arrest goes terribly wrong, Abby begins to doubt her future as a police officer. As she wrestles with conflicting emotions, old questions about the fire that took her parents’ lives come back to haunt her.

“There is proof.” PI Luke Murphy can’t stop thinking about what Abby’s former partner, Asa Foster, mumbled just before he died. When he uncovers a clue to the murder of Abby’s parents and his uncle, he’s reluctant to tell Abby, despite his growing feelings for the beautiful detective.

A decade-old abduction case brings Luke and Abby together, but will his secret tear them apart?

About Janice
A retired Long Beach California police officer of 22 years (16 in uniform and 6 as a non-career officer), Janice Cantore worked a variety of assignments, patrol, administration, juvenile investigations and training.