Rock-Solid Families: Transforming an Ordinary Home Into a Fortress of Faith

by Janell Rardon

Experts agree that the greatest gift parents can give their children is a happy marriage. “Blindly, my husband and I embarked on our adventure of raising a Christian family,” says Janell Rardon. “It took a great deal of effort and relearning in order to overcome a dysfunctional family background. My husband and I were raised in homes where our fathers were alcoholics. Having strong mothers, a strong faith, and a gracious, redeeming God has enabled us to face our difficulties and somehow surmount the residual effects of this type of home environment.” Janell and her husband committed to relearn what growing a family was all about. They read all they could about marriage, family, and relationships. Through turbulent waters, they fought to remain focused on the task of raising a strong family. Written after twenty years of ministry, research, personal experience, avid listening, and the keen observation of rock-solid families and “not-so” rock-solid families, this book is a spiritual training manual that summarizes twelve foundation stones for building spiritually strong family. It offers inspiration, simple and practical methodology, and strong scriptural application.

240 pages, Paperback

First published September 17, 2007

About the author

It's true. At age 50, I took a literal and figurative daring leap of faith and returned to school to get my Masters in Counseling (2012) and Board Certification in Professional Life Coaching (2014). Upon graduating, I opened my private practice, The Heartlift Practice, (Virginia). In January 2021, my newest book, "Stronger Every Day: 9 Tools for an Emotionally Healthy You," (Revell/Baker Publishing Group), is launching into the world. Yes, during a global pandemic. I believe timing is everything and that this book is RIGHT ON TIME. It is filled with an energizing, empowering, emotional and mental health BOOST. In 2017, "Overcoming Hurtful Words: Rewrite Your Own Story" was released and continues to be a relevant resource, as well, during these difficult days. I can't wait to serve as your very own professional Heartlifter and walk alongside of you on your emotional health journey. Visit me over on www.janellrardon.com and subscribe to even more FREE RESOURCES! I can't wait to connect.

Reviews

[Dinah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I checked this book out of our church library to use as a my personal "Bible study" for several weeks. I read a chapter a day. Each chapter read quickly. There were many Bible readings included to ground me in the scripture. On the surface it seemed like a really great read to inspire Christian living at home.

As I read, I did find some differences in doctrinal views. 1) Work Righteousness seems to be a theme through the book. Thoughts of being able to do good, trying your best, and pleasing God through a good life, seemed to permeate this book. While this is not a BAD thing, it is not the way to earn a place with Jesus. 2) Decision Theology, making a choice to accept Christ, is also a theme in the book. As Lutheran Christian, I believe that I, as a sinner, could never make this decision to come to Christ. It is solely through his saving work of redemption and the pouring out of the Holy Spirit that I have come to know my Savior. 3) Prayer is a 2 Way Communication, in that God can speak to us through prayer. I know that God speaks to me in the scripture, but he does not speak to me in prayer. Prayer is a 1 way conversation.

After a Sunday morning Bible class reminding of us of the importance of Law & Gospel and the definitions of such to the Lutheran Christian doctrine, I decided to hold this book up to the these 2 teachings and I realized that this book is all Law. It's all about the things we can do to live a good life. It talks of all the ways we can make a better family life at home. While there is nothing wrong on the surface, with this, there is a fundamental Christian teaching left out of this book. SALVATION! Though the book is littered with scripture references as inspiration and to guide me in Christian living (which are all good and true!) there is no, 0, none reference to Jesus as my Savior. The author never mentions that it is because of Jesus' life, death and resurrection that I can have a hope beyond just a "good" family life here on earth. In fact there is an entire chapter dedicated to GRACE and no where is it mentioned that Grace is Jesus undeserved love to us sinners as he died in our place to suffer punishment in our stead and that because he overcame death, we too, will overcome death.

While the advice offered in this book is good and centered on scripture, I just felt there was a foundation piece missing and once I realized this, I became a little disappointed in the book.

[Janell Rardon]

Fabulous book, if I do say so myself! (Janell)