1. Why did you write this book?

The short answer is that my husband, my parenting group participants, and my colleagues wore me down. For decades, in response to encouragement to write a book, I staunchly maintained, "I don't write books; I talk them!"

Because I have learned so much from other parents and because I have such persistent passions, both for growing strong and healthy families and for nurturing faith in all of God's children, I finally relented.

Too many former and current participants in my parenting group have proclaimed, "This group saved my life!" It is not I who have saved anyone's life; I was simply privileged to journey with this ever-changing, always remarkable group of men and women. But it does feel like a holy responsibility to share their wisdom, their lived experiences, their stories, and their resilience with those who cannot join us at the table in person.

As the body of Christ, we have learned that, no matter how excellent the Christian education is in our congregations, it isn't enough. Parents, grandparents, godparents, neighbors, teachers, and daycare providers all need to nurture faith in all of life.

Finally, parenting brought me to my knees, literally and figuratively. It is the most important, most humbling venture to which God has called me. I wanted, more than anything, to do it superbly well. Some moments were exemplary; many fell far short of adequate. That is when I discovered that raising the child God entrusted to me is at its heart a spiritual journey, filled with grace and forgiveness by the God who also created and, against all odds, loves me, too.

2. How is this book different from other parenting books?

There are many wonderful books that feature the very best parenting practices. And there are excellent books on how to nurture faith in children. Often, they are not braided together. I learned firsthand that parenting and faith formation need to be intertwined.

As a parent, a parent educator, and a follower of Jesus Christ, I wanted to weave the wisdom and promises of scripture with the very best of parenting practices. Excellent parents, who are honest about the struggles and the triumphs of family life, have generously shared their stories and their strategies.

Each chapter also features simple, daily, practical ways to nurture faith in busy family lives.

3. How is this book different from other Christian parenting books?

As those who are called to raise and shape God's children, we are called to model the unconditional love God showers on us; to forgive our children as God, in Jesus Christ, forgives us daily; and to help the child in our care become all God has created this child to be. This is not a book about breaking the spirit or the will of the child, but rather it is about raising this child, filled with God's Spirit. This is not a book about harsh punishment, but about discipline as a way of discipling children. Trust me, this is neither simple nor simplistic. It is the most important journey we will ever travel with our children.

I hope that readers will see themselves in the stories, will feel a gentle and loving friend accompany them, will be encouraged to discover how much they are doing very, very well, and will laugh at my foibles and mistakes, taking heart that amazing children grew in my family, despite some incredible mistakes I made. More than anything, I want parents to know that Jesus promised, promised, promised to be with them always, no matter what.

4. Who is the intended audience for this book?

I wrote this book for parents and those who serve in the role of parents. I wrote this for those who join parents in caring for their children - nursery school teachers, daycare providers, neighbors, babysitters, and all of the other adults, without whom none of us would make it.

Yes, it assumes that you want your child to have a strong and life-transforming faith in Jesus Christ. No, it doesn't mean that you have no questions or doubts yourself. It doesn't require a seminary education, but a spiritual hunger of your own. Remember, this life of faith is a journey, not just a destination.

5. You write about the importance of faith parents. What is a faith parent?

Faith parents may or may not have ever had a child of their own. These are the remarkable adults and young adults who care deeply about our children, who stay in touch with them, who affirm our children's gifts, who reflect the light of Christ into their lives, and who leave Jesus' fingerprints indelibly on the children we love.

6. How might a congregation use this book?

Certainly, this book would be a good addition to any church library. But having a personal copy allows parents to use this as a reference book.

Give a copy as a gift to new parents on the birth or baptism of their child. Use parts of the book in pre-baptism training. Suggest this book as a baby shower gift. Add it to a faith chest for the child.

Offer the book as the basis for a parenting class or read a chapter at a number of parenting group meetings. Use it for an adult forum series. (A book study is available on CD from Marilyn Sharpe Ministries.)

Use it to train your nursery school staff or your nursery workers or your preschool Sunday school teachers. Use the ideas for family activities at cross+generational Sunday school or events.

Do a family camp or retreat with the book as the theme.

7. Although children all begin as preschoolers, they don't stay that way perpetually. What's next?

Two more books in the series, For Heaven's Sake! Parenting Gradeschoolers Faithfully and For Heaven's Sake! Parenting Adolescents Faithfully, are in the works! Stay tuned.