The Cross Centered Life

The Cross Centered Life: Keeping the Gospel The Main Thing by C.J. Mahaney
rating: 5 of 5 stars

WOW! This little book is easy to read with 7 short chapters. I could have read it in 2 hours, but I made myself read only 1 or 2 chapters a day to spread it out. The message is amazing and goes to the heart of our Christian walk. Every person must read this book. This quote sums it up:

"What I hope you see is that the cross centered life isn't just one option among many that God offers. It is THE life that EVERY Christian is called to."

Beautiful!

Beautiful!

The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis

rating: 5 of 5 stars

I would think that most of us, if not all of us, have had at least a brief moment in our life when we have questioned the meaning and sense of pain in suffering in life. C.S. Lewis once again completes a thorough writing of a complex subject. This book is deep to wade through, and I plan to read this again...slowly!, but well worth your time and effort in doing so.

Abby's Birthday Party

Abby blowing out the candles on her cak last week. We had her party with her grandparents and great grandparents on the 18th.

What do you think of my first cake done with fondant?! Not too bad...but I need to figure out how to add the flavoring better. I added vanilla, but it still tasted bad.

My Little Reading Pal

I was just reading when this kitten climbed up on my shoulder!

Living Organized

Living Organized: Proven Steps for a Clutter-Free and Beautiful Home by Sandra Felton

rating: 3 of 5 stars

Do you feel overwhelmed by your house? If your answer is "yes" than this is a great book for you! This is Sandra Felton's updated and re-titled book:The Messies Superguide. It is a quick read, a simple read, a practical read. You will walk away with hands-on tips and encouragement from those in the trenches. If organizing is not your "thing" this book should be at the top of your "to read" pile. If your house is already running smooth, you may want to choose another book to read.

Abby's Sore Eye

This is a note that Abby gave me. It says:

"I hafa (have) a sor (sore) i (eye)"

She gave this to me when she had a really bad reaction to some bug bites several weeks ago.

It's neat to see her trying to write on her own now. {sigh} Can't believe she's going to start first grade in the fall!

Summer Reads

Summer is officially here and it's the best time of the year to pick up a book and read. Okay, so anytime of there year is the best time!

I have started my own book review blog and I hope that you will take a moment to "check it out" and pick up one of my recommendations for your own summer reading pleasure. So click on over and brows a bit.

Homemade Granola

Do you enjoy a good bowl of granola slathered in milk or maybe vanilla yogurt? Mmmm! I do! It's even more enjoyable when it's homemade. So in honor of all you granola-loving gals I am sharing my recipe with you!

Homemade Sweet Granola

In a large bowl (Tupperware works best) mix the following ingredients:

7 Cups Quick Oats
2 Cups Shredded Coconut
1 Cup Chopped Nuts (optional)
1 Cup Wheat Germ (optional)
1/2 Cup Sunflower Seeds (optional)
1 to 2 Tbs Cinnamon

My favorite tool for mixing this all together is actually the Pampered Chef potato masher tool! Works like a charm, especially after you add the wet ingredients.

In a large measuring cup mix together:

1/2 Cup Oil
3/4 Cup Honey
1 Tbs Vanilla Extract

Stir together and then mix into the dry ingredients until well blended. Be sure to stir out all those clumps!

Now spread it into 2 large pans. I like to use my Pampered Chef bar pans; they really make a difference in they way it bakes.

Bake them at 300 degrees for 20 minutes. Stir the pans every 5 minutes.


After it's done baking let the pans cool and then dump the baked granola back into the mixing bowl. (I suggest you rinse and dry the bowl out first!) Now add your dried fruit. I like pineapple, but this batch I just used a package of mixed berries.

Then when you get hungry you can try a bowl topped with a spoon full of vanilla yogurt or smothered in cold milk. The choice is yours! Just enjoy!

The Priest (Sons Of Encouragement)

The Priest by Francine Rivers

rating: 5 of 5 stars

"The Priest" was the first Francine River's book I have read. I was not dissapointed! Francine did an amazing job of staying true to the Biblical account of Aaron while at the same time capturing his emotions and human perspective as a simple man beyond that of the title of "Bible character".

She probed the depth of what it was like to be a man that many in today's age admire and scorn in the same breath. I walked into this story thinking "how could he have made the golden calf?", and stumbled away convicted of the times I, too, have crumbled under pressure and the curse of sin.

I began the story with a judging heart of Aaron and ended the book in tears as I reflected on my own rebellious heart.

"The Priest" brought new meaning and life to the account of the Israelite's journey from Egypt to the Promised Land in a way that touched both my mind and heart.

This book is not only an enjoyable and relaxing read, but a challenge to your own walk with the Great I Am.

I am honored to give this excellent work of writing a 5 star rating! This is a must read for all; young and old.

6-Year-Old Questions

Just moments ago I was sitting in my comfy, blue chair here in my study, finishing up my daily Bible reading. My recently-turned-six daughter, Abby, walked into the room and sat down across from me. She sprawled out in the desk chair spinning and chattering while I was attempting to read.

"Mom, can you get married where ever you want to?"

I guess I should be used to odd questions by now, but coming from a 6-year-old, I was still quite surprised by this one! "What do you mean?", I asked back.

"I mean you got married in (she named the state) where you lived and then you moved to (named the state we used to live in). So does the girl have to get married in the state she lives in or can she get married where ever she wants to?"

I stifled a giggle and answered her question. What will this child think of next?! I guess only another 6-year-old may have an idea!

The Pot Of Gold!

I'm sure you have all heard about the tale of there being a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow...right? Well, today I feel like I've found that pot of gold!

Some days doing my devotions is hard and some days it come easy. Some days trying to apply what I have read is a challenge and other days it happens without much digging. Today was one of those exceptional days where I fell into a treasure chest - or a pot of gold - as I read through 1 Samuel. So let me share a few thoughts with you. Or in this case, a few gold coins!

Gold Coin #1:

1 Samuel 15:22 says,

"Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice and to heed is better than the fat of rams."

This verse reminded me once again of the incredible importance of simple obedience. It's so easy to get caught up in serving and checking off the tasks that go with my responsibilities at church that I forget, or set aside, the simple obedience of spending time with Him each day in reading and in prayer. I bow to the "urgent" task of the moment rather than the one of obedience to God. It's like my children giving me a hug and saying "I love you, Mommy!" and then running out the door without picking up their playroom like I just told them to.

Gold Coin #2:

In 1 Samuel 16 we read of David being anointed for the first time as a symbol of God's plan to use him for His glory. Then just a few verses later we read of David serving Saul! I don't know how much David understood at that immediate time, but I am sure that he understood enough to know that serving Saul was a humble position for him. Yet he did it. The future king of Israel, the man that God had placed His hand upon, was now serving the King that God no longer was with. I am touched by David's humbleness and trust in God's timing.

Gold Coin #3:

The number 40 is used quite frequently in the Bible!

-40 days the spies were in Canaan

-40 years the Israelites wandered in the dessert

-40 days Goliath came forward and challenged the Israelite army

-40 days it rained during the flood of Noah's days

Are you getting the picture yet?! I want to do a study some day on all the "40's" of the Bible.

Gold Coin #4:

From 1 Samuel 18:12-16 I am once again reminded of how pain and suffering, pleasure and happiness ALL come from the Lord in His love for us. All of it is for the glory of God. David was successful not because of his own power and accomplishments, but by the hand of God. When our lives are sailing along on smooth seas we tend to credit ourselves. When the wild waves of trials come we then turn and blame God. But all the sea is created for HIS glory not ours regardless of the calm or storm.

Well, my friends, these are the gold coins I am walking away with for the day. I am actually not done reading today, but I wanted to put these on "paper" while they were still fresh in my mind. I hope that these thoughts challenge you just as they challenged me!

The Five Love Languages Of Children

The Five Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman

rating: 4 of 5 stars

Several years ago I read the original "Five Love Languages" and that lead me to read this version aimed at our children. I enjoyed this read for the simple and easy read with lots of examples and the pracitcal application. Some of the things I gleaned from this book were:

-Let the phrase "I love you" stand alone. Don't add "but", "and", or "if".

-Make an effort to hug the kids at "routine" times each day like always when the get up in the morning and/or when they leave for school.

-Praise them often...look for things to praise them for.

-Put notes in their lunch bags.

-Plan to spend time with the kids each morning before beginning my morning routine. (for kids at home.)

-Make the most of the random times I'm alone one-on-one with a child.

-Bedtime routines are importan to develop good communication for the later years of their life.

-Make as much eye contact as possible with a child.

-Schedule time with your children into your calendar just like I do anyone else.

-Make their everyday needs into special gifts.

-Help my children often.

-Practice hospitality as a family.



The 5 tips to discovering your child's primary love language was very helpful and I enjoyed their list of choices to use with a 5 to 10 year old. (I'm sure I will like the other ones, too, when my kids are those ages!)



The only caution I give is that this book takes on some secular theory (integration) that I don't agree with. However, if you read with discernment (specifically in the last few chapters on parenting) ti's a good book. I think the important thing here is balance and that the core of this book is a great supplement to a book like Shepherding A Child's Heart.

The Last Battle

The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis

rating: 4 of 5 stars

Never in my life have I wanted to read such fiction books as The Chronicles Of Narnia, but in my desire to read the works of C.S. Lewis I determined to work through them. What began in duty has ended in delight! While book 2 was my favorite, I have really enjoyed them all. I grew fond of the "children" and cried over Aslan. I'm not a fan of un-realistic fiction, but the spiritual application in these books is so powerful that it makes the fantasy enjoyable. I encourage you to expose your own mind and heart to C.S. Lewis's incredible writing and encouragement.

He Is The Lord

"He is the Lord; let Him do what is good in His eyes."

These words were spoken by Eli the priest immediately after receiving bad news from the young boy Samuel. As we read in 1 Samuel chapter 3, the Lord spoke to Samuel and told him of the coming punishment to the house of Eli. The next morning Eli asked Samuel what the Lord had said and required Samuel to share the entire message. After Samuel obediently relayed the Lord's message, Eli spoke these words:

"He is the Lord; let Him do what is good in His eyes."

Eli's sons were wicked and Eli apparently did not do much, if anything, to stop them. The Lord's very first message to Samuel was one of doom to Eli's family.

I can not imagine being Samuel and having to tell the very man that cares for you that punishment is coming. I can not imagine being Eli and being given this utterly terrible message from a young boy.

But what amazes me in all of this account is that despite the failures of Eli, which are obvious due to the coming punishment, he stands in this time of reckoning with submission to the Lord and His ways! Eli does not begin to whine and complain. He does not question and beg God for an answer. He simply responds to the Lord with:

"He is the Lord; let Him do what is good in His eyes."

Amazing! Is it not???

What would my response be? What would your response be?

When trials happen in my life I usually complain somewhere along the line. I usually whine at some point in time. I question God why this is happening and even beg Him to show my why...sooner rather than later.

While we see obvious reasons for God's punishment on Eli's household, we don't always see the reason for the things we are going through. However, that should not change the spirit in with which we respond. We each should submit to the Lord and accept whatever is good in His eyes. We do not see things that He sees. We do not know things that He knows. Nor will we ever!

My new motto for life is going to be:

"He is the Lord; let Him do what is good in His eyes."

How about you?

It won't be easy. But that is why we have the Holy Spirit within us...if we are children of God. Through Him you can submit to what is good in His eyes - whatever it may be.

"He is the Lord; let Him do what is good in His eyes."

Parenting With Scripture

Parenting With Scripture: A Topical Guide for Teachable Moments by Kara Durbin

rating: 5 of 5 stars

WOW! This is what I call a parent's dream book! This is a book that any/all parents should own and keep at their finger tips. Kara gives you a topical book with scripture references, discussion guides, action steps, and several other great, easy-to-use tools. Whatever the situation may be - discipline, questions, devotion time - this is the book that will give you the answers with the passages written right out along with things to ask your kids and things your kids can do to learn through the situation. She covers topics from anger to love, from hate to godliness, from joking to suffering.

Becoming The Woman God Wants Me To Be

Becoming the Woman God Wants Me to Be: A 90-Day Guide to Living the Proverbs 31 Life by Donna Partow

rating: 4 of 5 stars

Over all it was a really good book and I was able to glean many good things from the daily "lessons". I like how it's broken down into daily segments rather than just reading a book through and being overwhelmed with all the ideas and tips that you should be doing. This book made things into bite sized portions. I also enjoyed how the book is written from a perspective that any woman could read it - married, single, divorced, widowed...where ever you are in life this book is for you. The third thing I really liked was how it covered a wide range of topics. However, I breezed through some of them for one of two reasons: 1 - I already has studied that topic at an earlier time and felt it was more comprehensive, or 2 - I totally didn't agree with her. It's because of reason number 2 that I give this only 4 stars rather than 5. But again, overall it was a wonderful book and I am still using and implementing the many tips she provided along with the scripture and devotional thoughts to go with them.

Trenches Of Motherhood Blogroll

Welcome to the blogroll of for The Trenches Of Motherhood! It's a pleasure to meet you and introduce you to my friends!

If you would like to be on this list, just send me an e-mail to the address on my sidebar and include a link to your blog. I'll check it out and if your blog is family friendly, helpful, and uplifting, I will be happy to add you to this roll. Let me clarify that just because I list someone here does not mean that I agree with everything they post. If you are on this list you may grab the button for below to place on your own blog!

Thanks for joining in the fun here in the trenches! {When you see the (BFCL) is stands for BlogFrog Community Leader!}

• 5 Minutes For Mom
• A Silly Little Sparrow
• All Because I Fell In Love
• Bring The Rain
• Burrill's Notes From The North
• Cardamom's Pod
• Chatty Kelly
• Dancing Barefoot On Weathered Ground (BFCL)
• Fort Thompson (BFCL)
• Girly Do's
• Girls To Grow
• Grace Dependant
• He Will Carry Me
• Here I Am...
• It Feels Like Chaos
  
• I'm "Ghana" Adopt
• Jack Hager's Jots And Thoughts
• Keeping Up With The Kellys (BFCL)
• Life More Abundant
• Little By Little
• Mama Hall
  
• MaryBeth Chapman
• Muses Of Megret
• Nathan's Fight (BFCL)
• Prairie Tales
• Rodman's Road Of Life (BFCL)
• Signs, Miracles, And Wonders
• Simple Woman's Daybook
• Smockity Frocks (BFCL)
• So, Here I Am In California!
• Supernanny, Where Are You?
• The 1600 Acre Woods
• The Buggy Crew
  
• The Carpenter Family
• The Mommy Chef (BFCL)
• The Rudy Family Rukus (BFCL)
• The Preacher's Wife
• Through Jenny's Lense
• Unexpected Blessings
• We Are THAT Family
• When Does Daddy Come Home
• You Are Next...!

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Great Links

If you have not already checked out the author links on my sidebar I would encourage you to do that soon. Like NOW!

Okay, so if you're in the middle of something really important, it can wait a minute or two...but wait, if you're in the middle of something important, why are you reading this blog? Oh! I guess that is important, too! {wink}

Seriously, when you have 3 minutes (no joke) hop, skip, or click right on over to GirlTalk to read THIS post.

Excellent!

Deborah, Samson, & Delilah

Today I worked through day 18 & 19 of my Bible In 90 Days program. That meant reading all of Judges, Ruth, and the first few chapters of 1 Samuel. That's pretty intense!

These are great books of action accounts and nothing is "boring", but out of all that action there were 2 accounts that stood out to me. Both are very familiar to most of us.

The first was of Deborah who was the 3rd judge of Israel. I'm once again amazed at how God elevated the importance of women in a culture that treated them terribly.

The second account is that of Samson. Have you ever just sat down and read through Judges 13-16? These are the chapters that tell us about Samson's life and how he fell in love with a woman named Delilah.

Now the name Delilah usually leaves a bad taste in our mouths. We hear of something or someone with that name and immediately equate it with bad, wrong, and evil. While I totally agree that she was a wicked, full of greed, I want to take just a moment to look at this part from a different angle.

Samson fell in love with her. She asked him the secret to his strength. He lied to her. She betrayed him. He didn't flee. She nagged him. He lied to her. She betrayed him. He stayed with her! She nagged him. He told her half the truth. She betrayed him. He continued to love her and stay with her! She nagged him until he was tired to death. He told her the truth. She betrayed him.

Do you see the pattern? Sin does the same thing in our lives. We see "it" and are curious...infatuated with it. We get hurt, but rather than run we stay and it keeps going down from there. We get sucked into it until it becomes the end of us.

Don't fall for "Delilah" like Samson did.

FLEE while you still can!

The Silver Chair

The Silver Chair by C.S. Lewis

rating: 4 of 5 stars

C.S. Lewis did a fabulous job of creating a fictional story woven with spiritual application. The Silver Chair is another one of his masterpieces. While I enjoyed this story a lot, I would not recommend it to young children.

Lizzy's Ups and Downs: NOT An Ordinary School Day by Jessica Harper

rating: 2 of 5 stars

While there is nothing really bad or wrong with this book, I still didn't like the story line. It was focused all about feelings. Not that I have anything against feelings, I'm a very emotional person, I think there are better ways to address them in a much more Biblical way with children. So you choose: read or not to read?

The Music On My Blog

The music playing on my blog right now (Freedom, Thy Word, and Can't Live A Day) is all in honor of my husband.

Freedom was our processional at our wedding, Thy Word was part of the recessional, and Can't Live A Day was one of the two songs I sang for my husband.

There's no special occasion right now - our anniversary isn't for another 5 weeks - but I just felt like putting them on for awhile. Hope you enjoy them, too! They are beautiful songs.

Fire Insurance

I just finished tucking my children into bed.

Oops! Pardon me while I go tuck one back into bed!

Okay, so NOW I just finished tucking my children into bed. While cuddling with Abby and working on memorizing the books of the Old Testament, she asked me to pray that there wouldn't be any fire in our house tonight. I told her that just because I ask God to keep us safe does not mean that there won't be a fire.

"But why? I thought if you prayed, God wouldn't let our house catch on fire?" She said in great distress.

I then explained to her that God is not a magical gene - pray a prayer and get a few wants. Rather God is in control of all and knows what is best for us.

"Maybe God will allow a fire, Abby. And if He does, He will take care of you through it all. Or maybe He won't allow a fire tonight. We need to pray that He will walk us through whatever He wants us to and that our actions and words will glorify Him through it all - whatever that may be."

God's ways are not our ways, His thoughts not our thoughts. And life is not always what it appears to be. But God is ALWAYS on His throne and in control. There is nothing that takes place that He does not know about. Prayer is not fire insurance - it's a personal conversation with the Creator of all...and the Author of your life.

I could keep on blogging, but right now it's time for me to get back to spending time with my Creator now that my children are all tucked in bed.

I think.

As An Example

The Old Testament is given to us as an example. The lives of the Israelites are an example for us. So I can't help but wonder as I read today...

What about Rahab?

Her story is so interesting and exciting to read. But...

But what about that lie she told?

As I mulled over that thought today I couldn't help but think about the example of the whole situation. God can and will use those He chooses despite their flaws. There are no perfect people and He's not waiting for you to measure up before He uses you.

I am not saying that it was right for her to lie. It was sin when she told the king's men that the spies had left. What I am saying is that God chose to use her even in her sinful state.

I don't understand God's ways. I never will. He is God. I am nothing but a sinful wretch.

But what an encouragement to read in the Old Testament of people who messed up, too, and God still used them.

Oh, they still had to endure consequences of their sin...but God still loved them and took care of them.

I am so glad that God still loves me and cares for me. Despite my utter depravity, He reached down and lifted me out of a pit of sin and shame and has now washed me up for His glory.

Grace Rules

Grace Rules: Living in the Kingdom of God Where by Steve McVey

rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow. WOW. WOW!!!

This book is an amazing unpacking of God's grace and what it means to us as Born-again Christians. I am normally a fast reader, but this book made me read chapter by chapter, sometimes paragraph by paragraph! Take your time and open up your Bible and study it out as you go. You will walk away with a fresh look at life as a child of God...understanding what it means to walk in grace and not legalism, rejoicing in being able to have victory over sin, understanding the will of God, and being able to celebrate the fact that you have been SAVED by God's grace! This is a must read for every believer. I don't say this lightly, but this will now get the title of being my #1 recommended book to others.

Praying Wives Club

Praying Wives Club, The: Gather Your Girlfriends and Pray for Your Marriage by Marita Littauer

rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you want to pray for your marriage this is a great book to read. Why not get some girlfriends together and pray?! This book explains, why, how, and gives all the help you need to kick-off your own group. Don't let fear of praying with others stop you. They cover everything from group commitment to confidentiality.

The Quick-Fix Home Organizer

The Quick-Fix Home Organizer: Making Your Home Beautiful and Your Life Clutter Free by Emilie Barnes

rating: 3 of 5 stars

An easy read, quick tip book! Full of tips and help for getting organized from the kitchen to the bathroom, from your clothes to the kids rooms. Emilie covers it all in a quick, "easy dosage" style.

Amelia Bedelia: Bookworm

Amelia Bedelia, Bookworm by Herman Parish

rating: 3 of 5 stars

I grew up on Amelia Bedelia! Now I'm laughing as I read it to my children! A funny story of AB at the Library.

The Voyage Of The Dawn Treader

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis

rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another good book in The Chronicles Of Narnia. I really enjoy way C.S. Lewis wove spiritual truth into a fictitious story. While not appropriate for young children, I do think "older" children and above can both enjoy and benefit from this book.

From Pride To Humility

From Pride to Humility by Stuart Scott

rating: 5 of 5 stars

"Of all the biblical examples of humility, the greatest by far is the example of Christ Himself." This book is a short study of moving from a life of pride to one of humility. A biblical perspective with a helpful list of manifestations of both pride and humility. You can't read this and not be challenged, encouraged, and humbled.

The Story Of Noah & The Ark

The Story of Noah and the Ark by Michael McCarthy

rating: 1 of 5 stars

You would think that any book about Noah's Ark would be a good one to read. While I'm not saying this is a terrible book, I am saying that there was enough that was wrong, slightly different, or misleading that we did not finish reading it. So this book would have to fall into my "Not To Read" category.

Rotten Ralph

Rotten Ralph's Rotten Christmas by Jack Gantos

rating: 1 of 5 stars

Why would I want to read a book called "Rotten Ralph" to my children? This book ended up in our home when I let the girls pick out their own library books. Abby and I actually read it and then had a good talk about how selfish and naughty Ralph was. She did conclude that he was nicer at the end...but why read a book that you have to have a debriefing over? We will not be reading any more of these.

Thomas Gets His Own Branch Line

Thomas Gets His Own Branch Line by Lisa Findlay

rating: 3 of 5 stars

Thomas the Train delights again as he learns how to be responsible. This book includes a charming character that kids like and some good lessons such as the importance of being responsible, the time and place to play pranks, and being considerate of others. It seems slightly long, but my 2 year old son sat still long enough to enjoy the whole book.

Little Rat Makes Music

Little Rat Makes Music by Monika Bang-Campbell

rating: 3 of 5 stars

Another in the "Little Rat" series that we really enjoyed. The book is recommended for 6 to 9 year olds, but my 4 year old daughter enjoyed it, too. Little Rat enjoys music and wants to learn how to make music. This story does a wonderful job of showing how it takes hard work and practice to make beautiful music, but that it's also well worth the effort. And the cute pictures of Little Rat and a cat playing violins together are just too cute!

Pepe And Papa

Pepe and Papa by Linda Hayward

rating: 1 of 5 stars

I'm quite surprised by the fact that this is considered a "mile 1" book. I don't claim to know much about childhood reading levels, but this was not for Abby to read. Beyond that fact is the one that I didn't like this book due to the story line. It has the "poor horse" riding in a pick-up by the end of the story. I could sum it up by saying that I didn't appreciate it and would not recommend you read this when there are many other better books out there.

Cat Hat

Cat Hat by Michelle Knudsen

rating: 3 of 5 stars

Golden books has a series of books called "Road To Reading" that mark the readng levels by miles. I must say I think it's a cute concept! Today Abby and I read together this one and enjoyed it. I think it's actually a bit harder, but I would rather it be harder than too easy. This is a cute story with funny pictures.

Barney's Book Of Trucks

Barney's Book of Trucks by Monica Mody


rating: 3 of 5 stars

Another book about trucks! This book was an easy to understand book that showcased a variety of trucks and their jobs. It was great for my 2 year old boy and even my 4 and 6 year old girls liked it. It's a good book to add to your "About Trucks Reading List". I'm not the only that has one, right?!

Farmer Brown Shears His Sheep

Farmer Brown Shears His Sheep: A Yarn About Wool by Teri Sloat

rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an adorable story of a farmer who shears his sheep and they get cold. We enjoyed the rythem of the words and learning about wool while enjoying a cute story.

Not Like It Appears

I recently went out to lunch with my Mom to a small country cafe and shop. After eating a lovely lunch we wandered through the gift shop. A country sign caught my eye and so I bought it. The sign read:

"If everything seems to be going well you have obviously overlooked something."

I thought of this sign today as I read some more in "The Priest" by Francine Rivers. The story is a novel based on the life of Aaron; the brother of Moses who is found in the Bible. As I read about the Israelites constant complaints and questioning it made me realize that life is not like it appears to be.

We so often look at life expecting something different than what happens and then we get upset when it doesn't go our way. The Israelites expected to go right from Egypt to the Promised Land. When they found themselves in the dessert they grew angry and complained against the Lord despite the incredible miracles He continued to do for them.

Does this sound familiar to you?

Life is not like it appears to be.

I know the sign I bought sounds quite pessimistic, but I like it for the reminder that life is not what appears to be. When things may seem to be going well, they could actually be going "bad". When things are going bad, they might actually be going "great"! We don't know.

But God knows.

And because God knows, we can rest because He is in control of our every moment.

Life is not like it appears to be. It's not about us. It may appear to be about us, but life is not like it appears to be.

Life is about God.

His ways are not ours, His thoughts not like ours.

Life is not like it appears to be.

It's much better.

The Reason For God

The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism by Timothy Keller

rating: 4 of 5 stars

Timothy Keller did a wonderful job of presenting the reason for God in "The Reason For God". This was my first apologetic genre book to read I was challenged by it. While I do believe in God and His son Jesus Christ and am a child of His, it was good to read (listen to in this case) a book that dealt with why I believe. I would be willing to recommend this book to any person I came in contact with that has questions and is skeptical. Mr. Keller presents a well thought out, yet calm case. He's not "in your face" but actually encouraging your questions and thoughts while working through them. I look forward to this being the first of many books I read (or listen to) that present a well rounded case in offense and defense of my faith.

Junie B. Jones

Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus by Barbara Park

rating: 1 of 5 stars

There are some books that giving my honest thoughts about does not bother me at all. But this one is different. It's with sadness that I report my thoughts and thus place this book (& most likely series) into my "do not read" category.
While I laughed hysterically at many points as I listened to this with my daughter (audio book!), I also was quite bothered by the use of "stupid" and "hate". Junie B mentioned several times that she hated one of her classmates and used the term stupid about multiple things. While I don't have a problem with those words, I do have a problem with they way they were used and of course the fact that a 5 year old was using them.

So despite the cute stories and great humor, I will not let my daughters listen or read this series and I would encourage other mom's to not let their daughters either. My children pick up to quickly wrong things to do, say, and think. I don't need to teach them to say they hate people when they do things they don't like, nor do they need to be taught to call random objects stupid just because the don't like it at the moment.

I hope I can find another series that will be just as funny without the bad influence. Or better yet...it would be great if the author would revise the books!

A Birthday Surprise!

For Abby's 6th birthday she got to ride a horse for the very first time. This child who is afraid of almost everything is NOT afraid of horses! She walked right up to them and mingled with all 4 of them. Even Emmy and Micah got to ride and they all really enjoyed it. It was true delight for a parent to see their child so excited about something!

Here are a few pictures of the fun time!

Abby with the "baby". Abby finally riding a horse!

Emmy brushing one of them.

Both girls enjoyinga ride.

Micah enjoyed it all, too!

He did get to ride by himself a little later on.

Bulls, Rams, & Lambs...OH MY!

If you read through several chapters in Numbers you will soon be very thankful that we live in the day that we do!

Take a moment and read chapters 28-30 and you will get a taste of the grace that we live in. I am so thankful for God's grace and the freedom we have in Christ. As a child of His, I am no longer bound to laws, but out of my love for Christ - the Savior of my soul - I respond in obedience.

Bulls, rams, & lambs! Not for me! The Lamb of God took my sin. To Him the praises be!

Abigail

This is my bubbly, outgoing, affectionate, excited, loving, caring, kind, and all around sweet daughter!

Dear Abby,

Today you turn 6 years old. It has been a true joy to raise you thus far. I thank God for the honor and privlege of being your Mommy.

You were a wonderful baby and not much has changed. While are by far not perfect, you are an easy child to care for. You are very considerate of others and love to talk to talk to other people about them and not yourself. You desire to obey and we can see God working in your heart as you are so sensative to spiritual things. You love to pray and read your Bible. You love to praise Him...even though I don't think singing is your gift!

This year has been a big year for you as you have learned to read and do simple math. I delight in watching you figure things out on your own and it's so exciting to hear you read from your very own Bible. You have also become very aware of the world around you and the concept of time. We can carry on a conversation with you about plans and events and you understand what's going to happen. You have an incredible memory and enjoy learning verses.

It's hard for me to believe that 6 years ago you were a 6lb, 4oz baby that I jumped out of bed to go get from the nursery only 5 hours after giving birth. I praise God for the joy in you and pray that He will continue His good work in your life.

I love you, Abigail!

Love, Mommy

What's So Spiritual About Your Gifts?

Finally!

I just finished reading "What's So Spiritual About Your Gifts?" by the father-son team of Henry & Mel Blackaby.

It is an excellent read! I don't say WOW about many books, but this one deserves a WOW!

It helped to change the way I view the role of the Holy Spirit in my life. I think this quote sums it up pretty well.

"Many want the Spirit's power but not the Spirit's purity. The Holy Spirit does not rent out His attributes. His power is never separated from His glorious Self." - James A. Stewart

And then this quote from the book will explain my excitement in my changed perspective

"He may choose to take you into areas of service in which you're naturally weak, to reveal His strength and bring glory to Himself."

Now this my friend is "scary" but also something to be excited about! The prayer of my heart is to be used by God and this book has helped my understand how it's my job to be obedient to the Holy Spirit.

Sounds easy, huh? Like telling our kids, "Just obey"!

Oh, but we all know it's not. However, through Him I will obey Him to bring honor to Him. I hope I'll be able to bring stories to you as I heed the Spirit's promptings and willingly surrender DAILY to Him.

Now, go get a copy of this book! It's one that every one's home libraries should own.

The Costly Call

Last Monday morning, 4am to be exact, I finished reading The Costly Call. It's a book modern-day stories of Muslims who found Jesus. It is informative as it gives you a glimpse into the lives of those believing in Islam. And it is also heartbreaking as you read of what these Christians have had to give up and endure for the sake of believing in Jesus Christ as the One and Only way to heaven.

Since it is broken into 19 chapters - each one person's story - it's an easy read. But I don't think you can read it without having your perspective changed and your heart humbled. I was brought to tears as I read of my brothers and sisters in Christ being disowned, beaten, and watching family members sacrifice their lives.

It's time that each of us, as a disciple of Christ, get serious about praying for our brothers and sisters who are daily persecuted and for the souls longing for purpose but held back by the grips of fear and their culture.

Where Do I Go?

Where Do I Go? by Neta Jackson

rating: 4 of 5 stars

It felt so good to reconnect with old friends in this book (original yada yada members) but this book didn't have a tidy ending like most books do. I assume that Gabby's story will play out in more books to come but through this I realized again how real life is just like...not always tidy. It was encouraging to see God tugging at Gabby's heart through the trials of life.

Sunset

Sunset by Karen Kingsbury

rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ahhhh...another great read from Karen Kingsbury. It took me 5 hours straight through (9pm to 2am) but it was well worth it. I cried and laughed throughout the book as if it was my own family I was reading about. And once again I am challenged by the lives of the Baxters to step up to the plate and live my life with a passion for my Saviour because I am REDEEMED!

The Chase

The Chase: Pursuing Holiness in Your Everyday Life by Jerry Bridges

rating: 3 of 5 stars

Is a good book, and worth the time to read it. Had a lot of challenging food for thought & application.