love to paint

I'm a little behind in my book reviews.  A lot has been going on in my house.  House projects, homeschooling, sports, and the like.  Amidst all of that, I've read a few books that I need to write a few quick posts about... so here goes! The first book in my stack is Bountiful Blessings:  A Creative Devotional Experience by Susie Larson.  Several years ago, I read a book by Ms. Larson that I loved--Growing Grateful Kids.  So, I was very curious about this devotional. This book is a very short.  For each day, there is a Bible verse, a short blessing/prayer based on that verse(s) and a 5' x 7' coloring page.  I'm not quite sure what I think of this devotional.  If it's what you're looking for, then it's okay.  But, the question is what are you looking for?  What am I looking for?  This isn't what I'm looking for.  The coloring pages take time.  I don't have a lot of time.   And I wasn't always comfort...

We just got back from vacation.  I enjoy the long drive because it's usually a chance to catch up on some reading (and book reviewing).  I only read one book on the way home this time, because I was working on the class I'm teaching this year. The book I read was Your Sacred Yes by Susie Larson.  I wanted to read this book because of the author, not the subject.  Susie Larson wrote one of the parenting books I regularly recommend, Growing Grateful Kids .   Your Sacred Yes focuses in on the subject of overcommitment and priorities.  Ms. Larson wants to challenge women to think about their commitments and priorities in light of walking with God.  Our focus should be on Him, not on what we want to do. This book didn't resonate with me--which I think has to do with its timing my life rather than the book itself.  I do think it's a good book.  There's a lot of great food for thought.  For example, on page 56, she says "we need to develop...

This morning I had the privilege to get to share a devotion at a baby shower for a friend.  These were the thoughts I shared... Parenting I get excited when my friends are expecting.  What is this little one going to be like?  What new adventures are in store for him or her?  And for mom and dad? There’s all the normal things that people think about.  Getting the nursery ready.  Registering.  Labor.  Nursing.  Labor.  Packing your bag for the hospital and being ready.  Labor.  Just kidding…  Then, the other day, I started thinking about the biggest things I’ve learned about parenting and from my children.  So, of course I started a list… Some of these overlap a little… #1 When a child is born, it is one of the greatest reminders to me of how amazing God is.  The way a child is knit together from his or her parents is breathtaking.  Truly breathtaking. #2 God matches us up uniquel...

A dear friend of mine was telling me that she hasn't found any Christian parenting books that she loves.  When she said that to me, I had to think about which ones I really like.  My very favorite is the Parent's Handbook for Shepherding a Child's Heart by Ted Tripp.  I like it even more than the book, actually.  It is a Bible Study about what God's Word says to parents.  Aside from those two books, though, it often feels as if Christian parenting books are more self help than biblically based instruction.   But, I am so thankful when God breaks down my stereotypes and my cynicism!  Growing Grateful Kids did just that for me.  It truly encouraged me as a woman and as a mom.  Susie Larson shares so many stories about her kids and her own heart that made this book a very easy read.  Every chapter I read left me pondering and chewing on something.  Many of the things she says were things that I've thought about and considered, but ...