Life in the Blender: Blending Families, Lives, and Relationships with Grace

Life in the Blender is a delightful book which can be of use to all families who have gone through the turmoil of a divorce and remarriage situation. Through it's easily read pages, Sandi Patty intertwines some of the what works and what doesn't, and she ought to know, as she doubled her family size through re-marriage, and then by one more with adoption. What is evident is that she and her husband Don were able to create is a loving environment, where each child could find structure and love in abundance. She shares humorous stories and creates modern parables to delight and provoke thought. There are poignant pages with the sharing of the children with their other parent and grandparents. The heartache is almost palpable. I really appreciated reading how respectful the adults treated each other through the process. Sandi refers to her former spouse as my ex-husband instead of using his first name, as her son's name is the same. While this might to some seem peculiar, it makes the reading of the book easier. Divorce and remarriage is not an issue that Christians ordinarily face up too. Until the church provides support to those in need in its own body, those in crisis will struggle. I am glad that Sandi is able to provide support to the hurting with this book. I sincerely hope this book will help fill that need.

I found Sandi's book to be informing , educational & truthful , Sandi is sharing her heart for all blended families like herself. Sandi shares those precious moments talking one on one , family meetings & vacations. She shares how she encourages her kids to talk to her , open up & tell her how they feel & what they think. The book has kids top ten list , her kids give advice on going through the process of a blended family. What helped most they kept close to the church & encouraged the kids to be involved in youth groups. A hard chapter for me as a reader was change day. Moving from house to house weekly or monthly, waking up wondering which house you're in. Sandi's advice is you just have to try to put the kids interests ahead of your own emotions & preferences & try to do what's right for them. Blended families are struggling through some difficult issues often heading into uncharted territory. They need help from churches that will acknowledge their presence , prayer support for them & help them find those who have been through the same trails & who can come alongside offer help & encouragement . This is a great book for blended families offering what Sandi & Don did right & wrong . Sandi said hang in there I'm here to tell you the result can be wonderful. Whether it's a blended family or the daily struggle to keep a balance between job & family , every woman experiences blending on some level. Some folks just can't forgive Sandi , I'm here to tell you God has forgiven her & restored Sandi back to the church , she is whole again. The question why Sandi won't refer to her ex husband by his name. I'm divorced I never refer to my ex husband , most divorced people refuse to talk about those painful & hurtful years. Let go give Sandi a break !! Rule 3 on kids top ten list : Don't talk about the other parent if you can't say something nice. Thank you Sandi for writing this book & sharing your heart , this book will help so many families.