Book Review - 1000 days: The Ministry of Christ

1000 days: The Ministry of Christ is a Jonathan Falwell’s new devotional book that teaches about Jesus time on this earth. Falwell uses stories, sermons, and even classic literature to give readers insights into the life and ministry of Christ. And each chapter has 5-6 questions for individual reflection or group discussion.

Here are some of the topics covered:
• Jesus uses simple people to illustrate teachings and to represent him.
• The source of true happiness is only God.
• Jesus focuses on relationships instead of popularity.
• A look at hypocritical followers of Christ.
• Life is not about stuff – less is best.
• How Jesus wants us to live based on his lessons from the cross

There is a 45-page reference section at the end of the book, that includes a Bible Study Guide and an outline of the 100 main events in Jesus’ life I think the reference section was my favorite part of the book..

This would be a good book for a new believer, or someone exploring who Christ is. It provides a good introductory study to the life of Christ. As a long-time believer, though, I had a hard time reading the whole book. It was much more simple than I expected, and a bit repetitive.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Creating a wardrobe that works for you

Hallie Lord wrote this article about clothes and closets:

Second only to running out of coffee, nothing puts a damper on my mornings quite as effectively as not being able to find anything appropriate to wear. I don’t know about you, but I’m not usually operating at maximum capacity first thing in the morning. The last thing I need is to go toe-to-toe with a disorganized closet while still bleary-eyed and fuzzy with sleep.

After engaging in far too many gruesome early morning outfit battles, I decided that something needed to change. Bound and determined, I set out to regain control of my wardrobe. If you find yourself in a similar position, these simple steps might just help you to do the same.

Read the rest of her article (the practical tips) here: 
http://simplemom.net/creating-a-wardrobe-that-works-for-you/

31 Days of Prayers for our Children

I love this resource that I found on pinterest.  It's a collection of 31 simple prayers and Bible verses for families.  You can keep it on your computer, or they've formatted it into a little book that you can print to keep in your family's common areas. 

Strong Marriages

Prov. 31:12 "She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life."

As we have spoken so much about marriage at 24 Church lately, I have put much thought into my role as a wife and what I could do to make sure that I am honoring God as much as I can in that area of my life. I feel as if I go through seasons of focusing on my role as a wife, coasting for a while, then realizing I have slipped in areas that I didn't mean to, and trying to fix things again. What a pitiful scenario! My hope and prayer over the past few weeks has been that I will keep my marriage a priority. And Prov 31:12 came to mind.

All of a sudden I began to wonder how I might be harming Chris. The easy answer was "I'm not." But God was not satisfied with that answer. "What about a lack of respect," He asked. Again, I thought I was covered. But God began to reveal areas in my thought life that were more harmful that I realized they could be.

I have always known that respecting my husband is one of the most important things that I can do for him. And I thought that because I wasn't outright saying disrespectful things, that I was doing a great job. But God began to reveal to me that the seemingly small, harmless, disrespectful thoughts that we have about or towards our husbands are going to grow a root of bitterness toward him that may tear us apart in the future. "How can he go have fun with his friends while I'm at home with the kids?" "Why does he get to rest today? I never get a break or a nap." "I only ask him to do a few things around the house, and he can't even do those simple things." You get the picture. These are just a few generic examples of disrespectful thoughts that we could easily have on any given day without realizing the harm we could be causing our marriage.

Rom 12:2 "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

We must capture these thoughts and renew our minds! Practice makes perfect. When these types of thoughts arise, we must recognize the pattern, and make the choice to change it. Practicing the right types of thoughts will have our hearts working towards more respect...and our mouth will follow. "For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." Matt 12:34b

This passage from "Real Marriage" (Mark Driscoll) really stuck out to me:  "If you married him, you must have seen something you appreciated and admired about him. We can develop new habits of biblical thinking by being thankful for our husbands' gifts and strengths, rather than being bitter about their weaknesses and shortcomings" p. 68

Take the time to observe your husband closely and journal or make a list of things you appreciate about him: working hard, staying faithful to you, spending time with your kids, being a friend, certain tasks he does, etc. Make the positive observations about your huband over the next few days or so, and share these reasons of why you love/repsect him in a special way that I will share later.

After I read Romans 12:2, I continued reading. In verses 9-13, I found an amazing picture of what our marriages could look like! Please read them...What if we made if one of our life's goals to do everything we can to make our marriages reflect these verses. Glory to God! What a beautiful thing!

Whether we like it or not, our lives and marriages are on display. Instead of being intimidated or embittered by that fact, we should find joy in this very serious priviledge that we have. God has given us an opportunity to shine His light on the subject of marriage. What an amazing gift, that if we focus on the marriages that we have been given, and do all scripture teaches on how to make them wonderful, God-honoring marriages, we will be doubly blessed. Our lives will be full, and our lives will help others' marriages as well. Praise God!

So here is the 2 part challenge :)

1. Write your hubby a love letter. Include the following:
-Resons we love/respect them from observations
-Rejoicing for joys and hopes in your lives/marraige over the past year(s)
-Praise/thankfulness for ways that you have grown and thrived from persevering through tribulation.

2. Love and repsect your husband in a few ways that you have been afraid to, have fought against, or simply not known to be important. Make some changes he will clearly see to be for him. Here are 6 areas to make some of these changes:  Appreance, Home Management, Intimacy, Words, Daily habits/routines, and Spiritual needs/prayer

May God be glorified in each of our lives. I know that our marriages are one of the ways He can be made known to us in great and mighty ways!

Love,

Erin

Parenting with Scripture - Filling Children's Minds with God's Truth

Have you read Parenting With Scripture: A Topical Guide for Teachable Moments by Kara G. Durbin .  It's power-packed with great scriptures and application ideas for your family.  I started using this book when my kids were 3ish, and I'm still using it with my oldest child who is 10.

This week, I decided to start putting a scripture on our chalkboard each week.  I think we'll use it as our focus verse - trying to memorize it and put it into action each day.  This week is a 1 Thessalonians verse about 'no paybacks' and 'being kind'.   We'll need a lot of practice on this one...

It's $11 on amazon, and you will definitely get double that amount of wisdom out of this little book!

Cabin Fever? Staycation? We've got you covered!

My friend Susan just wrote this article for ParentFurther, a national organization dedicated to empowering parents:

How do you respond when your kid complains about being bored or having NOTHING to do? When the sun is shining, and it’s warm out, it’s easy to say, “Go outside and play.” But during the unpredictable months of winter and spring, it’s tempting to spend money on rainy day entertainment or expensive vacations to beat the winter blues. Here’s a word to wise (and budget-minded parents): keep a few of the following creative activity ideas in your back pocket. Pull them out on a rainy day, during your upcoming spring break “staycation”, or when cabin fever starts to set in. Your kids (and your wallet) will both benefit from the quality time spent together and the money saved in the long run.

Read the full article here:  http://www.parentfurther.com/resources/enewsletter/boredom-busters-on-a-budget

Lent 2012 - 40 Days of Beautiful Reflections

The Lenten season starts Wednesday 2/22/12.  Instead of giving something up for Lent, you might consider a commtiment to find quiet space each day to reflect on God's goodness, mightiness and love.  Check out this 40-day reading that my talented friend Emily Huff has written.  Each day has 2 pages of quotes and scriptures.  It's only $5 to get your own paperback copy to keep at your bedside or near your favorite chair.  Here's the intro to the book:

This collection of quotes that I have gathered over the last year is called “FORTY3”
because it is the third one of these that I have compiled and it is meant to be read over
a period of 40 days. These quotes are from some of the books, websites or blogs I have
been reading this year, and they reflect some of the truths that I want to sink deeper
into my heart. As one friend put it, these are like literary “speed bumps” that I hope
will help me slow down each day.

Eugene Peterson writes, “forty is a stock biblical word that has hope at its core. Forty
days is a period of testing the reality of one’s life—examining it for truth and for
authenticity. The forty days in Noah’s ark was used to cleanse centuries of moral
pollution. The forty years in the wilderness was used to train the Israelites to live by
faith in the promises of God. The forty days of Jesus’ temptation was used to explore
his calling and test his commitment. The forty days of Jesus’ appearances after his
death was used to verify his resurrection and characterize the new life of God’s
kingdom. In each case, the number forty works eschatologically: The last day, the
fortieth day, shapes the content of the preceding thirty-nine days. Each of the thirtynine
days experiences eschatological pressure- the days become a womb, pregnant
with new beginnings. If the span of forty days does its proper work, life begins in a
new way. (Conversations; The Message with its Translator, page 1416-1417)

As I shared in the last two compilations:
The number 40 holds particular significance in the Bible and refers to a precise
number, not just a long period of time…. A 40-something time period, whether days,
months, or years is ALWAYS a period of testing, trial, probation, or chastisement (but
not judgment) and ends with a period of restoration, revival or renewal. Thankfully,
God is consistent, so the meaning of a number in Genesis remains the same all the
way to the book of Revelation. Sometimes the spiritual significance is not revealed
directly, but in the case of "40" and its many examples throughout the Bible, we can
be certain of its importance and significance. (from Wikianswers.com)

One other reason that I wanted to call this collection “40” is because Psalm 40 speaks
to me in this season of life for many reasons. U2 has put it to music in their classic
song:
40
I waited patiently for the Lord
He inclined and heard my cry.
He brought me right out of the pit,
out of my miry clay.
I will sing a new song,
How long to sing this song?
He set my feet upon a rock,
and made my footsteps heard.
Many will see,
Many will see and fear.
I will sing, sing a new song.
How long to sing this song?

So whatever season you are in, may these words bring you restoration, revival and
renewal. May God’s love be more real to you as you soak these words up over the
next 40 days. As the picture on the cover says, may this be a time in which you make
space to be listening for hope.

Book Review: A Darkly Hidden Truth

I just finished reading a good historical fiction novel that is full of Catholic history and English culture:  A Darkly Hidden Truth (The Monastery Murders) by Donna Fletcher Crow.  It’s a suspense novel with many twist and turns.  The characters are well-developed and the stories rich with the blessings and struggles in friendship, marriage, family and community.  I appreciated reading about the main character’s struggle to determine her life calling in vocation and marriage.  I loved reading the wisdom from saints of long ago.  And I was inspired by the Catholic liturgy and rituals.  It paints a picture of life inside of a monastery – from the beauty to the visions to the practices and missions.  It is somewhat reminiscent of The DaVinchi Code.  t’s not always a fast-paced mystery thriller, but if you want to explore history while reading, you’ll enjoy this book.  It could also be a good homeschool reading for history and religion.  Happy reading!

Disclosure:  I was given a copy of this book from Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest review of the book.

It's Raining! It's Snowing! Cabin Fever Busters for Families

I just wrote these fun ideas for ParentFurther, a national organization dedicated to empowering parents, and I thought you might like to see it, as well as their many other great resources.

When cabin fever starts to kick in, it’s time to get creative! Here are some fun ways to make indoor memories with your family when it’s cold outside. Get tips > 

Book Review: Silly Frilly Grandma Tillie

I just read an advanced copy of the new children’s book Silly Frilly Grandma Tillie, by Laurie Jacobs and Anne Jewett, with my daughter.  It’s about two little girls who love it when Grandma Tillie comes to visit.  Though Grandma claims to enjoy simply knitting, she’s actually quite the entertainer.  She might transform into Tillie Vanilly with the bright pink hair, Chef Silly Tillie with the lampshade hat, or Madame Frilly Tillie with the sparkly eyeglasses and towel turban.

The text and characters easily lead the reader to use silly voices to match Gramma’s characters.  My 5-year old daughter especially liked the silliness, like when Tillie Vanilly sang the congo to dance to the kitchen.  She wouldn’t want to dip pickles into her chocolate milk, she thinks it would be gross!

The book is sure to spark your creativity, and inspire you in your own silly and loving ways.  You can pick up your own copy from your favorite bookseller in March 2012.  (Hint - it would be a fun Mother's Day gift for Grandma's in your life!)