2011 Books (so far...)

I have read many books this year, mostly due to the Kindle I received from a dear friend as a gift. I am so grateful! For some reason I read exponentially faster on a Kindle than a physical book. Call me crazy, but Allen says the same thing!  I hope the ratings and blurbs help you as you decide what to add to your reading list. Here are some other reviews you might also want to check. If you also have a Kindle and want me to "loan" you a book, just let me know! I will do so gladly!


10 Questions to Diagnose Your Spiritual Health, Don Whitney ****1/2
A wonderful book that I highly recommend to all...greatly challenged by it!


Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, Joanna Weaver ***
Good book during a specific season in my life...many women would gain encouragement reading this book!

The Scarlet Thread, Francine Rivers ***Trying to get into a bit of fiction this year and started here...recommended for those who are looking to add some fiction into their lives. Francine Rivers is a gifted writer.

Boundaries, Henry Cloud & John Townsend *
Read this book after hearing about it from several "fall-outs" (marriage, mother/daughter, etc.) based on the information received in this book. I was highly discouraged to see that it comes from a psychological/science worldview rather than a biblical worldview, therefore, much of what is recommended is faulty and is leading to relationship "fall-out." I would not recommend this to anyone (except maybe one chapter to a really mature believer who struggles with being walked on, even then, there are probably better books for that).

When Helping Hurts, ***I enjoyed this book and it opened up my eyes to some things I hadn't thought of before in regards to missions and giving.

Calm My Anxious Heart, Linda Dillow **** 1/2
Ironically, I read this book while Allen was gone for a week and I was feeling anxious about being home alone. I loved the book and how it spoke to my heart. Very well written and includes study questions at the end. I can see this being a good small group women's study.

Gospel-Centered Life Bible Study, Bob Thune *****
I went through this study with some ladies this spring and it was phenomenal. We went to a deeper level with the Gospel and being able to articulate it well among each other, hopefully translating to lives that express it openly. The Gospel is applied to many aspects of life that it isn't often applied to. It was very helpful and stretching if you truly make yourself answer the study questions!


A Book You'll Actually Read (NT and Church Leadership), Mark Driscoll *****
I would HIGHLY recommend this to a new believer. Very good read for someone who is new to the faith. And very short and readable.

To Train Up a Child, Michael and Debi Pearl **1/2
I have been hearing about this book ever since having kids and I finally sat down to read it after it was given to me. I don't think I ever encountered the Gospel while reading this book. Some training techniques may be useful and practical, but I would be remiss to use these techniques unless the Gospel is incorporated and expressed as well, which they give no indications of in the book.  They also made the training so cut and dry. Do "x" 3 times then "y" will happen. I can imagine many parents getting discouraged when it doesn't actually work this way in their homes.

Created To Be His Helpmeet, Debi Pearl **1/2
It took me awhile to make it through this large handbook about marriage. I truly appreciate a lot of truth that she offered as well as challenges that I needed to hear about being a helpmate to my husband. There were a few examples that she took too far, blaming the wife when her children are sinned against and a particular one that made me want to throw the book across the room. I think the rest of my experience and the rating was colored by that. ;) In many ways it seemed like a rant against the particular people that she ministers to.

Surprised By Grace, Tullian Tchividijian ***
I actually read this book while Allen was going through a sermon series on Jonah in the Spring. It was helpful to read through the passage that Allen was going to preach before I heard the sermon. I do believe it gave me greater understanding into the book of Jonah.

My Husband Wants to be a Church Planter, So What Does That Make Me?, NAMB **1/2
 A book that the SBC gives out to new church planter's wives when they preparing to plant the church. Although the format of the book wasn't preferable and many topics weren't brought up, I was pleasantly surprised that even some of the topics that usually are avoided were actually addressed in this book. If they could format this book in a way that makes sense and add some more useful content, this could be a great read for church planting wives.

Biblical Theology in the Life of the Church, Michael Lawrence ****1/2
Allen took a group of us at New Life through this book as a class in the Spring. I really learned how to read, study and interpret the Bible in a way that is true to the text. It didn't get 5 stars because it is a bit academic, but if you truly want to learn about biblical theology, this is your book!

Leaders Who Last, Dave Kraft *****

Amazing book! Even if you aren't a leader in name, everyone leads someone, whether it be your children, other women who come to you for counsel, or as a leader in your community or example in church. This is intensely practical and requires you to sit down and examine your life. Allen used many quotes from this book in his new book, Good Soldiers.

Six Ways to Keep the "Little" in Your Girl, Dannah Gresh ***
As I think about Taylor coming up on the tween years, my stomach basically curls up into knots and I have to pray and ask God for mercy. This book was helpful but would have been more helpful if Taylor Joy were older (think 7-12). I may re-read it in a couple of years... 

Give Them Grace, Elyse Fitzpatrick ***
I was beyond excited about this book and the acclaim it was receiving around blogland. All in all, it is a Gospel-saturated book that truly made me think through the reasons why I parent the way that I do and I came away as a deeper thinker in regards to parenting. But it wasn't exactly the book's purpose. It was mainly because I would read certain things, question them and have to think through it biblically. I was glad to have a group of ladies to discuss it with and I enjoyed the discussion much more than the book itself.

A Meal with Jesus, Tim Chester *****
Everyone should read this! Amazing book about the impact of the sit down meal on relationships, including discipleship, outreach, friendships, and the poor. I loved this book and found myself nodding and highlighting much of it! I'm sure I will read it again at some point.

Prodigal God, Tim Keller *****
I basically devoured this book while we were on vacation this Summer. I really hope I have saturated all of the great truth that Keller so skillfully conveys. Excellent book!

Faithful Women and Their Extraordinary God, Noel Piper ***
I was challenged and convicted hearing the life stories of these women. If I feel I have sacrificed or pity for myself about something I am dealing with, this is certainly the cure for that. I am beyond grateful for the way these women advanced the Gospel.

Leota's Garden, Francine Rivers **
I got this free on my Kindle and I love Francine Rivers. Yet, I didn't particularly love this book. The ending was abrupt and it didn't end the way I wanted it to. So, two stars.

Note to Self, Joe Thorn ***
I had heard that this was comparable to A Gospel Primer (GP), which I love. It was very good and filled with Gospel truth, but it didn't hold the same power as GP for me personally. It's longer and more wordy, whereas GP is almost straight scripture and cuts to the heart. Still, I consider it a great daily devotional if you are looking for one.

2011-2012 Curriculum Choices

We are in the second year of homeschooling and really enjoying it. From the get-go, we knew we would have to take this one year at a time, discerning how our children were learning and seeing if it was a strain on us as a family. We absolutely enjoyed it last year and have seen much fruit from our choice. Taylor Joy and I have bonded through homeschooling and I am so grateful. She is a "quality time" girl and she knows that when we sit down for school it's her time to soak it in.

A part of knowing which curriculum to pick and how to continue on is determined by the goals that we have for our children. Of utmost importance for our family is teaching our children a biblical worldview and having a firm foundation in the Word of God so that they will be able to discern between the truth of the Word and the lies of this world. We also desire to foster a love of learning within our children that will continue in them for the rest of their lives.

Having been to the Texas Homeschool Conference the past two years, we thoroughly enjoyed it and have come back encouraged and exhorted to home educate our children, whether that means homeschool or not (because certainly you can have the same or similar goals as us without homeschooling). We have also been very excited about our curriculum choices and ready to get a jump start on planning for the year. So...all that to say... Without further ado, here are our curriculum choices for the upcoming year:

Taylor Joy (5 years old):

* Phonics, Math, History, Bible History, Handwriting - My Father's World 1st Grade
* Reading - Explode the Code
* Bible - He Has Spoken By His Son (Desiring God), Get Wisdom! (Ruth Younts)
* Science - Science with Water, Air and Plants (Usborne Books)
* Read Alouds - Little House on the Prairie
* Spanish - Flip Flop Spanish
* Fine Arts - Look With Me Art, Drawing with Children
* Spelling - Wordly Wise
* Math Drills - Fact Monster
* Geography - US States/Capitals
* P.E. - Ballet, Tap and Jazz @ Suzanne's; PE Cards for learning breaks

Beckett (3 years old):

* Handwriting - Handwriting Without Tears
* Math - Cuisenaire Rods/Book
* Read Alouds, Science, History, Bible History, Fine Arts, Bible, Spanish, Geography - Learning with Taylor Joy (see above)
* P.E. - PE Cards for learning breaks

Some other great reading that I came across and read in the past year are these free downloads:

Getting Started in Homeschooling
Masterly Inactivity
Smooth and Easy Dasy

Good Soldiers

Allen's new book, Good Soldiers, is available!

This is an excellent book for churches to implement with current or future leaders to get them ready to step up and serve with leader capacity or to stretch them as a current leader. If you know of a pastor or leader in a church who could benefit from this, please forward the link along. We would also be willing to send a sample PDF for those leaders who are considering implementing this study for their church leaders. The book examines the leader's relationships, the leader as shepherd and reproducing leaders.

If you would like some more information on the book or 

how it is used in a small group setting at New Life, please let me know!

Loving the Little Years

Loving the Little Years: Motherhood in the Trenches

Coming from someone who is "in the trenches of motherhood" with me, I think I swallowed this book whole. A simple, short and easy read, I can't recommend it enough for mothers of little ones. I laughed at the many examples that hit so close to home, I cried at the many attitudes of my heart and truths that were revealed about my precious children and I was greatly encouraged in my calling as a mother.

The book is short and each chapter is very short. Just the right length for a busy mom to glance at once per day. If you had a decent amount of time, you could take two or three long nap times to blow through it.

Some of the encouragements she gives are: seeing the progress our children are making (which hit home because it's definitely what the Lord has already been teaching me), allowing for change on days that it "just isn't working," what bearing fruit looks like in a mother's life, thankfulness and contentment, explaining hard lessons to your children, the many sacrifices and blessings, asking for grace and being willing to get grace in otherwise overwhelming situations, sanctification, absorbing the cost of their sin, restoring fellowship with them and they with each other, as well as the harvest of joy we receive as a result of all the work of planting in their lives.

Between this book and a homeschool conference that Allen and I just got back from, I am a pretty motivated mom! I am excited for the investment we are making in doing school with Taylor Joy and Beckett and motivated to continue on shepherding all three of them. I hope that this book comes as an encouragement to you as well. If I have time I may post some good info we got at the conference as well as our curriculum choices for next year.

Today Is the Day

I've been hesitant to share this part of our lives. Actually, still am. My feelings and emotions are such a part of me and they are so raw, that to put them out there makes me a bit apprehensive...yet, I trust that God can and will use this for His glory despite my desire to keep it in the vault forever.

Today is actually a significant day. It's the day that we were expecting to welcome our 4th baby into the world. Not many knew that we were pregnant, so then, not many knew that we lost the baby at 8 weeks...

Although we trusted the Lord and His sovereign hand, we grieved  and mourned the loss of our child and felt we were on a bit of an emotional roller coaster. No matter how much faith you have, there is still mourning that needs to take place as you recognize your sadness in simply losing a child. I struggled with feeling that it made me less spiritual that I was having a hard time and dealing with sadness. The Lord comforted me and allowed me to grieve without that silly condemnation nagging at me. But, it's real and I have talked to several women who have felt that way. They have mentioned genuine friends wanting to help and try to "fix" what's going on by saying the exact right thing about God's sovereignty or your faith in Him. It's not an issue of faith and it's certainly not an issue of someone saying the perfect thing...there is simply grief as a result of losing a child. Prayers and hugs are perfectly sufficient. I also know that different people grieve in different ways, so what is helpful to me may not be to others.

I understand "fixers" because I am married to one. We have worked out a system that when we sit down to talk, I am upfront about what I am expecting from that conversation. If I simply want him to listen, I let him know that. If I want his help coming to a decision or thinking through something, I state that. It's pretty simple and effective because what I am wanting from him changes so frequently. Imagine that.

The Lord was gracious to us as we walked with Him and saw His strength shine through our weakness. By His grace, we were able to take courage as we waited upon Him to calm our emotions, clear our thoughts, and discern His direction for our family as He healed us. Amidst all of it, the death, the suffering, the unknowns, the healing, He did something amazing.

He showed us a piece of Himself that we had never seen before. He revealed Himself as Comforter to our hearts. And that revelation was astounding. I began to see Him so clearly in the everyday, in the mundane, in the things that I normally would have been too busy to see. He opened my eyes to see Him as I never had and I was so grateful to know Him in a deeper, more intimate way because of it. Although I don't understand how taking the baby fits into the bigger picture, I do know that His ways are higher than my ways and His thoughts as well. And I trust that as He emptied me out and was my sufficiency in a dark time, He would also fill me up again, even fuller this time from experiencing His love in a new and refreshing way that made the mirror less dim than it already was.

We stand hopeful that our baby is with Jesus, dwelling in His richness and glorifying Him in heaven. What a beautiful picture and reminder that we will all see Him face to face...may those who know Him long for that day! The day when he will wipe every tear from our eyes and death shall be no more...the day when there will be no mourning nor crying nor pain anymore. Behold, He will make all things new! 

I write all this to be an encouragement. I hadn't thought about the baby often in the past 5 months, except a passing thought here or there. But as it got nearer and nearer to my due date, I began to realize that it might be a sad day for me. I have to remind myself that it's okay to grieve. I'm not holding this with an iron fist. The Lord gave and my hand was seemingly open for Him to take away. That's His possession to do as He pleases and He loves that little one more than I ever could. I knew the truth in my head, I needed it translated to my heart in full faith. The heart that was full to the brim and sometimes overflowing with emotions.

If you have experienced this kind of loss, I am so sorry. Sometimes words are too much and you just need a hug and a good cry. Be honest about what you need from people who care about you. Turn to the Lord to be your comfort because people will let you down, but the Lord never will. He will be your portion and your strength.

A precious gift, given to me!
Oh how wonderful; this portion is mine.
"Wait a minute", says God as takes my hand,
Reclaims the sweet gift and says, "Now is not the time."

"What? How could you?"
Oh wait, that was His to begin...
Why then were my hands gripped around it,
If I knew that He could give or He could take, in the end?

Do I still trust Him? How could I not?
I know of His faithfulness; I've tasted His love
So, though there be sadness, grieving and pain,
I am compelled to trust my God in the heavens above.

My God who gives blessing may freely retrieve
to please His sovereign will
I'll open up my hand to Him,
With His strength, saying "not my will, but Your will."

I have no grounds for doubt or dwelling in fear,
He's proved Himself o'er and o'er
Though in suffering He empties me out,
He's readying me to be filled even more.

Happy Birthday Easy Man!

Easton Brooks,

When I think about you and about how much you mean to me, I can't help but tear up. You are so special. I know for a fact that God created you that way and it's not just my subjective opinion. God has made it so clear.

He's made it a point to use you in so many ways, especially in my life. He seriously made you a huge comfort to me when I was going through some of the hardest times in the beginning of church planting. He used your literal snuggles, kisses and hugs to comfort me on such hard days. I have soaked in those moments because they felt like the hand of God on me loving me through you. I can't help but think how amazing His grace has been to me, made evident through you.

Although you haven't been near as cuddly lately, I still take advantage of moments here and there to steal a kiss, a hug or a cuddle. Those mean so much to me since you are the baby around here. I am doing all I can to keep you so little. Paci? Sure! Blankie? Of course! Crib? A must! Walking around in a diaper? Love it! We are doing things so differently and I am enjoying it much more. ;)

I'm sad at the thought of you being 2, mainly because I have enjoyed your littleness so much and that seems too big. But you are still so little and I will continue to enjoy your sweet, passionate words...they way you string words together in such a funny way...your excitement over the little things...our fun times in the treehouse...I am treasuring all these things in my heart so as to never forget them. I know more memories are yet to come but I won't let go of these. They are precious to me, just as you are.

I love you so much, Easton, and I will continue to sing your hymn over you as long as you will let me.

Take my life and let it be

consecrated, Lord, to Thee.

Take my moments and my days,

let them flow in ceaseless praise.

Take my hands and let them move

at the impulse of Thy love.

Take my feet and let them be

swift and beautiful for Thee.

Take my voice and let me sing

always, only for my King.

Take my lips and let them be

filled with messages from Thee.

Take my silver and my gold

not a mite would I withhold.

Take my intellect and use

every power as You choose.

Here am I, all of me.

Take my life, it's all for Thee.

Take my will and make it Thine

it shall be no longer mine.

Take my heart it is Thine own

it shall be Thy royal throne.

Take my love, my Lord I pour

at Your feet its treasure store

Take myself and I will be

ever, only, all for Thee.

Take myself and I will be

ever, only, all for Thee.

Here am I, all of me.

Take my life, it's all for Thee.

Praying these beautiful words over your precious life.

See God's Grace in your Children Everyday

Awhile ago Allen and I came to the conclusion that there were some major flaws in our parenting. Who am I kidding, we come to that conclusion everyday?!?! Well, at this point, we realized that we were correcting and disciplining 90% of the time and encouraging our children in what they were doing well about 10% of the time. We felt the Lord prompting us, saying, "this should not be."

At the same time, most of the resources that we employed always started with the negative, what the kids were doing wrong. If they are tattling, do this. If they are not willing to share, ask this question. If they lie, prompt them to do this, and so on.

So...I decided to come up with my own little chart to help us as we were trying to grow in this way. I started with the positive, an encouraging attribute that we were seeing in our kids (or one that we could exhort them towards) and then came up with a way to say that to them (so they would understand it) and short scriptures for them to hear and memorize. It wasn't meant (in any way) to be a formula, just a starting point for us as we were trying to remain faithful.

A few people have come over and seen this chart in our kitchen and asked for copy of it. We actually did it for a craft in my MOPS group (choosing scrapbook paper, laminating and attaching a cute ribbon to it).

And following that, I made an individualized chart for my 3 kids to prompt me to recognize evidences of God's grace in them, areas where they are struggling (and communicating that to Allen so that we are on the same page with the things we are training them) and specific scriptures for their area of struggle. I have enjoyed being challenged to choose at least one area of growth I am seeing in our children per week and letting them know, "God is working in you in this way...". They also delight in hearing the way God is working in them. It's hard enough to recognize areas in our own lives where God is growing and changing us, imagine if you are a child! What a blessing to hear that God is being faithful to them and changing their hearts. I have loved this tool and I pray that you will also.

Leave a comment with your email address and click "Follow" on the left hand side of the blog and I will email you the Virtue Chart and the supplement that we use.

Blessings,

Colorado Trip in pictures

Allen and I had the amazing blessing of going to Colorado together sans kids. Imagine that! It was awesome to spend so much time together...the most since having kids. We refer to it as the second hunniemoon. We drove to Colorado Springs and spent a night there, headed to Denver for a day and then to Vail for the rest of the week. It seems we were having to great of a time to take that many pictures, but here's what we have:

Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs

 Air Force Chapel

 View from our creekside hotel room

 Our friends from Brenham, the Hyde's

Leaving beautiful Colorado...

Sad day, but oh so pleased to be seeing our beautiful children.