Book Review: Suffering by Tripp

This book is an incredible comfort to the suffering soul. Paul Tripp understands suffering in a way that is helpful to any fellow sufferer. He does have the ability to comfort those who are in distress with the comfort he has received from God. He does this through his skill with words in this book.

In many ways, I felt like he was speaking insight into my own personal season of suffering. It was extremely helpful and most importantly always pointed me back to hope in Christ alone.

This book is a staple for the church. Everyone will suffer in some way at some time in their life, therefore everyone needs to read this book.

This book is also beneficial to study together as a group. It has questions to ponder at the end of each chapter. Since community is a huge part of healing for the sufferer, a group study would be great for this book.

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

You can get a copy of this book on Amazon.com here.

Book Review: Unexpected Blessings by Peoples

When you receive a life-altering diagnosis, it changes everything. Grief hits. You must get to the place where you accept your normal. It is not an easy process. And the waves of grief may continue to hit your entire life but as you hope in Christ and trust His plans for your life more and more the challenges become opportunities for growth and in that growth you see what a blessing it is that your life has actually become.

Unexpected Blessings unpacks all of what I typed above and so much more. It is a must read for parents of special needs children or friends of those with special needs. It is grace-filled, packed with wisdom and Scripturally sound.

This book would be a great tool to use with a group. It is also fine to read it alone. Either way, it will bring growth and a desire to worship God to your life. This book is a great encouragement for your journey. It is worth taking the time to read.

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

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

Book Review: Aching Joy by Hague

 This book was gold. I highly recommend it. It is about having dreams, expectations, and prayers that are too high for our situations. When I say prayers that are too high I am not saying God cannot work miracles and healings. He still does that today. However, often he also chooses to say no or not yet when we pray for things. This book takes you on a journey through that land of waiting.

Reading it you will be challenged. You will understand how to adjust your view of trials. You will see God more clearly as a good Father who does take care of us even in the desperately hard times.

Much of the journey in this book was about a father and his son with autism, however, it can be applicable to most any life that is dealing with disappointment.

You can get a copy of this book from Amazon here.
I received a copy of this book at no charge from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review.

Book Review: Better than Eden by Guthrie

This book was fantastic. Maybe it's because there are just certain times in your life when you are in a certain place that a book really speaks to you? I have no idea but this one lands in my top ten of all time favorite books and for you, that means I strongly urge you to pick it up and read it.

This book not only takes a great look at the overarching story of the Bible but it focuses a lot on restoration. I haven't heard much taught on this topic so this book was intriguing but sound. It encouraged me to worship God as I viewed Him more fully. When the big picture of restoration is more fully known your worship for God and His goodness increases.

This book helped me grow in the Lord and in sanctification. I do recommend it for all Christians to read because we need the hope of what is to come. We live in hard times and often lose the focus of what is to come. This book helps you focus and run your race with endurance.

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

You can get a copy of this book at Amazon.com here.

Pretense

Pretense is a mind prison. It's the hiding behind the costuming of the mask. Many live there. Some by choice and some unassumingly. For some it's a false sense of protection and others it's ignorance. The hiding behind the costuming of the mask creates a person who is more like a wall of stone than human.

The authentic life breaks them free, removing the mask, but people are afraid. Someone needs to take that first step so they know how to obtain liberty.

For now, the majority remain imprisoned. It's more comfortable to sit in the dark damp place behind the mask. Though the smell is murky it's just too familiar; dare I say comfortable? Light seems to be too much; too overwhelming. Familiar seems safe, why take the risk?

The one with hope looks longingly at the brightness knowing there is something beautiful, something more, but unless the mask comes off, they remain in the cell. The memory of beauty quickly fades.

Community is key to freedom. Genuine people helping each other along the journey to perfect freedom but that's exactly the problem, it takes brave faith and that step of faith takes risk.

Yet, we can look to our Savior. The One who left perfection and entered into a broken world. He came to us; mask free. Dear friend let us be brave because we "keep our eyes on Jesus, the source of and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before Him, He endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" Hebrews 12:2, CSB.

Be brave friend. Lay down that mask because your eyes are on the perfect One. There is no longer need to fear others for it is He that we live for alone and He made you uniquely special the way you are, quirks and all. Live fully for Him. Lay down that mask. Befriend people without masks and help those who are ready to shed theirs by walking alongside them and pointing them to Jesus.

Seasons of Community in Family Difficulty

Pain slowly started taking the vibrancy out of my daughter. Little by little her head started making it hard for her to think and interact. Slowly she started having to stay in a dark, quiet place while withdrawing from the family. The pain in her head was too difficult to bear in a group setting. Though she craved community, the noise of it was too much.

Eight days.

It’s been eight long days since we’ve gathered around the table together because of this. This has rocked our world. I’ve let my worries about her get in the way of connecting with the others in the family. You don’t miss this connection time until it’s gone. The absence of it is heart-breaking.

Breaking bread together as family is the highlight of our day. It’s a time for safety, fellowship, and connecting. But eight days ago, when my daughter took a turn for the worst everything changed. When illness hits unexpectedly, it changes the family dynamic. The mysterious unknown presses on the hearts of everyone involved.

When hearts are pressed by painful events, it exposes what is truly in them. Some of that is ugly. We are tempted towards fear, worry, and ungodly anger in this time of grief. During these times, it is especially important for a family to come together. So tonight, we will gather. Not as our normal five but as four. Instead of avoiding the family connecting we will share openly and honestly our concerns about this difficult time of unknown illness. Then, we will get back to serving the one who is weak and needs us one on one.

This is our new normal for however long God allows. We must come together and talk about it. It will take adjusting and it will not be easy. However, for now, it is our new normal. Connection is important for a family to stick closely together. For us, that may look a little different in this time of the unknown.

Connection can look different for each family. Some get to eat together every night. Some have weekly scheduled meetings. Some have morning devotions. Every family is different. The important part is making intentional times of connection a priority. This new normal has reminded me that there will be seasons of change in all families. Each season will look different. The family will have to adjust to these changes. Change is not a bad thing. We must be open to it and work toward connection in each new stage of life.

When hard things happen unexpectedly, like in our family, it’s important to talk. We must fight for that connection in the midst of grief. It’s more important than ever, otherwise, we will continue to slowly drift apart. Whatever this connection time looks like for your family. Don’t forsake it. The time flies by way too fast and soon enough your children will leave. Hold them close as long as you can. Listen to them. Love them. Give them a safe place to be themselves and connect.

Home is to be a safe place where our kids can be themselves. They need to have access to us so they can discuss anything on their mind. If we are not there the world will fill our place but don’t we want to be the one speaking truth into their lives? They want answers and if we don’t give it to them, they will find them somewhere else. So whatever season you are in, make it a priority to connect. You will not regret it. And time is short. Take advantage of every moment given. It’s worth it. For we are not guaranteed tomorrow.

There is an occasion for everything,

and a time for every activity under heaven:

2 

a time to give birth and a time to die;

a time to plant and a time to uproot;

3 

a time to kill and a time to heal;

a time to tear down and a time to build;

4 

a time to weep and a time to laugh;

a time to mourn and a time to dance;

5 

a time to throw stones and a time to gather stones;

a time to embrace and a time to avoid embracing;

6 

a time to search and a time to count as lost;

a time to keep and a time to throw away;

7 

a time to tear and a time to sew;

a time to be silent and a time to speak;

8 

a time to love and a time to hate;

a time for war and a time for peace.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Book Review: Made for Friendship by Hunter

This was an amazing book on friendship. I highly recommend it for all Christians. We really don't do friendship well if we actually sit and think about it. It's a rare gift. Sure we have lots of acquaintances but how many true friends? It has opened my eyes.

Jesus knew and understood friendship. We can learn from His example and many practical tips that this book provides. The book explains why we ache for friendship, why it's important, and how to cultivate it. It is written in a very practical manner that is easy to understand and implement.

I found this book to be beneficial to my understanding of friendship. It is also challenging because these instructions now need to be put into practice. What beauty there would be if God's people learned to be good friends!

The book includes questions to help facilitate group discussion. Reading this with a group would be helpful in implementation.

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

You can get a copy of this book on Amazon.com here.

Book Review: 7 Deadly Friendships by DeMuth

Mary has written a lot of books. All of the ones I've had the privilege of reading have blessed me. When given the opportunity to help launch this book I was thrilled.  The topic also intrigued me. I continually have a hard time understanding godly friendship so I knew this book would be instructive.

With vulnerability, honesty, and wit Mary shares helpful stories and practical wisdom. The characters that make up the "7 deadly" come from Proverbs 6:16-19 which states;

"There are six things the Lord hates—

no, seven things he detests:

haughty eyes,

a lying tongue,

hands that kill the innocent,

a heart that plots evil,

feet that race to do wrong,

A false witness who pours out lies,

a person who sows discord in a family."

Each chapter takes a detailed look at these kinds of friends and what to do if you have them or if you are one. It gives practical application which is helpful and healing. Once the author identifies each kind of deadly friendship, she takes us to the example of Joseph and finally Jesus. 

Ultimately Jesus is our only hope in navigating difficult relationships. He is the perfect example for us to follow because He befriended us.

This book was encouraging, challenging, and sanctifying. It was well worth the read because it was helpful. It will grow you in Christian friendship.

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

You can get a copy of this book from Amazon on October 2nd but pre-order now here.

Book Review: Finding the Love of Jesus from Genesis to Revelation by Fitzpatrick

It's important to realize that the story of the Bible is an overarching love story about Jesus and His bride. This book helps explain that concept. It does that by doing an overview of the entire Bible that helps the reader connect how the entire Bible is really about Jesus. It helps you practically see this then gives you helps to practice doing that yourself. It has a little study section after each chapter/section. This is helpful and would make it perfect to study with a group.

I found the book interesting to read and helpful in aiding careful study of the Bible.

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

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

Book Review: Redeeming Money by Tripp

This was a great book. I am in the process of freeing our family of debt, however, this book helped me to have the proper mindset of not only being debt free but the true heart behind it. Everything we do in life is about how we worship Jesus--even how we spend our money. I could see how we did make mistakes with money due to some of the issues listed. It has been an educational and liberating read.

If you desire to worship Christ with your whole heart, this book is helpful in considering the area of money. I thought maybe it would be some sort of budget help but instead it was so much more. Everything we do comes from our heart. This book will help you look biblically at your heart and help you to see money in a healthy way.

I am hopeful for the changes this book will make in my life. It is worth the time to read. We all need to look at our views on money. It is part of survival in this world. How we view things helps how we live. Study this book with friends or yourself. Either way it is a needed book for our times.

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

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

Book Review: The Gospel Comes with a House Key by Butterfield

This book is a must read for all Christians. I found it extremely challenging at times but those which are the most challenging are how we know the best books because they affect long lasting change. The lasting change that is necessary for the sake of the glory of the gospel and Christ-likeness.

I am not naturally skilled in the art of hospitality but this book encouraged me to practice it anyway. It is mostly about welcoming those in (which I am good at). It is not about what you have or how fancy your home is. Of course it does require sacrifice to share your space, time and food but God provides in how you chose to honor Him in these things.

I was also happy to see that in the end of this book there were some practical tips available to those just starting out. It also stressed how everyone's practice of hospitality will look different depending on your family dynamic and constraints.

This book challenges your thoughts of hospitality even farther making you question, who would I allow into my home? What efforts do I make to really know my neighbors? Do I pursue them and offer the light of the gospel? It is thought-provoking and one book I would put on my must read list. You will grow from it as the Holy Spirit works in your heart.

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

You can get a copy from Amazon.com here.

Book Review: God's Grace in your Suffering by Powlison

Powlison is a trusted biblical counselor and author. I was blessed to be trained by him (through video).I was always blessed and closer to Jesus for learning from his wisdom. This book did not disappoint.

The first class I took included singing a hymn before each session. I was confused and curious as to why this was such an important part to the counseling process. Powlison taught me the importance of hymns based on scripture. Music is healing. It teaches us and helps us grow in our walks with the Lord.

This book focuses on stanzas from How Firm a Foundation. It also looks at scripture, how to apply it personally, and personal stories of suffering.

It is a helpful resource and worth your time.

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

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

I'm Wonderfully Made, My Soul Knows That Well -- Or Does it?

For you formed my inward parts;
    you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
    my soul knows it very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
    intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,the days that were formed for me,when as yet there was none of them. ~Psalm 139:13-16

I read an article yesterday that made me cry for a little bit. Researchers from around the globe have found some potential reasons for autism. They studied brains of people with autism and found a common factor. 

The part that made me sad was a theory. The theory states that "if a mother is pregnant and during pregnancy she has a bacteria or virus, it activates something bad in the fetus's immune response, in particular impacting the brain in negative ways causing inflammation." You can read the entire article here. It is very interesting and there are things at the end stating that you can do some things to help reduce inflammation and eliminate toxins.  Some things we've tried off and on.

The reason I was sad was because it felt like it was my fault that my daughter has autism. During pregnancy I did have an active Lyme infection of which I was unaware. The study indications make sense.

Yet, many people get tick bites everyday and it is more rare to get an infection from Lyme bacteria that you cannot fight off than we think. We camped all over the country as a family on a regular basis. All of us had ticks attached from our times in the woods. Yet I was the only one to get sick. Prior to this I also caught mono as a child. All of it goes together weakening an immune system. The immune system that God knit together perfectly and wonderfully while I was in my mother's womb. 

Some people just have the right combination of bad events or biological make up in their life that will cause these horrible lasting effects. I was one of those and it effects everything. Daily life, choices, doctor visits, etc. 

My husband was gracious, he says that our daughter is more like him so it was probably part of his genes. And he is right, they are so similar that it is scary! However, I find no defect with either of them. I just watch all the difficulties my daughter has with life. These difficulties are ones she would never chose to change. I love her for that but it is difficult to watch her struggle none-the-less.

When we start to question why we are made the way we are whether it be a weird quirk, a crooked nose, or predisposition to a certain disease or disability, we must remind ourselves of the truth above. 

We were not only woven together but intricately woven (like embroidery) by a loving Father who is intentional with design. 

We were made fearfully-indicating with reverence or awe 
and wonderfully-meaning marvelous and set apart.

God calls this work marvelous (the making of us) and the Psalmist is recognizing He knows this in the pit of his gut very well.

God even knew the days that were formed for me and you, every one of them! This is the same God who knows every hair on our head. As we age or disease and a hair falls, he knows it! He is attentive in His care.

Knowing that Christ-likeness is the goal, I can trust that though I am limited and my daughter is limited, no matter how it happened, we can trust that God knit us together perfectly, every cell, every minor detail, the exact way that He desired creating an amazing creation of art. Art that only He can perfectly create. Knowing our days and what would best draw us to Him, He made us. He uses every bit of every weakness to keep us close to Him. 

Weakness is where the real power resides you know. It is a holy thing to watch God work and overcome in an area you know you were clearly incapable of. It is beautiful and humbling to see God's power move on your behalf. He sees us as perfect, though the world we live in is fallen, disease resides now, bodies are slowly decaying, brains are breaking down, but it is not something that has caught God off guard. No, He is using every bit of it to make us more like Him. As we look to Him we are transformed more and more into His image. We reflect Him in those ways. Typically it is weakness that drives us to Him. 

So, I grieved, wiped my face (remembering, Our gracious Father doesn't even let our tears go to waste for He collects those too), cried out to Him and resolved to praise Him for fearfully and wonderfully making me exactly the way I am and exactly as He made my daughter. It is good because He is good. 

One day we will live without the boundaries of diseased bodies, I am looking forward to that day! And the beauty of disease is it keeps me focused there, longing, hoping, praying for Christ's return. So, don't let your limitations hold you back, look to Christ. Cry out to Him. It is in this weakness that His power shines most brightly through.

Finally Posting as a Free Person

Fear is a funny thing. It has kept me from writing so often.

I fear writing my thoughts. Though they are valid and mine, I fear sharing because I fear what others will think of them. Will you approve of me? Will you hate me if we disagree?

But the truth is, my thoughts are just that, my thoughts. Random thoughts, in fact, on life and God. God cannot be separated from from my thoughts. Nor do I think they should be torn apart--it's how I think. And that's okay. My thoughts and your thoughts do not have to be the same.

My journey is different from yours. So my ways of doing life does not have to be yours. Let's not read too deeply into them, okay?

Now with that said, I welcome you here. Jump in and let's journey together. I want to hear you. So feel free to interact. Just enter into the conversation. It will be fun. I miss the blogging days of old when we actually had a community through our comments. But then the world of Facebook kinda ruined it. And at first we thought it would be even better, more intimate. But it has proven false. I think it has been easier to scroll and like. Forgetting what rich community we had.  But we got sucked in anyway.

Ok, so with that said, I'll just share what is not on Facebook. On Facebook you see my family smiling and having a super good time because I post those pics. But those are not the true reality. We have a hard time getting along, actually. It takes a lot of death to self. In fact, I couldn't even convince one child to get a picture with me and Beauty and the Beast--my all time heroes. So I almost ended up doing it myself which is awkward. But getting along takes true work. We fight for it.

We have chronic pain, adhd, brain injury, autism, anxiety and random personality quirks working together. We really annoy one another. In fact, I don't think that there is a time where there isn't some sort of fight that breaks out. Facebook doesn't depict this. Instead it shows our perfect fake life.

I get weary of it more than not--doing family life. I want to throw in the towel. Yet, God is the one who set the example of dying to self, even to the point of death on a cross. So could it be that my family is the best possible family for me because it has that effect every day? Do the pictures depict that? Nope. Not one bit. But here is the truth. And if you are honest, your family is not perfect either. You probably struggle just as I do but guess what,  we have hope in Christ. That in doing life together, we will be forced to look to Him, even in desperation, and as we behold Him we are told we are transformed more into His image! How amazing is that?

So I'm really sorry if you have the perfect family, one that doesn't push you to the point of desperation and an outcry to Christ. If this is you, you are just on a completely different journey than mine and it doesn't make you better or worst. I just don't understand your life. So don't run, share. I can learn from you as well. And I'm guessing if you are here reading and thinking about how you cannot relate to me then you are a person with a glass half full kind of personality. And that's cool. Again, I just don't understand you. But I'm willing to learn. Either way I'm thankful for what I have. Are you? I hope so because God says living in thankfulness is part of the answer of living in good mental health. And boy do I need help there! :)

Maybe you do too. So stick around, comment, join in the journey. Let's do life together. And consider how we can encourage one another. Because that's as honest as it can get.

Yet, don't get me wrong, even though we really annoy one another as a family, we probably fiercely love one another even more deeply. Now isn't that crazy? I suppose it is because we are learning the art of repentance, forgiveness and humility. And these things are beautiful in a family. More beautiful than the "picture-perfect" life.

So stop buying into the lie of that picture perfect life. It really doesn't exist here and now. And that's okay. We are journeying home and the situations we are in are the best possible situations to teach us Christ-likeness and draw us to Christ and isn't that the most important God-given gift for this world? Isn't that great?! I think so.

Guest Post: Rebekah Hargraves and The Mommy Wars

I am honored to feature a guest post by my friend, Rebekah Hargraves. She is a woman who exudes Jesus to the core of her being. She is someone who daily inspires me to follow Jesus harder because of her example. She was so kind to feature me on her podcast and blog before as well so it is about time I get my act together and introduce you to her! I know you will really enjoy getting to know her. Check her out more after this post. You will not be sorry you did! I have posted links below so you can find her. Listen to her podcast, super encouraging as well. She has an inspiring book for moms that I believe will be helpful for their walks with the Lord. I posted a review here.

This post is about something that we are both passionate about. Read it and let us know your thoughts on "The Mommy Wars". Have you struggled with this? How have you responded? What is your experience?

Here is Rebekah:

Seeing Other Moms as Image Bearers of God 

(And Thereby Ending the Mommy Wars!) 

As many of us have become all too familiar with, the mommy wars have infiltrated the church and begun to wreak havoc in countless ways, not the least of which being how we view our fellow mamas. Backbiting, name-calling, heated disagreements, unsolicited advice, know-it-all attitudes, and (at the very least!) a practice of inwardly looking down our noses at each other in judgmental ways have all become commonplace at times, even in the church. I've had friends leave churches because of these issues, mamas be told they aren't Christians as a result of their specific parenting choices, and seen friendships be stunted as a result. It's ridiculous, and it needs to stop. But what is the answer? How do we stop basing our opinion of what a "good" mom is on our own xyz expectations of what a mom should and should not do? The answer lies in the "Book of Beginnings" itself, Genesis.

 Made in the Image of God 

 Genesis 1:26, 27 makes it clear in no uncertain terms that God chose to, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; .... So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." This identity of being an image bearer of God extends to all people everywhere - regardless of background, age, ethnicity, belief system, lifestyle, personality, practice, or gender. All men and all women are image bearers of God. What this means then, is that they are worthy of respect and honor precisely because they have been made in His image. You don't have to agree with them, you don't have to approve of their lifestyle, you don't have to pattern your parenting choices after theirs, but you do have to honor and respect them. This is a non-negotiable practice for the child of God.

 What Should This Look Like? 

 In light of this true identity of everyone as being made in the image of God, how are we to treat one another then? How should we be treating our fellow mamas? Here are a few passages to get us started:

"Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;" ~Romans 12:10

 "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." ~Philippians 2:3-4

 "But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth." ~Colossians 3:8

 "I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." ~Ephesians 4:1-3

 "But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there." ~James 3:14-16

 "Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another." ~Galatians 5:26

 This is what a Christian mama should look like; this is how she should act. And this is precisely why the blight that is the mommy wars has no place whatsoever in the church.

 Why is This Christ-Like Behavior So Important? 

 Why is it such a serious thing that the mommy wars have entered into even the church? Why is that something worth addressing in our day? Precisely because of how much this mommy-warring tarnishes our Christian witness, reflects poorly on the Lord and His work in our lives, and leads to others not seeing the point in following the Lord if professing Christians treat each other just as poorly as everyone else does. There is much at stake here, mamas - much that is of far more importance than whether or not other mamas breastfeed, sleep train, homeschool, or vaccinate.

 The Word says that what is at stake here is our ambassadorship of Christ and whether or not we are having and then reflecting the same mind that Christ had (see the rest of Philippians 2), whether or not we will reveal with our lives the way in which we are putting on the new man and living like Christ in us (see the rest of Colossians 3), whether or not we will preach the truth with our lives that "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." (Ephesians 4:4-6). What is at stake is our ability to testify to the redeeming, sanctifying work of God in our hearts, for Christ said in John 13:34-35, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

 Look to Christ! 

 Sometimes it feels so hard to treat others the way we would want to be treated, especially when we really disagree with the choices they are making. But the truth of the matter is that our calling as children of God is to treat fellow image bearers (that's everyone!) with the kind of respect, honor, love, and kindness that being made in God's image deserves. If you feel like you couldn't possibly love the fellow mama at your co-op, church, MOPS group, etc., then it is of utmost importance that you don't fix your eyes on that mama, but rather on Christ Himself. Be ever mindful of what Christ did for you and how He treated you when you were far less than lovable. Remember how He poured out His life for you when you were still in your trespasses and sins. Ponder on all you have been forgiven of. That is the key. In order to esteem others more highly than you do yourself, in order to stop the mommy wars mentality that resides in your heart, you are going to have to keep your eyes on Christ and love others through the love, hope, and strength you have been given by Him. There is hope, mama! Look to Christ, and be encouraged by all He will do in and through you.



~~~ Bio: Rebekah Hargraves is a wife, mama of two littles, blogger, podcaster, and author whose passion is to edify, equip, and encourage women in their journey of Biblical womanhood, particularly with an emphasis on the gospel and its implications for everyday life. Rebekah's first book, "Lies Moms Believe (And How the Gospel Refutes Them)" released last fall, and the "Lies Moms Believe" Companion Bible Study comes out March 30, 2018. You can find Rebekah on her website, Hargraves Home and Hearth, on Instagram, or on iTunes via her podcast.

Instagram: @rebekahhargraves
Facebook: Hargraves Home and Hearth 
Website: Hargraves Home and Hearth
                                     Twitter: @hhomeandhearth 

Book Review: Graciousness by Crotts

This was a great book on balancing truth and love. It was convicting and helpful. It took the reader through stories of how people sometimes do one end well and are weak on the other. It was nice to see how too much truth without love is hurtful yet too much love without truth did the same exact thing.

The book also walks you through the Scriptures and examples of truth in love done well, God's way. Jesus, of course, is the perfect example of this and we studied His approach as well.

It is an easy read. A short book. It is beneficial to read and ponder then ask God for the grace in your life needed to walk this out better. We all need that!

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

You can get a copy of this book at Amazon.com here.

Book Review: Kiss the Wave by Furman

As a chronic pain sufferer, I found this book to be extremely encouraging. As a biblical counselor, I found this to be a helpful resource. This is a needed book for our time. There are too many resources out there about suffering that are not beneficial. This author is balanced. He takes a clear and honest look at suffering and the sovereignty of God.

He writes as if you are talking over coffee in a practical manner. It is an easy read while packed with edifying truth. It challenged me to draw nearer to God through my pain. Dave shares stories that are relate-able to other sufferers. But most importantly he guides us through the scriptures for courage in Christ through the hard times.

I highly recommend this book. It is worth your time to read if you are someone who is in the middle of some sort of suffering or if you know someone who is suffering. This book paired with his first book, Being There, would be the perfect set of books to offer to anyone in your life who is hurting.

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

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