Working It Out: Poetry Analysis with George Herbert {TOS Review}

 

I had the privilege to review Working It Out: Growing Spiritually with the Poetry of George Herbert written by Joseph L. Womack and available for puchase at Everyday Education.  Although I'm not a big fan of poetry, I was intrigued when it was written primarily as a devotional.  

This is a one year study/devotional that takes you through 51 works of the great 17th-century Christian poet, George Herbert. 

 

In Working it Out we see for each poem:

1.   The Big Picture: a general idea of what the poem is about.

2. The Parts of the Picture: a stanza-by-stanza explanation of the poem.

3.   The Parts of the Picture Come Together: a look at the movement of thought through the poem.

4.   Reflections: questions for personal meditation.

5.   Scriptures for further reflection.

 

I have enjoyed studying these poems.  I did roughly one a week.  There are 51 poems and as mentioned, it's designed to be a year long study.  You can put as much time and effort into that you would like.  The more effort, the more you learn...as with everything.

 

The idea of the study is to read through the poem (several times would be good), and then after each poem is 1. The Big Picture, 2. The Parts of the Picture, 3. The Parts of the Picture Come Together, 4. Reflections, and 5. Scripture references for further reflection.  You can do these all in one day, or as I did you can divide these steps up throughout your week, even doing one a day during your quiet time.

 

Here is a list of how the poems are divided (themes)...

• Looking Back, Moving Forward
• Letting Go
• Confession
• Grace
• Separation
• Petition
• Praise
• Depending on God
• Grief
• Prayer
• Special Blessing on the Church
• More Insights (on things like Rebellion, Anxiety, the Bible, etc.)
•  

   

To sum up my thoughts, I enjoyed the devotional and reading through the poems.  If you're like me when you read poetry and your response is "huh?", this would be a beneficial devotional.  As much as I would love to be just like Anne (of Green Gables) and memorize long poems and be able to quote them verbatim from a stage while dressed in a beautiful dress with puffy sleeves, in all reality, it's just not going to happen.  So, this is probably as close as I'll get.  :)  I've gone through several of the chapters, and enjoyed learning more about the poems.  I don't know that I will continue through the book, but for someone who is interested in studying poetry this would be a fantastic help.

 

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The Pray-ers / Book 1 Troubles (CTM Publishing Atlanta) {TOS Review Crew}

The Prayer-ers Book 1 "Troubles" by Mark S. Mirza is a Christian Fiction book about the power of prayer. It is published by CTM Publishing Atlanta.  It follows the life of three men from three different time periods.  In the book, we meet Epaphrus (a friend of the Apostle Paul), Brother Alexander Rich (a circuit-riding preacher in Georgia during the 19th century), and Dr. Dale (a track coach at a secular university and leader in the church during our current time period).
Pray-ers talks about the spiritual warfare around us that we do not see.  It talks of demons and angels.  (And just on a side note, I greatly appreciate Mr. Mirza's consideration of not capitalising the names of demons and satan.  I always think of capitalising names as a sign of respect and attention, both of which satan does not deserve.)  
It follows these demons and talks about some of their "failures" - their failures were those men named above.  Their failures were not because these men were perfect, but because these men knew how to fight the enemy - through the power of prayer.
Here is an excerpt from the book that I loved in regards to the demons "failures"... "The real reason is because of the way prayer moves the Christians. They end up more deeply knowing our Enemy [God], the Enemy! The more these Christians that pray know scripture, the better they know the Enemy, and the more faith they pray with. Oh, it’s just a disaster.” 
I also appreciated the amount of Scripture he put in his footnotes.  Many times I went to them just to learn more about what the Bible has to say about demons and angels, and prayer.
I am not a big fan of fiction books, but I found this one interesting.  It's honestly the first fiction book that I have read in years.  When I read the info on the book that is was about demons and angels, I was quite hesitant, but I felt it was well written and worth the read.  I firmly believe in demons and angels, and even more so, the POWER OF PRAYER!  Friends, we are in a spiritual battle, and prayer is our main weapon.  So why don't we use it more?!
I would probably recommend this for older teenagers and older.  I'm not sure my 13 year old would quite understand everything.  Maybe this is my excuse to not have these deep discussions quite yet.  Although because of our ministry, she is very aware of them.
I was given a ePub copy of the book to the review.  This is Book 1, and it kinds of ends on a cliff-hanger, so I'm looking forward to reading Book 2.
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For more reviews of the book click below...

What Pet Should I Get? by Dr. Seuss {Book Review}

Who doesn't love Dr. Seuss?  He's a favourite in our house.  As you can see in the photo, we have quite a few books by Dr. Seuss.  One reason I love him is for sentimental value - the first book that both of my kids read was by Dr. Seuss.  

Recently, Harper Collins Children's Books (Australia) asked me if I would like to review What Pet Should I Get?  I double checked my bookshelf and noticed we didn't have a copy of this book.  It didn't take me long to email back and say, "Yes, please!"

I love getting packages in the mail, and so do my kids.  To me, it's a bonus if the package contains a book!  I did a little happy dance when we received this in the mail, but made my kids wait until bed time to read it!  I'm mean like that.

What Pet Should I Get? is a brand new, never-before-seen children's book!  How exciting to read this book knowing it sat for years in a box after Dr. Seuss' death before it was discovered! 

One exciting feature about this book is that there is a publisher's note that shares a little bit about the life of Dr. Seuss and the history of this book with lots of old photos of  Theodore Seuss Geisel aka Dr. Seuss.  I do not want to spoil all the details because you really need to go buy a copy for yourself, but did you know that Dr. Seuss' first pet was a gift from his mother?  It was a stuffed toy dog that he named Theophrastus.  He kept this stuffed toy dog until days before his death when he gave it to his stepdaughter and asked her to take care of it.

What Pet Should I Get? is a classic Dr. Seuss book.  The kids in this book are the same kids from One Fish Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish.  It's written in Dr. Seuss' signature rhyming style.  

This brother and sister go to the pet store, and their dad says they can pick out just one pet.  But there are so many choices!  A cat, a dog, a kitten, a pup, a bird, a rabbit, a fish? It's a hard decision, but one they need to make fast!  Do you remember picking out your first pet?

They don't have much time, they have to be home by noon!

Which pet did they pick?

Well, you don't think I'm going to tell you, do you?!! 

My 8 year old loved the book, and has reread it many times.

Harper Collins Children Books

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My disclaimer...

I was given a free copy of What Pet Should I Get?  This review is my own opinion of the book.

10 Steps to your FIT [Faith Inspired Transformation] - Book Review

 

I recently had the opportunity to review a new book on health and fitness.  It is written by Kim Dolan Leto, an author, speaker, fitness expert, and a Christian.  The theme throughout her book is "Healthy, Happy, and Fit God's Way". 
 

I enjoyed this book, and learned so much from it.  Kim gives 10 steps to your Faith Inspired Transformation:

1. Stop Dieting
2. Renew Your Mind
3. Commit to the F.I.T. Power Hour
4. Dress Yourself with Strength
5. Set F.A.I.T.H. Goals
6. Eat God-made, Not Man-made Foods -EXCELLENT CHAPTER!
7. Choose Self-Control
8. Change Your Perspective
9. Overcome Setbacks
10. Celebrate Every Victory

I love that she incorporated lots of Scripture throughout helping us keep our focus on God.  After each chapter, she asks Reflection Questions.  She then gives strategies to help and encourage you through each step.

 

There is so much packed into this book from combining your faith with fitness, exercise helps, eating helps (portion sizes, God-made verses man-made, meal and snack ideas), and lots of motivation!  I found it quite easy to read a chapter each night, there was so much though in each chapter that I read a few of them twice.

 

"Healthy is so much more

than a look we are trying 

to obtain; it's a lifestyle we

are trying to maintain."

~Kim Dolan Leto



 

One of my favourite parts of the book was in a section called, "If You're Not Losing Weight".   I thought I'd share it with you...

     "In the book of Exodus, Moses led God's people through the wilderness for forty years before they were able to settle in a land he had prepared for them.  Along the way they lost faith and forgot the promise God had given them of a better life.  All the while, God was pleading with them to trust Him and keep walking in faith.

     Just as it took time for Gods people to reach the Promised Land, it takes time to reach our health goals, and we must remain patient and faithful in the process.  As you journey on toward a good lifestyle God has promised to give you, don't become like the people of Exodus.  Don't get frustrated and discouraged because you're not seeing results, eat a bunch of garbage, and set yourself back even more.  Be consistent, keep going, and you will see results.  Expect slow and steady progress and know that there's nothing wrong with small beginnings." 

 

10 Steps to Your F.I.T. (Faith Inspired Transformation) by Kim Dolan Leto is a wonderful book that will encourage you no matter what stage of life you are in, what physical shape you are in, or where you are at in your walk with the Lord.  If you're curious, take some time to look over her website. 

 

 

You can purchase the entire program for $37.99.  Check it out here.  I highly recommend it!

 

Kim was also gracious enough to send me her fitness DVD (digital copy).  It includes 3 - twenty minute circuits (beginner, intermediate, and advanced).  She encourages you with Scripture along the way, I love that part.  If you're interested in the DVD, you can purchase it here.

 

 

This review is my own thoughts and opinions, I was given a physical copy of the book for review.  Thanks, Katie.

 

 

Book Review - Desperate: Hope for the Mom Who Needs To Breathe

 

 

Yes, this makes two books I finished this week!  I do enjoy reading, and this week I just made the time to get in some reading time.

 

 

I received this book as a gift from a friend.  It had been on my Amazon wish list.  I wasn't sure how profitable it would be for me.  Sometimes I hate when I read a book to just feel that I wasted my time because it was all stuff I already knew, and I wasn't sure if this would happen with this book.

 

I am past the stage of having little ones running around, and honestly this past year I have been ok with that.  So I am not at the point where I am desperate and exhausted with having lots of little ones, and I am not sure I ever was.  I guess that is the bonus of only have two kids and them being 5 years apart.

 

Although that season of my life has past (if there was one), I found the book to be encouraging and full of wisdom.  I have read "The Mission of Motherhood" by Sally Clarkson awhile back.  But for some reason, this book really opened my mind to the wealth of wisdom she has, and thankfully shared.

 

Since we have arrived in Australia, it has dawned on my how quickly my children are growing and maturing.  It has caused me to step back and really focus on being more intentional with my parenting.  I have stopped saying 'no' and say yes far more often. 

 

My deepest desire is that my children will always love the Lord and desire to serve Him.  I want my children to grow up and look back at their childhood (and their parents) with fondness.  I often remember bits and pieces of my childhood, and that helps keep me focused.  (Not to say I had a bad childhood, but there were some rough patches.)

 

One of my favourite quotes from this book is from Sally:

 "The call to train up a child is more than a one-time choice;

 it is a day to day, long-term commitment to shape your children,

the greatest gift that God has given you stewardship over. 

The attitudes and choices you practice now in your day-to-day walk

will determine your ability to endure the distance in your ideals."

 

 

The book was written by Sarah Mae (whose blog I've followed for a few years) and Sally Clarkson.  In each chapter Sarah Mae writes the first part and Sally concludes it.  I would recommend this book for mothers with young children, but like I said, I have a 10- and 5- year old and still learned from it.  I plan to pass the book along to a friend with lots of little ones.  :)

 

 

 

 

 



Book Review ~ Growing Up Amish by Ira Wagler & a GIVEAWAY!

I used  Grammarly to grammar check this post,

because sometimes mums just need a little extra help!

 

 

It's been awhile since I've done a book review.  Sadly, it has been awhile since I've finished a book.  I currently have 10 other books on my nightstand, most of which I've started.  I ordered this book from Amazon a month or so ago.  I can not remember where I saw it recommended, but I'm fascinated with the Amish.  I lived about 2 hours south of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania my entire life until we moved to Australia.  It was common to see a horse and buggy, even where I lived.

 

I'm not sure what intrigues me to the Amish life.  Maybe the simplicity of their living.  Maybe the legalism, which is something I could relate to.  Either way, I enjoy watching documentaries and reading books about the Amish.

 

Growing Up Amish gave me more insight into the religious format of the Amish, their day to day life, and the basics of growing up in an Old Order Amish home.

 

Ira Wagler gives a very descriptive account of his life.  His simple early years, the teenage struggles, the times he left home to get a taste of the world, and the times he returned to the safety and stability of the Amish community. 

 

Ira left his family and the Amish community several times.  Each time he returned he was welcomed back with open arms.  I was interested in learning how willing the Amish are to forgive a person for leaving the community and returning.  I've grown up in a Christian home, and it saddens me how often believers are, in a sense, shunned when they return from their backslidden ways. We ought to welcome them with open arms and shower them with the love of Christ.  If it wasn't for God's grace where would we be? 

 

Ira struggled with the fear of hell which is the reason he returned to the Amish community after leaving.  He struggled to live between both worlds.

 

Then when he was 25 or 26 he did something he never thought to do before...he prayed.  He asked God for a  desire to do what's right.  That was what all the Amish were telling him to do, decide to do what's right, and do it.

 

God answered his prayer in a more powerful way than he could have anticipated.  God brought a man into his life who shared with him the love of Christ.  Later Ira received Christ as his own personal Savior and left the Amish community for good. 

 

I have not read much into his life after the book ends, but the book says he became a Mennonite and now resides in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.  He also has a website (click here) if you are interested.

 

Like I mentioned I haven't read many books recently.  This was one of those books you just can't put down.  I had been reading a chapter or so every night, but I read the last half in two days.

 

Giveaway...

 

I really enjoyed the book and I would like to pass it on to someone else.  If you are interested simply leave a comment and I will pick a winner next Monday and mail it out to you.  If you prefer to just buy a copy, I'd love for you to use my Amazon link at the top.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

100 Pound Loser {Book Review}

 



 

Jessica from Muthering Heights recently wrote an eBook called 100 Pound Loser: How I Ate What I Wanted, Had Four Babies, & Finally Took Control of My Weight...And You Can Too!  (Yeah, that's a mouthful...no pun inteded!).

 

She offered bloggers a free copy in exchange for a review.  One of my New  Year's Goals is to lose weight.  I always have this goal, but life gets in the way and I put it aside.  Back in August and September I was doing so well, then with my trip to America and the holidays, well, I need to get back on track.

 

I was excited about this book because I was hoping it was the motivation I needed...and it was!  I like that she wasn't tiny her whole life and put on 10 pounds and lost it.  No, she seriously had a weight issue, and she took control of it and lost over 100 pounds.  It is possible!

 

I like what she says in the beginning...

• "I wrote this because I am just like you."
• "I wrote this because I've been where you are."
• "I wrote this because I've done it."
• "I want you to know you are not alone."

The book is a quick read and for $4.99 you must go buy it!  There is no profound revelation, there is no secret pill, there is no get skinny quick scheme.  What you will find is the truth, encouragement, advice, and a bit of God's Word from someone who has been there, done that.

 

So, if you've made a goal to lose weight and get healthy this year, then please go buy this book.  Oh, and if you wouldn't mind, please use this link - Click here to visit Jessica Heights. Thanks!

 

 

 

*Disclaimer - I was offered one free copy of the book in exchange for this review, but the post is my own thoughts, not something asked of me to write.  I really did find this book helpful and encouraging...so go buy it.  :)

 

 



Click here to visit Jessica Heights.

One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp - GIVEAWAY!!

I just finished reading One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp.  She has such a romantic, poetical style of writing.  Something you don't see anymore.  She talks about her journey to find true joy.  She begins a list of 1000 things she is thankful for, not just family, food, home, clothing.  She digs deeper.  Here are a few of her 1000 gifts...

• Jam piled high on toast
• Moonlight on pillows
• Hot oatmeal tasting like home
• Bare toes in early light
• Cackle of crows high in the limbs, iridescence on wings
• Boys humming hymns
• Click of a seat belt

Here is an excerpt of the book that really spoke to my heart...

     "...What of all the memories where Christ seems absent?  When the bridge shakes and heaves, when "how will he not also?" reads more like "he will not".

     Trauma's storm can mask the Christ and feelings can lie.

     I draw all the hurting voices close and I touch their scars with a whisper: sometimes we don't fully see that in Christ, because of Christ, through Christ, He does give us all things good -- until we have the perspective of years.

     In time, years, dust settles.

     In memory, ages, God emerges.

     Wasn't that too His way with Moses?  "And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a cleft of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by: And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen."  Exodus 33:22-23 (KJV, she used NIV)

     Is that it? When it gets dark, it's only because God has tucked me in a cleft of the rock and covered me, protected me, with His hand?  In the pitch, I feel like I'm falling, sense the bridge giving way, God long absent.  In the dark, the bridge and my world shakes, cracking dreams.  But maybe this is true reality: It is in the dark that God is passing by.  The bridge and our lives shake not because God has abandoned, but the exact opposite: God is passing by.  God is in the tremors.  Dark is the holiest ground, the glory passing by.  In the blackest, God is closest, at work, forging His perfect and right will.  Though it is black and we can't see and our world seems to be free-calling and we feel utterly alone, Christ is more present to us, I-beam supporting in earthquake.  Then He will remove His hand.  Then we will look.

     Then we look back and see His back."

When I first read this, I thought how can writing down blessings bring joy.  I decided to try it. I have this pretty pink journal book that I've been waiting for the perfect things to use it for.  Here are a few of my 1000 gifts...

• 1.  Early morning snuggles
• 3.  Yuma sunsets
• 7.  Memories of my pappy
• 12.  Worshipping with the Navajos
• 15.  45 children hearing the Gospel today...some for the first time
• 22.  People bragging on God
• 28.  Sweet smelling babies
• 36.  Friends that encourage
• 37.  New mercies everyday
• 38.  A phone call from my dad

I add a few everyday.  This is really powerful.  There are times when you struggle to find joy in day to day living, but it's there, friends.  When times are dark, it's those times when God has you in the cleft of the rock, He hasn't left you, He's protecting you.  Awesome thought!

Here is another excerpt...

     "I walk in our back door to candlelight still flickering, hang the keys on the hook, and look around at the steep mountain of laundry there in the mudroom, the shoes scattered, a coat dropped.  The mudroom is grime ringed.  Fingerprints smear across the mirror.  I laugh the happiest wonder.  In the afternoon's drizzle, I give happy thanks for the daily mess with a smile a mil wide, because this is again my chance to wholeheartedly serve God, to do full-bodied eucharisteo with the hands and the heart and the lips.  I can count each task a gift, pure eucharisteo.  Grace!  This work --the thousand endless jobs --they each give the opportunity for one to become the gift, a thousand times over!  Because with every one of the thousand, endless jobs, I become the gift to God and to others because this work is the public God serving, the daily liturgy of thanks, the completing of the Communion service with my service."

I would love to share this book with you.  I am giving away my copy.  It is read, but in great condition.  I take good care of my books!  By the way, I will ship overseas...so anyone can enter!  I'll announce the winner next Monday, August 15th.

To enter the giveaway, simply leave a comment with one unusual thing you are thankful for today.

Desiring God

What a powerful series by John Piper. I am fairly new to him, so I didn't know what to expect. Maybe it's better to start fresh. I loved the quote at the end of every session - "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him."  (I do, however, plan to read up on him, as I'm thinking I may not agree with him on everything.)

John Piper explains to us how we were created for HIS glory. Our life doesn't have to be dull and boring, we can have true joy in Christ. I think of the verse in Psalm 37:4 - "Delight thyself also in the Lord and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." (KJV)

The idea for this DVD study guide is for personal or group Bible study. Personally, I probably would've gotten more out of it had I beed in a group, but it was still a blessing.  Also, I've never read the actual book Desiring God.  That may be more profitable, as well.

The sessions on the DVD are all less than 30 minutes. You are to do the Study Guide throughout the week then watch the session on the DVD, there is a small section in the book to fill out while watching the DVD.

I would recommend this book and dvd series to anyone desiring a closer relationship with God, which honestly should be all Christians.

I was offered to review this DVD and study guide for free by WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group  The review though is my own. 

A Love That Multiplies by Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar

I recently purchased this book last week for free on Amazon by using my swagbucks.  I received it last Friday and finished it last night.  I love the way they write, especially from the Christian perspective.

I especially enoyed reading about how they correct and discipline their children. (I need all the advice I can get on that!)  It was so refreshing to read about a large family, who admit they are not perfect, but follow God's leading in raising a family.  Over and over they stated that their goal is to teach their children to "Love God and Serve Others".  This is a theme I've been trying to implement in my life this past year, and pass onto my children.

There were plenty of family pictures and they gave a glimpse into their life during their yongest daughter's premature birth.  I also loved all the KJV Scripture verses.

I tend to pass books along when I know I will not read it again (and although I'm letting a friend borrow it) this will definitely be a book I reread.  It is a well written "parenting advice" book.

(*I have recently signed up with Amazon to be an affiliate.  If you are interested in buying the book please use my link.  Thanks!)

Lies Homeschooling Moms Believe by Todd Wilson

This is one of the books I purchased at the recent homeschool convention.  I bought a few other books by Todd Wilson as well.  He is a funny author who really gets us homeschool moms and helps put things into perspective.

He talks about lies that many of us homeschool moms believe: her kids are smarter than mine, her house is cleaner than mine, she makes meals that are healthier and more organic than I do, her marriage is better than mine.  He then gently reminds us that these lies come from the Father of Lies, and they are that lies, lies are not truth.

I'm slowly coming to grips with how I ought to homeschool - how the Lord wants me to homeschool.  I don't need to use 20 different curriculum, grind my own wheat, bake everything from scratch (although I really enjoy doing that), or have my kids in music lessons.  I'm starting to find what works for our family, and get this, I'm okay with it!

So, if you're a homeschooling mom, remember, this is not a competition.  We're on all the same team.  You can do some things better than I can, and I can do some things better than you.  That's life.  That's how God made us.

If you have the time check out Todd Wilson's website Familyman Ministries.  He sends out a weekly email to homeschooling dad, but also gives a lot of encouragement for moms.

You can pick up this book for $8.99 on his website.

How to be a Great Wife...even though you homeschool by Todd Wilson

This is another book I picked up at the homeschool convention.  I've read so many self-help books on being a better wife, mother, woman, etc, but what I like about this one is that it's written by a man.  It's the husband's perspective of how I can be a better wife even though I homeschool.

Homeschooling takes up a lot of time, and at the end of most days I'm drained and have nothing left to give to my husband.  Todd Wilson is a fun author.  He throws in some light humor to help with the tough topics.  If you're a homeschool mom and struggling with finding the time to do it all, read this book.  It only cost $7.99 on his website - Familyman Ministries.

Here's one of his many funny comics, please notice May, that's me right now...

 

Homeschooling with a Meek and Quiet Spirit by Teri Maxwell

I purchased this book at the homeschool convention.  I started reading it Wednesday night and finished it last night.   It's an easy read, but well worth the time.  I only wish I had read this book before I started homeschooling.  I hope to make this a yearly read.   I do not have a meek and quiet spirit when I homeschool, I ashamed to admit.  I get easily frustrated. 

This book has really encouraged me that I can do this, and I can do this with a meek and quiet spirit.  I love the amount of Scripture Mrs. Maxwell gives to teach and encourage us.  I'm planning to go back through it and write the verses out on 3x5 cards to memorize this summer.

Mrs. Maxwell mentioned in her session at the homeschool convention that she hasn't yelled at her children in over 18 years, it's been about 18 minutes for me today. 

My prayer is to be a homeschool mom/wife who is meek and quiet.  1 Peter 3:4

For Women Only by Shaunti Feldhahn

I am reviewing this book for Blogging for Books.  This is my first review for them.  I absolutely love books.  Free books are even better!

For Women Only was a good read.  It was a fairly short book.  I recently read Love & Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs, and the two books share the same topic - Respecting our husbands. 

I really recommend this book for women before they are married.  I think so many marriages are struggling because we women fail to respect our husbands and they fail to show their love.  In Ephesians we are commanded to have love and respect in our marriage. 

Although I find it hard to say the words "I respect you" to my husband, I try to find ways to show it.  Shaunti explains different ways that you can show respect to your husband.  I encourage you to read this book if you are struggling in your marriage or soon to be married.

*This review is my own opinion.  I was given the book for this review.

Crazy Love by Francis Chan

Crazy Love, Overwhelmed by a Relentless God by Francis Chan is one of those books that will change your way of thinking and eventually your life.  It all comes down to God's love for us and our love for Him.  The first and great commandment is to love God.  If we only could focus on that everything else would fall into place.

There were so many great quotes, but here are two that stick out now as I write this review:

"He {God} cannot be contained in this world,

explained by our vocabulary,

or grasped by our understanding."

"His {God's} perfect holiness, by definition,
assures us that our words can't contain Him.

Isn't it a comfort to worship a God we cannot exxagerate?"



I plan to reread this book again because there were so much information that I feel I missed things.  If you feel like you're missing something in your walk with God, if you want to be spiritually refreshed - READ this book! 

I know nothing about Francis Chan, I deliberately read nothing about him until I read the book.  I later found out that he sold his large home and moved into a much smaller one so they could have more to give away.  His testimony amazes me.  He doesn't share it to be boastful but to encourage others to simply do what Christ would have you do...share His amazing love with others.

I read this quote awhile back at the Happy HouseWife blog - “When I die, I want there to be nothing left to give…. because I gave it all away when I lived.”

I get so tired of hearing people say they can't afford to tithe (how can you not afford it!).  It's all God's money in the first place.  I also get so tired of hearing people say they can't afford to give (other than tithing).  I love that my husband is giving.  Last month we working with some missionaries and my husband said he felt the Lord wanted us to give them a certain amount of money.  The amount was more than we could afford, but we gave and the Lord supplied...as He ALWAYS does.  You can never, ever outgive God.

You may wonder how we got from loving God to giving.  Well, it goes hand in hand.  When our hearts are so full of love for our God, we're going to want to serve Him and please Him.  And many times we just need to look around and see the needs of others and open up our wallets and just give.

Bruchko by Bruce Olson

(photo from Amazon)

A friend on facebook posted about this book, and I'm a sucker for a good missionary biography. So I put it in my Amazon cart, and waited for enough swagbucks to buy it. (Still haven't signed up for swagbucks? What are you waiting for? Click here!)

This book was all I was hoping it would be...pioneer missions has got to be one of my favorite thigns to read about. Bruce Olsen (aka Bruchko) has an amazing testimony. I love to read about people accepting Christ and getting excited about it!

Then his calling to missions is just as exciting. How the Lord leads him to the Molitone people is amazing. Here is what the back of the book says...

"For Bruce Olsen it meant capture, disease, terror, loneliness, kidnapping, and torture. But what he discovered by trial and error has revolutionized the world of missions. Living with the Motilone Indians since 1961, Olson's efforts have sent a spiritual ripple around the world that reaches deep into the hearts of mission-minded Christians and anthropologists as well as the government of Colombia."

With almost every missionary biography, I recommend this book! I still hold Jungle Pilot as my favorite missionary biography, but this book is in my top 10.

There is a sequal to this book and I have it in my amazon cart. Do you have a favorite missionary biography you'd like to recommend? Let me know!

The Reluctant Entertainer by Sandy Coughlin

This was one of the books I purchased through Amazon with my swagbucks. Although I'm not a "reluctant entertainer" I really enjoyed this book. My main problem is that our house is very small so it's kind of tight quarters when I do entertain. She gave some ideas on how to remedy that problem, and I appreciated her thoughtfulness towards all age groups of women and the different stages of life.

Sandy gives lots of ideas and encouragement to help you be the hostess with the mostess! And what I love most is that she does it somewhat from a Biblical view.

If you don't feel like spending the money on the book save up your swagbucks and get the Amazon gift cards! (Don't forget to use my referral link!)

The Mission of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson

I've had this book on my shelf for a few years. I even started reading it, but only got to the second or third chapter. I'm so glad I found it and started reading it again.

Sally Clarkson writes on the Mission of Motherhood with such humility, grace, and love. Everytime I picked it up and read a few pages it made me want to be a better mother.

She gave many suggestions on balancing the duties of motherhood with having a loving relationship with our children. She gave creative ideas in nurturing our child's heart for a love of the Lord.

I would highly recommend this book to all mothers. The back of the book says this, "Discover how understanding God's purpose and design can empower you to be the mother you long to be."

I plan to keep the book out and sift back through it to jot down some quotes and verses. This isn't a fast-read book. You really need to take your time to digest it and apply it to your life.

If you're feeling a bit overwhelmed with motherhood, if you feel like throwing in the towel, if you feel like you could be doing better things with your time, PLEASE read this book. It was a huge encouragement to me, and I know it will be to you, too.

Making the Climb by John C. Bowling

Patrick and I have recently decided that on our first furlough home we are going to try to make a trip to Africa and climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. I started looking through Amazon and came across this book. It is written by John C. Bowling who is the president of Olivet Nazarene University. He chose to climb this mountain having never done anything like this before. That was the main reason I bought his book.

I love that he kept a journal on his trip and added it to the book. He gives a very detailed account of his mountain climbing experience. And if nothing else, it makes me want to do it even more.

Although we wouldn't agree doctrinally in a lot of areas, there was a good bit of Scripture in the book and comparisons of mountain climbing and our spiritual walk with God. He memorized many passages from the Psalms for the climb.

It was relief to see that he made it to the top and back having no previous experience. It gives me confidence that I can do it too. Whether or not you're planning to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in your lifetime I would recommend the book. I am not a fan of fiction, I prefer real life...it's more fun. If you would rather not purchase it, see if your local library has a copy.

To Live is Christ by Beth Moore

My first book of the New Year! One of the reasons I chose to read this book is because I'm going to hear Beth Moore speak in April, and I've never read anything by her, and thought I should. The reason I chose this book in particular is because it's on the life of the Apostle Paul.

This book was very easy to read and interesting. Obviously it's Beth Moore's take on what she thought happened when the Scriptures aren't clear, but I thought it was excellent. The chapters are short, which helps when you only have a few minutes to read each day.

I also like that she encourages you to read the Scripture passages that she's talking about. There's so much to learn about Paul that I never even thought of before. I kind of thought of him as a man that was a bit rough around the edges, but after reading the book I now see Paul as a man full of compassion for the lost.

I really encourage you to read this. My next book is about this photo. After I finish that book, I'll be reading Praying God's Word by Beth Moore. It's been highly recommended by a good friend. So, what are you reading?