Earlier this month, we had the honor of being interviewed by David & Kim d'Escoto, and their daughter, Kayla, on their radio program Homeschooling for Life.

We had the pleasure of meeting them last year and they have been reading Fathers and Daughters: Raising Polished Cornerstones and working through our Father's Study Guide and Daughter's Study Guide since then.

It was a blessing and encouragement to be interviewed by them and we are sure you will be blessed and encouraged by the program.

You can listen to it live streaming at 8am CST on Saturday, March 22nd on WYLL AM 1160 or anytime on podcast.

"As a father of five children, four of them being daughters, this book, "Fathers and Daughters" by David and Elysse Barrett, was a tremendous blessing to me. I thoroughly enjoyed the personal experiences they used as teaching moments in their lives. As a teaching elder in my church, I love to study commentaries on the Bible, and David Barrett did a superb job unpacking many key verses in Scripture that address how we as parents should be training up the next generation. I strongly recommend this book and study to all Christian fathers of teenage and preteen daughters."
- David d'Escoto
Dexios, Inc.
(Co-author of "The Little Book of Big Reasons to Homeschool")

"Although a strong bond between father and daughter it isn’t very commonly seen anymore in families, I am so grateful that David & Elysse are encouraging people to re-establish the vision Christ has for the family. The book Fathers & Daughters, Raising Polished Cornerstones challenged me to become the person I was called to be by God. I was in a sense “sharpened” as a Christian, and I began to embrace my role as a daughter more. I continue to understand more clearly the importance of being raised up as a Christ-worthy weapon in the spiritual battle, even though I have been called “sheltered” because of some of the loving decisions my parents have made for my life. I’ve learned as a young lady growing up in a worldly culture that it is a comfort to know that my father is guardian of my heart, and to have my parents as my main spiritual leaders/trainers. There was a part in the book’s companion study where the authors suggested that I write a personal letter to my father. Through writing, I was able to clearly voice to my father what I wanted to be for him, and what he was to me. I can gladly say that this letter became one of my father’s most cherished gifts! I think overall, the entire book and study was truly a gift from the Lord in my life, that is why I will pass on this book to my friends, praying that it will bless their relationship as it did with me and my father."
--Kayla d’Escoto
15 year-old daughter of David & Kim d’Escoto, authors of “The Little Book of Big Reasons to Homeschool.”

I just read Crystal Paine's wonderful comments about Fathers and Daughters: Raising Polished Cornerstones, and just had to share them with you!

As you well know, I'm extremely particular when it comes to reading material on the role of young women I will readily endorse. There is so much unBiblical feministic fluff floating around, even in Christendom. Being somewhat unfamiliar with the Barretts before reading this book, I didn't know what to expect when I received a review copy. However, by about the 20th page, I had no doubt in my mind - this book was of an entirely different caliber than the aforementioned fluff. In fact, I didn't find a bit of fluff in it. Instead, father and daughter team David and Elysse shoot it straight. Using Scripture, Biblical examples, and personal testimonies, this book is packed with wise encouragement for fathers and daughters alike to embrace their God-given roles.

From submission, to courtship, to jobs outside the home, to the role of an older unmarried daughter, their Biblical wisdom and insight shines through. David and Elysse don't give you the blueprint for "how every Christian daughter should live her life" (if only it were that easy!), instead they point you to Scripture, share their struggles and insights gained from those struggles, and paint a beautiful big picture of God's design for fathers and daughters. I wish that every Christian father, mother, and daughter could read this book. It would be an excellent book to share with your older sons who may someday be fathers of girls, too! -Crystal

Please check out Crystal Paine's website at www.biblicalwomanhoodonline.com

God Bless,
Elysse

Take a moment to view David and Elysse Barrett's interview on The Harvest Show on June 20, 2007.

After the page loads, it will take about 3 -1/2 minutes for the show to start. Their interview is in the 3rd or 4th segment. Your patience will pay off!

http://www.harvest-tv.com/video/VOD_GetShow.cfm?ShowID=160
Thank you for all your prayers and encouragment!

God Bless!

David and Elysse Barrett and their book, Fathers and Daughters: Raising Polished Cornerstones, will be featured on The Harvest Show on Monday morning, June 18th.

The show can be watched online or you can find your affiliate broadcast station at http://www.harvest-tv.com/

We thank the Lord for this opportunity that He has provided for us. We also appreciate your prayers as we prepare. It is our hope that many Godly families, especially father-daughter relationships will be impacted and encouraged.

Wishing you and your families a blessed Father’s Day!

Alec Baldwin's Tirade Ignites a Father/Daughter Restoration Movement
BOISE, Idaho, April 26 /Christian Newswire/ -- Alec Baldwin's shocking verbal assault against his 11-year-old daughter, has brought strong condemnation from the leader of a national movement to restore Father/Daughter relationships.

David Barrett, co-author (with his 21-year-old daughter Elysse) of the book, " Fathers and Daughters: Raising Polished Cornerstones," says of Baldwin's behavior:

"The recent release of the ranting and raving voice message left by Alec Baldwin for his daughter, Ireland, serves as a stark reminder to all of us fathers of our crucial role in the lives of our daughters. Fathers in all family situations, whether intact homes or homes that have suffered the damaging blows of divorce, need to step up as the positive influence and guide God has purposed them to be. No child should have to suffer the verbal attack and humiliation that was dished out by Mr. Baldwin. Unfortunately, however, this rant is far too common in far too many of our homes in America.

"If there has ever been a time when our children, especially our daughters, need a strong, positive, respectful example from their fathers of what it means to be a real man, it is now. I strongly encourage fathers to seriously assess their relationships with their daughters. Get your eyes off yourself and your wants and set them upon your daughter and her needs."

Co-author, Elysse Barrett says, "As a daughter, I am sickened and grieved by the message Alec Baldwin left for his daughter. It is reprehensible for any father to treat their daughter in such a disrespectful and mean- hearted manner. Words like these can wound and damage a young girl for a lifetime. My heart goes out to his daughter, Ireland, and I pray she will know the unconditional love of her Heavenly Father, and eventually the restoration of her relationship with her father."

In order to facilitate this movement toward restoration, in addition to their book, David and Elysse, have launched a website with a forum for fathers and daughters to discuss their relationship and receive Biblical counsel. http://www.PolishedCornerstones.com

As Father's Day approaches, David and his daughter Elysse are trusting that this troubling situation with Mr. Baldwin and his daughter will lead to a new awareness of the importance of these vital Father/Daughter relationships.

David and Elysse are available for interviews or seminars related to Father/Daughter relationships. Contact their publisher, Wisdom's Gate at 269-764- 1467 or email: wisgate@wisgate.com

It is hard to find a good movie. This last week was our family's "Spring Break" from school and we've had a wonderful time breathing the clean air of a warm Spring day. We've been able to spend time together creating callouses. Some of my brothers and sisters built a fully functional fire pit and we roasted hotdogs over all the branches we had trimmed earlier in the day. We are all looking forward to having our own back yard campfire cook outs all summer with friends and family! Mmmm...S'mores!

I think we would all agree that one of our highlights was getting to watch the movie Flicka. (If you don't want to know anything about it..stop reading now, watch the movie, and then let me know how you liked it!) Daddy and I had rented some movies. Roy Rogers for the boys and we were hoping to find Emma for the girls. Well, we couldn't so we compromised on bringing Flicka home...and were glad we did. For me personally, it was a wonderful portrayal of so much of what REAL life is all about. I wish that it was blatantly Christian, but sometimes real life Christianity is more powerful than anything else. For Daddy and us girls, it was very special that the script changed cast the lead role of Katie as a girl instead of a boy like it is in the book, My Friend Flicka. They intentionally created the movie to be a Father-Daughter story. Certainly, there are other elements but the most powerful one is the love between a girl and her Dad. The Dad (played by Tim McGraw) and Katie are so much alike that they don't know how to interact with each other. Her Dad especially doesn't know what to do with his little girl as she is becoming a woman and reaching for her own dreams and goals. Its coming to the point where he doesn't even know his own daughter...he doesn't realize that all she wants is to be like her Daddy. Her blood is coursing with the same passion and loves that he has. It takes both of them facing their biggest fears to realize what they are missing in each other. Katie has to realize that they might have to sell the ranch she might loose "her horse", Flicka. Her dad has a reality check when she is sick and he can't do anything to make her better and he realizes in a profound way what a gift he has been given in his daughter.

I won't tell you any more, except to say that it is a great movie about family relationships and especially about Fathers and Daughters. I really identified with the character played by Katie and I think alot of girls would agree with me.

I also really liked the song that Tim McGraw wrote for the movie, called My Little Girl

Verse 1:
Gotta hold on easy as I let you go.
Gonna tell you how much I love you,
though you think you already know.
I remember I thought you looked like an angel wrapped in pink so soft and warm.
You've had me wrapped around your finger since the day you were born.

Chorus:
Your beautiful baby from the outside in.
Chase your dreams but always know the road that'll lead you home again.
Go on, take on this whole world.
But to me you know you'll always be, my little girl.

Verse 2:
When you were in trouble that crooked little smile could melt my heart of stone.
Now look at you, I've turned around and you've almost grown.
Sometimes you're asleep I whisper "I Love You!" in the moonlight at your door.
As I walk away, I hear you say, "Daddy Love You More!".

Verse 3:
Someday, some boy will come and ask me for your hand.
But I won't say "yes" to him unless I know, he's the half
that makes you whole, he has a poet's soul, and the heart of a man's man.
I know he'll say that he's in love.
But between you and me. He won't be good enough!
The best part of the movie is at the end when Katie is talking and says that she wants to be like "My Daddy...My Hero"!

A good friend of mine, Andrea Graham, recently read Fathers and Daughters: Raising Polished Cornerstones and posted a review on her site.

Please take a moment to read it at: http://askandrea.adamsweb.us/fathers-and-daughters

I really appreciate her taking the time to read it and write out her thoughts. So, thanks, Andrea!

I would encourage anyone else who has thoughts, questions, or comments, to please post them on Polished Cornerstones forum at http://www.polishedcornerstones.com/forum/

(Just copy and paste the links into your browser.)

Merry Christmas from our home to yours!
~Elysse

As I was sitting at a stoplight – in a long line of cars -- waiting for it to turn green yesterday, I was reminded of how “busy” the Holiday season becomes every year. Places to go, presents to buy, meals to plan, trips to take, cards to write, programs and plays, baking to finish…the list seems endless.

Even those of us with the best of intentions can get sidetracked with all there is to DO and forget about what is most important. Especially families seeking to fulfill God’s purpose for their family need to guard against being caught up in the disadvantages of the season. Instead, we should use this time as an opportunity to further develop our relationships – both with one another as a family, and with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ – the very reason for this joyous season!

As Parents, let us be intentional about placing our family and our Children before the materialism demanded all around us. The greatest gift you can give your children is a Godly example of a life in our Savior’s footsteps. Nurture them in that this season.

We must be on guard not to buy our children’s affections or loyalty. In Michael Farris’ book on Father-Daughter relationships, he reminds us “Giving your daughter “things” may make the adjustment in the years ahead quite difficult. Giving yourself to your daughter will teach her the value of real love that can carry her through the best of times and the worst of times.” (pg. 30)

And, as you consider new opportunities for 2007, resolve to make the stewardship of your family of top priority. It is the highest service we are called to. Again, Mr. Farris reminds us of this in the context of Father-Daughter relationships, “You may not be sacrificing the literal life of your daughter by saying yes to too many good projects. But this kind of foolish over commitment undoubtedly kills your relationship with your daughter on the altar of success, achievement…even so-called ‘service to God’.” (pg. 22)

And one final warning for all those who may still be comfortable settling for Second best as they steward the lives of those children entrusted to them. “…we need to realize that God doesn’t measure success in fatherhood based on the world’s standards. Our daughters are so inherently precious in His sight that our effectiveness as dads will be proved by the unwavering plumb lines of their lives – and certainly not in comparison with some deadbeat dad.” (pg. 17)

This season, let’s embrace and celebrate the opportunity to steward the next generation of cultural rebuilders!

A friend e-mailed me this link of Dr. Dobson's comments on Father-Daughter relationships. I appreciate what he said and the fact that he clearly explained the great responsiblity a father has in shaping his daughter's beliefs, future relationships, and espeically her perception of men.

Fathers, please take this to heart!

Father-Daughter Connection
Dr. Dobson Answers Your Questions

Q. Could you talk about a father’s influence on his daughter and what he should hope to accomplish through that relationship?


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A good father will leave his imprint on his daughter for the rest of her life.


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A. Fathers have an incalculable impact on their daughters. Most psychologists believe, and I am one of them, that all future romantic relationships to occur in a girl’s life will be influenced positively or negatively by the way she perceives and interacts with her dad. If he rejects and ignores her, she will spend her life trying to replace him in her heart. If he is warm and nurturing, she will look for a lover to equal him. If he thinks she is beautiful, worthy, and feminine, she will be inclined to see herself that way. But if he thinks she is unattractive and uninteresting, she is likely to carry self-esteem problems into her adult years.

I have also observed that a woman’s respect for her husband is significantly influenced by the way she perceived her father. If he was overbearing, uncaring or capricious during her developmental years, she may disrespect her husband and question his judgment. But if Dad blended love and leadership in a way that conveyed strength, she will be more likely to live harmoniously with him.

None of these tendencies or trends is absolute, of course. Individual differences can always produce exceptions and contradictions. But this statement will be hard to refute: A good father will leave his imprint on his daughter for the rest of her life.

— Dr. James Dobson

It was originally posted at http://www.focusonyourchild.com/relation/art1/A0000562.html

Just now had a chance to post our radio interview on Faith and Reason from last week. It was a great show. We even got to touch on singleness a little bit -- one of my favorite topics to discuss.

I know it will be an encouragement to you -- it was an encouragement to us to discuss father-daughter relationships with the host, Matt Slick.

To listen to the interview, paste this link into your browser and click on the "Interview with David and Elysse Barrett" button.
http://www.carm.org/audio/pod/matt_radio_9_12.mp3