The Christ-Centered Home: Inviting Jesus In Paperback – April 19, 2016

It's not often that I'm kind of blown away by a book. Well, I was blown away by this book! I knew it was going to include 12 devotionals you can do with your family, each month of the year. I guess I thought it would be more like the FHE lessons I provide here. But it is SO much more.Each month has a theme, but each theme ties comes from an account in the scripture of Chirst visiting someone's home. And the author makes these bible stories come alive with her amazing way of re-telling them (she always includes the references so you can read them straight from the bible). But, honestly, the way she applies them to our lives is pretty amazing. This woman KNOWS and LOVES the bible. That is certain. This book isn't a dry recount of these bible stories. It is rich and thought-provoking and meaningful. And as the author is leading you through this path of really thinking about these stories and what they mean, there are spots in each chapter for you to write your own notes based on the thoughts she has inspired you to consider. I mean, it's really genius. For that reason I would suggest buying the physical copy of this book rather than the eReader, although either is great.I was especially touched by the chapter on prayer. The author shares personal experiences, moments from the life of Abraham Lincoln, and bible accounts from the life of Jesus Christ. This is an example of her excellent writing style and how skilled she is at weaving a story that will inspire you. She gave me so much to think about in terms of how I pray about my own children, with my own children, and how to best guide them to a life of prayer. Here's one of my favorite passages.This book would be especially well suited to those with older children at home. My small kids would love the easy recipes she includes at the end of each chapter, but I think this series of monthly family devotionals would have the greatest impact on ages 10 and up. Why? Because it is truly an inspiring way to delve into the scriptures and the questions she poses and the goals she encourages you to make would be really relatable to a teen, without being over their heads. I just kept thinking, as I read this book, what a great resource this is for my family when my oldest kids are not quite ready for adult gospel discussions, but a bit too old for our usual Family Home Evening fare with coloring pages and mazes.I cannot recommend this book enough. It would be a true asset in any home that seeks to bring Christ into their every day.

I like it but some of the things you're supposed to do or decide to do it seems very vague. The first 'task' was basically to put up more spiritual pictures in your hoke, like, of Christ or temples. But I can't exactly tell you what the second task is. It's too broad. I would like some more specific tasks, I guess and maybe that's just me. I've only made it to the second task so maybe it will change...

I have really enjoyed this book. We have been reading one chapter a week with our kids for our Family Home Evening and talking about ways we can incorporate the suggestions into our daily life. My kids have loved the stories and we have had some great discussions on the topics. I love how down to earth this book is. I have never read any of Emily Belle Freeman's books but will definitely be checking some out.

Living with intent, focusing on goals to make your home centered on Jesus Christ is a wonderful way to be. This book has insights into various lessons from Jesus Christ from the New Testament, with discussion points so you can involve everyone in your home. As a single woman, I found Emily Freeman's insights also were applicable to my home, helping me to change my thinking and focus on Jesus Christ in the details I bring into my home.

Great book!

helped very much thank you

Well written with lots of practical suggestions. I really enjoy reading her books.

Just buy it - No questions asked. It's brilliant!