What do you think?
Rate this book
The Language of Blessing: Discover Your Own Gifts and Talents . . . Learn How to Pour Them Out to Bless Others
Most people have no idea who they were created to be, nor what their own unique gifts and talents are. So how can we recognize and affirm these things in others―especially if we were not encouraged ourselves as we were growing up? How can we change course and learn a language of blessing that will lead to positive change in all of our key personal and professional relationships? In The Language of Blessing , Joe Cavanaugh gives us practical tools to recognize our own gifts and those of others and to use our newfound “language” to bless the ones we care about, breaking a destructive generational cycle and setting a new course for our loved ones’ futures.
224 pages, Paperback
First published February 18, 2013
6 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 8, 2013
When I initially looked at the marketing material for this book, The Language of Blessing by Joesph Cavanaugh III, I didn’t quite know what to expect in it. When it arrived it looked interesting enough yet as I read into the book, it reminds you of The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman in the manner that it identifies five ways (Touch in a meaningful and appropriate way, speaking affirmation, attaching high value to a child, picturing a special future for him/her, actively committing to help the young person fulfill blessing) to bless a person in way that it speaks to the person you are intending to bless (communicate with).
I think this book is pretty interesting, however considering that I’ve read the Five Love languages and the five love languages of children. This book kind of feels like an extension of those books. Now if you haven’t read either of those books then by all means do read this book it will definitely bless you in the way you communicate with people, especially your children which it addresses the most.
[Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher (Tyndale Publishers) for free in exchange for my HONEST review.]
I think this book is pretty interesting, however considering that I’ve read the Five Love languages and the five love languages of children. This book kind of feels like an extension of those books. Now if you haven’t read either of those books then by all means do read this book it will definitely bless you in the way you communicate with people, especially your children which it addresses the most.
[Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher (Tyndale Publishers) for free in exchange for my HONEST review.]
February 5, 2013
Ahh it's an age old debate. Nature vs. Nurture. Are we who we are because we were born with those attributes or are we who we are because of the way we were brought up? It's a deep topic for sure. I lean to the nature side of the debate but I believe we are a product of both. God created us to be who we are. He gave us a specific personality, introvert or extrovert, and He gave us special interests and talents. I also believe He created each of us for some very specific purposes.
Example of nature- I share an immense amount of common personality traits with my very sweet cousin who is several years younger than me. Although we've always known one another and we've seen each other at least a few times a year our whole lives, we grew up in very different situations. Our immediate families were very different. She had 2 siblings, I had none. Her family went to church all the time. Mine didn't. Her dad was super strict and they weren't allowed to watch very much television or listen to secular music. I loved Janet Jackson and Vanilla Ice and watched Solid Gold and Jem. However she and I are SO similar that our family calls her my "mini-me." We are responsible. We are LOUD. We speak our minds. We worry about what others think. We worry about everyone else in our family. By nature, by God's creation, we are similar. Most of our shared traits have little to nothing to do with the nurture we received.
Now that being said I do believe that the nurture we receive and our surroundings contribute greatly to many of our choices. If we are praised in an area of our lives we can become confident in that area and make choices involving that confidence. If we are constantly slammed about an area of our lives then we will make different choices. So in The Language of Blessing Joseph Cavanaugh III gives us some great insight into nurturing the nature of those around us. I will admit I am not good at that. My friend Betty is fantastic at finding just the right thing to say. She's so encouraging. She was Apple's Wednesday night teacher for a long time and Apple just thrived around her. Betty could always think of something kind and uplifting about Apple's art or outfit. Betty was able to nurture Apple by seeing what things were part of the nature God gave her.
The Language of Blessing will be an amazing blessing (imagine that) in your relationship with your children, your spouse, your neighbor, your co-worker, anyone that could use an encouraging word from you. Cavanaugh points out some specific ways to see our own (and other's) God given talents. Then he gives you realistic ways to impart blessing upon those around you. He isn't asking you to be fake or give false praise, he shows you how to make real statements of blessing. Blessings are more than what you say after a sneeze, more than what you receive at church, and worth more than we realize. There are some wonderful passages of blessing in the Bible. I always think of the blessing that Jacob stole from Esau and of course the Lord's blessing to the children of Israel comes to mind:
Numbers 6:22 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 23 “Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, ‘This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel. Say to them:
24 “The Lord bless you and keep you;
25 The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
26 The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.”’
27 “So they shall put My name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them.”
What words of affirmation! What security and peace comes just from reading them! So then if the Lord blesses us with His words (He just did) then we should impart those same blessings upon others. To learn more check out The Language of Blessing by Joseph Cavanaugh III.
I received this book from Tyndale Publishers for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own.
Example of nature- I share an immense amount of common personality traits with my very sweet cousin who is several years younger than me. Although we've always known one another and we've seen each other at least a few times a year our whole lives, we grew up in very different situations. Our immediate families were very different. She had 2 siblings, I had none. Her family went to church all the time. Mine didn't. Her dad was super strict and they weren't allowed to watch very much television or listen to secular music. I loved Janet Jackson and Vanilla Ice and watched Solid Gold and Jem. However she and I are SO similar that our family calls her my "mini-me." We are responsible. We are LOUD. We speak our minds. We worry about what others think. We worry about everyone else in our family. By nature, by God's creation, we are similar. Most of our shared traits have little to nothing to do with the nurture we received.
Now that being said I do believe that the nurture we receive and our surroundings contribute greatly to many of our choices. If we are praised in an area of our lives we can become confident in that area and make choices involving that confidence. If we are constantly slammed about an area of our lives then we will make different choices. So in The Language of Blessing Joseph Cavanaugh III gives us some great insight into nurturing the nature of those around us. I will admit I am not good at that. My friend Betty is fantastic at finding just the right thing to say. She's so encouraging. She was Apple's Wednesday night teacher for a long time and Apple just thrived around her. Betty could always think of something kind and uplifting about Apple's art or outfit. Betty was able to nurture Apple by seeing what things were part of the nature God gave her.
The Language of Blessing will be an amazing blessing (imagine that) in your relationship with your children, your spouse, your neighbor, your co-worker, anyone that could use an encouraging word from you. Cavanaugh points out some specific ways to see our own (and other's) God given talents. Then he gives you realistic ways to impart blessing upon those around you. He isn't asking you to be fake or give false praise, he shows you how to make real statements of blessing. Blessings are more than what you say after a sneeze, more than what you receive at church, and worth more than we realize. There are some wonderful passages of blessing in the Bible. I always think of the blessing that Jacob stole from Esau and of course the Lord's blessing to the children of Israel comes to mind:
Numbers 6:22 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 23 “Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, ‘This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel. Say to them:
24 “The Lord bless you and keep you;
25 The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
26 The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.”’
27 “So they shall put My name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them.”
What words of affirmation! What security and peace comes just from reading them! So then if the Lord blesses us with His words (He just did) then we should impart those same blessings upon others. To learn more check out The Language of Blessing by Joseph Cavanaugh III.
I received this book from Tyndale Publishers for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own.
February 24, 2013
The word "blessing" has been on my heart and mind for several months. What does it mean? What does it look like?
With these thoughts rolling around in my mind, I leapt at the opportunity to review The Language of Blessing by Joseph Cavanaugh III.
In the introduction, I regretted it.
The introduction led me to believe the book was going to be more about parenting than the marketing materials had implied. I was afraid I'd been misled.
Turns out, yes, parenting is a huge theme and how parents can bless their children but The Language of Blessing is not a parenting book.
It has a lot of information useful for all relationships--not just parents and children. In fact, it cleared up some issues I was having with my roommate that I considered "common sense." Turns out "common sense" is different for everyone.
"Common sense is that perception of reality and experience that works for us based on our unique set of gifts and talents." - Cavanaugh, pg. 73
Cavanaugh uses the five components of blessing according to Gary Smalley and John Trent (pg xviii):
1. Touch in a meaningful and appropriate way
2. Speaking affirmation
3. Attaching high value to a child
4. Picturing a special future for him/her
5. Actively committing to help the young person fulfill blessing
He breaks down the three Greek words that translate into the English word "blessing" and then looks at practical ways we can notice blessings and bless each other such has recognizing strengths and gifts, responding appropriately to (bad) report cards, and not expecting everyone to have the same talents we have (even if we consider them ordinary).
"Unless your giftedness has been acknowledged, it isn't real to you." - Cavanaugh, pg. 120
When we don't realize our own giftedness, we except everyone to be able to do the things we find easy, enjoy the things we enjoy, and struggle over the same things.
While there is no subtly that The Language of Blessing was written with parents in mind, the material can be beneficial to those in all stages of life. We all have gifts and talents and are all in relationships with other people who have different gifts and talents.
How can we make this a point of celebration and blessing rather than a point of contention? After all, our talents were given to us to bless God and that often manifests itself in blessing others.
What relationship in your life is the easiest to bless? The hardest?
I did receive a copy of this book complements of Tyndale for the purpose of a review. However, all opinions are entirely my own.
With these thoughts rolling around in my mind, I leapt at the opportunity to review The Language of Blessing by Joseph Cavanaugh III.
In the introduction, I regretted it.
The introduction led me to believe the book was going to be more about parenting than the marketing materials had implied. I was afraid I'd been misled.
Turns out, yes, parenting is a huge theme and how parents can bless their children but The Language of Blessing is not a parenting book.
It has a lot of information useful for all relationships--not just parents and children. In fact, it cleared up some issues I was having with my roommate that I considered "common sense." Turns out "common sense" is different for everyone.
"Common sense is that perception of reality and experience that works for us based on our unique set of gifts and talents." - Cavanaugh, pg. 73
Cavanaugh uses the five components of blessing according to Gary Smalley and John Trent (pg xviii):
1. Touch in a meaningful and appropriate way
2. Speaking affirmation
3. Attaching high value to a child
4. Picturing a special future for him/her
5. Actively committing to help the young person fulfill blessing
He breaks down the three Greek words that translate into the English word "blessing" and then looks at practical ways we can notice blessings and bless each other such has recognizing strengths and gifts, responding appropriately to (bad) report cards, and not expecting everyone to have the same talents we have (even if we consider them ordinary).
"Unless your giftedness has been acknowledged, it isn't real to you." - Cavanaugh, pg. 120
When we don't realize our own giftedness, we except everyone to be able to do the things we find easy, enjoy the things we enjoy, and struggle over the same things.
While there is no subtly that The Language of Blessing was written with parents in mind, the material can be beneficial to those in all stages of life. We all have gifts and talents and are all in relationships with other people who have different gifts and talents.
How can we make this a point of celebration and blessing rather than a point of contention? After all, our talents were given to us to bless God and that often manifests itself in blessing others.
What relationship in your life is the easiest to bless? The hardest?
I did receive a copy of this book complements of Tyndale for the purpose of a review. However, all opinions are entirely my own.
March 5, 2013
The Language of Blessing by Joseph Cavanaugh III
In his book, The Language of Blessing, Joseph Cavanaugh III wants us to know that everyone in this world is one of a kind. He wants us to know who we are and what gifts and talents we have been given. And he wants us to know that each person is meant to bless others with these gifts and talents; this is the language of blessing. He says, “I want to convince you that what you offer is so rare that it has never been given before and it will never be given again.”
With many personal stories, Cavanaugh, shares the sadness of not being affirmed as a child and how it affected how he viewed life and how he lived. These are stories many have lived in one form or another. Childhood is where we learn what we have to offer and when we are not blessed with affirmation we often think who and what we are is of little value. “After all, you cannot give to others what you have not received yourself”. With application activities after each chapter questions are asked to help us see the error in some of our thinking and given encouragement to use the lessons taught in the chapter to begin seeing and using our God-given gifts.
George Barna writes in the forward, “Joe will also introduce you to some self-assessment inventories, which will enable you to invest yourself more heavily in using your strengths rather than inefficiently striving to overcome your weaknesses.” This approach is what was most new and surprising to me…and most welcome.
Once we know what we have within ourselves, and the importance of sharing who we are and what we have to offer, we can begin to use the language of blessing to affirm others. As the author writes, “To deny your God-given gifts, talents, and intelligences is to deny His workmanship in your life.”
This is an easy book to read, not a scholarly tome, on how we come to think of ourselves as we do, right or wrong. And how to accent the positive and build on it and how to recognize the negative and erase it. Well worth reading.
This book was sent to me by Tyndale House Publishers without charge in exchange for this review.
February 21, 2013
Publisher's Description
Most people have no idea who they were created to be, nor what their own unique gifts and talents are. So how can we recognize and affirm these things in others—especially if we were not encouraged ourselves as we were growing up? How can we change course and learn a language of blessing that will lead to positive change in all of our key personal and professional relationships? In The Language of Blessing, Joe Cavanaugh gives us practical tools to recognize our own gifts and those of others and to use our newfound “language” to bless the ones we care about, breaking a destructive generational cycle and setting a new course for our loved ones’ futures.
My Thoughts
Everyone is unique and different and blessed with a different personality and strengths. We were created for a purpose. We have a chance to recognize the gifts our children have been given and speak into their lives, affirming their calling and purpose.
"Blessings are prophetic in that they communicate the heart, mind and will of God for an individual. They connect us with our Creator's dream for us. Words of blessing confirm and empower God-given intrinsic attributes, such as personality, gifting, talents, character traits, and intelligences.
While I agreed with and appreciated the whole book, I was especially challenged by the third section where the author talks about cultivating a nonanxious presence. They are able to more easily study those around them and listen intentionally because they are not full of their own insecurities and agendas. What a great thing it is to listen and "hear" because you are free of your own insecurities and agendas.
A great resource for every parent!
I received a copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. My opinion is my own. Thank you Tyndale House.
Most people have no idea who they were created to be, nor what their own unique gifts and talents are. So how can we recognize and affirm these things in others—especially if we were not encouraged ourselves as we were growing up? How can we change course and learn a language of blessing that will lead to positive change in all of our key personal and professional relationships? In The Language of Blessing, Joe Cavanaugh gives us practical tools to recognize our own gifts and those of others and to use our newfound “language” to bless the ones we care about, breaking a destructive generational cycle and setting a new course for our loved ones’ futures.
My Thoughts
Everyone is unique and different and blessed with a different personality and strengths. We were created for a purpose. We have a chance to recognize the gifts our children have been given and speak into their lives, affirming their calling and purpose.
"Blessings are prophetic in that they communicate the heart, mind and will of God for an individual. They connect us with our Creator's dream for us. Words of blessing confirm and empower God-given intrinsic attributes, such as personality, gifting, talents, character traits, and intelligences.
While I agreed with and appreciated the whole book, I was especially challenged by the third section where the author talks about cultivating a nonanxious presence. They are able to more easily study those around them and listen intentionally because they are not full of their own insecurities and agendas. What a great thing it is to listen and "hear" because you are free of your own insecurities and agendas.
A great resource for every parent!
I received a copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. My opinion is my own. Thank you Tyndale House.
March 14, 2013
Originally posted in angelroman.org
First, there's one thing I gotta learn, I must search more about the author before requesting any book. Initially I was interested in this book because of its title, and I thought it would be based mostly on biblical passages and principles about the topic. At the end I found myself reading what it seems to me as a self-improvement book.
Don't get me wrong, even though it wasn't what I was expecting, I learned a lot from this book, I understood many things about past relationships and cycles in my life. The book gives some biblical background only for some principles and it gives more examples of real-life situations based on the experience of the author.
According to Cavanaugh:
When you speak the language of blessing, you communicate, affirm, and empower God-given intrinsic attributes that you see in another person.
I really liked the way the book starts on how to deal with yourself to finish on how to deal with others. It offers many tools to find out your talents and gifts in order to know yourself for the purpose to serve others and bless in a way no one else could.
The one thing I didn't like about the book was the "too much" attention given by the author to different assesments and life coaching themes throughout the book. I felt that these tools and practices took more relevance in the process of changing ones life rather than God's power.
Disclosure: I received this book for free from Tyndale House Publishers for an honest review.
First, there's one thing I gotta learn, I must search more about the author before requesting any book. Initially I was interested in this book because of its title, and I thought it would be based mostly on biblical passages and principles about the topic. At the end I found myself reading what it seems to me as a self-improvement book.
Don't get me wrong, even though it wasn't what I was expecting, I learned a lot from this book, I understood many things about past relationships and cycles in my life. The book gives some biblical background only for some principles and it gives more examples of real-life situations based on the experience of the author.
According to Cavanaugh:
When you speak the language of blessing, you communicate, affirm, and empower God-given intrinsic attributes that you see in another person.
I really liked the way the book starts on how to deal with yourself to finish on how to deal with others. It offers many tools to find out your talents and gifts in order to know yourself for the purpose to serve others and bless in a way no one else could.
The one thing I didn't like about the book was the "too much" attention given by the author to different assesments and life coaching themes throughout the book. I felt that these tools and practices took more relevance in the process of changing ones life rather than God's power.
Disclosure: I received this book for free from Tyndale House Publishers for an honest review.
February 21, 2013
Did you know we are made unique and different from every other person in this world? Sure ya did. But most of us don't live like we know this little nugget of truth.
We spend a lot of time trying to be different instead of looking inside ourselves to see what unique gifts and talents we have.
These gifts are given to us from birth and if not affirmed by our parents (the way God intended) then we grow up trying to fit into a mold created by others.
When we're not sure of who we are we can we live in this Cycle of False Identity.This chapter was one of my favorites and highly recommend everyone reading it.
** I was given this book by Tyndale to review for my honest opinion. I was not paid or compensated for this review.
We spend a lot of time trying to be different instead of looking inside ourselves to see what unique gifts and talents we have.
These gifts are given to us from birth and if not affirmed by our parents (the way God intended) then we grow up trying to fit into a mold created by others.
When we're not sure of who we are we can we live in this Cycle of False Identity.This chapter was one of my favorites and highly recommend everyone reading it.
** I was given this book by Tyndale to review for my honest opinion. I was not paid or compensated for this review.
August 8, 2013
The Language of Blessing is a book that helps you discover what gifts and talents that God has given to you as well as how to use them to bless others. The author speaks of the importance of speaking in a way that blesses others and helping others discover/develop the talents that each person has. After each chapter, there are questions designed to make you think about the chapter’s topic in a more personal level. I also liked the practical advice the author gives in his book to help the readers learn more about their own strengths, gifts, and talents and how you can use them to bless others. I also liked the resources in the back of the book because the resources tell you where you can go to find out more information about discovering your purpose and gifting.
July 11, 2013
p. 123 - How Full is Your Bucket? Tom Rath and Donald Clifton
Living Your Strengths by Albert Winseman and Donald Clifton
StrengthsFinder 2.0
StrengthsQuest
Strengths-Based Leadership by Tom Rath and Barry Conchie
Values in Action Inventory of Strengths Survey - VIA Character Strengths Survey
www.viacharacter.org
Myers Briggs - www.myersbriggs.org
www.thelanguageofblessing.com
The Blessing by John Trent and Gary Smalley
Character Strengths and Virtues by Christopher Peterson and Marin Seligman
Habits of the Heart by Robert Bellah, Richard Madsen
The Gift in You by Caroline Leaf
Who Switched off my brain? by Caroline Leaf
Living Your Strengths by Albert Winseman and Donald Clifton
StrengthsFinder 2.0
StrengthsQuest
Strengths-Based Leadership by Tom Rath and Barry Conchie
Values in Action Inventory of Strengths Survey - VIA Character Strengths Survey
www.viacharacter.org
Myers Briggs - www.myersbriggs.org
www.thelanguageofblessing.com
The Blessing by John Trent and Gary Smalley
Character Strengths and Virtues by Christopher Peterson and Marin Seligman
Habits of the Heart by Robert Bellah, Richard Madsen
The Gift in You by Caroline Leaf
Who Switched off my brain? by Caroline Leaf
January 28, 2013
This book is definitely going to be a blessing for any reader. It goes into detail about how one can go about finding their true gift and how they are a blessing. However, what it really does it shows a person how they can be a bigger blessing to someone else in their life.
Read more at http://www.tidbitsofexperience.com
Read more at http://www.tidbitsofexperience.com
May 10, 2013
See my review at http://mommafrugalbookreviews.blogspo...
February 27, 2013
Review posted at: http://thoughtsprayersandsongs.com/20...
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews