This is the face...

...of my sweet first born child.

...of a child "in training".

...of a child who is quickly entering the tweenage years and beginning to discover who she is.

...of a child who I am so, so proud of.

...of the face of honesty and integrity.

As a parent of young children, the days can sometimes be long and challenging. Repeating myself over and over and hoping that it somehow soaks in and wondering if this child looking back into my eyes will actually make it in this big, scary world...

We are raising our children in a Christian home, trying to get them to understand and accept that the world is not always in line with what we believe, what we hold true and our version of right and wrong. However, in the midst of what others think or believe or do, we can stand firm in our beliefs and act accordingly. I'm sure I don't have to tell you that this is easier said than done. I mean, seriously, don't we all struggle with this, even as adults? It's much easier to "blend in" than to take a stand. We are a culture of choosing the comfortable.

I just have to share this story as an encouragement to any parent who might read this. The training is rigorous and monotonous, complete with ups and downs. However, when something like this happens, it is all worth it. We definitely don't get it right every day, but the beauty of night rolling into day is a new start, a chance to make this day better than the one before. And so, we press on...

...bring (your children) up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Ephesians 6:4

My sweet Em attended a sleepover on Friday. She has a fantastic group of friends and they love, love, love their time together. Thanks to the temporary insanity of another mom, Em had the opportunity to spend the night with these giggly, enthusiastic girls. Upon my arrival to pick Em up, the host mom shared with me that the girls were set to watch a movie last night. When Em learned of the title and rating, she let her friends know that she's not allowed to watch this particular movie. She opted to play outside of the room, and one of her great friends volunteered to join her.

As I was listening to this story, I didn't know whether to scream with joy or cry. I can tell you that I'm overflowing with pride and admiration for my girl who stood up for what she believed was right. It would have been much easier to go along with the plan, not saying anything, and save herself from any possible embarrassment. However, she opted to do the right thing. (Hallelujah!) What a great lesson for our family today. Doing the right thing is ok, true friends don't make fun, and feelings of guilt are avoided.

We are so proud of you, Em! What an amazing young lady you are becoming! You are a blessing to us and so many others!

Book Review: "The Jesus Inquest" by Charles Foster

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I couldn't wait to receive this book in the mail. From the moment I read the brief description of its contents, I was hooked.

"The Jesus Inquest" by Charles Foster is written as a debate between two characters: X and Y. While X is defending the non-Christian view of the resurrection of Christ, Y is presenting the Christian view of the same event. While the reader might anticipate the entire work is a heated debate, X and Y actually share common ground throughout the presented case while also qualifying the differing points of view.

As a Christian reading this novel, I was set to find character X's points easily dismissed. However, I surprisingly learned a great deal from X's presentations. Through Foster's intense research, scholarly influences and first-hand knowledge of courtroom proceedings, "The Jesus Inquest" is masterfully written. It is not a quick read or easy read and will take extra time to complete and process.

On a side note, Foster states, and I agree, faith is not necessary to be challenged by this book.

This book was provided to me by Book Sneeze for the purposes of review.

Book Review: iShine Bible NLT

(Click on the image above to link to Amazon's website.)

The iShine Bible NLT is geared to tweens. The Bible is available with a boy or girl look and is a small size that can easily be carried in a purse, backpack or on its own. Interwoven with the text of the Bible are colorful sections written to challenge tweens into reflection and deeper thought. The beginning of the Bible includes several sections, such as "What is the Bible?", "Finding Your Identity in Jesus" and "Growing in Faith". Even more impressive is a section dedicated to biblically answering some of the questions or topics tweens think about or wrestle with, such as "appearance", "anger", "cheating", "discouragement", "eternal life", "fear", "forgiveness" and much more.

The publishers of this Bible have brilliantly incorporated technology to connect to tweens through the use of QR codes. When scanned, the codes lead to a website with either a music video or message, which has also been beautifully produced.

I am giving this Bible 5 stars and will gladly hand it over to my 10-year-old. The publishers have masterfully blended appearance, information and technology to produce a very impressive Bible for tweenagers.

*This book was provided to me by Tyndale House Publishers for the purpose of review.

New Book: One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp

I am looking forward to diving into this book by Ann Voskamp. The pre-sales of this book soared prior to its recent release. If you are interested in joining an online book club, check out this site. Word on the street is this book will change your life!

Highly Recommended: iHome iHM60 Rechargeable Mini Speakers for iPod!

Click on the image above to link to Amazon's website.

I just received this speaker in the mail yesterday. I am sharing this with you because I haven't been this impressed by a product in a long time! I ordered this myself and was not asked to write a review, but because I was so impressed with the quality of this small, very portable speaker, I added the following review to Amazon's website this morning... (I also just ordered a second one!)

This speaker speaks volumes for "great things come in small packages." I thought this would just be a way for my daughter to listen to her iPod without earphones and wasn't too concerned with the quality, especially knowing I was only paying a little over $20. WOW! I am amazed at the sound this speaker puts out...great quality, great volume, great battery life. I am going to order a second (& maybe a third!) one. If you are looking for a portable speaker that is small and has a great sound, don't spend more money on fancier contraptions. This speaker is all you need!

Worship Upside Down

Our church showed this video...so cool! One thing our pastor said that has stayed with me is, "Worship is NOT about personal preference". Oh, how we have made it that, haven't we? Well, I "prefer" hymns or I "prefer" the pastor to wear a suit or I "prefer" contemporary music or I "prefer" a certain version of the Bible. Why don't we ever say I "prefer" that the Lord's name be glorified and that my worship is pleasing to him. Worship should not speak to "me" but to "Him"!

L.O.V.E. - Genesis 18

Genesis 18

L (Learn) -
Genesis 18:14 - "Is anything too hard for the Lord?"

O (Observe) -

I have a cross that has hung by my back or front door for the past 15 years that has this very verse inscribed upon it. Taken from a different translation, the word "hard" is substituted with the word "difficult". "Is anything too difficult for the Lord?" This verse has been an encouragement to me for 15 years on a daily basis as I read those words before heading out to begin the day. Many days, these words have been exactly what I needed as the tasks that awaited me were difficult, but not too difficult for Him. These words have encouraged me through times in my life of waiting and not knowing. Being reminded that my challenges are not above His power has been a great comfort on many worry-filled occasions.

V (Value) -

God's power is beyond my comprehension. There is not anything that will occur in my life that is beyond His covering. Matthew 11:30 says, "For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Going back a few verses, Jesus says in Matthew 11:28-30, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." I praise you, Lord, for your amazing power and love!

E (Express) -

Thank you, Lord, for your constant presence in my life. When times are challenging, may I find comfort in the knowledge that nothing is too difficult for you and that you work all things for good. Help me to trust in you daily and not in my own ways.

Book Review: The Purpose of Passion (Dante's Epic Vision of Romantic Love)

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"The Purpose of Passion" by Kurt Bruner and Jim Ware is a walk through Dante's "The New Life", "Inferno" and "Purgatory and Paradise" that extracts the themes of romantic love and dissects them in relation to Biblical romantic love. Bruner and Ware thoroughly illustrate how the greatest emotion humans can experience can become the very thing that brings one closer to our Creator or the very thing that drives us as far away from our Creator as possible. This book challenges the reader to reflect upon and evaluate personal romantic relationships, be it marriage or dating. "The Purpose of Passion" is the newest published work of Kurt Bruner and Jim Ware and is an interesting and thought-provoking read. A reader who is not familiar with Dante's works might be inspired to read them for the first time. Otherwise, readers might be inspired to re-read Dante's work with a new perspective. The theme that rings loud and clear throughout the book is that man/woman cannot find the completion of love in another man/woman and in doing so, will actually hinder the heights of love the man/woman are able to reach. True completion of love can only be found in a relationship with the One True God and his Son Jesus Christ. Through this completion and through this ultimate relationship, romantic love is free to thrive.

*This book was provided to me by Tyndale House Publishers for the purpose of review.

Pouty Faces...

They're even cute when they're being rotten...

Book Review: I Lift Up My Soul by Charles Stanley

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Charles Stanley is a well known author in the Christian realm. His words have encouraged many people for over 20 years. Stanley has a way of applying God's Word to every day life and helping the reader connect personally with the ancient Scripture.

"I Lift Up My Soul"* is an excellent tool to begin your day. The devotions are one page in length and include a Scripture passage, key verse for focus, and an applicable reading written by Stanley. Each day concludes with a short prayer. This book would be great as a stand-alone Bible study when time is an issue or can be combined with other Bible studies to enhance your devotional time. The book is divided into 365 readings, dated for each day of the year. Included is a section for adding personal notes at the end of the book.

I recommend this book for the new Christian as well as those of you who have been believers for any length of time.

*This book was provided to me by Book Sneeze for the purposes of review.