Growing in Godliness {Review}

Raising a teen girl is not for the faint of heart.  Today's world is full of challenges that previous generations never dreamt of facing.  And yet, the basic foundations of life remain the same.  Foremost of which is how do we live to glorify our creator?  Throw in teenage emotions and peer pressure, and you're in for a wild ride.

In Growing in Godliness, Lindsey Carlson leads teens through 10 lessons that address this tumultuous time, including:

*Who we are in Christ

*God's sovereignty in all situations

*The importance of the Bible

*The importance of the church

*and more!

When I first started reading this book, I was slightly put off by some of the language.  The words weren't inappropriate.  It was more the tone... the edge... and maybe some of the author's illustrations.  But as I read, I realized I was viewing it through the eyes of a preteen mom.  And as much as I'm protecting her now, she will one day be going through growing pains like these.  As I began to read through a different lens, I realized I did like this book, but would suggest it for a slightly older audience... waiting until the later teenage years.  I did appreciate the fact that Carlson takes time to touch on two important topics: identity and the role of the church.  Identity for it grounds us in life and keeps us from being swayed by trends.  And the importance of the church that seems to have been lost in a seeker sensitive culture.  All in all, I would hesitantly recommend this book, but would caution that it's probably most useful as a mother/daughter study in the older teen years.

*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.  All opinions are my own.