About the Book

Book: I Prayed for Patience, God Gave Me Children

Author: Linda Wood Rondeau

Genre: Non-fiction

Release date: Second Edition 2019

God indeed has a sense of humor. He chose children to teach us too-smart adults what it means to be his child, the very special relationship the believer enjoys with our Heavenly Father. We adults experience the same chaos, misadventure, and heartaches as our charges. Through a child’s example, we learn how God nurtures us with his infinitesimal patience. This easy to read, often hilarious treatise, uses cartoons, witticisms, anecdotes, quotes, and scripture study to bring home these truths. A veteran social worker, Rondeau draws upon her many experiences in working with families as well as her personal experiences as a mom. “You will want to keep this book close at hand for those moments of weakness and pass it along to your friends.”

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About the Author

The author of the acclaimed Hosea’s Heart and Miracle on Maple Street, LINDA WOOD RONDEAU, a veteran social worker, writes from the heart of personal experience. Her blog, Snark and Sensibility, embodies her sense of humor, a trait she believes God gives parents for survival. A resident of Hagerstown, Maryland, the author shares her days with her husband and best friend in life, Steve. Readers may visit her website at www.lindarondeau.com. Contact the author on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Excerpt from the Book

For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship.

And by him we cry, Abba, Father

(Romans 8:15)

JUST LIKE MY DADDY

The courtroom was silent, waiting for the judge to make a decision—a decision to determine not only where little Joshua would live, but also what his name would be.

Not able to have children of their own, my son and daughter-in-law have adopted five children through the foster care system. Each addition to the family has been considered a blessing—especially so with Joshua. Joshua, who had been in foster care since early infancy, was free to be adopted. When the agency called my son and daughter-in-law who already had one adopted son and another whom they hoped to adopt, they opened their hearts to welcome the youngster into their burgeoning nest. Finally, all the legal work was over, and the family accompanied Joshua for his day in court.

The judge motioned Joshua to approach the bench. From his austere heights, the magistrate pointed to someone in the room. Each time, Joshua was asked, “Who is this?”

“Those are my brothers,” Joshua said, referring to the other adopted children. “That’s Mommy,” he explained as he pointed to my daughter-in-law.

Then the judge’s attention focused on my son who positioned Joshua in his arms, allowing the child to see the judge at eye level. “And who is this man holding you?”

Joshua’s eyes widened. He took his little hand and touched his father’s face as he squealed in delight, “THAT’S MY DADDY!”

The judge, assured of Joshua’s placement in a loving family, told John and Melissa that Joshua was now their legal son. Then the judge asked Joshua, “Do you know what your new name is?” Joshua hugged his new father and blurted with excitement, “Joshua John Barringer, just like my daddy!”

Sad are the indictments against Israel’s kings who “walked in the ways of their fathers” to commit vile acts of murder and idolatry. Sadder still are the descriptions of those sons who choose evil over the Godly example of their fathers. David was revered as a man after God’s heart because he cherished the relationship he had with his Heavenly Father more than any earthly treasure. When he sinned, he could not rest until his spirit was one again with the God he adored.

When we received Christ, God adopted us into His family. He holds us in His arms so we can touch His face. We are privileged to call him “Daddy, God.”

He asks us to be holy as He is holy. He asks us to look inside our hearts and say, “I want to be just like You.”

MY REVIEW

I had to laugh as I saw the title of this book. I struggle with patience everyday. It is something I have prayed for but my stubbornness wins every time. Well until I had my first child that is. My world changed the moment I heard the first cry. My heart melted and I knew there would be many restless nights and tears ahead for me.

The book is a great tool for parents with scriptures and stories that help us deal with patience. Yes it’s true children try our patience. What we need to understand though is they are learning while we are there to guide them. I remember the non stop questions my children had for me. Why? How come? Did I have all the answers? Absolutely not. What I did have was God who gave me wisdom, taught me to take a deep breath and learn patience.

I loved the part about teenagers. Just as we think we have gotten through the tough toddler years, a new challenge sneaks up on us. Oh how I remember my boys as teens. Each one had their own ways to push my buttons. What happened to my sweet little babies? The book shared that all we need to do “is grab God’s hand and He will give us instructions when we need to turn left or right or stay straight on our course.” We are never alone and God is right there to see us in our darkest moments.

I thought the book was very helpful and loved the biblical references shared throughout . It would be a great baby shower gift or something to keep for yourself. There are questions to go over and scriptures that encourage you and strengthen your patience. Children are a gift from God. He will be there to help you as your raise them.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.