Book Review: Transforming Prayer by Daniel Henderson

I received a copy of this book at no charge from the publisher for the sake of an honest review.

I have to say I really loved this book. I read a lot on prayer because I am so fascinated that God works through prayer. He does not need us but desires relationship with us. He loves when we communicate with Him. Just like any relationship it would not be strong if you just stopped talking to the other person. We serve an alive King who desires relationship with us. So amazing.

This book discusses what the author calls worship-based prayer. This type of praying is the practice of seeking God's face instead of His hand. I really liked the concept. It follows a basic guideline of the Lord's Prayer. It is very focused on praying Scripture and worshiping God for who He is. There is a time for our requests as the Lord's prayer teaches but the way worship-based prayer is laid out is by putting God first instead of just taking out a prayer list and rambling off requests. It is a relational way to pray. I really enjoyed it because I have been so guilty of just rambling a list of requests. I needed this reminder of what prayer really is about. I think anyone would enjoy this read. It really helps you refocus on God which is the point.

Also if anyone is interested in reviewing for Bethany go to this link. I have enjoyed reviewing for them.

Book Review, Max on Life by Max Lucado

I received a copy of this book free of charge from the publisher for the purpose of review. Click on the link to purchase a copy from Amazon.

I really like Max Lucado. He is one of my favorite writers because he has a way with words. I love the way he puts them together into a sentence. I love the way he makes things so clear to understand. If there ever was a great writer that I could single out it would be him.

This book was a little different because it is compiled of 172 questions. Questions that have been asked to him over some time. It is divided up into different categories and the back of the book has an index to find exactly what you are looking for. I read the book straight through. It was a good book that addressed the many questions people have about Christian life. It is biblically sound as well. I would recommend it for anyone wanting answers to some of life's questions. Pick up a copy at a bookstore and scan through it. If you have pondered some of these same questions then pick it up. It would be good to have. I actually wish I had this 10 years ago.

Book Review: A Deeper Kind of Calm by Linda Dillow

I received a copy of this book free of charge from the publisher for the purpose of review.

I enjoyed this book. It was a easy read but one that takes time to reflect on. It explores several Psalmists and how they dealt with trials. There are many things we can learn from them. Trials are hard and painful but the Psalmist always seemed to get their eyes back on God. They remembered what He did and who He was despite these present troubles.

This book includes a Bible study in the back. It is great for anyone going through any type of suffering. Also if you know someone who is going through a type of suffering it would be a helpful read. The truth is we all will face some kind of trial or two in this life. When we know how to properly handle these we are better off. This book helps with that.

To get a copy of this book from Amazon click on the link above.

Book Review - The Imagination Station an Adventures in Odyssey Book

I really LOVE the Adventure in Odyssey DVD's and radio programs. This book was an exciting item to get a chance to review. I received a copy of this book at no charge from the publisher for the sake of an honest review.

My nine year old consumed this book. She loved it so much. She expressed an interest in getting the others because it was one of the best books she has ever read. Now that impresses a mother. My child is a great reader and loves books but for her to express this being one of her favorite is huge. She has read hundreds of books. So I thought it would be fun to let her write this review. It is as follows:

I think this was one of the best books that I have ever read. I think that children 3rd grade and up will like it very much.

2nd Grade maybe could read it but it might take them a longer time reading it and they may have a tough time with the words not being able to understand it.

This book was a really exciting read and I loved to discover what would happen next. I loved the book so much that I could never put the book down.

Now I could not say it better than that. Could I?    

To get your own copy from Amazon click on the link above.

Jeremy Camp - There Will Be A Day

Love Always Hopes, Love Always Trusts, Love Alway Protects

I am so very thankful for the woman's group I am involved in. It is a precious little bit of Jesus to me. We are studying a book that covers the concepts of Biblical womanhood based on Titus 2. This past week was on loving our children. I must confess I had lost my joy in mothering. I would often get angry when things did not go the way I wanted them too. I would seethe when the kids would not conform to the way I wanted them to act. Then I was cold. I held them at a distance. I loved them but I let that anger which covered my deep hurt get in the way.

But God is the melter of hearts. He is the restorer of joy. He is the redeemer of life. He is the one that resurrects what seems like death to life. He is the miracle maker. He is the Savior. He is the lover of my soul. He loves me so much that He will not let me get away with this behavior. I was a pouty kid who needed some loving discipline. I praise Him for that.

You see we are in the middle of a trial of sorts, but yet again is it really a trial? It has been going on from the beginning of birthing two children. Two very opposite children who often resemble the sons in the story of the prodigal. One wants to be free and do whatever she pleases, the other wants to follow the rules, self-imposed or learned ones. Two very different approaches to life. This breeds conflict.

The Father however is a wonderful example of love. He trusts. He hopes. He protects. Do I do that? Or do I simply try to control my children? Don't get me wrong there is a difference with discipline and control. Children need loving discipline not legalistic control. Yet for a parent, loss of control can breed fear. Fear of the future, fear of what our children might turn out like, you name it fear can be present. Yet surrendering control to the Father gives peace and freedom. Trusting in faith as you instill in your children what is right and hoping for the future fruit it will produce. Even when none can be seen now.

What has been happening is my youngest has aspergers which is a form of autism. This makes her brain work very differently from her "normal" sister. Yet her sister is a typical first born rule follower who likes the world to be black and white. Can you imagine what an unpredictable sister does to her heart? She gets angry and seethes. She wants to control. She is a replica of her mother. I have not been a good example.

All the while our youngest is just free. She enjoys life. She does not really get it when people are annoyed by her or are tired of her talking endlessly about this or that. She does not pick up on social cues. She is rigid in her play, things must go her way, they must follow along exactly how the movie went. No room for exceptions. She wants to play the way she wants or she quits, walks away, is not concerned about others feelings. It is not mean spirited she just is not capable of understanding others feelings very well. She cares deeply for others but just doesn't understand expression well. She is learning.

When you have a mix like this sin gets in the way. Sin of righteousness, sin of entitlement, sin of worry. But God is gracious, He brings the sins to mind and we confess. The Holy Spirit has given us everything we need to move forward. He reminds us of God's word. So we move forward. Remembering love covers over a multitude of sins by extending grace. Love does always hope by believing God's promises. Love does always protect through proper discipline and by being a solid rock that our children can always run to in times of need. Never fearing shame. Being able to run freely into our arms loved not for what they do but for who they are. I am glad for this reminder and glad for great Christian fellowship.

Hard Decisions On Our Adoption Journey

My husband and I had to come to a decision if this was time to pursue adoption or not considering all we are going through with our family and aspergers. Since we are in a period of intensive training and since my oldest longs for more time from us that keeps us really stretched. It would not be fair to bring another person into the family at this time.

However, it is still on our hearts and we still desire to do it in the future. We believe it is just God's answer to us on timing. Meaning this is not the right time. However, the child He has for our family is going to come to us at just His right time. In the meantime it will give us time to save in our adoption fund. If we still are lead to international adoption at this time it can cost around $25,000. So it is wise to save. Also in the meantime we have partnered with Family Life Ministries called Hope for Orphans. It is a great way to support orphans.

Some ways you can help...
1-Pray for us and our journey.
2-Support us financially in this journey. One way is to buy one of our Bible study resources here.
3- Support our friends the Bennetts who we partnered with at Hope for Orphans.
4- Ask God what He would have you do. Be there for someone going through the process of adoption. Find out how you can help them. Pray for them. Encourage them.

If Your Kid Had Aspergers What Would You Do?

This question is one that my youngest daughter with Aspergers wanted to address to the internet. She is so cute...She has some steps to share to help you. (She is seven years old.) Hannah says she wants to add lots of notes about Aspergers because the world needs to know about it. Also so you treat those with Aspergers well.

Hannah says:
If your kid has aspergers like I do these are the five steps you should learn.
Step one: Stop and breathe.
Step two: Remember God's Word.
Step three: Love him or her.
Step four: Make sure you are not near loud noises.
Step five: Make sure you take care of him or her very well.

If your kid has aspergers make sure you do all of those steps and make sure your kid will be happy wherever you go.