Book Review:: Come to the Table

I could not wait to receive this book! Ever since I finished Stand By Me by Neta Jackson I couldn't wait to find out what happened. I knew there had to be more. She just couldn't leave us that way.

Ok, so she could have but I was hoping she wouldn't. I needed to know how things turned out for Rochelle and her parents, how the rest of the summer unfolded for the four friends and, especially, how Kat got involved with the church and her grand ideas about food (not really, but it sounds better than I wanted to know how Kat got involved, also, with Nick. In fact, by the end of this book they are one in the same, so there! :-P)

Jackson didn't disappoint.

Come to the Table chronicles the rest of the summer in Chicago. At the end of the first book Olivia moves out and heads back home while Rochelle and Conny move in. Tension grows are Conny takes a liking to Nick, a very strong liking. One that makes Rochelle view Nick as a possible father for Conny. Meanwhile Conny's dad lashes out at Nick because of the relationship he has with Conny and the uncomfortable view from the outside of apartment living situation (Nick living with three women and a child). Nick begins his internship at SouledOut and must address the issues rising between him and Rochelle and Conny as well as his growing feelings for Kat.

And then there's Kat. She comes to church members with an idea to help the homeless eat more healthy food. Boy does she learn a lot about eating, just plan eating. While developing her ideas, Kat becomes involved with a food pantry and her heart bursts. She sees what the problem really is. Her heart for food becomes a mission at the church. She finds her calling, her purpose. She finds Jesus in the midst. She learns what it means to actually feed and take care of the hurting.

I can't tell you all the goes on in this book, there's just too much. God has promised "that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28). This can't be more true for this characters in this book. They find His will for their lives and they flourish.

It's a 'feel good' Romans 8:28 book.

A book that claims the promises of God.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from BookSneeze.com for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Book Review:: The Girl in the Glass

"She took me to the looking glass in my room and stood me in front of it. 'You see that girl in the glass?' she said to me. 'You are the one who will say who she is..'"

Meg has been waiting for her father to take her on a trip to Florence since she was a little girl. Her parents divorced when she was young and left that trip hanging in the balance. Her love and faith in her father keeps her heart yearning for this trip. Promises broken leave her empty banking her heart on other people. Through various events orchestrated by her father land her feet on Florence soil. Friends and coworkers scoop her up when he, once again, fails to show. Meg comes to learn more about herself in the week she spends with people she's only seen on the computer screen while divulging in Florence beauty. Meg learns to hear what the past has to say. She learns who she is, with or without her father. She learns to let go of broken promises from the man she loves immensely regardless of what he does or does not do. 

This was one book I could not wait to finish! I hated putting it down. I just had to know if she ever makes it to Florence, what she does there, how the quiet love story plays out, how she discovers the truth about everything. And, of course, I now want more than ever to visit Italy and see what she saw. Sofia tells Meg that you can't ever take or leave Florence, she just goes with you. Yes, yes it does, even through the pages of a well written book. 

The only part of this book I didn't understand fully was the intertwining of Nora's story between the chapters of Meg's. Nora lived in Florence in the 1700's and Sofia is writing a book about Nora speaking to her through paintings and statues in modern day Florence. I understand that Susan Meissner probably intended for us to know more about Nora but it just didn't go anywhere with the rest of the book. But it didn't really take away from the book. Just something I didn't follow to tie into the story. 

Check out more about The Girl in the Glass.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This Pile...

Of Curious George books is headed back to the library tomorrow. Plus one very Hungry Caterpillar that became a fast favorite!

We love our library and hanging out with friends while there!

Justice's Mask by Louise Ayers

I am super excited to share a new book with you.

In fact it was just released this week.

But the reason I am so excited is that I know a published author!!!

Yep.

And I'm proud of her.

Growing up this was her dream. She always talked about being an author some day. And she lived it.

Every year our youth group put on a play at church. Louise wrote and directed the play. They were always awesome and drew a crowd (Granted we were amateur, non-aspiring actors). We always had such fun.

If she wasn't writing something she was reading. I don't think I ever saw Louise without a book within reach.

Without further ado, here is the link to her very first published novel!!!!!!

Justice's Mask 

I haven't gotten to read it yet, but I'm sure you won't be disappointed. And I'm not just saying that because we've been friends for, what, 15 years plus now. Seriously check it out. 

This is a journey I've gotten the privilege of seeing come to a joyous new road. I can't wait to see what is in store for her in the next few years!

Book Review:: Grieving God's Way

This book had been an option for me for a while to review and I had just scanned over it to get to the other books. But due to recent events in our lives I thought now was a good time to finally pick the book that had been staring me in the face.

I'm glad I did.

Margaret Brownley had suffered her own loss three years before penning Grieving God's Way. This is not only a helpful book for people deep in loss but it is also a personal journey for her.

Brownley takes you through 90 days of grief. 90 days to allow God to bring you out of the darkness into His light. 90 days to see the promises of healing and hope from God through the tears of searing loss.

Right from day one she acknowledges the pain and the grief as physical. Not many people will do that. Then she addressed the soul, heart and spirit. She takes the whole person and works toward healing with God.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"

Phil 4:13

I can't say how helpful this book will be for you. If you're hurting from a present loss or one from years ago, it would be a good book to get ahold of. Just try it, you may be surprised how much it could help. I really like how Brownley addressees the entire person not just the emotional side of loss and I think that's what helps the most. She recognizes this. 

This could be a healing journey for you.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from booksneeze.com for this review. All opinions expressed are my own. 

Book Review:: A Wreath of Snow

This was my first Liz Curtis Higgins historical fiction read. I recently read The Girl's Still Got It and really enjoyed it. I honestly didn't put the author and books together until I got all my resources together for this book review. Oops.

Not that it's a bad thing though.

I just had no idea she did historical fiction (I love historical fiction). I only know her from her Bible/Devotional works (Bad Girls of the Bible ring a bell?).

She did a fantastic job with this book as well.

I am not normally into romance/love stories. I find them predictable and all the same. And I still said she did a fantastic job. Even though I saw it coming I couldn't figure out how it was going to work out! This never happens for me with this sort of thing.

It is a well written, quick read. Quite an enjoyable way to start off the holiday season that is just around the corner.

A Wreath of Snow  tells the love story of a young Scottish teacher, Meg Campbell, and a newspaper writer, Gordon Shaw, in the late 1800's. Yes, a love story. A Christian based loved story. Within this story is a tragedy that left the Campbell family in ruins and Gordon Shaw shamed. A freak Christmas Eve storm slams Meg and Gordon together. Meg bares her soul to Gordon as they walk back to the train station in the dark, cold night. Gordon, in turn, lies to her then comes clean. Some how, against Meg's pleading, Gordon ends up back the Campbell house under false pretenses to wait out the storm so he can return home by train in the morning. During his stay God opens up the door for him to be truthful. A whirlwind of events happen. Healing happens. And, yep, love happens.

Read the first chapter here.
Or view a video here.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Book Review:: Grace

Do you know the definition of grace?

Do you know what it means to give or receive grace?

Do you know grace?

We all think we do. It's just something we talk about and use regularly. We say grace before meals. We use it as a name. We sing it in just about every song in church. But do we really know grace?

In his book, Grace, Max Lucado talks grace in a way you've never experienced. The grace you thought you knew will be defined in a life changing way. 

"My child, I want you in My new kingdom. I have swore away your offenses like the morning clogs, your sins like the morning mist. I have redeemed you. The transaction is sealed: the matter is settled. I, God, have made My choice. I choose you to be part of My forever family."

How wonderful it is to know that God chose you? He wanted you. And His grace to you in never ending. It doesn't matter what you've done, where you come from or what's going on in your life right now. God has grace enough for you. Lucado wants you to understand grace as never before. Fully knowing grace will change your life in ways you've never imagined. There is no fear with God because of His grace: so rest. There is no judgement with God's grace, it covers all: so let go of regrets and hurt. God's all consuming grace can fill your life with joy.

I can't even begin to write a good description of this book.

It. Is. Amazing.

Life. Changing.

Exactly what I needed at this point in my life.

It's written in a way that someone who has never experienced God or grace can be wrapped with both within the first pages. And if you have seen both, it can seep further into your life and heart with simple wording that comes alive.

If you can get your hands on a copy of this book, please do. You won't regret it.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from booksneeze.com for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Book Review:: You Can't Make Me

Everyone thinks they have a strong willed child. You know, the one who won't do anything you ask them to do or blatantly does something wrong and you think they're doing it just to annoy you.

In my opinion you just have a child.

I do think there are strong willed children (my education has shown me so) but I also think the term is thrown around way to much. It's easier for a parent to say "She's strong willed" than to step up and discipline.

That being said I chose this book because I was interested to explore various parenting strategies. I don't think I have a strong willed child but she does toss food over the side of her high chair no matter what we do...that is a strong willed moment, not a strong willed child, I don't like labels.

Cynthia Ulrish Tobias is an Applied Learning specialist (if you don't know what that means check out her website). She has a series of books designed to help you parent a strong willed child, or just a child in general. In this book, You Can't Make Me [But I can be persuaded], she gives strategies for raising a strong willed child to be the best they can be. In the beginning she describes what a strong willed child is and that it is not a bad thing to have a child who purposely drives you crazy.

"Many parents automatically assume that having a strong willed child is a bad thing...it is a great gift to have a child with firm convictions, a high spirit, and a sense of adventure." Pg. 19.

Tobias also gives ways to help turn conflict around, deal with school and find the perfect career. As well as surviving a meltdown, and what to do when it gets out of control. She also address whether or not strong willed behavior is sin and how to help your child stay on track with right and wrong while still learning to be independent and nurturing their will.

"Your SWC may be God's instrument for making the world a better place"

Pg. 19-20

This book was a struggle for me to read. As I said before I do not like labels, I feel they sometimes (such as this) give an excuse to do whatever it is your think you have. Tobias talks about things she has done, such as not following the rules because she views them as guidelines, and what others have done in their manner. Say what!? No way. Not in my house and not anywhere in the world is it ok not to follow the rules because you don't think they apply to you. If you're raising your child that way...wait, that's not what this review is about. Back to the book. 

Tobias does give great parenting strategies for any child. Some of her suggestions will help you raise an independent child who can take responsibility for their own actions. 

In all, I feel you can find a better book for parenting a strong willed child that doesn't allow them to bend the rules just because you feel their strong willed...

Disclaimer: I received this book from WaterBrook Multnomah for free for this review. All opinions expressed are my own. 

Place's You'll Go:: The National Zoo

Our family loves animals.

My one year old knows a lot of animal sounds with her favorite being the elephant (trunk and everything). The cow comes in a close second.

A group of our friends decided to go to the National Zoo in Washington DC in mid-July (yes, I'm a little behind!). I jumped on the chance to take Baby to see her beloved animals.

SHE LOVED IT.

They had wonderful exhibits. Fun animals.

And lots of cooling stations. I don't recommend going in mid-July when it's 100+ degrees. Go in the spring or fall. The animals will be more willing to be seen in their natural habitats rather than through glass in a cool building. Plus you won't almost die of heat exhaustion.

Best of all:

IT'S FREE!

All you have to pay for is parking and it's about $22 a car. We had ever seat filled in a van so $22 for 7 of us. Not too bad!

Of course a trip to DC wouldn't be complete without checking to see if the President was home!

Things to See:: Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood

Remember Mr. Roger's Neighborhood?



What memories come while searching for Mr. Roger's. He was always a favorite of ours growing up. I don't really remember much about the episodes but I definitely remember his red sweater and the song.

The Song.

You're singing it now aren't you?

Now The Fred Roger's Company has made a new, updated version of the old favorite called Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood. 

We've only watched it a few times since it coincides with nap time at our house but from what I've seen it looks like a good one! Baby has enjoyed it and I have too. 

There are quite a few similarities between the two shows and it makes me happy to know that my daughter will have something like Mr Roger's to watch growing up. 

A Season For Tending

Cindy Woodsmall is a well known Amish fiction author. She has written numerous series on this subject and is a New York Times Best Seller.

She starts a whole new series with this book: A Season for Tending.

Rhoda is a young Amish woman fighting against her past. She is trying to come to terms with her sister's death, her perceived roll in events and the duty she feels compels her to push against Amish beliefs. Rhoda is a gardener by trade. She grows and cans fruits and vegetables along with various herbs. These herbs and her knowledge of them cause a conflict with members of the Amish order. She is forbidden to use them medicinally after her sister's death. She agrees as long as she can keep them. But she can't fight her instincts to help people, with herbs or otherwise. She has a keene sense of what is going on around her that she just can't help coming to the aid of anyone, Amish or English. This gets her in trouble many times over yet brings forth a beautiful story of following your heart and dreams as well as God's Will even if you must go against those you love the most.

Although this book didn't move as fast as I had hoped it would, I did enjoy the easy read. A bit predictable but a good read none the less. I have read a lot of Beverly Lewis' Amish fiction so I was comparing it all the way through. I feel it is all the same but some variations in plots make it interesting.  It was fun since we live near some of the areas mentioned in this story as well. There's really not much I can say about this book other than if you like Amish fiction pick it up, it's a good, easy read.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from waterbrookmultnomah.com for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Curious George

We came to a dead end for our Dr Seuss books in early summer. I could not find any more of them available around here (I do the library not buy). I found a few that we watched online as someone else read them but it wasn't any fun. Someday I hope we do come across the remaining few.

Wednesdays are our library days. We go hang out with some friends and pick out books for the next week. And as Curious George has become a new love around here I decided to pick up all the books on the shelf. Baby flips through them and loves looking at what that bad little monkey is doing (yes, he sometimes can be bad!). I got me thinking as I looked at Curious George Goes to the Beach that are a few different varieties of George books. And...

Meet our newest challenge:

Read all of the Curious George books!

There are 9 original Curious George books by Margaret and H.A. Rey:


Cecily G and the 9 Monkeys (When George is first introduced)
Curious George
Curious George Takes a Job
Curious George Rides a Bike
Curious George Gets a Medal
Curious George Flies A Kite
Curious George Learns the Alphabet
Curious George Goes to the Hospital

After H.A. Rey died in 1977, Margaret continued to write stories with Alan Shalleck (they are mostly out of print now but some are being re-released).

Curious George and the Dinosaur
Curious George Goes to the Aquarium
Curious George Goes to the Dentist
Curious George Bakes a Cake
Curious George Goes to a Toy Store
Curious George Goes to School
Curious George Visits an Amusement Park
Curious George at the Railroad Station
Curious George Visits a Police Station
Curious George Goes Hiking
Curious George Goes to the Circus
Curious George at the Beach
Curious George Goes to a Restaurant
Curious George at the Fire Station
Curious George Plays Ball
Curious George Airport
Curious George at the Ballet
Curious George Walks the Pets
Curious George Goes Sledding

Then there is a whole list of other books written by Margart Rey about Curious George. Plus another list of books based on his movies and TV show (we will not include this since the list is never ending!).

Check out our progress as we take on this new challenge!

Book Review::This Scarlet Cord

I. Love. Historical. Fiction.

It is probably my favorite genre.

And yes, this is fiction. Please keep that in mind as you read this and the book.

This Scarlet Cord  by Joan Wolf brings the story of Rahab to life. Rahab was a real Canaanite girl who turned away from her false gods and helped some of Joshua's spies escape the city of Jericho. Joshua was leading the Israelite army into the Promised Land. The spies were sent in ahead of the army to relay information about the much fortified city. As the infamous Bible story continues Joshua marches around the city and the walls that never could fall crumbled at the hand of God. This is the historical part of the story.

Wolf takes this story to a fictional level. Through research about the culture and history of the time period when it is believed Rahab lived, Wolf develops a beautiful story of Rahab and how she becomes an agent of God in His will. Rahab gets a history, a personality and a future. She gets a family. Wolf even produces a reason and way of Rahab's change in beliefs. (Really, who hasn't sat and wondered how and why Rahab decided to give up her gods for the One True God?). She makes Rahab a real person we can all relate to, feel and know that no matter what we have done in our history, God has a plan for us and will use us for His glory!

I had to remember as I was reading this book that it was truly fiction. But it was fun trying to take the real story and piecing together what was going on in the book. It's always fun to dream up what isn't written in Bible as a background (as long as it doesn't take away from the Truth, anyway).

My only complaint is that in the beginning of the book I feel Wolf tried too hard to make this story real. Her descriptions to bring the story to life were a bit over kill and a lot was repeated for no reason. We got the picture the first time. But after the first few chapters, Wolf settled into a rhythm and flow that made this story a good one!

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Booksneeze.com for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Baby's First Birthday Party

I know this has not much to with books (although we have quite a few of his books and read them frequently! Maybe I should start a list since we got through all the Dr. Seuss ones we could...). But I had to share our newest love...

Who else but Curious George?

We love him here. Baby claps uncontrollably and dancing like a maniac when the music starts. So what else should be the theme?

We had a great day even though it was overcast and the hurricane was coming up the coast. (How fitting since she was born during Lee last year!). But even with the impending rain we had a wonderful time! Almost all her friends she hangs out with came and played on the playground. Both sets of Grandparents made it. 

We Love You Monkey
May you always be curious.

Book Review:: The Girl's Still Got It

Oh the joys of summer vacation...relaxing in the sun, reading a book, feet up...yeah right....not with an almost 1 year old. So please forgive the gap in the blog...

Now onto the latest book I finally finished. I've had it for a while.

Ruth has always been a favorite Bible story of mine. Who doesn't enjoy a nice love story full of redemption and 'fate'? Liz Curtis Higgins tells this beautiful story as if you, the reader, are standing with Ruth and Naomi, taking the road back home, coming upon the man she is to marry waiting for her (I mean, really, how much more sweet can the be?) and beginning her life with her new God. The Girl's Still Got It takes you step by step through their journey. Right from the very start Curtis makes the characters come to life, makes you feel present in history, and, above all, makes God come alive on the pages of a book written thousands of years later.  Even after all these years, Ruth and her story still have it. Ruth is still worth something.

If you haven't met Ruth yet I'll give you a little background: She comes from a very pagan nation, marries into Naomi's God-fearing family. Her husband dies, as well as her father in law and brother in law, leaving Naomi and two daughters in law. History will tell you this isn't a good situation. Due to a famine lifting in the Promised Land, Naomi heads home bringing with her Ruth (her other daughter in law did most of us would do and high tailed it home). I can't tell you much more because the hand of God works wonders in Ruth's life. Just know she was not only redeemed in love and family but with God as well.

Even though I wasn't real fond of Curtis' writing style, I still loved the book! As I said previously, Ruth is a favorite (Should I have favorites? Eh, why not!). I did enjoy her taking the characters and making them more real, more touchable, more like me. I felt more involved in the story than just being told again. Curtis took the characters and made them more available, made their feelings and thoughts more real.

But that's not the important part of the book.

Curtis made God silent hand in the story more real. God never speaks in the book of Ruth, in fact He's hardly mentioned. But you know He's there. Because of the way her characters came to life, God comes to life also. You can see Him, now, behind the scenes.

"Our desire as believes isn't to be more like Ruth; it's to be more like Jesus. With each admirable thing Ruth does, we will see the Lord's handiwork...when we read the final page, I hope instead of saying 'wow, what a woman' we'll be saying, 'wow, what a Redeemer!'"

 

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Book Review:: Running for My LIfe

With the Olympics in full swing, it was the perfect time to receive this book. I knew nothing of this runner even though I faithfully watched the 2008 summer Olympics, especially the opening ceremonies, when Lopez Lomong carried the American Flag with pride. I don't remember his story, which I'm sure they talked about at some point during the games. I wish I did. It is a story worth reading. A story of hope and dreams, determination and survival.

In Running For My Life, Lopez Lomong (born Lopepe Lomong in war stricken South Sundan) tells an inspiring story of a six year old boy, ripped from his mothers arms by rebel solders, who grow up in a refugee camp in Kenya and, years later and a dream come true, became an American Olympian. He tells of escaping a rebel camp that turned children into soldiers with three 'angels', being taken to a refugee camp to live off UN scraps on Tuesday and a chicken on holidays. While at the camp, Lomong fell in love with soccer. In order to play he had to run 18 miles everyday. Yes, you read that right: 18 miles. Through God's blessing and mighty hand, Lomong was chosen to come to America through a program for the Lost Boys. He was placed with a family in Syracuse, New York (close to where I grew up!)

"Ten years after the rebel soldiers ripped me out of my mother's arms, I finally had a place to call home." 

He struggled with understanding that someone would actually want him. Who would want a boy with no country, a boy with really no past.

"They were so nice but apparently so clueless. Why would they ever think a lot boy like me belonged in their home."

Though he wanted to play soccer, the cross country coach bribed him with a jacket (yes, a jacket with his name on the back). Many years later, after stating to everyone who would listen since the time he saw Michael Johnson run in the Olympics on a black and white TV in Kenya, he did make it to the Olympics.

We live in American not knowing how blessed we really are, how children long to come here because it is the land of dreams and opportunity. This story proves America is still where dreams can come true. A heart wrenching, inspiring, eye opening read. Definitely one you need to get your hands on, especially during these exciting summer Olympics. And cheer on Lomong as he runs for the USA!

Lomong didn't write this book to show how good he became at running because he, in all seriousness, ran for his life many times but he is also running for the lives of other Lost Boys in Sudan. He travels and back forth, using his athletic standing and status as a platform to share the terror still going on. Visit his website to find out more of what he is doing for the Lost Boys and the Sudan.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from BookSneeze.com for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Book Review:: Trusting God

"Dear Lord, help me look past my problem to see Your provision and protection. Help me rest in the truth that Your ways are high than my ways even when I don't understand"

Trusting God is a series of daily devotionals meant to reignite a 'girlfriends' trust in God. Each day one of the three women (Sharon Jaynes, Gwen Smith and Mary Southerland) take you through some very personal journeys during which they learned a lesson on trusting God. These journeys range from meeting friends, having children, loss and gaining. The fruit of trusting God through everything is evident in the happy endings. Throughout the book, you can see how God is there, always. These women want you to see this, embrace this, live this. Fully trusting God. Always. Their life stories are proof and they want to share. Girlfriend to girlfriend. Heart to heart. Woman to woman. Through their pain and triumphs they want you to know that letting go can be more ever more rewarding than clinging to the stump holding you to earth. God can do amazing things, as the ladies share, when we release and let go to Him. Trust Him. Trust His ways are better. How much more evidence do you need than three women pouring their hearts onto pages and glorifying God for all He has done?

None. Although it would be nice for you to experience it on your own, right? At the end of each section there is a chapter to reflect. Ways to apply what you've just read about to your own life. Ways to 'let go and let God'. Without these chapters I think the book would have been redundant. But hey, God never changes. His blessings come when we trust Him. They never change. So I guess hearing over and over how God can bless any circumstance can never get old. If you don't want to take the time to read, then don't. But if you need to know, need to be reminded that God is in control, His ways are better than ours, His plan is eternal than this book is for you. Trust is hard, especially with someone Who we cannot see. But know that when you do, there is nothing better.

"God is not human. God never changes. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. He will never leave us nor forsake us. He says what He means, and means what He says. God cares for you unceasingly, provides for you immeasurably, and loves you unconditionally. And you really can trust Him"

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah for this review. Opinions expressed are my own.

Just How Important is Reading?

Extremely!!!

I cannot stress enough how important reading to your child is.

Baby had her 9 month well child check up on Monday. The pediatrician was impressed by how much this girl talks! He asked us if she talks. Our response was "when doesn't she talk?".

To be on track Baby should be proficient with mama and dada as well as imitating sounds. (I don't say this to brag but to stress the importance of reading) Baby is well beyond that.

She says:
Mama
Dada
Ticky ticky
Ducky
What's that?
Kitty
Papa/ baba
And other repeated words

And she uses these appropriately.

I can only attribute this is us reading to her everyday. A lot too. We spend a lot of time with books.

So please don't say she's too young to really understand what's in a book. They never are!! And the impact is HUGE!

Book Review:: Monday's with My Old Pastor

This is what you'd call a highlighter book (I struggled against it because I love to pass these books along and I'd rather have the next reader decide what they feel is 'highlighter' worthy). The quotes from this Pastor could cover a wall. If you write them all down, you'd be violating copyright laws! I wish I could give you more quotes but I can't decide which ones to write. The wisdom in this book is beyond comprehension. It's one you'll need to take your time reading, mediating and praying for it to seep into your own life and soul.

Monday's with My Old Pastor chronicles the journey of Jose Luis Navajo through the struggles we all face at some point in our lives. Navajo is a pastor who suffered from the medically diagnosed disease of 'burn out'. He was at a point in his ministry and life where he felt he just couldn't finish, just couldn't go on. He was ready to give up, ready to say this was not what God had called him to do even after many fruitful years. Through the urging of his wife, Navajo schedules a meeting with his aging Pastor. The man who first led him to the ministry. Every Monday, for about 12-13 weeks, the men met. Through stories of personal growth, age old stories fables, and, most of all, a life the bleeds the cross, Navajo comes away with a renewed love for God and His calling. Even in the face of death, the "old Pastor" held the cross in front of him:

"I was born in the shade of the cross. I want to live anchored to it, and may it be the ladder that lifts me up to His presence when my time comes."

I cannot say enough about this book. There is no way I could put into words the wisdom this man held and passed to future generations. There is convictions, hope, tears and pure honesty. I cannot write the thoughts and feels I had while reading this book. They swirl about daily in my mind. They convict. Even if you're not at the point of giving up your faith, you feel like you've lost it already, this book is for you. It doesn't matter how much you know. It doesn't matter if you have the Bible memorized front to back. It doesn't matter how long you've been a Christian, how long you've preached the Word. This book will scream that you can never know enough. 

Soak up this wisdom. True, pure wisdom is hard to find these days. 

How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver.

Proverbs 16:16

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from booksneeze.com for this review. Opinions expressed are my own.

Things to See:: Word World

We've been watching PBS a lot now (since our newly discovered obsession with Curious George). There are only a few shows that catch Baby's attention and this is one of them. I think it's pretty cute too.

Word World is a show all about, you guessed it, words. Every character is spelled with letters, such as the frog seen to the right. The barn they play in and all their homes are also built like that. The scenery too.

In every episode they have a problem to overcome and they need at least one object to do it. With the letters and letter combinations they find, the team has to come up with the 'thing' they need by putting them all together. They sound out the letters and as they do, the letters squish together to make the object.

I have never seen such a fun way of learning how to spell and read. Not only are you seeing the words come together but they stay together so you can see the letters as the word. I'm a huge advocate for teaching your child how to read and spell by reading books. But this is a fun and imaginative way to aid in learning.

Here's an episode to check out:

Morning Reading

Baby hasn't even been up an hour and she has all her books out. Love it!

Places You'll Go:: WOLFCG

My first addition of Places You'll Go!

Yes, yes, you can go anywhere you want with a book. But sometimes you just need to visit a real place. That's what I want to share with you. This type of blog post will be about the places we visit.

This first place is where we spent the last few weeks. Hubby was out of the country for work so Baby and I spent some time hanging out here. And we're going back this summer for our week vacation.

It's the Word of Life Family Campground.

We love it here. We've spent many years growing up on this campground. I've very excited about taking my family there for the first time (as well as some awesome friends!).

It's a place to sit back, relax, and getting immersed in the Word. A place to recharge. A place to grow as a family. A place to let your kids run wild (yes, you can!) with other kids, get connected with other christian kids, and form friendships that will last a life time.

During the summer weeks of camp there are usually 2 speakers that come each week. There are at least 2 meetings every day where you can sit under the leadership and teaching of men like Erwin Lutzer, Ray Pritchard, Stanley Toussaint, and many others. Performances happen once a week also. This year you get the privilege of seeing Bebo Norman in concert!

But for the past few weeks we've been helping the staff get ready for a busy, blessed summer.

Making sure the playground is ready for the kids!

Train's ready

So is the beach!

Working on the bookstore now.

Testing out the pool. We wouldn't want anything to go wrong with that now would we!?

Vacation and Changes

I apologize for the limited number of reviews or posts in the last month. We're on an extended vacation. As soon as we get back I'll start back in.

Keep checking back, things are changing and being added. I want to start posting my other finds besides books. Such as places, baby things, technology, etc. We have lots of things that we love and I want to share them with you! The first one will be where we are right now. Plus one of my favorite places of all times! We still love our  books and will share those regularly. : )

Welcome to summer!!! (Almost)

Book Review:: Raising Your Kids to Love the Lord

Did you know moms and dads spend between two and three thousand hours a year with their children while they're growing up? How are you spending that time?

As a new mom I was inundated with information on how to be the best parent ever, how to raise a successful child, how to get them to sleep through the night early on (ahem, what?), etc. Yes, all that is nice but my mother's heart just wants this little being to grow up knowing, loving and faithfully following our God. In the world today this seems like an impossible task, but Dave Stone writes Raising Your Kids to Love the Lord with simplicity, experience, humor and truth to show that it really isn't impossible any more. Besides this book, I would give this one to new parents. This is one I'd pass on. It will not only challenge you to be a better parent, but also a better person in the Lord.

"It's a simple principle, but an uncomfortable one if we take it to heart, our children will be more apt to love the Lord if we do."

That seems easy, right? But yet it hits you in the gut. It's not about what you do with your children, it is what you do about your children while they are watching. Stone goes through a number of topics from 'who you are when no one is watching' to 'the key' (yes, he has the key!) to raising godly children. He also provides the easiest, yet "most untapped resource available to parents": "if we love our families and want our children to grow up to be people who love the Lord, then praying for them ought to be as natural as breathing." Even easier than the first! Being a faithful parent isn't just about being the best there is, it's praying, communing with the One who is the perfect Parent. While going through various ideas, Stone also throws in things his family has done throughout the lives of their children. He has some wonderful ideas from date nights for parents (which he says besides your relationship with God the parental relationship should be the most important in a family) to date nights with your kids, trips with each child, teachable moments and some of the best discipline ideas I have ever seen. It's not as easy as it sounds nor is it guaranteed to work but with God's help and a prayerful parent,

"We can't know what the future holds or what our children may experience as committed Christians. But we can know that whatever life brings to them, filling their minds with the Word of God is a gift that will last a lifetime and beyond."

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from booksneeze.com for this review. Opinions expressed are my own.

Book Review:: Fearless

FEARLESS

oblivious of dangers or perils or calmly resolute in facing them

bold

unafraid

brave

COURAGEOUS



I cannot remember that last book that made me literally laugh out loud then cry a few pages later. I cannot remember a book that has tested my faith quite like this one. The faith and strength of every person in this book amazes me. How God can weave the lives of the broken into a beautiful love story shouldn't surprise me but it's just wonderful. How God can take a man who hit rock bottom and make him an example of perfect love shouldn't baffle me but it's truly amazing. This is a book you don't want to miss. A story of a man who gave everything. Fearless by Eric Blehm.

It's the legacy of one of our most elite military personnel. It's the faith his family carried through hell and back many times over. It's the peace and healing God brings in the darkest times in our lives. It's a story worth reading.

Adam Brown had a can do attitude since he was little. He never backed down, cared deeply, defended the helpless, and loved like no other. From standing up for a boy with Downs Syndrome to providing shoes to Afghan children, Adam Brown was a hero when he was just doing what he felt in his heart was right. Fearless traces his rise to stardom in high school to his darkest days with drug addiction to redemption through his ultimate sacrifice. Adam became one of the greatest SEALs our nation has ever seen or had the honor of calling one of our own. All through this story his drive is evident. His determination to break free of his addiction. His push to enter the Navy despite his record. He blew through training to reach the top of his class. He would give up himself to protect his teammates during raids. And eventually gave his life for his friends, who he called family, during one of the most difficult and important terrorist raids. And he understood his sacrifice, his ultimate calling.Through all of this his friends and family who are telling his story define him with one word: FEARLESS.

"I'm not afraid of anything that might happen to me on this earth because I know no matter what, nothing can take my spirit away from me..."

Adam Brown wrote these words in a letter to his children that was to be read only if the worst happened. These are the words of faith from a truly fearless man.

Baby Loves Books 3

Doing a little reading. She reads like this at least once a day. Usually more. I think we definitely have a book lover.

Book Review:: 1000 Days

1000 Days by Jonathan Falwell is fantastic. I had seen various reviews on it so I was a little hesitant about ordering it to read. But something kept pointing to me to this book. I had skipped over it the last few times I've chosen books, this time I just couldn't. And I'm so glad! It made me look at the life of Christ is a different way, it pointed out things that I had heard thousands of times but never really picked up on or knew how it would ever apply to me. His 1000 days were just that: 1000 days of ministry to lead us to the cross, to find redemption in His death and eternal life in His resurrection, to show Who He was. But those few days were something bigger, way bigger for us. They are a way for us to become more like Him.

Falwell takes you through the ministry of Christ during his roughly 1000 days of teaching, preaching, healing and loving. It sounds overwhelming but really it's not. (If I could have read it all in one day I would have. Time constraints made me spread it out over a few weeks.) He takes the ministry to a whole new level. Not to level of being too hard to understand or too easy, but one that perfect, one that can explain the happening in our modern terms and lifestyle.

 Falwell explains major events in Christ's life in a way we can apply to our lives not just as something amazing Christ did or said. For example, we all know the story of when Christ entered the temple and read scripture at the very beginning of His ministry. But did you know that the scripture that was read that day was planned years before? As in the leaders of the temple plan out their sermons years before. How amazing it is that Jesus read Isaiah 61?

"A hush probably fell over the room as He rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant beside the table in the center of the room, and sat down...how would He interpret what He just read? He said 'Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing' (Luke 4:21)...Jesus chose that small group in His hometown to announce 'I am the Messiah. I am the One who will do all these things Isaiah wrote about..." (pg 19.)

Falwell also takes you through the storms, the hypocrisy, His radical love, all the way through the cross and resurrection. He shows you ways to mold your life into a way that you could be living Christ's 1000 days, seeking Him, being like Him. 

Disclaimer: I received this book through booksneeze.com for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Baby Loves Books 2

This is how much baby loves books. It's a board book. I had no idea you could take a solid bite out of a board book.

Book Review:: One Month to Live

This book isn't one that you have to read only if you have one month left to live, read it now. Don't wait. Although, you never know. You may only have one month left. Or maybe one day, one year, 100 years. You just don't know. So why are you sitting here? Why are you reading through my blog? (Just kidding! Please do check it out). But seriously, what are you doing with your life right now? Is it what you would do with it if you only have one month left to live?

If you say yes, good for you!! Keep at it.

Did you say no? (Guess what, I did!). Then please check out this book.

Kerry and Chris Shook that you through thirty days to get your life into a place where you'll live with no regrets. Each day focuses on a part of your life that you'd like to change, enhance, relive so you can really live out your days. They challenge the reader with things like the "someday syndrome" when you keep saying 'someday I will...' They ask how are you loving: "Today, though most of us are so busy, constantly in motion...we work long hours to provide for the people we love...but we miss spending quality time with them....we can give them expensive gifts and luxury vacations but we struggle to give them out time and undivided attention...so why don't we live as if our relationships matter most?" They remind us where we came from, Whom our identity should be in, that our struggles are not only for our refinement but to help others. They are thought provoking questions such as "If you knew you only had one month to live, what 'cargo' would you throw overboard?" and "Take a sheet of paper and draw a large circle in the center of it. Divide the circle into a pie with eight pieces. Then label each section with an area of your life. Are you living out your values in each of those areas?" 

This book with challenge you beyond your little life right now to really truly live your life. I also thought I was doing a good job living my life. I am staying at home raising my daughter, taking care of the house, etc. What more could I want? In the first chapter I realized I was doing all those things but as I was I wasn't really. I read as my daughter was napping. Good for me!! I only work when she's not around. When she was around what was I doing? Oh yeah, watching TV, texting, playing on my numerous items of media. If I had one month left with her (yes, one month of tears!!!) would I want to be doing those things? NO!!! This book can convict in the first chapter. After that it's just ways to keep working on your life. How to live without regrets. Without thinking that someday... So don't say someday I'll check out this book. DO IT NOW!!

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from waterbrookmultnomah.com from this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

It's Children's Book Week!

Grab a few children's books this week and read, read, read with your kids. They'll live it and you'll all benefit in numerous ways! Children's Book Week

Book Review:: Swipe

What is it about post-apocalypse stories now a days? Maybe I'm finally too old and young adult fiction isn't my thing so I'm out of the loop. But here's yet another one: Swipe by Evan Angler.

This one is about a twelve year old boy who is preparing to pledge his alliance and his life to the American Union. The day of his pledging goes off the tracks quickly after a culmination of years of suspicions and weird occurrences. Logan Langley's sister disappeared the day of her pledge. Everyone said it was a procedural fluke. Logan knew differently. Ever since he has had an eerie feeling of being followed and watched. He can't get proof though until the DOME's top agent comes to town with his teenage daughter. Logan and Erin discover the truth of Logan's thoughts and dig into a deep web of uncertainty, lies and trouble. Events unfold exposes the flaws of the government, the rebels against it, and where Logan stands in it all.

This story is all too familiar. It seems every book is 'rage against the government'. Although it is good to stand for what you believe in, you can only read so many books about this. I think that's why I'm not really a fan of this book. I've read too many lately.

The author also tried too hard. He tired to make the technology so futuristic that it went too far. A little bit of technology would have been fine but he tried to make everything seem so big and far fetched. Nothing was familiar. Nothing was simple. It was just too much.

Overall I think this book was pretty good. Just not my thing. If you're into futuristic fantasy stories jump on board with this book. If not, stand here with me and wait for yet another to roll by.

Find the book here:   

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Booksneeze.com for this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Baby Loves Books

Baby grabbed this book out of my hands as soon as it came. She is starting to open the books and flip through pages. And she reacts like she really is reading: "oohhh". So funny!

Book Review:: God Gave Us You

I really thought we had this book already but after I read the other book (God Gave Us Love) by Lisa Tawn Bergren I went to find it to read to baby. WE DIDN'T HAVE IT!So I went to WaterBrook Multnomah and requested it for our next review book. I couldn't just read one and not the other. I am so incredibly glad I did. This is one you want on the nursery library shelf or in the box of toddler books. It is really cute!!

Little Cub has many questions (what little kid doesn't?) for her Mama while getting ready for bed one night.  Little Cub poses the question that is sometimes dreaded by many a parent: "Where did I come from?" Yes, that question that can stop parents dead in their tracks, especially coming at such a young age. But Mama does a beautiful job explaining it. Mama Bear answers with "God gave us you". She progresses through wanting Little Cub all the way through birth answering Little Cub's numerous questions about why, what happened, how.  

This is soooo cute. I can't get over how cute this book is. I love it. LOVE IT. Mama Bear's answer is wonderful. Baby needs to know how much she is loved and that she did come from God. Baby is a blessing from God. Bergren explains the age old question in such a great way for children to understand. (And if you read your child the book it can get you off the hook of answering such a loaded question if you're uncomfortable!) It also lets Baby know God is the Almighty Creator. That's where we all come from. Once again I can't tell you know much I LOVE LOVE this book. 

The two are a great combination to put on your bookshelf or give as shower gifts, birthday or Christmas gifts. Check out both of them below.

God Gave Us Love

God Gave Us You

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah for this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Book Review:: God Gave Us Love

We have a ton of children's books in our house but I was excited to get this one in the mail. It's my first children's book review!! I had quite the critic sitting next to me to give input as well. Let's just say she was super happy to be handed this book.

This is a cute little story about a cub and her grandfather talking about various forms of love and why we love. They were fishing and otters kept jumping scaring their fish away. Cub got mad, as would any kid really. Grandpa explained that she must have love for the otters even when she doesn't want to because God is love. They go through different situations in which a person should love others, love God and trust God. Grandpa answers the age old children's question about the kissy love of Mama and Dada too.

Although I thought this book was pretty cute it says it was written for children ages 0-3 years. I'm not so sure it was broken down into good enough language for that age. And some of the other concepts it tries to teach a bit other whelming for his age But it holds truth that adults sometimes need help with!! It's definitely worth reading to children at some point to reinforce loving others, just not to under age 3 like its meant for.

Arthur's website
Get the book here.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multomah Publishing  for this review. The opinions expressed are my own.