What Kind of Tomatoes?

I have another book review! There are a few Christian parenting books that I really treasure and enjoy - two, specifically, are "Shepherding a Child's Heart" by Tedd Tripp, and "Child Training Tips" by Reb Bradley at Family Ministries. Both books are excellent at pointing out what scripture says about our job and responsibilities as parents, revealing character and heart issues developing in a child, and offer basic suggestions on how to deal with or prevent these issues. Kind of the "why" behind many of the questions that come up in parenting. But until now, I've found it hard to find a book that focuses on practical, daily steps that can be taken to address a child's character and actively "raise them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4). The "how" of the "why". Then my sister-in-law blessed me with this book:

"Raising Godly Tomatoes" by L. Elizabeth Krueger. Her website can be found here, with many of the articles from the book available to read online, as well as a message board!

I really can't say enough about this book. It is incredibly thorough, covering every topic that could possibly come up in raising and training children for the Lord. Her suggestions are filled with wisdom and usefulness - one can start "Tomato Staking" their children just after reading a few chapters! And, the blessing of love and obedience that results, begins to bear fruit quickly. This book is not necessarily for the faint-of-heart parent - she is direct and to the point, and there were times when I was reading that I had to take a break and let it all assimilate in my heart and mind for a while. But there is no doubt that this lifestyle is one that will benefit both parents and children, and aligns with the truth of Scripture. One of the features of this book that I very much appreciated was her frequent usage of scripture throughout the chapter, deepening my understanding of the truths that the Word holds for parents.