Friday, January 26, 2018

Fiction Book Review: Across the Blue, a novel, by Carrie Turansky




When I think about Whispering the Word to others, one of the best ways to impact others, is by sharing the mindset of a believer who walks by faith, trusting in the Lord God throughout their regular daily lives.  And that is my absolute favorite part of this new novel, Across the Blue, a Historical Fiction (1909 in England/France) tale of the birth of flight and aviators attempting to cross the English Channel for the first time, releasing from Waterbrook/Multnomah February 20th, 2018.  

You can enter here for a chance to win a whole set of new books from the publisher.




The two main characters that shared their intimate faith by the prayers they silently prayed as life happened are: Belle a debutante, daughter of a wealthy self made man who owns several newspapers, and James, an illegitimate child who knows very little of his parents, whose life has not reflected that struggle, as a Professor of aviation took him in, after his Mother dies tragically, and then the Professors sister, passes when he is 6, and raised him as his own son with a solid education, and as business partners in aviation, and in the attempt to cross the English Channel in their self made airplane, funded by the generosity of others.   

Do you want to check it out for yourself?  You can read a sneak peak here.  It hooked me!

The plot is driven by Belle, a young woman who is entering her third season, seeking a spouse that she finds true love with, something her parents are not nearly as concerned about, as they want her to marry another well to do family of equal stature.  Her family has just moved into a large estate called the Broadlands, and meets James and the Professor on the first day, when his plan crashes on their land.  She also desires to follow in her father's footsteps as a journalist, something her parents consider a stumbling block in courting her well to do suitors, but they agree she may write with a pseudonym, if she agrees to accept a proposal by the end of the year.  

The author, Carrie Turanksy, does a lovely job developing the plot while sharing knowledge of how challenging learning to fly, creating your own plan, and preparing to cross the English Channel would have been, and her details were fascinating and helped pull you into the lives of the characters.  Belle ends up being courted by more than one aviator, and that creates some awkward, yet believable situations. There are vivid images of the homes, gardens, and various locations in London and near the channel, making the reader compelled to continue reading.   

I found the book to be a great page turner, and I read on several times, when I had planned to stop to see how all the different avenues created in the characters' lives would turn out.  There is of course romance, history and a feel of the setting in this modern new world at the turn of the century in Europe, but also the characters have their own problems, struggles, and secrets.  

The Word of God is whispered on occasion with a comment about the message shared at the church, but is not overly done or preachy, just threaded in on occasion as it fit with the lives of the characters.  As both James and Bella mature, their from their head silent prayers are short, sweet, yet honest and reflect their spiritual and young adult maturity develop, but also model for the reader a life lead by someone trusting God in the big and little things of life.  I really enjoyed this element and the way it was so naturally woven into the book.  I don't believe a person who is not faith oriented would be offended by any of it, but would recognize and respect the way God influenced the lives of these young people. 

I was blessed to be given an ARC by the publisher to review, all opinions are my own, and I was asked to share an honest review of my reading, and I've happily done that.  

Monday, January 22, 2018

Dream of You launching tomorrow....

I've learned I love audio books- so much fun to have someone read to me!  Sometimes I will listen to a book I've already read, other times, I listen and learn.  It makes road trips fly by, laundry folding or kitchen cleaning easier to do, and I learn so much.  Dream of You has an audio book. Not all books have one at release day. 



Launching books is fun- I'm in a community of fellow readers, sometimes I have a few months to read a book and be ready to review it, other times, I can barely finish by the launch day.  I always like it when I get to write a review, let it set, and then think about it and add MORE before release day. 

This book as I've pondered it, really fits into 2017's book them of the year from my kindred spirit authors.   I'm broken and poured out, and I need the Lord Jesus to not only forgive my sins, but to provide the Holy Spirit to help me live out my Redemption Story.  In the present, God has a plan and as I get to know Him more intimately, my life, my DREAMS, my joys will truly be found in Him. 



The key reminder that I need with my soul amnesia, is that it is GOD, who does the work, He heals, He guides, and He knows who I fully am, so He will help me be the one I am designed to be.  He sees me, and knows me, and I should focus on knowing HIM, to grow and to be redeemed in my daily living. 


I think that's a powerful motivation to invest my heart, soul, and mind into Knowing Him! He will redeem me an give me a new song!  Mrs. Saxton share how this has happened in her own life, and gives suggestions for all of us to grow in our knowledge of Him.  

I really enjoyed how the author showcased our identity, our growth, is counter the world's culture, and my identity should be tied to my relationship with God, and I can learn that by looking at the Lord Jesus.  Here are two quotes I found as good examples  




If you want an intro and to hear the author (her English accent is delightful!)  You can find her at this podcast!   It focuses on the themes of the book- your identity and purpose!  

 podcast
You can find my original review here.

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Mindset growth or fixed

I love learning about the how God created our brains with so much that researchers can learn about how they function. And how much we can even teach children about our brains, to help improve their learning. 

Several years ago, my student teaching graduates, gave me the following book, as they felt that I had encouraged them to have a mindset like this. 

Beautiful Opps

Beautiful Oops! by Barney Saltzberg (2010-09-23)


Our shared experience, had been my pre-student teaching advice.  All you need to do is create new mistakes for every observation, and you will still earn an A.  Because if you make a mistake, but learn from it, that's an excellent teacher skill, and as long as you aren't repeating the same mistake for weeks on end, you are growing.  That's what we all need- to grow as learners and leaders. 

When several of them struggled, I asked them, after studying the Bible and Education, as a double major, and being successful enough to student teach, is YOUR God big enough to direct you in the humble process of learning how to teach kids, which involves sometimes failing, in front of a class of children?  Cause my God is big enough to direct me in anything He leads me to do.  

This is real life, and if you can't trust God to guide you through student teaching, and the mistakes that are a part of it, don't get married, definitely don't have your own children, probably you should avoid rooming with others, because we need God to guide us in all relationships with others.   Raising children is like teaching them, very sanctifying, as you see your mistakes and sin, lived out in front of you.  Marriage and room mates, as well. 

But as I've moved to being at home with my children, serving their needs at home, and sometimes in their schools.  I've continued to study Growth vs Fixed Mindset.    And I've always wondered, what is someone who lives by the Word of God's version of a growth mindset for our lives as followers of Christ.  Here's an infographic (that I'm allowed to share on my blog) that introduces it.  Here's a youtube video that also explains it.

So I'll be exploring this and attempting to share my musings on my blog, to help others embrace growing in Christ as a mindset.  I bet that many of you already have great concepts that come to mind to help your mindset be growth oriented with God.  Feel free to share in the comments.




Monday, January 15, 2018

Illustrating the Word of God as you teach

As a trained elementary teacher, and visual learner, illustrations make the text come alive.  But often it is hard to find realistic images for many Bible lessons.  So I thought I'd share some of my great finds.

I must give credit to Debbie Jackson, whose website has been a favorite of mine for years!  But as I've been guiding teachers through the Old and New Testament for K or 1st grade students last year and this year, she's become my mentor and hero!   She has realistic but drawn images of many stories that she shares.   And in the past year or two, she links to sweetpublishing.com that has provided these images with free license as long as you credit them!

http://www.biblefunforkids.com/  is Debbies website and she has lessons on much of the Bible for preschool, elementary, and early elementary ages, as well as Wednesday night groups and VBS.  And she is my kind of gal- she teaches her kids the Bible!  With hands on learning, lapbooks, bulletin boards, and she is generous and shares printables she has created.   I am so thankful that I don't have to start from scratch. 

Her visuals from sweetpublishing, have led me to these other websites.

You can print a story (I print two images per page and laminate for kids to hold) you can print the notes and a script of the story (like a powerpoint page), you can use as a powerpoint or in your own powerpoint.  Licensed for use for free.  

It has photo versions (lifelike), cartoon, manga, there are maps, etc.   

This website's images are put into the free bible site, but some may find this source easier to select a few pictures.   But there are more images here- than are in the already made into stories page. 

And this site created this video option: https://unfoldingword.org/stories/
And the big plus is- you can get many languages through this website for the text or audio- so for those teaching in other languages or ESL.  Could be a great tool. 

We just did Jesus Walks on Water, and this is the video that is made from images from Sweet Publishing, and can be watched in a bunch of languages.  


Here is a link to ALL the images in the book of Matthew found on sweetpublishing

Here's one example:

I love that Free Bible Images lists ALL the references for a story they have put together, and that you can download all the images at once, and a storyplanner with a retelling and space for your own notes on the story as well.  Plus it an be a pdf, powerpoint, keynote, etc. format.  Plus the story images are so different and from so many resources. 

Here's Matthew there and on the right side, you find Jesus walks on water or calms a storm.  Four different publishers have images.





Other images from other publishers and other stories...







Here is the link to all of  Bible Fun for Kids lessons on Jesus Walks on Water lessons.  


Book Review: Isaiah's Daughter by Mesu Andrews

Releasing on January 16, 2018, so pre-order today for the bonus gifts!

I so enjoyed this biblical story brought to life by Mesu Andrews.  You can read my full review here.

But as it's releasing this week, I wanted to share some of the concepts that we all struggle with that the book makes known through the lives of the characters, and perhaps is what made the book so real to me, and so helpful, not just as a good book to read, but as I learned from the lives of these historic figures learning to trust, wait, recognize who God is, and how to respond to who God is in their lives in their not so great life circumstances.   So today I guess is a photo essay or quote essay to encourage you to buy the book, or ask your library to get it!

You can even do a 7 day you-version study here.

Quotes from this amazing, well written enjoyable novel....













Saturday, January 13, 2018

One Word 2018: Restore, in the Word of God

In looking up, restore in several translations, commentaries, etc. I have come to recognize that RESTORE is a characteristic of God.  He takes joy in being our restorer or restoration.  
  • God restores us from sin.
  • God restores my soul.   
  • God restores health.
  • God restores a repentant heart.  
  • God restores joy.  
  • God restores nations.  
  • God restores blessing to a repentant heart and is pleased to do it.  
  • God restores double.  
  • God will restore all things when his son returns for believers.  
  • God restores people, His goal is people who faithfully worship Him.  
  • God reminds people He will restore them, He brings back hope, healing, etc.
  • God asks that believers restore others with gentleness.  
  • God restores us in our suffering, He works to perfect us.  
Verses with RESTORE....

Psalm 23:3, NASV
"He restores my soul, He guides me in the paths of righteousness, for His name's sake." 

Psalm 51:12, NASV
"Restore to me the joy of your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit." 

Psalm 80:3, NASV
"O God restore us, And cause your face to shine upon us, and we will be saved" 

Psalm 80:19 ESV
"Restore us, O Lord God of hosts, let your face to shine upon us and we would be saved."

Isaiah 57:18
"I have seen his ways, but I will heal him, I will lead him and restore comfort to him and his mourners."  

Lamentations 5:21 NASV
"Restore us to You, O Lord, that we may be restored, Renew our days as of Old." 

Galatians 6:1 ESV
"Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you to be tempted."

1 Peter 5:10 HCSB
"The God of all grace; who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little while."

Psalm 69:4 NKJV
"Those who hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of my head. They are mighty who would destroy me. Being my enemies wrongfully though I have stolen nothing, I still must restore it." 

Isaiah 1:26 NKJV
"I will restore your judges at first, and your counselors at the beginning. Afterward you shall be called the city of righteousness, the faithful city."  

Other references.... 
2 Kings 8:1, Nehemiah 3:8, Daniel 9:25, Nahum 2:2, Amos 9:11, Psalm 126:4, Ruth 4:15, Job 33:26 Isaiah 49:6, Isaiah 52:8, Jeremiah 30:17, Jeremiah 27:22, Joel 2:25, Zechariah 9:12, Mathew 17:11, Mark 3:5, Acts 1:6

So as I have pondered this, 1 Peter 5:10 has stood out to me.  So I looked for resources at Bible.org.  

I found this explanation from Bob Deffinbaugh, one of my favorite teachers, as he normally puts concepts into words in ways that totally make sense to me!  

He explains that this chapter is about suffering, the saints, and Satan.  He shares that Peter is reminding us to stand firm in our Faith because God WILL use our faith and trust for His glory. 

Bob Deffinbaugh's words. I linked the whole article above.  
 "Suffering is the means by which God—the God of all grace—perfects, confirms, strengthens, and establishes us (1 Peter 5:10).153 The very trials which may appear to be the means Satan employs for our destruction are the means God employs for our deliverance and development. Behind the opposition of unbelievers stands Satan seeking to devour us, and behind Satan stands God, sure to perfect and purify us."  

I'm recognizing that as I seek God this year, as I seek out that my heart, mind, and soul would be restored and used for the glory of God.

I think my verse for the year is 1 Peter 5:10, and the promise that God restores, establish, strengthen and support ME in any suffering I experience, and as I seek to know who I am in God's eyes when unbelievers or Satan seek to destroy my faith and trust in God. This verse is a great foundation to build on!


1 Peter 5:10 HCSB

"The God of all grace; who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little while."


Friday, January 12, 2018

My One Word: Restore, a word study

Looking at the Bible has been a primary plan and approach to internalize and meditate on my word.

Word studies can help pull it together. but words in isolation can also lead you astray and to make incorrect inferences.  The reading teacher in me knows that, but the theologian in me, says this is not an area I have a foundation to build on.

Baker's Evangelical Dictionary Commentary says this:  The Old and New Testaments use terms such as "restore" and "renew" to image God's control of history and the believer's spiritual life.  

Literal meanings are easy-- God restores physical things- land, property, health, ....The figurative meanings are more complex.  And that's part of what stopped me in my tracks, trying to ignore this word for 2018.  

It refers to spiritual restoration.  That seems acceptable, I'm quick to admit that as much as I've grown, I'm still a sinner, broken, ugly, yet redeemed and rescued by a God I cannot fully comprehend through His Son whom I am grateful for, and with the help of the Holy Spirit, since on my own sin is easier to fall back on.   

I paused a little more as I recognized another figurative connotation.  It refers the the maturity of the believer and calls the believer to mentor and encourage those whose foundation is not as firm.  This sounds simple, teach what you know, humbly and with the Lord's help  

It's the third meaning that I know is bigger than I can comprehend. It's the eschatology connection- when Elijah comes up,  it moves beyond just being rebirth or renewal in the faith.  There are questions about when this will happen, has it happened, who will be involved, and what conclusions are we to draw.  It heads into thoughts of heaven, and eternity, which is being present with God, and His restoration of those who belong to Him for eternity.  And it's likely the aspect I need to investigate, research, and likely use my 'phone a friend' and ask many wise and well educated theologians for insight on.  

Webster's Dictionary; 
To bring back to its former state; to bring back from a state of ruin, decay, disease, or the like; to repair, renew, recover.  
To give or bring back, as that which has been lost or taken away.  To bring back to the Owner,  to replace.  
To renew, to reestablish, as to restore harmony among those who are a variance
To make good, to make amends for. 

Greek: Restore 

to give back  apokathistemi
to give up, give back, return apodidomi
set upright- anorthoo
renew- anakainizo

Hebrew:
azab- to restore, repair
shub-to turn back, return
alah- to go up, ascend, climb 

As I prayerfully ponder these meanings, I believe that I'm being led to meditate on more than one concept, but to trust God to restore our home and family life, as we work to encourage our children in their faith professions and help them learn to live a life that is grounded in the Word of God and to choose to know the Lord Jesus more intimately each day.   And for my heart to be focused on the restoring that God offers me daily, moment by moment, or even second by second, as I strive to live a life denying myself- and living for Him.  Surrendered to His Will, His Word, and His way.     

One step closer to choosing a verse to focus on or verses for my year.   


Monday, January 8, 2018

Book Review: Be the Hands and Feet: Living Out God's Love for All His Children

Nick Vujicic, author


Releasing February 13, 2018

Book description from amazon:
Nothing in life is as exciting and satisfying as introducing Jesus to people who have never met him.

New York Times bestselling author and world-renowned motivational speaker Nick Vujicic is known worldwide as the man without arms and legs who personifies a "can do" spirit.  Now in greater detail, he explains how the example of Jesus Christ motivates him to travel and speak broadly because the"good news" of the Gospel is just too good to keep quiet!  Although the world has so many problems, no challenge is too great for the God who promises to move mountains. Using compelling stories from his own experience, Nick shares the heart of his message, the motivation behind all he does, and something that he believes the world needs now more than ever before: A faith in Jesus Christ that moves people to act and make the world a better place.

A review: Publisher's Weekly

His non-profit organization is called Life without Limbs

Want a day at Disney with Nick?  Enter this before February 10!

T

This has been a great lesson for me in the past two years-- recognizing that God restores broken lives, it brings me hope! 

My review:

As I launch more and more books, I learn about how publishers have created genres for even Christian Non-Fiction books.  Nick Vujicic has a biography Life without Limbs,  a book about his faith Unstoppable, a devotional book, Limitless, a book about bullying called Stand Strong, he has a biography about his marriage Love without Limits, his Dad wrote a book about raising a perfectly imperfect child,so I wondered what this new book's content would be.   It's in the category of Inspirational.  And in my experience, an inspirational speaker is someone who encourages you, motivates you, and seeks to make you happy, but doesn't always have any kind of research or a strong narrative of where the inspiration comes from other than yourself.

I am thrilled to tell you that inspirational or motivational speaker Nick Vujicic considers himself an evangelist first, and if possible shares his testimony of salvation by faith alone with a full gospel of Jesus Christ disclosure!  So his inspirational book is focused on sharing the gospel from any platform, and includes scripture that he uses or has influenced him, testimonies of how God has worked in his life and in other people's lives he has met along the way.

I would put this book in the category of an advice book with personal stories to make his suggestions, ideas, and strategies come to life and seem realistic for anyone.  He shares his own life stories and some of his struggles, as well as his growth into his current role, Director of a Non-Profit, and International Speaker and Evangelist, who has used his invitations to meet with heads of State across the world, and offers to pray with them, and shares the gospel.

The Lord has also brought other people into his life, and Nick uses their stores to emphasize his main points.  We are all called as believers to share the gospel.  We are called to mentor others one on one, and help someone spiritually younger grow in their faith.  He gives strategies to learn how to share your faith and even some scripture and answers to hard questions.

Nick's (I respect him, but his style is informal and vulnerable, and I can't imagine calling him Mr. Vujicic) writing is relational, not stuffy or formal, and he is direct, but kind as he reminds the reader of what God commands of us.  It's easy to see why his presentations end with his offer to give you a hug and a personal word of encouragement.  He is a man who sees people, as they are, accepts them, but wants them to clearly hear the truth that God loves them and has a wonderful plan for their life. (and he's not that cliche to say it that way.)

I have known him as a speaker often to Teens, so this book was fun to read, and learn about how not only does he appreciate and help Teens, he also works as a messenger of God with others to further the gospel which leads to business type endeavors and meeting important government people.  But he started out small, taking his dog to the park in his wheel chair and talking to anyone who seemed interested.  Using his no limbs platform to share his life and connect with others, he started sharing how God had a plan and purpose for him.

So if you are looking for strategies to share your faith, to hear about how a man without limbs has spoken to millions of people in his life so far, and how he still knows his family and four children are his biggest calling, this book is for you.  I think this is a great book for as young as tweens/teen age kids and those newer in the faith to appreciate the ideas and input.

For me, the strategies and concepts were not new, but I enjoyed learning about his life and how God has used him in so many neat ways.

Here's my I got the book photo--- as I was ready to think about how to be the hands and feet of God!



Thank you Waterbrook/Multnomah for the opportunity to review this book.  

Review: Shepherd on the Search Advent Book and Kit





Beautiful, sturdy small (4 by 6 inches) read aloud book, with brilliant concepts (see table of contents below) from the Bible brought to life for 25 daily readings leading up to December 25th.  Tip-- Dayspring marks these down and have many sales through out the year, so does CBD, so put it on a wishlist and watch the prices to make it more reasonable.   I'm not an affliate of either- just someone who likes to support companies of Christian products. 

For truly simple fun, you can buy the stuffed shepherd and intro book in a sturdy manger box to mirror the elf. If you are frugal, and have a shepherd nativity set, you could use your own shepherd to hide every day and read this book, and if you kids are too cool for finding a shepherd- this book isn't focused on that- its 25 great concepts to ponder, treasure, and process as we anticipate and wait for the Lord Jesus birthday celebration. I loved that after a short reading, it had a Let's Search the Bible (with several passages to look up-- hello- something for each of our 4 kids to read aloud for the family! #win) and a Let's Live it Out suggestion. Sweet, simple ideas that bring in higher level thinking about Advent. I love it.

I can't wait to read it next year, and wonder if we will end up with Christmas in July this year so I can read this and talk about it with my 4 kids! I like the pictures, the teaching concepts are higher level thinking, biblical based, with great real life connections to think about. I really like it- so much I sat down and read it all the day it arrived.
The Shepherd on the Search Family Advent Book: Discover the Joy of Finding CHRIST in Christmas
Shepherd On the Search Activity Set  -
This the the KIT-- it includes the picture book to introduce your shepherd to your children, to give your shepherd a name, I'm calling ours SHEP, we will see if my kids vote otherwise next December.  

It does not include the 4 by 6 book that makes this such a simple, already done for you ADVENT meaningful activity.

My daughter has been driving me crazy begging for an Elf... and that's not how we process Christmas. Her Kindergarten teacher had an elf on the shelf visit Kindergarten several days and she turned it into a brilliant educational activity- instead of daily journalling, the kids were motivated to draw and write a letter about the Elf's antics in their classroom. It was great, secular education!! So fun, we researched other ELF ideas for my daughter to share with her teacher. My daughter talked about it, and two plus years later is still asking- when we will do the ELF at home mom? I've told her- her elf at school was naughty, it got into trouble, and it was preparing for Santa to bring presents- at our house we exchange gifts to remember Jesus as the true gift of Christmas, but we don't talk about Santa or have Santa presents.

We are of german heritage and we do talk about St. Nicholas who fills children's shoes on the eve of Dec 5th so they waken to treats December 6th morning, as my husband's family has always celebrated. St. Nicholas brings books, chocolate, and a small treat- this year fidgets for each of the children.

We look at Christ's coming, as a babe, born in a manager, and a naughty elf just doesn't easily make a connection about the birth of Jesus for me. Instead we've read Jotham's journey series aloud to anticipate and re-live Bible life and what the experience of the children alive when Jesus was born might be like. And my three older BOYS have been captivated and on the edge of their seats to listen for the entire advent season.

But my girl, well she wants to share with her friends who talk about their elves each day. So I decided I need to find a compromise. So next year "Shep" (you get to name your Shepherd) will be hidden each day of December. I haven't done the hiding yet as I bought it after Christmas for next year so I can't report on that. But what i can say is- this kit, you are buying a stuffed shepherd and a book that introduces the concept (like the elf) of finding him every day in December.

That's all the beautiful hard cover story book does- is set up the expectation rather simply. But they also sell a small advent book to read aloud (mentioned above) and you MUST purchase this as well. I loved it. So if you need an alternative, this is it, but alone it's not a fully prepared daily connection to Christ without the advent read aloud book. And if you want to be frugal, just get the 4 by 6 book to read, use a shepherd from your nativity scene, or any stuffed something, to look for, and go ahead.


But next year, my daughter will be the 3rd grader sharing the antics of our Shepherd with her girl friends on the playground, and hopefully witnessing of the love of Christ, as I will be thinking through 25 fun things a shepherd can do as he seeks the Lord Jesus each day. Feel free to share ideas in the comments-- I know me-- I need to make a plan now and put it away with the Shepherd so this will really happen... Pinterest here I come! I'll share whenever I figure it out!

Saturday, January 6, 2018

Book Review: The Most Important Women of the Bible

The Most Important Women of the Bible: Remarkable Stories of God's Love and Redemption

I love studying women of the Bible.  Some of my favorite women's Bible studies have been when we take a woman each week and look at her role in scripture, what we can learn from her, what she learned about God, or how the Lord used her for His glory, and how her story fits into God's plan for redemption or show's His love. So when this book was listed as an option to review, it was an easy choice for me. 

I'm not sure what I expected, but this was very different. Different doesn't mean bad, it just was not what I expected.  I think I was imaging story telling, bringing to life the setting and time of each woman, and their role in their 'story' or book of the Bible.  That's not what this is.  This is a non-fiction commentary of each of the women researched. 

The common theme of the 31 women featured is that each character in the Bible has either looks for God's plan of redemption as prophesied that Jesus was coming or looks back to how Jesus work on the Cross redeemed each of us.  The authors want to make these women come alive and not just two dimensional women in the Bible. 

The approach I appreciated, and will keep this book on my shelf, as a tool when I study the Bible. 

Each woman is named, and then given a title to help clarify her role in the Bible.  So Eve, the first sinner, Mary, the Mother of the Messiah, ... then there are some less obvious, but helpful titles, the woman of Nain, the recipient of Compassion.  I loved this.  And it makes me think, if I were to be talked about and summarized for my view of eternity, and God's redemption and love, what would my subtitle be? 

Then each woman is logically described with the following format:
  • a quote from a commentator or preacher about her.
  • Scripture Reference
  • Biography
  • Her role in redemption
  • By the numbers (and this to the Mom of math loving, statistic kids is neat!) it might tell you how many husbands, children, or it might share how many miles from city to city in the story, or how long she suffered, how many unclean people like her, or a rule from the law, but these really enhance the concepts and role of redemption.
  • Things we wonder (higher level thinking- what we don't know...) 
I did the suggested plan and read about one woman for 31 days. Another suggestion is to use these women for a Bible study group and I think it would bring about great discussion, and help seeing how intricate God's plan of redemption is, even to some lesser named people in the Bible, God's plan is always there.  

This book is fact based with the narration of the authors thinking aloud as to how the facts of each woman show God's redemptive plan, or how Jesus would have approached her with the customs or teaching of the law, and some personal connections as to how the authors apply their knowledge to their own faith and living.  

It's an easy read, but by no means lacking descriptive imagery in the detailed setting, history, analysis of the emotions, character development and relationships, etc.  It would be a fun book to help teaching about these passages, and I can see tween on up being able to appreciate the insight and grasp the model of interpreting what the Bible shares and how that demonstrates God's plan of redemption for all man kind. It's a great meta-cognitive work of bringing to life each of these 31 women's roles for us.  And the teacher in me, would find it fun to ask others to take people not mentioned here, and write our own stories for them mirrored after this book. 

Thank you Bethany House for introducing me to a new way to study the Bible and a model of thinking about these women.  It encouraged my heart and mind beyond my expectations and I love that I learned a new perspective of God.  

Review: My First Hands-On Bible Preschoolers Experience the Fun! Live the Truth! (Tyndale)

I can't believe I forgot to review this little kids Bible.  I've been using it when I teach (with more than preschoolers) for two? years. 

My First Hands-on Bible, softcover

When I first got it, I wasn't sure about it.  It's a Bible storybook that is heavy, small with busy pictures and hands on the pages.  So even as a read aloud with one child, it seemed busy.  But as I started using it and reading it, I realized how amazing all the text really is. 

Click here for sample pages so you can see what I am talking about!

Here are features that I love about this:

  1. It is not a 'story' book that an author is paraphrasing the Bible.  The Bible stories are shared from the New Living Translation.  So it is a Bible. 85 stories in it.  39 OT, 46 NT 
  2. The verses are marked and references are clear for all the stories.  Making this pre-school Bible one that most kids would see as a "Bible."  with verses marked. 
  3. The illustrations are watercolor type style, friendly faces, and have details that would focus the children looking at them.  It's beautiful. 
  4. The pages are durable, shiny, and heavy. 5 stars for PRACTICAL with kids. It's not going to rip easily, the pages won't slide and change your page easily, etc.  
  5. Table of Contents- sounds silly, but as a veteran kidmin person, being able to look in the front, see all the stories (WITH their actual scripture references) makes this book SO much more functional.  
  6. Size- I found it small for using with small groups, but it's the perfect size to toss in my bag and take with me for teaching- and the ideas after each story and in the margins while you read it, are so well done, developmentally appropriate, engaging that I miss it if I don't have it.  
  7. Jesus Connection- Every story ends with a connection to how Jesus is in the story, even if he's not mentioned. 
  8. Handprints- the busy hands on the pages- are actually motions, look for ___ in the pictures for you to have the children do as and think as the story is read. (Hence hands-on Bible.)  THIS IS MY FAVORITE REASON I love this Bible, they are simple, yet SUPER effective ideas that fit the busy learning styles of children.  So developmentally appropriate.  
  9. This bible would be great and the perfect size to have every child have their own copy while you read.  
  10. The Kangaroo and the lamb at the end of each story have two activities to make the story come alive or connect to a child's life.  And as a reading teacher, this is where comprehension of a story occurs-- building connections and background knowledge. (another brilliant WIN for this kid's book.)  
Thank you Tyndale for the opportunity to review this little kid Bible. I use it regularly in my teaching, and really am surprised how valuable a tool it has become for me.  If I could improve it- I would like this illustrators versions of the story on cards, or a Big book, to share.  I love how alive the images are to the reader.  

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Word of the Year 2018

This year’s Word, was less clear or settled than other years.  As I mentioned previously, I am simple minded like a child. I forgot to mention that I need visuals around me, as I can so quickly develop ‘soul amnesia’ as Ann Voskamp refers to it in her blog A Holy Experience and her books. She’s one of my kindred spirit book/blog mentors. So each year I have chosen a word, I have found or purchased something to display in my bathroom or bedroom to help me not forget.  Abide was my favorite, as I printed and framed the text, but had a simple vine clip from a floral department on the sink. To see the vine.

So when I started pondering words for this year, aka realized I should plan a new word in the last ten days of December, I sort of panicked. I had no ornament, framed verse, word, or letter to display, and the word that came to mind, isn’t an ordinary home decor word, and seemed more weighty or significant than other words I've been led to embrace. 

  Yet as I woke up on January 1st, and prayed about my Word, the first thing I saw on social media was this Adoration from another kindred spirit soul sister blogger/author mentor Sara Hagerty

https://www.instagram.com/p/BdaPKmJlOvA/
I will give her her vineyards from there,
And the Valley of Achor as a door of hope;
She shall sing there,
As in the days of her youth,
As in the day when she came up from the land of Egypt.
Hosea 2:15
•
Photo: @christenbyates #januaryadoration

This is what I see....and I said okay Lord, my word will be Restore!

In my mind, restore, especially in a biblical sense, is something that happens with the Lord's leading.  As I've looked at many verses that mention this concept, it remains clear. 

The Lord restores Israel, The Lord restores the joy of my salvation, people ask that God restore them, or it is coupled with concepts like gentleness, comfort, from ruin/destruction, etc.  Restore has an inherent connection to making amends, to renew, to re-establish, to give up, to give back,...

I guess my hesitation to accept this concept as a focus for the year is the enormity and expanse of the reach of God's work when He restores a person, a people, or a place for His glory.  It seems to be layering in faith, abiding, trust, joy, hope, and who God is all on one plate, and fully, perhaps lying prostrate before Him waiting expectantly, knowing He will make it happen, even when it's dark and ugly. The awe and the expanse of possibilities of what God can do in His timing are not lost on me.  

Restore is something that God does. Over and over  Initially, He restores us from our brokenness, sin, and ugliness.  This happens at the moment of salvation, He restores us, allowing us access to His presence, His goodness and glory, bought with the blood of Jesus who redeems and rescues us from our sin.  His restoration provides full fellowship with Him through the Holy Spirit in this present day, and He is preparing a new heaven and a new earth to fully restore us to fellowship with Him.  So it's ongoing, reoccuring, and will be fulfilled across all eternity.  It just seems like a large expectation and concept to focus on in my daily life. 

Perhaps as I've grown in my faith, as the Word of the Lord has transformed my heart, renewed my Spirit, and continues to be alive and active, sharper than a two edge sword, there is still doubt or fear underlying in my soul.  Can I trust that the Lord will restore me in the ways I need? will I be courageous enough to face His restoration? Will it be humbling? painful? or am I letting the Spirit restore and renew my joy found in salvation?  It's my prayer that I honor and bring glory to God as I seek out this renewal and restoration process in my life. 

Still pondering which scripture I should choose to meditate on as I pursue what the Lord has for me in this choice.



Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Word of the Year, my story and growth....

I often think that I am not very different from my children.  Sure I am a grown up, but I still find I thrive and learn more like a child.  I need simple, repeated concepts to help me grow, to keep my mind set on the things of the Lord, and to be faithful in focusing on Him.

One of my techniques the past few years, has been choosing a word of the the year.  Often it’s been a private area that I haven’t shared, but I’m recognizing it has benefitted me and I should share.  

2017’s Word was Adore or Adoration.   I focused on Gods attributes and daily thanking Him for Who He is, and discovered that the more intimately I know Him, the more present I am, with Holy Spirit help and support in my day, my moment, my seconds.  And the more I know Him, the more at peace I am, and the more I want to know Him even more intimately. The Lord brought many changes into my life where He showed me that He is all that I need, and He is enough for every moment of my life.  I found there are so many ways to adore God than I could even imagine. 

2016’s Word was Joy.  I recognized that my eyes easily moved from the joy of the Lord, to utter despair, hopelessness, without pausing for prayer, and waiting to see what God might show me in each situation.  And I lived with new found contentment that in everything that happened, all the emotions and cycles, I could be full of joy, knowing that this was in Gods plan for my moment, day, week, and even in a career change that wasn’t settled in my plans, but was clearly where the Lord wanted me to find my Joy. 

2015’s Word turned to Hope, as I discovered that when I trust the Lord in with full faith, I not only find hope, He blesses my life, emotions, situations with more Hope and blessing that I would even dare to pray for or anticipate. 

2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 were my initial years and I can’t even tell you which year was faith, trust, or gratitude, but they led me clearly into learning Abide in Him intimately, as I’d always prayed and desired to live.  But those concepts helped me focus on the Word of God with more intent, more commitment, and more purpose.  Which helped me recognize that I can’t trust Him on my own as well as I desire to do, but when I recognize that the Holy Spirit can help me even when I have no words to share.  I can abide in Him as John 15 teaches.  Truly these concepts intertwine in a human being, as we learn to look at Yahweh, or Abba intimately and live in His calling, purpose, and identity.

As I look back on my spiritual growth, I can pinpoint simple concepts and seasons of growth.  Many were not areas I longed for or sought out, but yet God directed me in transformation, waiting, meditation as I dwelled on memorizing passages like Psalm 103, Psalm 71, Psalm 1, Ephesians 1, Romans 12, Hebrews 11, ...but in this current season, listening to Him, and seeking out a concept to study, to read and write the verses connected to it, and to dwell on it, has been incredibly helpful to my resolve and growth.

How about you?  What spurs you to focus on the Word, growing in intimacy and relationship with Our Great and Mighty God?  This is one way. I know there are many.