It's OK to Say, "No."

Saying "no" is usually something I repeat all day long. Questions are asked for permission to do something not in my time table. And no becomes a word I say way too often. And then, do my dismay, I change my mind because I realize I should of said yes to start with. Oh, this is a battle I face almost daily.

So, today I said, "No" to me. I said, "No, we don't have to do math."

"No, I don't have to clean the kitchen right now."

"No, making the bed can wait so a little one and I can snuggle as I read later."



As a homeschool mom, with a Type AAA personality, this is difficult. But when I have a 10 year old who fights every second of school with loud protests, temper tantrums, slamming of doors, etc., I need to do this more often.

So today, I said, "Yes. Let's play a game." "Yes, climb up on the bed with me." We dove into a book that I had sitting on my shelf that I had read to my other lambs but had forgotten about. The Dangerous Journey is a picture
e story book of Pilgrim's Progress. So for 2 hours we laid there and read. Rather, I read and she colored. And we talked about the slough of despond, about the burden that Christian carried and how he needed to get to the place of the cross quickly. We talked about how Mr. Legality would look. We talked about why the burden was so heavy. We closed our eyes and imagined what it would be like to be drowned in think dust, as Christian did in the Interpreter's House. Then we also imagined feeling the water being splashed on us as the dust dissipated and we could breath. The Breath of Life.

This is what school looked like today.

I know every day can't be this way. That's why we are trying out traditional school next year. But for now, I will treasure the rest of the next couple of months. I will strive to make time to make a difference. Just not on paper; but maybe on her heart.

They Say We are Infidels - Book Review

This world we live in is so tumultuous! We, in America, have lived in a sort of bubble for so long, but the international headlines are hitting close to home more and more often.

The latest book I have picked up to review is a hard read. Not hard in the fact that it is difficult in literary issues, just a difficult topic to swallow. But Mindy Belz does an outstanding job in raising the awareness of the topic at hand, persecuted Christians in the Middle East at the hands of ISIS. In her book, They Say We are Infidels, she takes us to pre-9/11 in Iraq. She educates us on the culture and customs and politics of the Middle East. Along the way you become introduced to several Christians who have had to flee for their lives because of persecution.

At the time of 9/11 and thereafter, the majority in America became well familiar with the name of Sadam Hussein. We were glad to see the liberation of the Iraqi people. We rejoiced to see the American flag flown in place of their former dictator! But we had no idea what was going on behind the scenes. There were people waiting for this to happen so they could come to power. And now, those of us living in 2016, are seeing the results of this. They Say We are Infidels is an excellent history of how ISIS rose to power, but more importantly, how Christians in the Middle East have the power of Someone greater than ISIS in their lives. You will be in awe and shed tears as you read this powerful book.

Read it and pass it on to others!

Note: I received a free copy of this book as part of the Tyndale Blogging Network.

My Name is Mahtob: Book Review

I am intrigued by autobiographies!

My Name is Mahtob, written by Mahtob Mahmoody, follows the story of a little girl's life before, during, and after the kidnapping of her and her mother across the borders of many countries. They were taken from America to Iran in the early 80's by Mahtob's father. He was an Iranian who lived in America from the age of 18 until his departure with his victims. He became a radical Muslim after moving to Detroit, Michigan. But enough about him. Because this story is really about the resolve and determination of a girl who becomes a young woman. A beautiful young woman.

As Mahtob describes her journeys it is remarkable to just imagine what she went through, and yet, the bulk of the story that impressed me was how she conquered her fears and anxieties. Forgiveness was key to this! After returning to the United States, she was diagnosed with Lupus, that almost killed her. Yet again, she is spared. As she aged, she realized her faith and belief in God was vital to continuing on....you see, her father didn't give up. He continued to try to contact her and even did things to increase those fears; living day to day with weird "coincidences" happening that only increased her dread.

Through many important people that God placed in her life, she was able to finally forgive him and change her entire view of life. Thankfulness and seeing her daily blessings was key to overcoming this mental anguish.

The story invites the reader on a journey that will not be easily forgotten! It may even cause one to examine one's own way of handling life's circumstances. Most importantly, it will confirm to the reader that no matter how hard life seems, our faith in God and attitudes makes the hope attainable.

As a part of the booklook blogging network, I received a free copy of this book.

We Cannot Be Silent

As a parent of four children growing up in the 21st century, I am keenly aware of the vast amounts of immorality and hardened conscience of our society. So, I was thrilled to agree to review Al Mohler's new book, We Cannot Be Silent.

As a believer I am aware of what the Bible states on issues of immorality and hold a strong conviction that every one of them are true, but I was extremely unaware of the history of how this landslide of degradation had occurred. Mr. Mohler's does an outstanding job laying the groundwork of where, how, and why our culture has come to the morbid place that it has. He does a marvelous job in tracing the breakdown in our Judeo-Christian beliefs at the starting point of the introduction of birth control, namely, "The Pill." From divorce to transgender to cohabitation to the true meaning of sex, Mr. Mohler tackles all of these and more through the grid of Scripture and history. It is truly eye-opening!

The biggest thing to hit me in the face is the fault of the Body of Christ through all these 60 plus years. Many Evangelical Christians sat back thinking "such and such" will never happen. And here we are!

In true form, Mr. Al Mohler recommissions the church at large. He reminds us that the Scripture is sufficient to address all these issues that generations in years past didn't even discuss. He reminds us we have the ability and the command to shine our lights in darkness. A darkness that can be suffocating at times and yet so needy of light. Finally, a darkness that may bring pain and suffering; something we as a culture have not had to experience first hand.

The God of all grace will supply just what we need for the hour!

So, Mr. Mohler thank you for speaking boldly and reminding us WE CANNOT BE SILENT!

*As a part of the BookLook Blogging Network, I received a free copy of this book.

Back to the Basics

Life gets complicated sometimes. Even our spiritual walks can become burden downed or we can become so distracted that we forget the main thing.

Five Traits of a Christ-follower, edited by Doug Nuenke, is a 30 day small devotional that is designed to help us return to the basics of what it means to follow Christ. Each small chapter is written by a different author. They, in turn, remind us of various facets of the Christian walk that can become muddled as we journey through the thing called life.

They tackle everything from obedience defining a believer to evangelism. They key in on the fact that those who name the name of Christ must have intentional time with the One they say they belong to. Delighting, knowing, memorizing and living out God's Word is essential to growth. Community (the body of Christ) is also vital to developing Christ-likeness.

It is ironic how many tools we have at our fingertips, yet, somehow, all those tools make our lives complicated at times and we forget the basics of living for Christ. This little book serves a great big purpose. It's the little reminders that bring us back to the beginning of that most important relationship in our lives.

Note: As a part of the Tyndale Blogging Network, I received a free copy of this book.

A Great Resource For Children

I am always looking for a great resource for proclaiming the Gospel to children. I have come across a new one that is a gem!

Sally Lloyd-Jones has put together some of the most well known Bible stories in a storybook form. She retains the interest of the reader, but what she does best is point that same reader to Christ. I believe each page of the old and new testament points us to the Savior. The Gospel is the antithesis of the Book of Books. And as Mrs. Lloyd-Jones paraphrases each story she reminds the reader for the reason of the story: to proclaim the Mighty Acts of God. David and the defeat of Goliath is not about David; it's about the Gospel. The Great Yahweh!

She reminds us redemption is the great story!

As to a critique, this book is labeled for teens/young adults, but I would say my 10 year old enjoyed it more than my 16 year old would have. But they have been raised in the church. If I had knew a teenager who knew nothing about the Gospel and the work of Christ and the Bible, I would not hesitate to hand this book to them.

As a part of the Booklook Bloggers Network, I received a free copy of this book.

Adoption and One of Our Favorite Books

Lorilee Craker has done an amazing thing! She has written about two subjects very close to my heart. Adoption and Anne of Green Gables. Not only is she an amazing author, a writer comparable to Lucy Maud Montgomery, but she is also an adoptee who has also adopted a child herself. 

Miss Craker has taken all the amazing characteristics and personality of the Beloved Anne of Green Gables and parallels them with her own life. She does this in a most extraordinary way. Her writing brings so many pictures to life. The way in which in she shares her story is full of raw emotion; from sadness, grief, and confusion to joy, laughter and love. This is a book that will take you inside every aspect of adoption. Being an orphan is tragic and yet she opens the door to every person acknowledging that we are orphaned at one point or another in our lives. She takes us through all aspects of the adoption journey.

Personal Note: When I requested this book to review I had no idea it would impact the journey of my life over the past few months. No, the last 18 years.

Having four adopted children of my own, I get Lorilee's Momma's heart, but I had no idea she would share her own journey of being adopted herself. 

This year has brought about events in my life that I knew would happen sooner or later, but never realized the grief that would come along. Full days of weeping that wouldn't stop, and no matter how hard I tried I couldn't really understand the feelings my Boy-Man was going through. Mrs. Craker voiced her emotions and life events in a way that helped me work through many things my boy probably was feeling. Good and bad.  Her words brought comfort as she expressed things that have not been voiced to me but pray were things he felt. 

I take this book as a gift from God! A gift that has brought a measure of peace to a tumultuous year of raw emotions for this mother-son relationship.

Book Review - The Printer and the Preacher

I love history! I love reading about history! I love learning about history!

So my most recent book to review was chosen mostly because of this fact. The Printer and the Preacher, written by Randy Petersen, is a beautifully woven work of the physical, spiritual and emotional lives of George Whitefield and Benjamin Franklin, two men of whom I have longed to know more. I have always loved studying the historical period of the colonial times. My husband and I just finished visiting Savannah, Georgia, where there was quite a lot history concerning Whitefield.  Mr. Petersen does an amazing job of relaying in much detail the childhood and conversion experience of Whitefield and the formative years of Franklin. This information greatly helps you understand the men they were, and why they stood for what they did.  As Mr. Petersen discusses the history of each of these men's lives, he incorporates much of the English culture from social dimensions to dramatizations to moral aspects. It was extremely informative.

I've read many historical books that lulled me to sleep. This was not one of those. It engaged me in a very thought provoking way.

Reading this book helped me immensely to examine my own relationships with those unsaved people around me and how I can develop a personal friendship despite the fact they don't embrace the Gospel. They may one day.

Reading this beautiful story also helped me to better understand the times of England and America during those first formative years. When you understand the culture, it puts peoples' lives into perspective, and we gain a better grasp on how they achieved what they did.

P.S. As part of the blogging network at Booksneeze, I received a free copy of this book.

A Story About LIFE!

I love a good book....(as if you couldn't tell..)

Better yet, I love true stories that inspire courage, choosing joy and unconditional love. 

Bella's gift, written by Rick and Karen Santorum, along with their daughter, Elizabeth, tells of this family's journey as Karen gives birth to Bella, their 8th child. But, profoundly, their story starts a few months before this, when they are given the devastating news that something might be wrong with their "surprise" baby. And, in turn, doctors giving their "two-cents" about what is best. 

Their faith is tested, their marriage is tried, 

but they come out the other side with stronger faith and a stronger family. 

In a time, when there is little trust in the realm of politics, it is beautiful to see a politician's family being a real family. A husband putting his marriage and wife first. (That's why he dropped out of the presidential race...I vaguely remember this.) A father putting his family first. Rick and Karen's love for each other is concretely seen in how they work through the birth and life of their precious Bella. Most children born with her condition pass away within the first year. They have loved her through to 7 years. But ultimately, we know God is the giver of life and taker of breath. They know this too.

Each day is a new day to be blessed with their daughter and they do an amazing job of chronicling all the struggles and blessings. 

As a personal comment, their faith is rooted deeply in the Catholic religion. Although I will not discredit their confession of faith in Jesus, I do get concerned when the lines are blurred as thickly as they are in this book. Salvation is by faith alone, through grace alone on the only Jesus Christ.

P.S. As a part of the blogging network through Thomas Nelson, I received a free copy of this book.

A Beautiful Touch To Your Morning With Your Savior

There is nothing better than to open the Bread of Life each morning. But, if I could add one thing to make it better, it would be to commune with the Lord in the midst of his creation. Whether I am sitting out back on my deck in the sunrise mornings, or on vacation in the mountains or at the beach, taking in the beauty of His gift to us adds a dimension to His glory!

Miriam Drennan has helped us to revel in this by writing the book, Devotions From the Garden. The photos are unbelievably awe-inspiring. They are true photos from nature. On each day she uses the topic of gardening to bring about a spiritual concept to our daily walk with Christ. It is thought provoking and exceptionally beautiful. This is a beautiful addition to a study through the Word of God. She adds personal contemplation, prayers and encouragement through the beauty of God's creation.

As part of the booklook blogging network, I received a free copy of this book.

The Waiting

It arrived yesterday. I finished it today. I couldn't put it down.

Wow! Wow! Wow!

The Waiting, written by Cathy LaGrow, is a MUST READ! This heart wrenching story will stir every emotional bone in your body. Adoption is a subject close to my heart. Minka, also known as Minnie, is raped at 16 years old. She found out she was pregnant.

It was 1928.

Mrs. LaGrow is Minka's granddaughter. She writes this amazing story of love, betrayal, pain, loss and redeeming love in beautiful fashion. It is the story of a mother's pain in placing her baby in another mother's arms to raise and love, and then leading her life for a total of 96 years with this secret. Minka relies on the Lord for each day she lives and lives each day to her fullest. But still with a hole in her heart. Until that day, 80 years later when mother and daughter meet. As I read this book I couldn't help thinking about God's sovereignty. How He allowed this beautiful meeting to occur all those years later. How he orchestrated the events of both of their lives to flow strong with love and guidance from Him.

As I read the last chapter, I bawled my eyes out.

What a beautiful testimony of love! You feel the very heartbeat of this mother!

Whether you are an adoptive mother, birth mother, adoptee, or none of these, this book will inspire you to love better, to be thankful and to hold family closer than ever.

As a part of the Tyndale Bloggers Network, I received a free copy of this book.

A Warrior's Faith - A Book Review

God's sovereignty on display.

That would describe the latest book I read. Robert Vera, author of A Warrior's Faith, describes the life events of a Navy SEAL, Ryan Job.  It's a memoir of a friendship that came to be through a series of tragedies in Ryan's young life. 

Many times when you read a biography about someone's life, it is merely that. This book is not. You live beside Ryan Job as he fights in Afghanistan and is severely wounded. You follow him as he perseveres through blindness. And you see him get stronger. But one other thing you see is an endearing friendship that grew each day. Ryan and Robert become that "friend that sticks closer than a brother."

One strong thread that is entwined in this story is the journey of the author himself. I love reading stories of others that cause one to remember. The ways and will of God are seen so clearly. Though not all producing the outcome we as humans would want, nevertheless, we see God's grace, mercy and moving hand. His providence is a key factor as well.

Ryan Job was a man, a fallen man, yet a man willing to be used by God in many other's lives. Robert Vera, is a man, a fallen man, on a journey of redemption, forgiveness, and seeing God for Who He is.

And because, all we as humans, share in suffering, this book will encourage you no matter what station on the road of life you find yourself. Truly, a MUST read!

I received a free copy of this book as part of the booklook blogging network.

The Unveiled Wife - a book review

When I chose this book to be my next read I had not idea how it would profoundly speak to me. As I write my thoughts today, I intend to be straight-forward, yet tactful.

 Jennifer Smith writes The Unveiled Wife with true courage. She tells her journey through tears and fears, but what I appreciate most of all, is her courage to call sin what it is. There is truth to pain and hurt, but how we respond to those things will dictate whether we truly are living for God's glory or just living through the pain. Mrs. Smith's initial love story of how she met her husband and their love for the Lord was beautiful, but it became ugly pretty quickly. In one or two words, I would say idolatry and expectations were what I sensed right away. Probably because I have struggled with those things myself.

She delves right in to their wedding, honeymoon and thereafter, expressing candidly the struggles they had in their intimacy. Physical and real struggles that seem to have no answer. As she describes these times, I think most women can relate...maybe not to the physical pain but to the wedges, no matter how different they are, that are put up between a man and his wife. Jennifer helps the reader to see that these walls are sin and how coming to the cross and understanding the importance of intimacy with the Savior are linked hand in hand.

Every women should pick up this book and read it. Personally I have read the practical books on the journey for a man and a woman after marriage, but to hear this beautiful story and how God used all of it, even the ugliness for growth and change. To be more like Christ.

That's my review on the book, but I would like to add a bit more personally.

To put it bluntly, men and women are very different in their sex drives.  I feel that women need a firm talking to about loving their husbands in this important way. Saying yes, as much as possible. Now, I understand there are times when it is not possible, or even times when the husband is abusive or there are sin issues that need to be confessed and dealt with. But, I am amazed at how infrequently many Christian women love their husbands in this way. With all of the temptations around our guys in this culture, let's lavish them with our love and bodies. And above all else remember this:

1 Corinthians 7:5 "Stop depriving one another, except by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control."

RISE!... A Book Review

A few years ago, we were introduced to Christian Rap Music. I would never have admitted I liked that genre of music, but after hearing the words of artists such as Shai Linne, Ambassador, Trip Lee, Tedashi, etc, I was taken. Much of what they write is Theology set to beat.

Recently, Trip Lee has written a book that will revolutionize your spiritual life if you take to heart all he says. Rise is written to speak especially to the younger generation about all they encounter in the culture around them and how to fight for God's glory in their lives. Trip Lee speaks from his heart and this book is written as if he is sitting down on the couch in your living room and giving a pep talk to your family.

From sex to music to social media, Mr. Lee takes on these issues with great tact and exposes the lies that most of our young people face. This spoke to me as well. He doesn't come out and give standards of obedience or a "do not do" list. He speaks from God's Word and truth about time management, priorities and wisdom.

More than anything, He encourages the reader to develop a relationship with his Creator in order to combat the lies of the world, our flesh and Satan.

This is a must read for our teens and young people, as well as anyone who wants to be challenged in their thinking.

As a part of the Booksneeze blogging network, I received a free copy of this book.

Miracle On Voodoo Mountain - Book Review

Courage. Faith. Determination. How does one twenty-something young woman defy the odds and move to a foreign country to be a rescuer?

Megan Boudreaux is this woman. She has written down this journey in an autobiography titled, Miracle on Voodoo Mountain. Megan grew up like thousands of American children. Good home. Education. Religion. But God got a hold of her heart and set her apart for a specific purpose. To rescue the children slaves in Haiti. 

Her story is one that inspires the reader to desire to be used. Instead of reading her memoir and saying,"That would never happen to me," one can easily see being used in some way in other's lives. 

What holds Megan together in the midst of corruption, loss, pain, disease, loneliness, and unanswered dreams is her faith in Jesus Christ. God miraculously answers her prayers and shows Himself faithful continually. She faces the most horrible forms of evil and the powers of the enemy. She gives God the glory through it all.

Megan has become one of my heroes of the faith. 

Book Review - Frederick

The spirit of determination that allows one to overcome such adversity as Frederick Ndabaramiye did is quite amazing. Faith is always part of that spirit. Faith that God gives to believe in the hope of a future and faith that forgives those who try to take your life from you.

Frederick, an autobiography, is an unbelievable story of resilience and fortitude. Frederick lived through the Rwandan genocide and was severely maimed by his enemies. His story is one that touches the deepest nerve in one's soul. God had a mighty plan for him. God sovereignly placed people and things in his life to direct him exactly where he needed to be at the perfect time. As you read this book, you will find yourself immensely grateful for your own blessings, as well as, asking yourself the question of, "How can I be an instrument of service to those who are hurting around me?".

This story is one of hope for the future. One boy's story of how he overcame incredible odds and become a man who helped others do the same.

**As a part of the blogging network, I received a free copy of this book.

A Messy Love Story

There is a war being waged against marriages these days. The war of fidelity is the most difficult as our culture screams tolerance to all forms of sexual sin!

My latest book review takes on this subject. Before I read The Song, I had heard about the movie. It sounded riveting! The Song, written by Chris Fabry, is a beautiful love story following two young people who have been dealt lives of hardship before they met. They meet in a magical way, but once Jed King's music career takes off, they are left with a fractured relationship. 

Chris Fabry does a great job showing the reader what can happen when you don't put Christ first in a marriage. It is so easy to get wrapped up in the new life you have made and the busyness of that life. Children come. Boredom can set in. Life can become monotonous. And there the trap is set.

Mr. Fabry reminds us that marriage is a covenant. He also shows how with the Lord, strong love, and forgiveness one can make it through any storm that comes their way.

Book Review - A Very Fine House

Being in the midst of a home of three teens and having hit some difficult years I chose a memoir for my next book review.

A Very Fine House, written by Barbara Cofer Stoefen, is a heart wrenching story of a mother and daughter's relationship through the addiction battle. She writes very candidly yet compassionately. The battle is truly felt as you read through the pages of a hurting mother. She profoundly moves through fear and anger to compassion and love. It is a beautiful testimony to how strong the family bonds are no matter what comes your way. A mother simply cannot stop loving and fighting for her children.

Having gone through a very rocky road with one of my own, I felt her pain, yet was a little discouraged by the few times the Lord was brought up. I know from experience, I would not have made it without Christ and Him being my rock. "Faith" is a very subjective word. I would love to have a sit down with Mr. Stoefen and unwrap that a tad bit more.

In light of that, I was encouraged to persevere in my own mother/child relationships. And I want to remember this profound quote: "Those who might judge the disasters of others may not yet have had their own." Very true. Very true indeed.

God Only Wise

"Wisdom without power would be pathetic, a broken reed; power without wisdom would be merely frightening; but in God boundless wisdom and endless power are united, and this makes Him utterly worthy of our fullest trust." - J.I. Packer, Knowing God

I want to trust God. Daily. I'm sure you do too. But fears arise and the unknown can scare me at times. My mind quickly goes to next year.

So today I am thankful for this reminder that God is almighty and perfect. 

*In His wisdom

*In His power

*In His timing

I have no reason to fear. I have all reasons to trust.

So do you.

Even when we can't see what's around the corner.

Or what will happen over the next foggy mountaintop.

God is all wise. And powerful. And we CAN trust in Him.

Fierce Convictions - Book Review

The latest book I've been engrossed in, Fierce Convictions, has definitely got me thinking. This book is written by Karen Swallow Prior and follows the life of a strong woman, Hannah More. She is a woman who is not easily swayed away from what she firmly believes in: abolition of slavery, loving one who may not believe as she does, the training up of children in all areas, and being a voice for the poor and downtrodden, among many others.

Her life begins in a family of father, mother, and four sisters. They were poor, but loved. She grew up to be a widely respected lady who rubbed shoulders with the likes of William Wilberforce, John Newton, and many others. She was a poet who wrote what she believed in that beautiful art of communication. Even if you disagreed with her, you couldn't help but love her. For she spoke what was in her heart with love and compassion, but certainly with conviction.

I love history and learning about historical people. I had never heard of Hannah More.

I have come to love her.