Book Review: On Earth as it is in Heaven

I picked up this book at the discount store. I tend to browse for sound authors and grab some cheap reads. This is the first book I have read by Warren Wiersbe, On Earth As It Is in Heaven: How the Lord's Prayer Teaches Us to Pray More Effectively.

The book takes each section of the Lord's Prayer from Matthew 6 and explains what is REALLY being said and how it applies to us as Christians. Do we know what we are saying? Do we really believe what we are saying? Do we really want what we are saying? The book interested me as Abby just finished memorizing the Lord's prayer a few months ago. I can not do the content of this book justice so I am only going to bullet point my little nuggets.

• Prayer isn't an option; it's an obligation and an opportunity for us to glorify God's name.
• Prayer isn't a luxury; it's a necessity.
• The people of this world look at heaven from earth's point of view, but God's people look at this world from heaven's point of view.
• Biblical worship should begin with transcendence, affirming that the Lord is above us and is in control. Then we should move to immanence, thanking the Lord that he is with us as we leave his sanctuary. The current "buddy-buddy" approach to the Lord is definitely unbiblical. "Abba, Father" is fine for personal devotions but not always for corporate worship. We must first see the Lord "seated on a throne, high, and exalted" so we can truly say, "Woe is me" and "Here am I. Send me."
• Our task as a chosen people is to advertise by our words and deeds the glorious virtues of Jesus Christ.
• How can he church advertise the virtues of Jesus Christ if the church is imitating the world? We have been called to shine as lights, not reflect as mirrors.
• If we pray "your kingdom come" while at the same time compromising with the world, we are hypocrites and our prayers will not be answered.
• The unconverted person wears a heavy yoke of sin that grows heavier every day. The outwardly religious person wears a yoke of rules and rituals that bring no relief. But the children of God are united with Christ and wear a yoke that is easy. They carry burdens that are light, because "his commands are not burdensome" (1 John 5:3). This is the summary of true discipleship.

Just some nuggets that struck a cord with me either as conviction or an Amen. It was a good read and a good reminder that the Lord's prayer is not just a prayer we memorize as kids but one that should truly be our daily model.

How will we go down in History?

The lyrics to this song have been echoing in my head for some time. I thought I would share them here.
How will we go down in History?

Oh little town of Bethlehem

Looks like another silent night

Above your deep and dreamless sleep

A giant star lights up the sky

And while you're lying in the dark

There shines an everlasting light

For the King has left His throne

And is sleeping in a manger tonight

Oh Bethlehem, what you have missed while you were sleeping

For God became a man

And stepped into your world today

Oh Bethlehem, you will go down in history

As a city with no room for its King

While you were sleeping

While you were sleeping

Oh little town of Jerusalem

Looks like another silent night

The Father gave His only Son

The Way, the Truth, the Life had come

But there was no room for Him in the world He came to save

Jerusalem, what you have missed while you were sleeping

The Savior of the world is dying on your cross today

Jerusalem, you will go down in history

As a city with no room for its King

While you were sleeping

While you were sleeping

United States of America

Looks like another silent night

As we're sung to sleep by philosophies

That save the trees and kill the children

And while we're lying in the dark

There's a shout heard 'cross the eastern sky

For the Bridegroom has returned

And has carried His bride away in the night

America, what will we miss while we are sleeping

Will Jesus come again

And leave us slumbering where we lay

America, will we go down in history

As a nation with no room for its King

Will we be sleeping

Will we be sleeping

United States of America

Looks like another silent night

Serving...or is it?

A friend and I were talking the other day about "serving." You know, giving of your time and talents for the good of others. We were talking about how there seems to be "levels" to service. I don't know who invented these imaginary levels but it drives people like me nuts. When you are leading a ministry, at church 3 days a week, and running ragged that is SERVING.

Then there is me. I'm back in baby mode. No ministry leadership, no being at church 3 days a week, and a different kinda ragged running is occurring here. I'm asked often how I am "serving" or if I am serving...I speculate it is because I am no longer at the visible level of service.

So, me and this friend were talking about this very thing. Who defines what equals service? Who is judge to whether we are serving "enough." What is enough? Isn't that between the Lord and I? Why are moms who are home with their children not considered serving? Isn't that our most important mission field?

My friend sent me this link about 100 Ways for Your Family to Make a Difference. All of this made us recount how we have "served" over the last month. Here is what we have done:

*made blankets for the homeless

*bought groceries for a needy family

*delivered a stove to a needy family

*packed an Operation Christmas Child box

*donated used clothing

*sent money to Haiti to help with a boys funeral expenses

Is that serving? I didn't work in the nursery at church or lead a Bible Study. I did what a could with where I am at in this season of life. I serve my husband and kids every time I pick up dirty clothes, wash dishes, iron, pack a lunch, cook a meal, and teach a math, phonics, and Bible lesson. That is serving.

So, who came up with these man made levels of service? I for one have decided to stop letting man tell me when I am serving "enough."

"She did what she could...." Mark 14:8a

"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are at." T. Roosevelt

TOADY Awards

One of the websites I follow is Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood. This is the 3rd year of voting for the TOADY (Toys Oppressive And Destructive to Young Children) awards. You will be amazed at some of the toys targeting our kids. I'd love to hear what you vote for. I voted but will share my choice later. Cast your vote today!

CCFC 2011 TOADY Award

Book Review: Choosing to See by Mary Beth Chapman

I'm not sure what inspired me to pick up this book at Ollies. I can't say I was a die hard Steven Curtis Chapman fan..I mean his music is good but I wasn't a groupie by any stretch. I knew some of their story and I don't normally like to read things that are sad; especially pertaining to our kiddos. The price tag even at Ollies was $6.99 so it wasn't a $2 deal I couldn't pass up. So, that leads me to the fact that it must have been a God thing. Choosing to SEE: A Journey of Struggle and Hope by Mary Beth Chapman was by far one of the best books I have read in a long time. Let me explain....

When I realized I loved this book and couldn't put it down I wondered what was wrong with me. It's sad. Heartbreaking actually. Why was I captivated? There it was staring me in the face....Authenticity. Something we see so rarely in todays Church. No mask, no fake smile, no sugar coating. Truth. Pain. Grieving. God.

I was drawn in from the beginning of Mary Beth's story. Her desire was to have a neat and orderly life but God had a different plan and path for her to walk. From chaos as a struggling musicians wife to unexpected pregnancy, to depression just to get her journey started. As one who thrives on order and can't deal with chaos and who has struggled with anxiety and depression I felt like I got her struggle.

Her story moves into the season of being called to adopt, start a ministry for orphans and adopting families, adopting again, and then again...and no adoption is a "neat and orderly" process!

A chunk of the book is about the accidental death of their daughter and the days, weeks, months, and years that have followed. The details are intimate and the pain so real. The journey through grieving is honest. Again I asked why I liked this book so much and not only was it authentic but it gives hope.

No mom would choose the road the Chapman family has journeyed down. However, as Mary Beth writes, she will do Hard because God has called her to that road. She faithful clings to God and God's faithfulness to them is so evident in this book.

So, I loved it. I recommend it. I admire this family more now than ever before having read their story, seen their hearts, and heard them testify to God's faithfulness even in the Hard.

Please VOTE!

Vote for God's Littlest Angels

I blogged this back in August but am reposting it seeing the deadline is next week.

Seriously, this takes 30 seconds of your time. I voted, registered and blogged this in 2 minutes flat....

God's Littlest Angels is an orphanage in Haiti that I follow by blog, pray for, and hope some day to adopt through. We know people who have adopted through them. Here is their website/blog:

God's Littlest Angels

God's Littlest Angels in Haiti

So, what's being asked?

1. Go to God’s Littlest Angels Haitian Baby Ministry :: Giving of Life

2. Vote for GLA to receive a grant

3. On the top of the web page register to receive 2 more votes

4. Return and vote again, and again

5. Spread the word by email, Facebook, or whatever method you can

Matthew 25:40
“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the leastof these brothers of mine, you did for me.’

More food for thought....

The Gospel

Raising Unselfish Kids Book Review

I picked this book up at Ollie's for $3. Raising Unselfish Children in a Self-Absorbed World by Jill Rigby. It was a good read. My critique is that again multiple translations are used including The Message which I do not endorse. As always, I will highlight the key parts that jumped off the page for me.

The book is broken into three parts.

1. Reassessing the Goal of Parenting

• We have become so self-absorbed that we've lost the ability to give without expecting something in return. (15)
• We yearn for newer, bigger, faster. We get it ans still want more, because newer, bigger, faster can never fill emptiness. We replace blouses, houses, and spouses with the same regularity. (pg. 16)
• Americans generate 230 million tons of garbage every year. (pg. 17)
• The average cost of a luxury kitchen remodel is $57,000. That is $10,000 more than the cost to build a Habitat for Humanity home. (pg. 21)
• Companies like "Hello Kitty" have created debit cards with a target audience of 10-14 year olds. (pg. 24)

2. Bumping your Child off Self-Center

• We must intentionally, rationally, emotionally, and wholeheartedly seek to raise unselfish children, or it won't happen. (pg. 41)
• Three types of parents: Deflector (asks kids to make decisions they aren't capable of), Depriver (either do too little or too much for kids and deprive them of doing things for self), and Developer (devloop children by giving them what they need when they need it). (pg. 54)
• Meet all their needs, not all their wants (pg. 71)
• Our self-absorbed society says, "Do something and be somebody!" God says, "You are somebody; now do your something!" (pg. 93)

3. Rebuilding our World

• If we Christians did a better job of living the Gospel, we wouldn't have to spend so much time and effort telling the Gospel. Rather than standing out as different, we look and act much like everyone else. (pg. 206)
• If you strive to be number one, you'll compete with others. If you strive to be the best, you'll only compete with yourself. If you strive to be number one, you'll give up when someone beats you. If you strive to be the best, you'll persevere until you reach your goal. (pg. 212)

There is a section in part three that addresses our lack of involvement in politics and how we are paying the price for that. I loved the multiple quotes from former Presidents of the United States such as this one from John Quincy Adams. "The highest glory of the American Revolution was this: that it connected, in one indissoluble bond, the principles of civil government and Christianity."

President Calvin Coolidge said,

"We do not need more material development; we need more spiritual devvelopment.

We do not need more intellectual power; we need more moral power.

We do not need more knowledge; we need more character.

We do not need more government; we need more culture.

We do not need more laws; we need more religion.

We do not need more of the things that are seen,

We need more of the things that are unseen."

How is that for being a nation that is said to not be founded on the principles of God Almighty.

Overall, the book was good. No real new ideas for me but a good $3 read and reminder. Some good statistics, quotes, and ideas through out the book.

Anguish

The next few days of posts will be video clips that are stirring my heart. This one has spoken to me before but has stirred my heart again. It is 7 minutes long...take the time.

May anguish be stirred in all of us.

Some Neat Websites

In a reading a parenting book, that I will review here later, a few neat websites were listed. These sites are all political in nature to keep us informed on were our leaders stand on key issues. Thought I would share them here.

OnTheIssues.org - Candidates on the Issues

iVoteValues

THOMAS (Library of Congress)

http://www.wallbuilders.com/

With elections all around us we need to be informed and vote our values!

Blog-Worthy News

As a member of the HSLDA I receive updates by email and magazine of the legal battles that face homeschoolers. Many times the battles are not homeschool specific but issues that are jeopardizing family freedom. Today alone, there are two items to consider acting on:

HSLDA | Officials Seek to Terminate Johansson Parenthood

HSLDA has learned that Swedish officials on the Island of Gotland may be seeking to terminate the parental rights of Annie and Christer Johansson. Seven-year old Domenic Johansson was snatched by a fully armed Swedish police unit in June 2009 while on board an airplane bound for Annie’s homeland of India. Among the primary reasons given for the seizure was the fact that Domenic was homeschooled. His entire family has been denied any contact with their son for nearly a year. HSLDA and the Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) filed a joint application on behalf of the Johansson family at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in June 2010 and have been working to support the family since shortly after Domenic’s seizure.

Both the ADF and HSLDA are asking for letters to be written in an attempt to renew attention to the family’s case and to encourage Swedish officials to release Domenic back to his family. The United States Supreme Court has called the termination of parental rights the family court equivalent of the death penalty. Annie and Christer have done nothing worthy of such a horrific outcome. Will you join us as fellow advocates and take a moment to write to the Swedish Social Services Committee in charge of Domenic’s custody situation? The Johansson family is grateful for your efforts on their behalf.

The link above will take you to sample letters that you can mail on behalf of this family...mine is in the mail.

The other issue at hand, and I have addressed this before, is the parents right to make decisions for their children is being taken away by the government. As a NY State resident, our policies often follow California. Well, California just signed into law a bill allowing 12 year old children to decide for themselves on the Gardisil (HPV) vaccine. Check out the link below.

California Further Erodes Parental Rights - Parentalrights.org

As a parent, I can not imagine allowing a 12 year old to make a medical decision for themselves. Beyond that issue is the issue of this vaccine being for HPV, a type of STD. Why are we promoting a STD vaccine to 12 year olds?

I encourage you to get informed and take action...all of these "little" steps lead to the same end result, the erosion of parental rights.

Book Review: The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace

When my last try at a "wifey" kinda book failed, I was hesitant to pick this one up from my pile. So glad I did. I added The Excellent Wife: A Biblical Perspective by Martha Peace to my list of must read books.

The book is broken down into four main parts:

Part One: A Wife's Understanding (foundational truths about God)

Part Two: A Wife's Responsibility (a wife's commitments)

Part Three: A Wife's Submission

Part Four: A Wife's Special Concerns (Emotional Challenges)

For me, the book was an easy read. The text is packed with scripture throughout and what sold me is that she used only ONE bible translation (NASB)!! She didn't pick and choose translations to make her point. She allowed the authority of God's written Word to speak truth on it's own...Amen to that!

I won't even touch on the meat of this book so really, pick up a copy and read it. I think it is a great book to give newly married women. With Submission being such a distorted concept in 2011 she illustrates and explains it perfectly in line with scripture. She talks about love, respect, submission, sex, bitterness, communication, and conflict to name a few topics.

So, just a few take-aways for me to share....

• What can I give without expecting thanks or recognition? Hmmm....this goes for all relationships. So often we look at giving from a selfish stand point. I want to work on giving without being noticed...you know how sometimes you just want someone to thank you that clean clothes keep appearing in their rooms...I need to learn to give as a mom/wife without recognition.
• An excellent wife does not respond based on mood-she is consistent. I have to say, I'm a moody bugger. I know I respond based on mood to both my husband and children. Another area to take notice of and work on.
• "Often wives presumptuously judge their husbands and react based on what they think their husbands are thinking...Instead of judging his motives, give him the benefit of the doubt and place his action in the best possible light." (pg. 190)
• "God's Word is the final authority for the practice of your life. You may in fact, be very active in your church and still not be doing what the Lord told you to do through His Word." (pg. 181) This was one of those sobering thoughts that jump off the page. I can remember seasons of being so "busy" with church that you aren't in the Word listening. In this season of life where I have stepped back from the "business" of church, I hear better and fulfill my roles better.

Those are only tiny nuggets that pulled at my heart. The meat of what a biblical wife looks like is there for you to explore on your own. I leave you with this thought from 1 Corinthians 13:

⁴ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

What area of love do you need to work on? Patience? Anger? Trust? Pride? Pick one and start working on it today by the grace of God. we can all become an Excellent Wife.

Organizing Idea

I had been looking for a way to organize all the girly hair stuff in our house. In a small house with one bathroom and 3 girls the hair supplies can get out of control. I've been using this method for the summer and it is wonderful...thought I'd share it.

On the back of our laundry room door I added a see through shoe holder. All of our combs/brushes, clips/ties, and product fit right in the pockets. I found the see through holder at Bed Bath and Beyond. I added a cheap $5 mirror on the wall and ta-da! An entirely new hair doing area completely organized!

Close up view. It's kinda crazy to look at it and realize the 18 month old has more hair stuff than the rest of us!

I'm always looking for new ways to organize in our small house. Feel free to comment and add your tips!

Book Review: Turn Up the Heat by Kevin Leman

After my last failed attempt to read a marriage book (see previous post) I grabbed for another book. Drew asked what I was reading and I answered,"Turn Up the Heat." He said something like...ohhhh. I responded, "After that last book I figured a book on sex has to be good!"

I bought this book because it was on the damaged list at Christianbook.com. Plain and simple...a cheap book to meet my free shipping limit! I like Dr. Leman and have seen him speak twice. The book was good but not great. His books, Sex Begins in the Kitchen and Sheet Music were great. This one was just ok for me.

The book is laid out in a Q&A style. He writes only a page or two and then has letters submitted with his response. I didn't find any earth shattering revelation or big ah ha moments in the book. A lot of the book covered areas of struggle in marriage and the sexual relationship...we are pretty ok in that department.

So, my take away from this book were:

• A reminder that Sex is important and needs to be a priority....no matter how tired you are or how much the kids have touched on you all day.
• Routine Sex=Happy Marriage
• Sex=less visual temptation for our husbands...let's be real. They are wired visually and this world of 2011 isn't helping them any. I sat in a wedding Saturday and if you turned your head to the left all you saw was a young woman's breast in your face...in church.
• Ladies, especially us Jesus loving ladies, need to step it up in the modesty department. Teach it to our children. Why do we see teens in church with shorts barely covering their tush?

Oh, I could get on my soapbox. The point is, the book was another great reminder of the importance of sexual intimacy in marriage. As a mom, it is so easy to put this on the back burner and use up all our time, energy, and affection on the kids but that is not what the Bible instructs us to do.

Now that I wrote this, you all know what area I am working on right now ;-)

Book Review: Created to be His Help Meet by Debi Pearl

I tried, really I did. I heard about this book. I bought it. I started reading it. And that is when it all changed. My spirit sent up red flags from the beginning. I couldn't put it all into words but I kept coming back to hubby and sharing nuggets that left me dazed and confused. I made it 4 chapters before stopping. I quit. I never quit in the middle of a book but this one is harmful. I do not recommend it.

Since that time, I have googled the book (wish I did that first and saved my $10) and seen the controversy. I have to agree with much of what this blog states..."Created to Be His Help Meet" discussion.

I am huge on submission of wives to husbands. I am huge on finding ways to help ease my husbands load seeing I am blessed to be home. I am huge on wives respecting their husbands. I am huge on working on making your marriage glorious.

I am not huge on being a doormat, on my sole identity being in my role as a helper to my husband. What happened to being created in God's image? That is where my created purpose and identity lie, in Christ ALONE.

My other hang up with the book other than the inaccurate biblical portrayal of wives, is the language used. How does a godly women use language like "hussy and wench?"

Oh, how I could go on. The numerous letters of cheating husbands was discouraging but even more so were the responses. How we (women) have to compete for our husbands love and attention. How we should pursue a cheating husband with "aggressive intimate times" to win him over and not assume he is ours because of marriage vows is totally disturbing to me.

Ahhhh.....what a dangerous book for the new wife just looking for practical ways to be her husbands helper. Don't read the book...just go mow his lawn, take out the garbage or pack him a nice lunch....doing something loving, respect him (especially in front of others), and simply ask, how can I help you today?

Book Review: The Mission of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson

I was first "introduced" to Sally Clarkson when trying to figure out what my "method" for homeschooling was. I wasn't until I stumbled across Educating the WholeHearted Child by Clay and Sally Clarkson that I could put into words what I felt about homeschooling. Since then I have read two other books by Sally with the latest being, The Mission of Motherhood: Touching Your Child's Heart for Eternity.

What I like about this book is that Sally Clarkson understands the design God intended for the family. In today's culture of self, Sally expresses the need for us moms to be moms. She says how in the beginning and up to a decade or two ago, "motherhood was seen as a noble & important calling. Women considered themselves blessed to bear many children, and it was considered normal & good for home & family to be the central focus of a women's life." That is not true of today's culture. Women are looked down upon for being "just a mom." Society is pushing women to consider not having children and painting a picture of children as a burden. Some restaurants, movie theaters, and grocery stores are beginning to ban children/babies from their establishments. I believe that children are a blessing from the Lord even though society is leaning away from this truth.

In society today, many parents don't parent. Families join every activity, every sport, every chance to put their kids under the care of another. Selfishness with our time drives so many to ignore the needs of their children. This example is drastic but just yesterday this was the news, a Mom leaves kids in hot car to go tanning. Seriously? Tanning was so important that a baby sat in a hot car, alone?

I believe it is a mom's role to be with her kids. I'm not saying that working moms are bad. Everyone has a different situation and that decision is between them and God. I do however think that if possible, moms should be home with their children. The Bible shows us over & over again that the disciples were "with" Jesus. Jesus instructed them, advised them, and modeled right behavior. He included them. What he almost never did was sign them up for activities & programs. I know we have sacrificed 2 incomes, a larger home, nicer cars, big vacations (all worldly things I might add) for the privilege to be the sole influence in our children's lives. The trade off is far worth it.

Ok, I got off on a tangent. Point is, the book is a good reminder of the biblical role of motherhood. We are to have a heart for God, our Children, our Home, and Eternity. The world has a skewd perspective and the Church needs to rise to the occasion of showing what a blessing our children are and what a privilege it is to be home with them.

Vote for God's Littlest Angels

Seriously, this takes 30 seconds of your time. I voted, registered and blogged this in 2 minutes flat....

God's Littlest Angels is an orphanage in Haiti that I follow by blog, pray for, and hope some day to adopt through. We know people who have adopted through them. Here is their website/blog:

God's Littlest Angels

God's Littlest Angels in Haiti

So, what's being asked?

1. Go to God’s Littlest Angels Haitian Baby Ministry :: Giving of Life

2. Vote for GLA to receive a grant

3. On the top of the web page register to receive 2 more votes

4. Return and vote again, and again

5. Spread the word by email, Facebook, or whatever method you can

Matthew 25:40
“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’

Book Review: The Rest of God by Mark Buchanan

Again the last few books I have read lead me to this one. The Rest of God: Restoring Your Soul by Restoring Sabbath by Mark Buchanan. I was not familiar with the author at all but found him to be biblically accurate. The book was different than many I have read. I have tried explaining why but can't draw on the right words. The writing is "artsy," very descriptive, very wordy. It took me a bit to get use to it and then I enjoyed his use of big words and description.

There have been several seasons in life when I have felt that we as a family need to have a Sabbath rest. This book was not a how to necessarily but a why you should and what it means kinda book. Here's my break down:

• Psalm 46:10, Exodus 20:8-9
• Sabbath is both a day and an attitude
• Sabbath is time sanctified, time betrothed, time we perceive and receive and approach differently from all other time. We are more intimate with it, more thankful for it, more protective of it and more generous with it.
• 8 of the 10 Commandments are written in the prohibitive "Thou shalt not." The Sabbath command is written in strong imperatives: remember, observe, keep, stop.
• Two things keep us from true Sabbath: busyness and legalism. (Trust me I have fallen ill to both)
• We are to embrace that which gives life, and cease that which is necessary. We need to know not just what to avoid but what to pursue.

These are just a few nuggets on Sabbath. I'm working on cultivating a Sabbath heart and attitude. As a doer I always struggle with slowing down, ignoring the to do list, and being still. This past years health issues have forced me into a more restful life and for that I am thankful.

Here are 3 quotes from the book that resonated with me:

• "My whole life I have been complaining that my work was constantly interrupted until I discovered the interruptions were my work" (Henry Nouwen)
• "We can be very busy for God and still not know Him....."
• "Without a fast it's hard to recognize a feast" (Dorothy Bass)

Since slowing down it has been so much easier to see the feast, hear God, and know the work to be done.

Book Review: The Blessing by Trent & Smalley

I finished reading Shepherding a Child's Heart and Instructing a child's heart by Tedd Tripp which lead me to pick up this book, The Blessing by John Trent & Gary Smalley. When the same theme is presented over and over to me, I take that as the Lord's Sacred Echo and pursue that topic.

The concept of The Blessing is providing our children (could be spouse/friends as well) with genuine acceptance and love.

• 5 parts of the Blessing:
• Meaningful Touch: Kissing, hugging, laying on of hands
• A Spoken Message: Verbal, silence communicates confusion
• Attaching High Value on the One being Blessed: Honor, bless, respect
• Picturing a Special Future for the One being Blessed: Affirming the traits they have God will use in the future (ie. my oldest likes to/wants to cook, teach, organize, protect and work with animals = I share how all of those things are a part of my job as a mom and how God will use those as she is a mom/wife)
• An Active Commitment to Fulfill the Blessing: doing everything possible to help the one being blessed be successful

What I liked about the book is that each element is covered thoroughly. The real life stories hit you to the core. The authors discuss those who missed the blessing of their parents like many hurting people today have. The end of the book gives a list of 100 ways CHILDREN said their parents blessed them (oh so much simpler than we think). Also, scripture blessings are written out and are so powerful to pray over your children (check out Psalm 1).

I recommend the book and found it Biblically accurate. A lot of the material wasn't new to me but a great refresher. For me personally, I was reminded of the need to watch my tongue. It can be used to build up or tear down. To be intentional about speaking words of blessing to my kids and husband. All of us have (at least) one area of the five elements of the Blessing that we can work on. What's yours?

Go to theblessing.com to sign up for The Blessing Challenge.

Helping Haiti

My heart has always had a soft spot for Haiti ever since visiting the country in 2007. We have friends who have adopted from Haiti through an orphanage and I keep my eye on them, knowing that someday the Lord may call us to adopt from there as well. The orphanage is God's Littlest Angels.

I receive their prayer emails and feel a strong connection to the work they do and the precious children they help. This past week one of their own workers died and has left behind children of her own. You can read the story here: God's Littlest Angels in Haiti under July 18 & 19ths postings.

The staff at GLA is taking donations to help the kids receive an education, food, and cover the funeral costs. The thing that struck me is that if every person who is on the prayer list gives $4.13 the need is met. So, I thought I'd spread the word. Do you have $4.13? Can you skip a trip to Tim Horton's? I chose not to put money in my clothing envelope this month because really, the future of these kids is way more important than a new top. So, if you feel the Lord leading you, it's as easy as clicking a button to submit a donation....God's Littlest Angels in Haiti » Blog Archive » Exilia’s Children – How Can You Help?

Book Review: Roaring Lambs by Bob Briner

I've been trying to gather my thoughts on this book for well over a week. I think I have a love hate relationship with it. I totally get what the author is saying yet at the same time I totally disagree. So, I'll try to share my thoughts....

The overall premise of the book is that we as followers of Christ, born again Bible believing Christians, we need to go into all the world and preach the Good News, be a light, and make a difference. I totally agree.

The premise that we are all salt is solid. The pastor is no more salty than the gardener. The teacher no more salty than the mechanic. The Elder no more salty than the garbage collector. As Christians we are all salt. I totally agree.

The premise that Christians are missing from the scene of voicing their opinion and beliefs in todays society I agree with also. So often we don't speak up for truth when it isn't in our comfort zone.

Okay, that takes me through the beginning of the book. This is where I start to struggle. The author continues to go through the areas of society where there is no salt; movies, tv, literature, and art. Briner practically blames the current state of media & the arts on Christians for removing themselves from these arenas. He also states that Hollywood does not have an anti-Christian/liberal agenda. And this my friends is where I wholeheartedly disagree.

Briner says we need to encourage our children to be christian movie writers, authors, artists, ect. I would agree that Christian movies, literature, and art would be wonderful. As a mom, I could not in all wisdom direct my daughter to Hollywood to act or write. Briner says there is no hidden agenda so our children aren't in harms way in Hollywood but again I disagree. I see a liberal agenda, I see drugs, alcohol, sex, and ungodliness.

Because I believe that there is an agenda, I believe that a few Christians in Hollywood will not restore morality and purity that God so desires for His people. I also believe that as people living in a time closer to the return of Jesus, we are going to continue to see these arenas grow darker.

Briner also talks about the negative effect boycotting has. Now, those who know me know I am an activist at heart. I don't shop at Ambercrombie and the like due to immodesty, Old Navy & Home Depot due to supporting homosexuality...my list can go on. I do not give the money God has entrusted to me to places that actively oppose Him. I believe in fleeing from evil and standing for what is morally pure and right. I believe in voicing truth through boycotting, letters, petitions, ect so clearly Briner and I disagree here.

Lastly, I feel Briner many times offers up options to water down our stances. To compromise. Briner talks about writing books that secular audiences would publish and read and the need to be well rounded and read secular books so our children see us balanced. Personally, I don't want to be balanced. I want to be like Jesus.

Love it and hate it all at once. I won't compromise. I won't fill my mind with the secular ideas and agendas of this world. I won't steer my children into an environment that is without doubt anti-Christian.

Those are my thoughts on Roaring Lambs ...I am a roaring lamb just not as Bob Briner would ask me to be.

Book Review: Confident Parenting by Jim Burns

The summer days have allowed for some of my favorite activity...curling up in the hammock with a good book. The peace and quiet and beauty of nature just relax me every time. I'm finishing books faster than I can blog them so maybe I'll catch up today.

I picked up Confident Parenting by Jim Burns at Ollies...oh, how I love cheap books at Ollies! My overall opinion of the book was that it was good. A lot of what was said I have heard before but some if it is always worth a repeat.

Before I get into the nuggets I liked I have to make the point that I disagree with the author on his take of generational sin. I do not believe in generational sin. I do however agree with inheriting sin-tendencies. If you come from a family of alcoholics there is a risk associated with that family legacy. I do not believe in punishment for the previous generations sin. I believe Christ died for our sin and cleared the slate of previous sin from previous generations.

That said, here are my nuggets:

• Parenting takes perseverance, endurance, and intentionality.
• Caring for your family is your highest calling on earth. This is huge for someone like me who struggles with pleasing the demands of everyone around me. I have been called to a season of raising kids for God, of schooling them and being home. This means I can't be "in ministry" and running all over. The reminder that this is my high calling was needed.
• Implement a Sabbath: a lot spoke to me here...again...because I didn't do it the first time I learned it!
• The lesson of the Sabbath is to ruthlessly find a rhythm in your life to rest and restore your soul, and the soul of your family.
• Have the courage to go against the grain of the culture and find time for replenishment.
• We tend to neglect our own need for solitude and replenishing relationships, then we wonder why we are so burnt out.
• When couples are overcommitted, they become unconnected.
• When it comes to the climate of our homes, we set the emotional thermostat. (hmmmm, two books in a row with that message??)
• Our goal as parents is to create a grace-filled home where love and grace reign but discipline is unswerving.
• Begin with the end in mind. This was huge for Drew & I when we had Abby. Setting character goals up front has helped us make decisions along the way.

The book is set up with questions at the end of each chapter to help you analyze and implement what you learned. One of the action steps I really liked is that the author and his wife get together every 6 months to discuss each child and where they are at and what they need to work on to reach their goals. Our best friends do this yearly and I think it is so wise and intentional.

So, my goals are:

1. A more consistent Sabbath rest

2. Make more time for replenishing relationships/activities to avoid burn out. Especially during the long months of a homeschooling winter!

3. Make time with Drew to analyze were the girls are at, what we need to work on, and see how far they have come.

And you?

Book Review: A Woman After God's Own Heart

I've never read anything by Elizabeth George before. I grabbed this book at a garage sale too. I struggled getting into it but maybe it was just because in the end, I realize how far I have to go in the wife and mother departments. Granted, I've come along way but God's ways are so much higher than ours. If I truly want to be a Woman after His heart, I have to follow His ways as a wife and mother.

Here are some nuggets and reminders that penetrated my heart as I read this book. I'm being real as I share the struggles of real life and if we are all honest we all struggle with some of this stuff. So, here it is:

• Biblical Order: God, Hubby, Kiddos. Oh how often I scramble these up. The kiddos are always right there and so easy to give your first fruits to but this is not biblical. I have nothing to give my kids if God has not been my first priority.
• As a wife I need to meet my husbands needs. She mentions: Committing to being a helper, submit, respect, respond positively, pray daily, kind actions, physical intimacy, prepare for his arrival home. I always try to straighten up and freshen up and have the kids ready for Daddy to come home. I always ask how I can help and do believe it is my job (biblically) to lighten his load. However, I don't pray consistently enough for my husband, I don't always show respect or respond positively. I let the stress of the day change my mood. I'm working on this. I also think the kind deeds, you know, sweet notes in the lunch kinda stuff gets crowded out by motherhood....again backwards.
• Our role as mother is to teach our children God's word. Memorize, read, model, pray, provide. With homeschooling this has become so much easier. As long as I keep my eyes on the goal this area isn't a huge issue. I have also improved in this area over the last month as I have begun to pray literally a million times a day when I felt the frustration rising in me. God has graciously given me grace for my kids so I can be a better mom.
• We are the thermostat of our homes. We control the mood by our mood and responses. Ok, so this one got me. This past year my mood has been less than steady. With struggling with anxiety and depression you never know what you'd get from me. As I am doing better, I am trying so hard to improve in this area. I really do let my husband get the short end, the tired mom at the end of the day. Other nuggets in this area were to remember to be home, plan ahead, and don't waste time. Planning is not an issue for me and with homeschooling we are home and make it a point to be home for the evening family time.

So, those are some nuggets from this book that struck me. Would love to hear by email or leaving a comment what ONE thing you are going to work on. We can all improve at something. Sharing makes you more accountable to do it.

Thanks to my girlfriends who hold me accountable and lead by example...keep loving God, loving your hubbies, and loving those babies...in that order!

Book Review: The Air I Breathe

I just finished a quick little read by Louie Giglio called The Air I Breathe: Worship as a Way of Life. Here are some points from the book:

• We all worship something. Where your time, attention, and money are spent there you find the object of your worship.
• We exchange worship of our Creator for worship of created things.
• Whatever you worship, you imitate; whatever you imitate, you become.
• Worship is something you enter into with all your might. Worship is a participation activity in a spectator culture.
• True worship is simply catching sight of the greatness, majesty, splendor, glory, and grace of an infinite God.
• Church is a lot better when our meetings are filled with people who have been pursuing God for six days before they get there.
• Corporate worship works best when we arrive with something to offer God, as opposed to coming only to get something for us.
• Think about the words you sing and who you are singing them to. Sometimes we would be better off saying nothing rather than standing there lying to the face of God. Our worship would honor Him more if we stopped singing and realigned our hearts with His.

There is truth in all these points. So often we walk into corporate church feeling the weight of the week pulling on us instead of a having a heart ready to praise our Creator and King. At least I know I have walked in that way. For me, the trials of my life have allowed me to see the greatness of God despite my circumstances and that is what has caused my worship to go deeper than before.

This past week I stopped the person who had led corporate worship and told her how I loved it....not because of a good song or specific instruments but because as she sung, I saw her heart. I saw her love for Jesus and her passion to worship Him. it was a beautiful thing see and really, it was something I experienced. I could feel that overflow of love from her. When I told her this, her response was so humble and again reflective of her heart....she said, "I just want people to see Jesus."

I pray each of us is living a worshipful life that glorifies our King so that people can see Jesus.

Book Review:Spiritual Warfare

I've decided when I finish a good book to highlight it on here. It's a good way to document the points that stuck with me and give others food for thought.

I just finished A Parent's Guide to Spiritual Warfare by Leslie Montgomery. I picked it up at CBD on clearance for $3. I am new to this author and while I did not agree with her theology on generational sin, the rest of the book was very good. Here are some highlights that struck me....

• If your children see that life's challenges are overcoming you, rather than your overcoming them, they will gravitate toward the world's way of coping.
• What our world truly needs is for couples to choose God's way instead of the world's way.
• Satan attacks believers and it normally includes confusion, accusations, feelings of rejection, condemnation, discouragement and hopelessness.
• God's testing is different from an attack as there is no confusion but rather clarity. We may not see clearly the choice to make but we walk by faith.
• When our kids respond or act in a repetitive, negative pattern there is a negative core belief behind that area that needs to be replaced with truth.
• We'd never dream of withholding food from a developing child, and yet that is exactly what we do spiritually if we don't give them the Word of God.
• Training our children in spiritual warfare focuses not on the Devil and his methods but on the genuine power and promises of Christ. Only after knowing the truth can our children spot from afar the Devil's counterfeit.

There was a great section in the book that really went through Ephesians 6 and explained the armor of God.

Overall, anytime God's kingdom is moving forward, Satan attacks. Every time a child enters a Christian home, as parents we must be equipped for battle because an attack will come. As a parent, I need to pray more for the covering over my husband, children, and home.

You are My Shepherd

To my bestest girlfriends....

lifting you up this morning and praying this is continually the prayer of your heart.

I could not have asked for better friends than those God has planted in my life and in my heart. I Love you girls!

Blessings

I have been listening to this song for weeks now and it just speaks loudly to my spirit. Today I listened to the reason Laura wrote the song and her realness about struggles of this life was inspiring. Sometimes, God does not answer us the way we wish. She has prayed for healing for her husband and God has not answered that prayer. I have prayed for healing from depression and anxiety and God has not completely answered that prayer. Friends have prayed for employment opportunities. Many have something in this life that is a struggle.

However, it's an amazing place to get to when you can say sometimes, not getting the answer we want allows for a greater blessing both for ourselves and others.

Just thought I'd share.....

This is the Stuff.....

I just love the lyrics to this song. As someone who seems to always be frustrated and impatient, I love the ending chorus. It's also a great reminder of how our messes are so little and we are so blessed when we really focus on the big picture.

Semantics?

Lately I seem to be a person who picks apart words. I've always loved words. I love song lyrics. I love poetry. I love a good book. Words have meaning. So what we say and how we say it says a lot and implies a lot.

I had bought some Christian books at Ollie's a few weeks back and I started a mom's devotional book by a familiar author. I struggled with some of what she said but day 6 was the pivotal point. The author said, and I quote, "Jesus partied with sinners." Now, I get what she was trying to say however, Jesus definitely did not party with sinners. He loved them, spent time with them, ministered to them and saved them but partied? The author, who was appealing to the world in her choice of words, implied Jesus joined in with the sinners. Where is the reverence and holiness? Where is the honor? Where is the truth of what scripture says?

Today I heard in reference to Matthew 6 that Jesus was "picking on" the Pharisees. Again, the implication here is outside the nature and character of God. Jesus may have corrected, rebuked, and disciplined, but never did he pick on anyone.

Some say this is splitting hairs. Others say it is just semantics or choices of words. So, do the words we choose matter? Does saying Jesus partied with sinners or picked on Pharisees paint an accurate picture?

It has really been frustrating to me lately to see the irreverent way we as the big "C" church use modern lingo to paint a picture at the risk of being scripturally inaccurate. So, what do you think...hair splitting, semantics, or a scriptural issue to address?

The Council of Superintendents released a statement to teachers yesterday about a new video game being released. Below is the write up on the game from the makers website, Checkerboarded Studios.

SCHOOL SHOOTER: NORTH AMERICAN TOUR 2012

In School Shooter: North American Tour 2012, you play as a disgruntled

student fed up with something or other (We're not exactly sure), who after researching

multiple school shooting martyrs, decides to become the best school shooter ever.

You must arm yourself with the same weapons as a previous school shooter,

including Eric Harris' TEC-9, Dylan Klebold's sawn-off shotgun, Seung-Hui Cho's

akimbo pistols, and Nevada-Tan's... Box cutter? The possibilities are endless!

You are free to do whatever you want (So long as it involves shooting people in

a school).

And your telling me video games do not impact our children's behavior?

The fact that the makers of this game use tragic events from real life as the model

is disturbing. Once I have contact information I will include it so that you can send

a letter, email, or make a call and have your opinion heard.

TV Petition

Takes 2 seconds to sign this petition......

ABC network set to attack Christianity with "Good Christian B-tches" show "For Heaven's sake, don't let God get in the way of a good story!" - GCB author Kim Gatlin March 7, 2011 The ABC network is currently working on a pilot for a prime-time program called "Good Christian B-tches." It's a Christian-bashing version of ABC's current "Desperate Housewives." The show centers on a recently divorced mother of two who moves back to the affluent neighborhood where she grew up to find herself in the whirling midst of gossip, Botox and fraud. Disney-owned ABC has no reservations about creating hate speech against Christians, but you can be sure they would never consider a show called "Good Muslim B-tches" or "Good Jewish B-tches." With a title like "Good Christian B-tches," you can imagine what kind of show it will be. Even if they change the title, the content will still mock people of faith. TAKE ACTION Sign a petition to ABC and parent company Disney to drop all plans to air the anti-Christian program "Good Christian B-tches." We'll add your petition to thousands of other voices in also urging advertisers to place it on their "do not advertise" list and consider pulling all ads from the ABC network in protest of this Anti-Christian bigotry. Sincerely, Monica Cole, Director OneMillionMoms.com