befriend

befriend

create belonging in an age of judgment, isolation, and fear

Written By: Scott Sauls

Book Overview:

We live in a world where real friendship is hard to find. Suspicious of others and insecure about ourselves, we retreat into the safety of our small, self-made worlds. Now more than ever, it’s easy to avoid people with whom we disagree or whose life experiences don’t mirror our own. Safe among like-minded peers and digital “friends,” we really don’t have to engage with those who can challenge and enhance our limited perspectives. Tragically, even the church can become a place that minimizes diversity and reinforces isolation. Jesus models a much richer vision of friendship. Scott Sauls, pastor and teacher, invites you to see the breadth of Christ’s love in this book, Befriend.

My Thoughts:

One thing I enjoyed about this book was how each chapter ended with a recap that included the summary of the chapter, a scripture verse related to the chapter and questions to consider. The questions to consider would make it a great book for a small group study.  It also would provide great journal prompts for an individual soul searching activity. I do wonder if perhaps getting others feedback would make some parts of this book easier to understand. This book was hard to get into, some parts seemed a bit wordy. I skipped around and read different parts of the book that caught my attention. He breaks down many different aspects of who we can 'befriend.' Everything from befriending the poor to the rich to the bullies to the prodigals to the pharisees. I will be reading this book again in the near future to gain more perspective.

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.

Hold on....

I'm confused.

I don't get it.

Life just doesn't seem fair.

We live in a backwards world.

I'm sad.

I'm angry.

Why?

Why do good people have to endure such difficult paths?

I would give anything to rewind the clock one year and one month and then freeze it.  Live 13 months ago as if we were trapped in that groundhogs day movie where the guy wakes up to live the same day over and over again....I hate how my dads stroke has drastically changed life as we know it.  I miss him.  I love him and I am grateful that he is still here, but I also struggle with change and its been hard for me when thinking about the finality of chapters of our life.  When Sears closed it was like an in my face reminder that things will NEVER be how they were, and that stings sometimes. I knew then it was not possible to ever go back to how things were. I would give anything to take all this from him.  He has endured so much and none of this seems fair. What is God's purpose in this? 

  Around 3:45 this afternoon, an anxious feeling took over me.  I couldn't sit still, I kept telling my husband that something bad was happening.  I just didn't know what.  He told me to take my shoes off and relax. Then I heard a siren and asked him if hearing that made him feel worried, he replied with, "No, it is just a siren.  Take your shoes off and relax."  Then the siren got closer, I went and looked out the front door and remember saying, "No, just keep going."  They stopped at my parents house.  I put on some flip flops and sprinted down there....was on the floor with him talking to him while paramedics did there thing and waited for an ambulance. It's no way you ever want to see one of your parents. It's odd how the way I was feeling coincided with what was about to happen. This afternoon my dad collapsed in the bathroom.  My brother and uncle heard the thud and went running.  It seems he had a seizure, possibly hit his head on the way down.

Walking into the ER and seeing him so still and so out of it - it is scary. 

Last time he was having seizures he stayed in an ER room and was able to go home in 8 or 9 hours.  This time he was admitted to the hospital.  The ER guy was telling us how to get to the main hospital, we politely told him we could handle it, we are a little too familiar with this place. My dad didn't seem to be bouncing back as quick as he did last time.  It seems every time he has had these they have been slightly different, and never short lived.  Usually takes some heavy medications to get him to stop seizing.  His blood pressure and pulse were a little off when we left tonight.  He was all hooked up to the EEG to monitor brain activity and also on oxygen. They say he shouldn't be having these seizure with the amount of meds he is on to help prevent them.

He wasn't awake when we left tonight.  

He wasn't responding to us when we talked to him...but he is still alive.  

Good night dad, hoping with some rest you will wake up recharged and ready to get home and back to 'normal'....whatever that is?!?!?

"Hold on, if you feel like letting go....hold on, it gets better than you know..."

Unreasonable Hope

UNREASONABLE HOPE

Written By: Chad Veach

Book Overview:

"Where was God when___? How could God allow ___?  Why?

These are the questions that flood our hearts and minds when the unimaginable happens. When things go horribly wrong and the world seems to be unraveling, how do you believe in God's goodness? How do you cling to hope?

Chad Veach directs readers away from cliched Sunday school answers that fail to offer real comfort or provide faith-building insights.  Instead, he draws from God's promises in the Bible and from the story of his own daughter's diagnosis of a devastating and debilitating disease to reveal simple, purposeful steps for dealing with pain.  Resting in God's love, remembering his past faithfulness, and realizing the distinction between having faith and clinging to hope are just some of the steps.  Veach reminds us that because we know who God is, we know there is hope."

"Find faith in a God who can bring purpose to your pain." Chad Veach

My Thoughts:

I enjoyed reading this book.  I wasn't sure what to expect from it.  I think I thought it would be more like a how to guide for tough times.  In some ways it does outline what we can do to get through painful, tough times, but at no point does it feel like you are merely reading a list.  I thought it would be filled with the quotes I have heard before about holding on and keep praying because you never know when your blessing is right around the corner.  While I think those quotes are inspiring, I also don't think that is our 'go to' thought when we are in the middle of the storm.  Those around us can look in and offer encouragement but sometimes we sit back and think 'they don't have a clue.'  I enjoyed reading this book because it was a very real account of what this father, this family lives through.  There thoughts at times were no different than mine, in retelling their story - they kept it real.  In opening up and being vulnerable it made me see the beauty in being real....that's not to say that what we are going/growing through is pretty....but there is beauty in vulnerability that allows for connections that help us push through. I think that is what is at the basis of hope....that sense that you are not alone and others are 'on your team' so to speak, they are routing you on or picking you up or encouraging you.  Great read, highly recommend this book.  Very encouraging. Once I started reading it I couldn't put it down.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

PARENTING

PARENTING

14 Gospel Principles That can Radically Change Your Family

Written By: Paul David Tripp

Book Overview:

Sometimes parents wish there was a guaranteed formula for raising good kids--a certain list of rules to follow to ensure they'd have obedient children. But if moms and dads view their role through the lens of God's grace, they will see that the gospel must first shape how they parent before they can effectively shape their children. In this book, Paul David Tripp unfolds a more biblical perspective on parenting than merely adhering to a list of rules. He lays out fourteen gospel-centered principles that will radically change the way parents think about what it means to raise up a child, informing everything they do as a parent.

My Thoughts:

I had a difficult time getting into this book.  I read pretty much any chance that I get, and I also believe in sticking with the things that I start. It was difficult to get started but it was good reading through the 14 principles that can change a family.  I like the way the book wasn't really about parenting, but about fundamental truths that provide a foundation.  If we want our family to radically change, then, as with many other life situations - the change must start with us. It isn't about how we can 'parent' our children as much as its about the way our Heavenly Father 'parents' us as He entrusts us with the most important job, that of a mother or father.  Some of the principles covered include: Grace, Identity, Character, Control, Rest and Mercy....you will have to pick up the book to find out what the other 8 principles are! Each chapter has a heading and then is outlined by a brief description of the principle and followed up with a more lengthy, sometimes hard to get into, detailed explanation. For example - Chapter 2 Grace Principle: God never calls you to a task without giving you what you need to do it. He never sends you without going with you. My husband and I read this book together, we have two boys.  It was nice to read with somebody else and see what stood out to them and also look at how we each want to apply what we have learned.  Overall, I think it was a good book, just takes a bit of patience and determination to get through it.

"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one of the products mentioned above for free in hope that i would mention it on my blog, thanks to FlyBy Promotions. Regardless, i only recommend products or services that I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Chase The Lion

Chase The Lion

Written By Mark Batterson

Book Overview:

Run TO the Roar!

 

When the image of a man-eating beast travels through the optic nerve and into the visual cortex, the brain sends the body a simple but urgent message: run away! That’s what normal people do, but not lion chasers. Rather than seeing a five hundred pound problem, they see an opportunity for God to show up and show His power..

 

Chase the Lion is more than a catch phrase; it’s a radically different approach to life. It’s only when we stop fearing failure that we can fully seize opportunity by the mane. With grit and gusto, New York Times bestselling author Mark Batterson delivers a bold message to everyone with a big dream.

 

Quit playing it safe and start running towards the roar!

 

This is a wake-up call to stop living as if the purpose was to simply arrive safely at death. Our dreams should scare us. They should be so big that without God they are impossible to achieve. Quit running away from what you’re afraid of. 

 

Chase the lion! 

Change the world!

What is Your Five Hundred Pound Dream?

In this highly anticipated sequel to his best-selling In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, Mark Batterson invites lion chasers everywhere to chase dreams so impossible that victory demands we face our fears, defy the odds, and hold tight to God. 

 

These are the kind of dreams that will make you a bigger person and the world a better place.

 

Based upon II Samuel 23, Chase the Lion tells the true story of an ancient warrior named Benaiah who chased a lion into a pit on a snowy day—and then killed it. For most people, that situation wouldn’t just be a problem…it would be the last problem they ever faced. For Benaiah, it was an opportunity to step into his destiny. After defeating the lion, he landed his dream job as King David’s bodyguard and eventually became Commander-in-Chief of Israel’s army under King Solomon.

 

Written in a way that both challenges and encourages, this revolutionary book will help unleash the faith and courage you need to identify, chase, and catch the five hundred pound dreams in your life.

My Thoughts:

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.  I enjoyed it so much that I have already started re reading it and gaining even more than I did the first read through. I may be a little partial as this is one of my favorite authors and I have read his other books.  This one definitely did not let me down.  There are many times I wonder if what I am doing is making a difference or leaving any lasting impact. I was encouraged by one of the steady themes through out the book in that sometimes what we do today we are doing for the third and fourth generation and it might not be something we see anytime soon. He also talked about sometimes the only way we fulfill our dream is by helping others fulfill theirs. Being somebody who struggles with staying connecting, it was interesting how much this book talked about the importance of being connected to others. My favorite message was about the fact that if your dream isn't bigger than you then it isn't big enough.  There is so much about this book that sunk in and touched a deeper part of my soul.  I highly recommend this book.  

To purchase a copy of this book you can do so by clicking here.

I received this book from Blogging For Books in exchange for this review.

Hard lesson

Tonight was open house for my Seth. He was excited to see his friend and they ran off and started talking and playing.  Once open house started, they both listened attentively to the entire presentation.  A lot of information was presented. We learned about the curriculum they are using, the grading procedure, resources they have, their daily schedule, etc. When the principal hangs out in the classroom and an extra teacher is present, you start to wonder what's going on and get a funny feeling its nothing good. Tonight we were informed that Seth's teacher is being surplussed.  Seth and I are definitely people that pick up on the feelings of others and we feel things so deeply. We are kind and caring but we have big hearts that are easily broken. 

As open house came to a close I went and thanked her for giving Seth a good start to fourth grade. She told us how great he was and that he would be in good hands with the new teacher.  We exited the classroom, made our way down the hall and out the doors.  I noticed Seth was looking away.  I noticed his breathing changed.  I could feel his hurt.  I asked him how he felt after hearing that Mrs. Simpson wouldn't be there....it took some time but he eventually got out that he was sad, she was a good teacher and he didn't want her to go anywhere.  We told him it was ok to feel sad, we gave him a hug and we did the only thing we could think of - we bought him a milkshake and fries.  Dennis started telling him jokes on the way home and Seth started laughing.  Ivan piped in with, 'keep doing it daddy, you are making Seth stop crying.'  Ivan didn't like to see 'water' (tears) coming out of his eyes. We made our way home and got ready for bed.  

As he laid down he started crying again, I asked him what was wrong, he just said 'what we talked about earlier.' My heart breaks for him.  I checked on him every ten minutes until he was asleep. I am still crying. It is a tough lesson to learn, that sometimes good people come into our life and don't stay as long as we would like them to. What an impact she has made on my Seth in such a short amount of time.  He is finally asleep, but tonight he gained some wisdom that I wish nobody ever had to, the kind that comes with tough experiences and heart ache. 

My sweet boy, we cried together tonight. 

Of course I am sure there will be good things to come with the new teacher....for tonight we are just embracing the sad feelings, learning a tough life lesson, cherishing the people who have left an impact on our life, and dusting ourselves off to begin tomorrow anew. 

Baby, Baby!

Baby, Baby!

Written By: Diane Stortz

Illustrated By: Ailie Busby

Book Overview:

A yawn, a giggle, a sweet little kiss - each moment of a baby's life is full of discovery and wonder. This short rhyming poem is a celebration of just that, ending with a gentle reminder that Baby is always loved by God.

My Thoughts:

 I enjoyed reading through this book. It made me think about when my boys were younger.  They would have loved the mirror at the end of the story.  This would be a great addition to a Sunday school class of one and two year old's. This book would be perfect for their attention span. This book would make a great baby shower gift. I love the message, its a good one at any age, "I have loved you with an everlasting love." Jeremiah 31:3b 

To learn more about the author and purchase a copy of this book, please click here.

"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one of the products mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog, thanks to FlyBy Promotions.  Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

night night, Farm

night night, Farm

Written By: Amy Parker

Illustrated By: Virginia Allyn

Book Overview:

When the sun sinks low down on the farm, the animals are all tuckered out from the day's adventures. Join these adorable farm animals in pajamas as they say night night to the farm, to their mommies and daddies, and to God. Your little ones will sleep until the rooster crows knowing that the God who made them loves them so. 

My Thoughts:

I enjoyed reading this story with my boys. They are a bit older than the target age range for this book but they still enjoy listening to me read to them.  This would be great for a toddler.  The book is full of bright pictures and lots of animals. It would be great for teaching about animals and the sounds they make as well. I love the underlying message of parents taking care of their children, and how we all communicate in a different way, but it doesn't make what we have to say any less.

"Disclosure (In accordance with the FTC's 16 CFR, Part 255: "guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this product in exchange for this review and post. These opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. "