Are you spiritually prepared for parenting?
Tying Their Shoes directs
expectant parents toward
a Christ-centered approach to parenting
It is not hard to find books that speak to the physical, emotional and
effects of pregnancy and parenting an infant, but what about the spiritual
side? In the uncertainty of all the changes to come ahead, spiritual
preparation for expectant parents is sometimes placed on the back burner. In
their new book, Tying Their Shoes: A Christ-Centered Approach to Preparing for
Parenting (New Growth Press/February 11, 2019), Rob and Stephanie Green
reveal just how important it is for soon-to-be parents—both biological and
adoptive—to look to Jesus as the ultimate resource and hope for parenting. The
husband and wife writing team are able to offer both a father’s and mother’s perspective
on gospel-focused parenting.
“Parenting children is a great joy, but parenting
is not easy. The transition between a home without children to a home with a
child is significant. In fact, it is earthshaking,” Rob writes. “Two people who
are used to caring for themselves bring home a little baby who requires
constant care. It is hard to put that experience into words. It is a joyful, terrifying,
exciting, and intimidating experience.”
Like
most expectant parents, the Greens began their journey to parenthood looking
for resources to guide them along. While they found books on what to expect
from the medical side and child development, what they didn’t find were any
resources to prepare them spiritually. “We needed to understand how God’s grace
was going to help us every step of the way. We needed to see God’s grace in the
days when everything was going according to plan. And we needed to see God’s
grace when the day was crashing.”
To the Greens, the decision to write Tying Their Shoes came from recognizing
their own needs when they were first-time parents. Their desire is to equip
parents for the new addition into their home and for them to know that their
relationship with Christ affects every aspect of their lives—including
parenting. Readers will learn to lean into the Lord and rely on all his
resources.
Because the book addresses what to expect from a
father’s and mother’s perspective, Tying
Their Shoes offers biblical wisdom unique to both parents. For example, Rob
discusses the importance of a dad’s involvement during infancy while Stephanie
sheds light on peace during labor, delivery, and taking the baby home.
Rob and Stephanie practically discuss topics such as:
·
Helping parents
remember their true identity after baby comes along,
·
Prioritizing your
marriage,
·
The goal of parenting,
·
The blessings and
challenges of parenting,
·
Teaching and
learning to disciple children.
“A baby brings many wonderful changes,” says Rob. “We
want expecting parents to see how the gospel intersects and equips them to have
a Christ-centered home in the midst of those changes.” Stephanie adds their
hope for expecting parents is that in the middle of all of the coming changes
and preparations for their new baby, they will also see how Jesus gives them
grace to enjoy the wonderful gift of being parents.
Together, they encourage soon-to-be parents to live
out of God’s love as parents and to teach their children to do the same.
Rob Green M.Div., PhD, is the pastor of counseling and seminary ministries
at Faith Church, Lafayette, Indiana. He chairs the M.A. in
Biblical Counseling program and teaches Greek and NT to the Master of Divinity students. Rob wrote Tying
the Knot and several minibooks on marriage and family issues.
After
a period of extended spiritual growth in college, Rob believed the Lord would
be pleased if he were in full-time ministry. His passion is to teach the Word
in practical ways that make a difference in people’s lives. He also firmly
believes God’s Word provides many opportunities for growth and learning without
the cost of having to learn the hard way.
Stephanie
Green, RN is a homemaker and also
mentors women in Faith Church, Lafayette, Indiana. She is the author of
minibook, Miscarriage: You Are Not Alone
and worked as a registered nurse for more than a decade primarily in the
newborn nursery and postpartum units. Stephanie is currently homeschooling
their youngest child.
One
of the ministries Stephanie enjoys most is mentoring. She considers it a great
joy and privilege to come alongside women and help them grow in their
relationship with the Lord. As she interacts with other ladies, Stephanie is thankful
for the practicality of the Word of God and the hope that can be found within
its pages.
Rob and Stephanie are the parents of three children. Their
family enjoys hiking, outdoor adventures, and seeing the beauty of God’s
creation. Tying Their Shoes is the first book they have written together.
Tying Their Shoes: A Christ-Centered Approach to Preparing
for Parenting
By Rob and Stephanie Green
February 11, 2019 / Retail Price: $15.99 / Print ISBN 978-1-948130-61-5
Religion /
Christian Living / Family
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