A little behind...

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 comfortable with the blessings.  I'm not a name it and claim it believer. 

So, I'm reading another devotional instead.  It's titled 31 Days Towards Trusting God by Jerry Bridges.  I read part of a day each day.  It has been very encouraging to me and challenged me.  I wanted more meat in a devotional.  I do highly recommend this devotional!  I have read the book Trusting God before and done the Bible study that goes along with the book.  Both deeply encouraged me, so I love reading this devotional. 

At different times in my life, I have found that I have more time for my morning devotions than at others.  Right now, I don't have a lot.  So, this book works well for me! 

Please note that I received a copy of Bountiful Blessings for review from Bethany House, but that these opinions are entirely my own.

Commitments--saying yes and saying no

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 a disntinction between our hill-climbing days, our sprint days, and our recovery days."  Agreed.  She elaborates on this idea and what this looks like.  Right now my life is filled with putting one foot in front of another to meet the needs of my family.  You've probably noticed that I blog a lot less now.  That time in my life seems to diminishing.  I still get a few opportunities to read and review books that I really want to read--like this book, but they are fewer and farther between than they used to be.  I'm not struggling with my yes's and no's right now--so that is why it didn't resonate and draw me in.

Even so, I suppose it's good for all of us to be reminded of this message and stake stock of our lives.  Ms. Larson's ideas in this book are good ones to hear.  Our world is a crazy busy place and it is wise to consider whether we are filling our days with busyness because of things we want to do or because it is what we have peace that God wants us to do.  Are the things we're doing about Him or about us?

If you're looking for a book on this topic and some encouragement, this may be the book for you.  I'd consider it.  Ms. Larson has a very easy to read writing style and she shares personal stories from her heart.  She is vulnerable in what she shares, which I appreciate.

Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from Bethany House Publishers.

Thoughts on Parenting: aka What I've Learned So Far...

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 uniquely.  You and Kyle are the parents your son will need and you need him.  Your personalities and who you are will help you understand your son in ways that others won’t. 

#3  Savor and try and remember.  Push the pause button often.    Jenny has often advised me to “simplify”.  She knows I’m apt to go go go.  It’s good advice.

My son, Eli, likes to play a game sometimes called “Lamppost Truck.”  Basically, every time he passes a lamp post, he says “Lamppost truck!”.  Such Silliness!

#4  Don’t take yourself too seriously.  (I take myself way too seriously.)

#5  There’s no guarantee or “right way” to parent.  There’s no mathematical formula: x + y = z  Parenting is about love and grace.  No one has the “right” answers.  Renee told me this one.  I agree with her.

#6  Hang on! Sleep will come, tears will pass, and God will give you strength even when you don’t want it.  Isaiah 43:2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.”

#7  Unconditionally love this little one—tell them you love them a lot.  Eli once asked me why I tell him so often why I love him.  I answered, “Well, what if I didn’t tell you at all?”  He wasn’t sure what to think of that.  Then I told him “Because I want you to always remember this.”  My mom gave this gift to me and I’ve never forgotten it.

#8  Boys ARE different from girls.  Boy, are they different!  They are louder, jump higher, bounce more…  But boys are different from each other too.  Some aren’t so loud or crazy.  Some are.

#9  You can’t give your kids something you yourself don’t have.  They are you.  They will mimic and imitate you.   Susie Larson talks about this in her book Growing Grateful Kids.  When she put it this way, it stuck with me.  

#10  Everything is for a time.  Hang on when the tears wear on your nerves and laugh every time you get a chance.

#11  You can’t be everywhere.  You have to trust your children to God and trust that He will take care of them.  There may be a time when you look away and something happens.  There may be a time like when my 1 ½ year old daughter went straight for the patio door and tumbles down 3 cement steps and bonks her head.  She was faster than me.  Then, my second daughter was just walking down the hall of our home when she tripped and broke her foot!  Nothing was in her way and my husband was heading out the door that afternoon for a long business trip.  Ay ay ay!  My mother in law told me when I cried that I have to trust God and remember that He loves my children even more than I do.

#12  Laugh.  Walt Wangerin says it so well in this book I’m reading.  You can read what he says on Amazon in the preview for his book…  Give them laughter. (see here.)

So, it’s not really a top 10, but maybe it’s my Top 12!  

Wonderful Parenting Book

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 have not articulated very well.  She says things well and poignantly.  

I've quoted from this book several times over the past few months--which is an indication to me that I really am enjoying a book I'm reading.  


If you desire to cultivate a grateful heart that loves the Lord in both yourself and your children, I highly recommend reading this book!  One of my biggest struggles with the culture that we live in today is the entitlement mentality that is fostered and encouraged.  This book takes aim squarely at that mentality and hits the nail on the head.  


Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this book from Moody Publishing for review.