Day 253

 Finished book #4 for September! I think I shall reward my make-up efforts with a latte today. Seriously though, the book I finished was When Life Is Hard by James MacDonald. Please check out http://whenlifeishard.com/. I've been listening to Dr. James for a long time now on Moody radio from Walk In the Word. I was actually able to attend one of his services from the bus tour he was on last year in Tampa, Florida. For me, Dr. James is a no-nonsense preacher. He doesn't give lame messages or make you feel good about being a christian. He preaches the Word of God. He digs into the facts of his own life and experience and puts it all out there - he doesn't hold back. Because of his real life and real Truth style, I've come to trust him and I am so thankful for this written copy of When Life Is Hard because it's actually the written form of some sermons he preached not too long ago while in California undergoing cancer treatments. In this book, he gives real life (his life) examples of trials, thorns, and hard circumstances. He uses four different passages of Scripture that deal with hard life purposes. He has written a "Prayer of Commitment" at the end of each chapter and a "Glimpse of Gold" at the beginning. There are "Mining for Gold" at the end too - questions or statements that dig deeper into the personal application. 
I needed this book for many reasons. I'm sure everyone has hard life stuff that we never bring to light or deal with. I found that even the hard life stuff in my life that I knew about paled in comparison to the thorn I recognized. I pray that I will continue to submit to God and His work in my life and that I will always trust His promises.  

Free Download: Jeremiah's Eat Pray Love; One Woman's Search for Everything Across Israel, Egypt and Exile.

Beth Moore: Free Download: Jeremiah's Eat, Pray, Love

I'm currently listening to this - I had read Gilbert's book and thought Moore's perspective would be more suitable for me. Let me know what you think and if the link works!!

Day 247

Finished the 3rd book for September! I think I'm on a roll. This one was the faithpoint book club selection for this month. I just love having books selected for me that are so different and quality. Like last months book club selection The Heart Mender: A Story of Second Chances, this months selection Never Let You Go was amazing and I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. Never Let You Go now takes first place on my list of favorite faithpoint fiction for this year - I like it even better than Crossing Oceans.
Classified as "fiction/Christian/Suspense" I would also call it a thriller. I read so often that I usually don't have those moments where "I just can't put it down" either because I have to because a child is in trouble or because I know I'll just pick it back up in the morning; this book, however, I could not put down last night. I kept Rob up and made him listen as I told him all about it last night.
From the back of the book:

A rare novel that will satisfy a wide range of readers, Never Let You Go explores the high-stakes decisions played out in the thin spaces between heaven and earth. As the enemy's grip tightens around Lexi, she will have to decide what's truly worth holding on to.

Here's another hint at the quality of this book (from the discussion guide in the book pg. 340 #9)

Angelo tells Lexi on more than one occasion to "listen to love." What does this advise mean to her at the beginning of her journey? How does it compare to her understanding of the wisdom at the end? How does Molly listen to love as a child compared to how Lexi must listen to it as an adult?

For me, this story of powerful forgiveness and love (the 1 Corinthians 13 kind) had the feeling of an allegory like The Pilgram's Progress. It still has me thinking of the reality of the unseen world and the truth: 1 John 4:4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

If you read it, let me know what you think!

 

Day 240

Finished the second book of September and the second book in a series: Remember by Karen Kingsbury and Gary Smalley. It's amazing reading these books because I am truly edified by reading them - even though they are fiction! The back of this book says:

Novelist Karen Kingsbury and relationship expert Gary Smalley have teamed up to bring you and inspiring series of stories that explore the relationship principles Gary has been teaching for more than thirty years.

I simply love that about these books - the fiction is creative, the characters are engaging, and the life principles are right there in application form for the reader and the character alike.

    Book One was:

Day 233

Just finished another book! Some might say, "great way to start September - finishing your first book for the month!" But I know that it is actually - bad way to end August...on the 3rd of September. Oh well. I'm still I think 2 or 3 books behind my goal, but with at least 4 other books started I'm sure I can crank out 3 books a month for 3 months.

What I read: The Heart Mender by Andy Andrews. This was Books-a-Million's August Faithpoint book club choice. It is a "blend of historical fact and engaging fiction" labeled as "self-help/motivational/inspirational" for the sake of the real people behind the story. Knowing that this story, although some of the details were of the author's imagination, was indeed true caused me to pause and realize that I cannot understand what life was like during WWII. I can't believe so many amazing life stories are hidden under blue hair!! :)

Read it!! Tell me what you think!

Grocery Day

Thursday is grocery day here and I am in need of an easy list today - I just don't feel like writing everything all out. Here's a quick link to some awesome pre-made lists you can download for free from simplemom.net - Soon I'll post how I used the preschooler chore chart! I love seeing JoeAnna grow in her abilities to accomplish tasks and her help really helps!!

Here's my list ready to go!

Mommy Teach Me!

First attempt at non-plastic scissors. I think we both learned a valuable lesson... 

Sorting: (much easier and less clothes threatening) Develops concentration, visual discrimination, and coordination. She did great! (Easy clean up, and I purchased these "gems" at the dollar store.)