This is what our family calls a "bedside table book" - one that is so useful that the owner wants to keep it right at hand on his bedside table! As we strive to raise our seven children, it is important to us that we deal with character and heart issues rather than focusing on behavior alone. This book is the best tool I have ever seen for parents that want to truly teach and disciple their children as they discipline them.

The book is broken up into more than 50 sections. Each section is dedicated to a specific sort of sin such as lying, cruelty, impatience, arguing, etc. These sins are conveniently listed in groups with other related sins. Categories include sins of a proud heart, sins of discontent, sins of unbelief, and more. We have found this very helpful since a child who is struggling with, say, one sin of the tongue may well struggle with other sins of the tongue.

The section for each sin contains:

1. General information and commandments about the sin. This is a list of Scriptures (some just references, some written out) with the information those Scriptures share about that sin.

2. What happens, or should happen, to a person involved in that sin. Again, this is a list of Scriptures along with specific information and suggestions. Since Psalm 12:3-4 says that the tongue of the proud person will be cut off, a suggested consequence for pride is to make a proud child stop talking for a period. These suggestions are terrific and we appreciate being able to go to the Word and show children the Biblical consequence for their actions.

3. What the sin is likened to. This is a list of Scriptures that compare the sin to other things.

4. Stories that illustrate the consequences of that sin. The Scripture reference and a brief synopsis of each story are given.

The next part of the section for each sin then goes on to deal with the opposite of that sin. In the case of pride, humility is discussed. This allows this book to be used to disciple and encourage children in the positive areas of their character. These include:

1. The blessings of that virtue. This is a list of Scriptures about that virtue along with specific applications. This is similar to item number 2 above. These are concrete ways to bless and honor a child displaying this virtue.

2. Stories that illustrate the blessings of the virtue. The Scripture reference and a brief synopsis of each story are given.

3. Based on the specific virtue, there may be other sections or categories of stories listed.

The final part of each section gives an extensive list of suggested memory verses. These are written right out in the book.

There are many ways to use this book, and the introduction offers quite a few suggestions. We use it prayerfully when we see a child who repeatedly struggles in a specific area. Jeff and I will read through the entire section for that sin (and possibly related sins) and decide where to go from there. We may use some of the consequences as a punishment for that child. Sometimes we will mark several of the verses and/or stories in our Bibles and sit down one on one with the offender, having him read through and discuss the verses. In many cases, it is even more effective to use the Bible stories and memory verses in our family Bible studies. We generally find that the "intended target" is far more receptive to the Holy Spirit when he doesn't feel singled out, and that the other children also benefit from their exposure.

We use the information about the virtues primarily to encourage a child as he gains victory over an area that has been difficult for him. We will often make two consequences available to the child - one for the sin and one for the virtue. This keeps us accountable to recognize the victories as well as the defeats.

This is a book that will benefit your family tremendously if you will use it! You may want to follow our lead and keep a copy conveniently on hand with your Bible on your bedside table.