Book Review: The Radical Question, A Radical Idea by Platt

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

This hardcover gift book was a very easy read. It is basically taking parts of the books Radical and Radical Together condensing the main points and putting them into this little book. Not sure the need of an additional book like this unless it may help those who do not like to read longer amounts of material when this could give them a bite sized taste of both books together. You miss so much this way but this small book would be a good coffee table book.

I enjoyed reading the ideas of both books again but to get a better review of the entire books I wrote one earlier for Radical here and Radical Together here.

You can get a copy from Amazon here.

An Article from Sherri Shepherd Rose

We Are on the Same Team and Fighting the Same Enemy As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17)

By Sheri Rose Shepherd Bestselling Author and Bible Life Coach

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Think about what makes your heart melt when you watch a great love story. It's not the hero's physical strength or his beloved's beauty, is it? No, you and I are drawn to the power of true love and its inexplicable ability to prevail over tragedy and adversity. The greater the conflict, the stronger the love must be in order to resolve the issue. When the hero does whatever it takes to save the relationship, our hearts soar with renewed hope. Likewise, as we seek to truly listen and understand our men when differences between us create friction, we set ourselves up for more satisfying and loving relationships. The Author of love and life and the Designer of our differences knew there would be conflict between men and women. The real problem comes, though, when we get accustomed to seeing relational problems solved in the time it takes to eat a bag of popcorn. Our hero and his beauty have less than two hours to defeat the dragons and overcome unspeakable challenges. You and I are not going to magically resolve deep relationship conflicts in our own wisdom and definitely not in less than two hours. When I met my husband, Steve, I was sure we were a match made in heaven. In fact, we have had the privilege of being in ministry together for most of our marriage. I wish I could tell you it's been an effortless, wonderful life for the two of us, but I would be lying to you. I learned to fight loud and strong by watching my parents. My brother and I would hide together in my bedroom as our parents tore into each other during arguments, often screaming and throwing things. Because of my broken family, when I first got married I was sure that every conflict between me and Steve would end our marriage. Steve was raised by parents who had stayed married, so it was impossible for him to relate to my fears and worries. He was raised in quieter surroundings. His parents dealt with conflict quite differently from mine. There was no rage. No yelling. No broken furniture. His parents rarely fought—and never in front of their children. But his family also had no system to resolve conflict. That meant issues went unresolved—though not unnoticed. Steve's and my fighting techniques were drastically different. However, neither of us had been equipped to deal appropriately with marital conflict. That led to major challenges early in our marriage whenever we attempted to resolve a disagreement. To make things even more difficult, when I married Steve I was a new Christian and had not yet learned how to channel my anger properly. I tried everything to get him to react or resolve conflict with me, and as I waited, I became more bitter and he became more distant. One day I couldn't take Steve's calm, cool responses anymore. From my perspective, he obviously needed some lessons on how to fight for our marriage. I'd had enough of his "let's work it out peacefully by ignoring our problems" act. In my mind, he was being polite only to annoy me. "Why don't you ever show some emotion and prove to me you care about our marriage?" I yelled. Steve stood there quietly, shaking his head and looking down at the ground. Then suddenly, he turned toward the mirror on our bedroom closet door and kicked it as hard as he could, smashing it to bits. Wow, I thought, what a performance. He sure learns fast. Suddenly I began to laugh hysterically through my tears. I was so shocked I wasn't sure if I was relieved or ready to run from what I saw. His toenail was jutting out at a bizarre angle as he asked me, "Is that enough emotion for you? If it would help, I could probably throw myself on the floor and work up a good cry." We both began to laugh together as we attempted to pick up the glass fragments scattered all over our bedroom floor. In that moment I realized how much we had shattered each other just because we were different and had not been trained on how to resolve conflict. Our marriage was not the problem; it was our hearts. Neither of us had a teachable spirit. It took several years, a lot of tears, and one expensive closet door mirror to repair the damage inflicted during those early years. We still have conflict, as all couples do, but we now understand that we are on the same team and that it's okay not to agree on everything. After twenty-five years of marriage, we've decided it's worth letting go of the little things and fighting to understand one another. Conflict comes no matter who we marry. We may be fighting about different things with different men, but there will always be major differences between men and women. I once heard a pastor say that if spouses agreed on everything, only one of them would be needed. Let's not allow our differences to divide us any longer! For a sneak peek of Sheri Rose's Your Heart's Desire Group Experience, or to learn more about her ministry, visit www.biblelifecoaching.com. Watch the trailer:

Book Review: Contend by Aaron Armstrong

I received a digital copy of this ebook at no charge from the publisher Cruciform for the purpose of an honest review.

The words, "don't judge a book by its cover" ring true in this review situation. When I had the opportunity to review this book I said yes not because of the picture on the cover but because of the subtitle which is, defending the faith in a fallen world. I was very intrigued because I was interested in growing stronger in my defense of the faith but I was a bit afraid this book may have been directed mainly for men. I however, have not let that stop me because I desire strong doctrine and deep Bible study. At times the more masculine titles can fulfill that need. However, don't let the cover fool you, this is a wonderful read for women as well as men.

This book is a short, easy read yet balanced with a good punch of Scripture. I liked the way the authors words flowed and how his writing was very ordered and researched. The basic gist of this book is taking a look at how we are to defend our faith based on the book of Jude. It is written in a loving non-threatening way which I appreciated.

The author took time to state why this is important. He argued why we must guard right doctrine and warned us that there are errors today that have been allowed to seep into the church. This is so dangerous and can lead many astray. He took us through how we can address these errors, how pastors and leaders should respond as well as lay people.

This book was just broken into five chapters yet I found myself well informed and inspired to make sure correct doctrine is in place among my influences. I liked too how he addressed that there are the important issues that are completely necessary to the Christian faith that must be defended then there are various preferences that we do not have to all agree upon but agree to disagree. The important non negotiable truths are those regarding the gospel and must be protected.

I do recommend this book across the board to all Christians. It is always a good thing to remember that defending the faith in truth and love is of utmost urgency in our day. So important that Jude dedicated a book to it that God included in His inspired word. It was not only true in his time and culture but in ours as well. This is a great companion guide as well to one who is studying the book of Jude.

You can get a copy of this book from Amazon here.

Psalm 119 - Week 18

צ Tsadhe

¹³⁷ You are righteous,Lord, and your laws are right.
Do you generally think this way? Do you believe God's ways are best or your own?

¹³⁸ The statutes you have laid down are righteous; they are fully trustworthy.
God our Father is good. He has the best in mind for us so therefore we can fully trust His word. Do you trust Him? What are your struggling to trust Him with now?

¹³⁹ My zeal wears me out, for my enemies ignore your words.
Are you passionate for His word? How do you respond to those who do not respond well to His word? Or those who mock it? The Psalmists zeal was stronger than opposition. We must have that same zeal. His word is truth and we must be passionate about truth. 

¹⁴⁰ Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them.
Do you love God's word? Has His word been true to you as you tested it?

¹⁴¹ Though I am lowly and despised, I do not forget your precepts.
No matter what anyone thinks of His word and you because you love His word, do not forget His precepts.

¹⁴² Your righteousness is everlasting and your law is true.
His law is truly truth, all that is good and right. His righteous ways are never ending!

¹⁴³ Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands give me delight.
When trouble visits you do you delight in His word? Do you trust it in times of need? 

¹⁴⁴ Your statutes are always righteous; give me understanding that I may live.
We must rightly understand His word because it is the way to abundant life. He is trustworthy and His word is trustworthy. 

Father thank you for your word. May we love it and trust it fully. In Jesus name. Amen.

A Tantrumed Heart - Lessons from My Three Year Old

My three year old son is throwing a long tantrum. Too long for my taste really. He is choosing to sit in his sinful choices rather than obey my voice. He has consequences and a light pointing him in the proper direction to lead him out of his mess however he chooses tantrum. It breaks my heavy heart. How much I want him to chose the right way! How much I want to alleviate the sabotage he is choosing for himself. Yet I cannot.

I cannot be a good parent and allow him to continue in sin. In fact I think that is what is wrong with many today. They have been allowed to feel entitled to things. They have a sense that the rules do not applying to them. We are doing ourselves a disservice as parents when we do not rightfully and in love discipline our children helping them to chose the right path.

He is three so he cannot see why obedience is important. He only wants his selfishness satisfied completely at this moment. He will not look beyond himself. Oh how I sit and wait for him to see. How I long for his heart to grieve his sin. I cannot force him to chose the right way. That I imagine is how the Father looks at us.

I am like that three year old son. I look at God and tantrum when I cannot see why He allows pain in my life. I want comfort, I crave it intensely. It is an idol. I cannot worship comfort over God's plan. That false god must die. Yet I tantrum kicking, screaming and bawling my eyes out because I want things to be different. Not taking the time to trust God in all of His authority and wisdom. Oh how I grieve His heart. He sits and waits. He is in control of the discipline until I am ready to turn back to Him. In fact He leaves everything for just one little lost sheep.

Sin is serious. So serious that Jesus had to have it all poured on Him at the cross to remedy us. This action made us forever right with God if we believe what He did. This act freed us from sins grip if we are in Him. There is always provided a way out we can chose. Yet God does not force us. Oh how grateful I am for HIS grace! I am so thankful to be His. I know who I belong to so I will remind my stubborn heart and soul to trust in His ways no matter how extreme or painful they may seem to me.

⁸ "If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. ⁹ Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? ¹⁰ For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. ¹¹ For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." ~Hebrews 12:8-11

Life is Short, Celebrate Now, A Birthday to Remember

Yesterday I had the opportunity to remember that our lives are but a vapor. We are here one day and gone the next. Really we must make the most of each opportunity! I find myself more thankful and grateful for my sweet daughter, a gift from God. She turns 11 tomorrow. I cannot believe how fast time flies. Yet yesterday I felt helpless as I was watching her sleep scorching away with incredibly high fever. Her life was in the balance and there was absolutely nothing I could do about it.

I waited and watched for any movement of body temperature on the increase because I was ready to rush her to the emergency room. I sat silently pouring my heart out to God for her life. Her fever would not break for hours. There was nothing else wrong visibly except aches and fatigue that come with that kind of temperature. This kind of thing does not happen to her.

I waited and watched and remembered she belongs to God. He is the One who has numbered her days. He is the One who holds her in His hands. He knows what is happening, it is no surprise to Him. Though it is hard to find the good in such situations for one I can say how much more I realized I appreciate her life. I am ever thankful for the child He gave me to raise.

Any day can be our last. We do not know how long we have and though we tend to think our children will be with us until we are old and grey it is not a guarantee. I thought of how it must have felt to God the Father when Jesus was being given up for us. It broke His heart but it had to happen for the salvation of our souls. What love! I know He is the giver of all good gifts and has every right to take them when it is time. Thankfully that was not His plan for my daughter and I can celebrate with her these precious 11 years!

I am so proud of her and how she has learned through many trials how to cling to Christ. How obedience is learned through suffering. How her heart is concerned for His ways. For how she is drawn constantly to HIM. She encourages us all. When we are down she reads us Scripture. She has a precious heart of depth. She has perception most people do not possess. I am amazed at the things this girl can do. I love her for who she is. I am blessed beyond means to be her mother. I am thankful. May I enjoy many more years with this sweet sister in the Lord!

Book Reveiw:A Sudden Glory by Sharon Jaynes

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

A Sudden Glory, God's Lavish Response to Your Ache for Something More is a wonderful book that promotes intimacy in your relationship with Christ. I was inspired by the writing and it has helped me move deeper into my relationship with the Lord.

Overall it is a book that addresses our busy culture and how that has negatively affected our walk with the Lord. Many women find themselves running on empty and are too exhausted to find time with the Lord. Then guilt sets in and we are not living fully in Christ.

Christ desires relationship with us. As with any human relationship we want to flourish we must slow our pace down, we must invest in this relationship. She focused on the verse that comes from Acts 17:28, "in Him we live and move and have our very being." In all things we do in this life we can stay connected to Christ and we must.

She admonishes us to keep our eyes open for "sudden glory" moments which are little glimpses of His love through out the day. When we are busy and not focused on HIM we easily miss all of these sweet gifts. She shows us examples and fills this book with Scriptures that point us back to Christ.

I really enjoyed this title and do highly recommend it to you if you have a desire to slow the pace down and connect better with Christ. He is desiring relationship with you, don't miss those moments of connection.

To get a copy of this book from Amazon go here.

Inspired by this Young Man's Spoken Poetry

You should watch this and be inspired. This young man is from and working with the program Wow kids in the projects here in Chattanooga. It is a wonderful ministry that I hope many will get involved in. Check the ministry out here.

The Reluctant Evangelist Makes Some Headway

I have come to realize that I need to simply approach evangelism how Christ did. No I will not be healing people or doing any great miracles but the most important thing He did was take the time to just be present with the people.

He did not say to each person, Believe in me I am the Christ. He met them right where they were. He went to them, walked with them, shared with them as opportunity led. He was a perfect reflection of the Father and was perfectly connected to Him.

What I have come to realize is that people have to be the most important thing. No matter my schedule or agenda for the day, as I go God puts people in my path. How I approach them can be opportunity to spread His aroma. I need to make the best use of every opportunity.

At times this will look like living the gospel in how I love my family or speak to others. I always will have an opportunity to pray for each person I meet. On those great God-appointed occasions I will be able to freely share the message of the gospel. It will not have to be forced. I must trust that kindness, walking in the Spirit, and prayer will be enough and then when opportunity presents itself to share the message, faithfully.

I realize people are watching. They are longing for something more and as I frequent places and see the same people over and over they will eventually question why I live the way I do or comment on how I do something. That is opportunity to give God the glory and talk about the hope of the gospel. These people see us in many different moods. We are not perfect at all but we do show love and forgiveness. We are real and live this thing out the best we can and we only can hope it encourages the world around us.

People were intrigued by Jesus. They saw something different in Him. That is how I hope we can appear as well as disciples of His. As we walk in the Spirit we will be aware of the people we are to share the message with. We must walk in step with Him. This is how to be an evangelist wherever God plants you. No more guilt just walk faithfully.

Hope for Christians Struggling with Depression

It comes on you like a blanket, it drapes its darkness and lies over you. Sometimes you feel like you cannot breathe. Other times you feel so heavy it is hard to move. It sneaks up unexpectedly. It is not fair, it is hard and hurts like nothing else. It is called depression.

The darkness of depression is so scary because it seems hopeless. You think you will not find hope again, you desire fellowship but are trapped in a place where you cannot bear to experience it, the lonliness and isolation it carries feels so desperate. You may even feel like God has abandoned you. It is a vulnerable place.

It is a place where you need to know truth because the easiest thing seems to be to just get out. Many are tempted with thoughts of suicide. Others may be tempted to run to mind numbing substances or activities. It is the most horrific feeling that lingers. Unlike most physical pain which can be hard but managed the depressive person is trapped, at the mercy of the darkness until it lifts. You cannot run away, you cannot escape it. You cannot read enough Scripture or play enough praise songs. It can persist for a long time. So what is the point?

Though we cannot understand fully (because there are many things that can cause depression and it can vary in many degrees), it is something that God has allowed, we must remember that He is sovereign over all things. The enemy of our souls cannot bother us any more than God permits. If we are thinking lies or believing lies these do come from the enemy because Scripture calls him the father of lies.

Keep reminding yourself of the truth you know, the promises that are ours in the Scriptures. Christ can relate to this, He felt it. His soul was anguished to the point of death in the garden while He was praying and pondering the cup He had to bear. Yet He chose obedience. No one will ever experience the pain and emotional turmoil that Christ endured. He understands and is with you through this. We must believe He is and persevere in faith.

If we want to take our life it is a ploy or temptation from the enemy because he comes to steal, kill, and destroy. Don't fall for his traps in this time. He will hit you and not play fair though you are in a dark pit with no protection it seems. Remember the truth that God loves you. He is the only rightful person that can give and take life. He has written all your days out in His book. He will fulfill His promises. Remember all He has done.

Depression is not fun. It is a hard type of suffering to endure. I get so exhausted when I am struggling with it. You must keep your mind disciplined to take any wrong thoughts captive and make them obedient to Christ. It is exhausting but necessary. Do not hide it from others, request help of friends who will send you Scripture to encourage you. Enlist friends to pray for you. Talk to someone who you consider safe about what is going on in your head. This will help you not be alone and help you stand accountable with someone. Don't feel bad if you need medication to help you. We live in a broken world and our bodies are broken as well. Sometimes we need additional help through medicine. It is nothing of which to be ashamed.

One thing that depression does for me is enhance my longing for Heaven. It reminds me that this is not my home. I was made for a perfect place that one day will become a reality. I do not get to chose when that day is, my body was bought at a high price by Christ on the cross shedding His blood and tears for me. So as I live I am to live for Christ. He has plans and purposes for us with each breathe He gifts. Fix your eyes on HIM, remember it will not last forever. Hang tight to His promises and believe this temporary trial will show your faith of greater worth than gold as you endure and trust and in turn will bring Him much glory.

If you are walking alongside someone who is depressed, be patient. It is a hard road to walk and walking it alone is even more difficult. Walk with them, patiently love them, endure it with them. DO NOT tell them to get over it or determine the end time of their suffering. If a depressed person could just get over it they would. No one would chose this kind of suffering. Love them and encourage them in the gospel. Remind them of His promises. Remind them of His great love. Point them to the cross. Pray like crazy. Don't give up on them. Endure like a good soldier. Your support is cherished though a depressed person may not be able to express that at the moment. Love without expecting anything back. Be an example of Christ to them.

Psalm 119 week 17

I decided to continue on in our study of Psalm 119. I stopped it for the 30 day Sibling Challenge and never got back to it. So here we go! I do pray you are loving the word more than ever. I pray as we continue on we will love it even more so. May it be a very part of us like the air we breathe.

Pe
¹²⁹ Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them.

Do you truly believe His words are wonderful? Or do you view them as restrictive? That is the difference of legalism and trusting the One who gives loving boundaries. Do you keep them out of obligation or love?

¹³⁰ The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.

His word is so illuminating it does give understand to the simple. Even little children can understand. Can you give an example where you have seen this?

¹³¹ I open my mouth and pant, because I long for your commandments.

Do you pant for His words like a dog does water in the scorching summer heat? or do you read it out of obligation? or do you not desire to read it at all? Let this verse be the prayer of our hearts!

¹³² Turn to me and be gracious to me, as is your way with those who love your name.

Oh what joy it is to be a friend of God!
 
¹³³ Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me.

He does keep us steady as we walk in His ways, may sin not rule over us!

¹³⁴ Redeem me from man's oppression, that I may keep your precepts.

 Oh keep us from man's oppressive ways, keep our minds fixed on your ways!
 
¹³⁵ Make your face shine upon your servant, and teach me your statutes.

Oh may His glorious face shine brightly upon us! May He open our hearts to learn His ways!
 
¹³⁶ My eyes shed streams of tears, because people do not keep your law.

Do you hurt when you see others breaking His law? Or does it not bother you?

Isaiah 1-5, A Trial, Guilt, and Guilt Crushing Love

                                              (Picture taken from Wikipedia)

The conversation with my daughter went like this; "Mom, does God yell at me?" I replied quizzically, "No, why?" She lamented, "Well, sometimes I hear yelling in my head to do something. I was wondering if that is how God talks to me." I strongly added, "Sweetheart, God absolutely does not yell. He will make things uncomfortable for us to draw us back to Him when we stray but He does not force or yell."

It would be good to remember this through our study of Isaiah. I often want to read this as God yelling, but He does not. In fact God's character is best seen through Christ. Hebrews 1:3a states this about God's character, " He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature." God the Father is the exact imprint of Christ's nature. When we look at Christ in the Scriptures it is the best picture we get of the Father. What love, grace, and truth we should see. The Father, Son, and Spirit are One. And in our day we are blessed to have the Spirit live in us if we are believing by Faith what Christ did for us. What a great view we have in studying Isaiah.

Isaiah is so timely for addressing the days we currently live in. The children of Israel were being disciplined for straying from God. He was supposed to be supreme in their lives. He loves them so much that He will discipline them as far as He must for them to return to Him.

During the time period of this book we observe that God not only sent Isaiah but He continued to speak through many other prophets, sending them to warn of impending judgement. As much as a loving Father desires for His children to listen and turn away from sin, He loves them more so to follow through with discipline if they chose to forsake Him and His teachings. His love is too great to let them continue waywardly.

We will learn much about God's character. He loves so deeply and richly that He cannot just turn His head from our sin. God is complete holiness and sinless, He cannot have sin in His presence. So in the days of the cross He sent Jesus to take our sin upon Himself making us clean in God's eyes once we accept Christ's sacrifice. Signs of Christ are all over the book of Isaiah. It is beautiful to discover. Though we deserve judgement and wrath God was pleased to send Jesus to restore our relationship by taking the wrath upon Himself.

We see the prophet Isaiah pointing us to Christ and though God seems harsh in judgement we must know He is only being a loving Father, and/or a Faithful Husband to His people.

In Isaiah 1-5 we see it as God bringing forth His judgement on His people. It is like a trial but the jury is the Heavens and the earth (v.2). God is declaring His people as sick with sin. They are worshiping God with the motions but do not mean it in their hearts. God can see directly in our hearts.

I wonder if we are ever guilty of this kind of worship?

God calls them to repentance. to go back to doing what is right. He then tells us about the coming Messiah. In Chapter 1, v. 18 we see this pointing, "though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool." They did not know this then but we know it now this is talking about Christ who takes the stain of our sins away when we trust in Him as our Savior.

God then tells His people that this judgement comes with a cleansing purpose. What grace it is when God loves us this much to not let us get away with sin. He draws us back through trials. He doesn't force our hand in choosing Him but woos us back through trial. That is what He was doing with His people.

In chapter two the word talks about in the last days how God will reign. There will be peace and no more war. Those who are prideful will be brought low. There is only room for ONE to be exalted.

Chapter three discusses how since God's people would not listen God is taking away all of their security and support. His men and women will lose protection. There will be no good leaders. These people are sinning and are proud of it (v.9). Yet v. 8 tells us they brought this sin on themselves "because their speech and deeds are against the Lord, defying His glorious presence."

Chapter four gives us some hope again, it talks about the day "the branch of the Lord" which refers to Jesus, will be beautiful and glorious. How God does leave a remnant of His people because He is faithful to His promises not to wipe them all out. It ends with God protecting them.

Chapter five is a sad chapter that starts with a parable to explain what they have done to God. Then ends with many woes lamenting their many sins. It ends with God summoning the nations that will take them captive because of their refusal to turn from their sins.

Yet the next section we study we will see that though His wrath is great, His grace is greater still.

Things to think about:
Can you see the amazing heart of God through this?
What do you learn about God's character?
Would you say that God is a patiently enduring God?
Has this opened your eyes to seeing God in a new way?
How have you been like a stubborn child? Know that you can always turn in repentance. He is waiting.
What can you learn from these passages that you can apply to your life today?
What similarities can we see that exist in our society today?

Book Reveiw: Everything by Mary DeMuth

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

This book was written by one of my favorite authors so I am already going in biased. I love the way Mary DeMuth uses words in a way that is intelligent yet easily readable. This book was no different. You can be sure to feel like you are visiting with her over coffee as you read this. You can really get a feel for her heart. I love that about her writings.

This book in particular is a challenge to surrender all to Christ. It is summed up as stating our world "needs  Jesus-- full of outrageous grace, unconditional love, and hope-filled pardon. And it needs Him this moment."
Throughout this book the author shares her personal life stories and examples to help us as we grow in this process of sanctification. The process of laying our lives down to make Jesus our all.

This book is broken into three sections. The first discusses how we can make Jesus our everything in how we think. The second section discusses how Jesus can be our everything in our heart. Section three discusses walking out Jesus as our everything. All chapters were greatly informative and filled with information pointing to Christ. It was very practical.

This book was definitely one of my favorites this year. I only like to recommend to you something that will lead you closer to Christ. I found this to be true of this title. I often found my heart in spontaneous worship as I was reminded of God's goodness and His desire to be everything in our lives. Go out and get this one, it will be worth your time.

You can get a copy of it from Amazon here.

App Review: The Beginner's Bible

I was asked to review this free ipad app that you can get from the app store. It is an interactive Bible for children 6 years old and under. The free part of the app gives you the option of six different Bible stories. They will each read to your child. As it reads the story each word read is highlighted on one page. The opposite page is a colorful picture that that your child can interact with. It makes the story fun.

With each Bible story provided you can select one game that goes along with it. The options are putting together a puzzle, coloring pages, and a little game similar to fruit ninja. After the six free stories there is another set of six that you can purchase at the app store.

The stories are typical children's Bible stories. I had my three year old test it out and he really enjoyed it. It is the app he likes to play over the others at the moment. My nine year old with aspergers was very interested in it as well. So overall I give this a good rating. It is teaching the children some Bible stories while they get to play along. It does have a more educational purpose than say something like Angry Birds.

Eight Months with Little Man - What I Have Learned

I walked down memory lane when I searched all my posts about adoption on this blog. Oh the flood of very real and raw emotions that I processed. This has been the most difficult thing of my life so far and believe me I have walked some hard things. But I would not trade it for the world.

Today I went back to the place I first met our little man. It was surreal in my mind. Again those emotions flooded my heart afresh again. But it was good. It was bringing this journey closer to completion.

Here are some things I have learned so far on this journey:
1- There is only one Savior, Jesus Christ. As much as you want to become another's savior, it is not your place. You must let people make their own choices as heartbreaking as that may be. Yet you can keep praying for them. Do not enable them to live in ways that are not God honoring.

2- We all are only a few choices away from falling into the same sin that we so despise. The sin that ripped our little man from his biological parents is only a few bad choices away from any of us.

3- You really can deeply love a child that you did not give birth to. This was probably my biggest fear in this process. Yet true love is there.

4- When you get real serious about following God in things like helping the orphans serious warfare will confront you. Yet it is not to be feared, we can stand strong in the midst of it and know God is in control so anything He may allow will result in a greater good in the end. It also shows us that when the tough things come we are not the kind to give up and walk away.

5- If you chose to step in as a guardian of a child be certain it will be a roller coaster of emotions. Be certain too it will be messy!

6- You realize that even though you see some really poor parenting, you yourself are not any better. You just make different mistakes, all sin. You gain empathy for others.

7- When you roll up your sleeves and work hard to be an instrument God can use to heal a child it will not be easy but there is nothing more beautiful. You get a front row seat of a miracle.

8- You will never understand why someone will not fight for their children but it breaks your hearts and you pray for their deep brokenness. Then you become thankful that God allowed you to step in and fight for their life.

9- When God places a desire in your heart, He will see it through but in His ways and in His time.

10- We are stronger than we think in HIM as a family. We really do know how to come together in love.

So where do we stand? The end is unknown yet the clock is ticking. Permanency will come soon. In the meantime we faithfully pray, work and wait.