Online Bible Study
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
NEW audio-book review
I like to listen to books on CD while driving to work in the mornings. I always listen to Christian books (or sermons I've downloaded from the web). It's a fabulous way to start the day, expecially after completing my quiet time with the Father on the "porch". The afternoon commute is dedicated to NPR - so I have some small clue of what is going on in the world. I find the information I can obtain in approximately 30 minutes is quite sufficient!
This morning, after FINALLY completing "Providence" - I popped in a new book for review (provided by christianaudioreviewers program (http://christianaudio.com). By the title, I thought it would be appropriate for my day (as I have a heavy heart for several grieving friends). The title: When Helping Hurts, I thought would address getting "too involved" in other's pain. (I tend to do that quite a bit, as I have had my fair share of grieving). Boy, was I wrong. The book starts off on a high note regarding missionaries assisting God in changing the life of a witch-doctor in a foreign country (I can't remember which country). He (the author) is amazed that he was able to assist God in this life changing event. Shortly thereafter, however, he begins to ponder how her life was changed in a negative way - by eliminating her only source of income and becoming an outcast (and endangering her life). Well, this was not my plan; and I almost turned the CD off. On second thought, I had a feeling God was trying to teach me something, so I let the book play. I was able to surmise that God wanted me to appreciate my numerous blessings; especially being born in the United States of America.
When I arrive at work (Naval Station Norfolk) most mornings, I am blessed to hear the National Anthem playing over the loud speakers. All individuals and automobiles are to stop and direct their attention to the US flag. Although I always sing along and feel a deep sense of respect and appreciation, today my appreciation went MUCH deeper. We are so blessed to live in a country where we can express our Christian views freely. I pray you are able to find something to be thankful for today too! More to come on this book soon.....
This morning, after FINALLY completing "Providence" - I popped in a new book for review (provided by christianaudioreviewers program (http://christianaudio.com). By the title, I thought it would be appropriate for my day (as I have a heavy heart for several grieving friends). The title: When Helping Hurts, I thought would address getting "too involved" in other's pain. (I tend to do that quite a bit, as I have had my fair share of grieving). Boy, was I wrong. The book starts off on a high note regarding missionaries assisting God in changing the life of a witch-doctor in a foreign country (I can't remember which country). He (the author) is amazed that he was able to assist God in this life changing event. Shortly thereafter, however, he begins to ponder how her life was changed in a negative way - by eliminating her only source of income and becoming an outcast (and endangering her life). Well, this was not my plan; and I almost turned the CD off. On second thought, I had a feeling God was trying to teach me something, so I let the book play. I was able to surmise that God wanted me to appreciate my numerous blessings; especially being born in the United States of America.
When I arrive at work (Naval Station Norfolk) most mornings, I am blessed to hear the National Anthem playing over the loud speakers. All individuals and automobiles are to stop and direct their attention to the US flag. Although I always sing along and feel a deep sense of respect and appreciation, today my appreciation went MUCH deeper. We are so blessed to live in a country where we can express our Christian views freely. I pray you are able to find something to be thankful for today too! More to come on this book soon.....
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Sandra Byrd’s new Teen/Tween Series – London Confidential
I noticed a book review opportunity on Tyndale Publishing for a teen/tween fiction book entitled London Confidential. I know you’re not suppose to judge a book by its cover, but I do it all the time, I just can’t help it – and I love this cover (not to mention the title!)! I usually don’t allow myself the pleasure of reading fiction either (as a full time employee, mother of 2 young children, passionate children’s ministry volunteer, and growing Christian I don’t have much time for “joy-reading”), but I gave in because I could justify recommending the book to my daughters! And recommend I did!
Book 1 in the series is titled Asking for Trouble, and the series takes place in London (there will be three more books in the series – one already out, 2 in the fall of this year). I have always wanted to visit London, so I found myself on a literary/visual journey through Savvy (the leading character). Not only that, the book revolves around journalism – a school newspaper to be exact. It reminded me of the days gone by when I was on the yearbook staff; particularly the competition for the best writing!
There were many reasons I loved this book: the writing was fabulous, the characters were believable, the story had a flow, but the best part was the ending! I can’t tell you why or it would give the story away – but let me sum it up to say that this book reveals a MUCH NEEDED lesson for the children and adults of today! So if you’re an older person (no ages need be provided), I would suggest you pick up a copy of this book and allow yourself the vacation. When you’re done, pass it on to a tween/teen nearby-they will thank you for it later!
Tyndale House Publishers provided a complimentary copy of this book.
Book 1 in the series is titled Asking for Trouble, and the series takes place in London (there will be three more books in the series – one already out, 2 in the fall of this year). I have always wanted to visit London, so I found myself on a literary/visual journey through Savvy (the leading character). Not only that, the book revolves around journalism – a school newspaper to be exact. It reminded me of the days gone by when I was on the yearbook staff; particularly the competition for the best writing!
There were many reasons I loved this book: the writing was fabulous, the characters were believable, the story had a flow, but the best part was the ending! I can’t tell you why or it would give the story away – but let me sum it up to say that this book reveals a MUCH NEEDED lesson for the children and adults of today! So if you’re an older person (no ages need be provided), I would suggest you pick up a copy of this book and allow yourself the vacation. When you’re done, pass it on to a tween/teen nearby-they will thank you for it later!
Tyndale House Publishers provided a complimentary copy of this book.
Sweet & Bitter Providence ..... FINALLY!
For four months I have put off writing this review for Sweet and Bitter Providence by John Piper. It wasn’t because I was too busy or that I didn’t like the book; it was because I wasn’t sure what I thought about the word “sovereignty”. I had to conduct Bible searching, lots of sermon listening (which God provided) and spend many hours in prayer to come to an understanding of this term.
The book is a fabulous overview of the story of Ruth from the Old Testament. If you’re not familiar with the book of Ruth, I highly suggest you read it in your Bible – and follow up by reading/listening to John Piper’s account of the extras that aren’t included in the Word (numerous historical details and terminology of the day).
John Piper states that bad things are in God’s Plan for our lives. I had a very difficult time digesting that information. At the age of 18, I lost both of my parents (10 months apart). After being raised in the Church, I was so bitter that God would “allow” this to happen to me, that I went searching for answers (like the old song says: looking for love in all the wrong places…). After years of wandering, I returned to His Arms for healing, however, my main question had not been answered: Who controls death? Was it God or satan? After listening to this audio book, John Piper made it sound like God didn’t “allow” it, but actually “ordained” it! That was really hard for me (and it’s been a VERY LONG TIME since my parents passed away).
Now, after several months, I am at a place where I agree with John. His explanation made sense, although I didn’t want to accept it as being true. He (God, not John) has brought me to a safe place where I can honestly say that I KNOW I wouldn’t be the person I am today if this loss had not happened – and if I’m completely honest, my life is NOT for me, it’s to glorify God! He is now able to use me in ways I could have never been used otherwise.
I would highly recommend this book if you would like a fabulous overview of Ruth AND if you prayed the same prayer I did in February 2010 – “God, please grow me during this Lenten season, like you never have before”…just remember, be careful what you ask for!
I was provided a copy of this audio book by christianaudio reviewers program (http://christianaudio.com).
The book is a fabulous overview of the story of Ruth from the Old Testament. If you’re not familiar with the book of Ruth, I highly suggest you read it in your Bible – and follow up by reading/listening to John Piper’s account of the extras that aren’t included in the Word (numerous historical details and terminology of the day).
John Piper states that bad things are in God’s Plan for our lives. I had a very difficult time digesting that information. At the age of 18, I lost both of my parents (10 months apart). After being raised in the Church, I was so bitter that God would “allow” this to happen to me, that I went searching for answers (like the old song says: looking for love in all the wrong places…). After years of wandering, I returned to His Arms for healing, however, my main question had not been answered: Who controls death? Was it God or satan? After listening to this audio book, John Piper made it sound like God didn’t “allow” it, but actually “ordained” it! That was really hard for me (and it’s been a VERY LONG TIME since my parents passed away).
Now, after several months, I am at a place where I agree with John. His explanation made sense, although I didn’t want to accept it as being true. He (God, not John) has brought me to a safe place where I can honestly say that I KNOW I wouldn’t be the person I am today if this loss had not happened – and if I’m completely honest, my life is NOT for me, it’s to glorify God! He is now able to use me in ways I could have never been used otherwise.
I would highly recommend this book if you would like a fabulous overview of Ruth AND if you prayed the same prayer I did in February 2010 – “God, please grow me during this Lenten season, like you never have before”…just remember, be careful what you ask for!
I was provided a copy of this audio book by christianaudio reviewers program (http://christianaudio.com).
Friday, April 9, 2010
2012
I got the book 2012 in the mail yesterday for a book review - so this weekend I start reading about the Christian view of the world coming to an end in the year 2012.... I usually never "get into this kind of stuff" - so I'm really looking forward to it! I'll be posting my thoughts soon!!!!! Stay tuned.....
Oh, my review for the Collaborate book blog tour is due next week...so guess I better finish that read this weekend too!!!! (and get writing!) I just can't ever seem to get enough....love learning and reading!
Oh, my review for the Collaborate book blog tour is due next week...so guess I better finish that read this weekend too!!!! (and get writing!) I just can't ever seem to get enough....love learning and reading!
Blacksburg....here we come!
I am SO excited! The girls and I leave for the last KTU of the year later today! That part makes me sad (that it's our last KTU), but I can't wait to "hang out" in the hotel with my girls! We decided after the first trip last year that daddy could stay home and walk the dogs...he's just not as much fun as we are (not to mention he NEVER stops to go to the bathroom!). Oh my gosh, it takes all of 5 minutes....I think it's a "man thing".... Plus, the girls and I love to explore the animals at Tech! Kristina has a tremendous LOVE for horses, so we have to stop by for a visit each time! The last trip, one of the horses SMILED at us (and I mean a HUGE SMILE! Showing his/her-not sure which-teeth for a really LONG TIME!).
Anyway, we will leave B'burg around 5 am on Sunday so I can get home in time for my 5th grade Sunday School class. I just LOVE teaching kids about the Lord! After Church, we have our second-to-the-last faithGirlz meeting (another sad thing). We will be wrapping up the year next month (May) and I will be retiring as the leader (my youngest will be moving to middle school-where have the years gone?????).
On Sunday night, we have Altared Kids! I just love this program too! I have the chance to work with kids of all ages (K-5th grade) and our amazing children's minister has let me create the program outline! I have made it a bit easier than Powered Up (the program I use to coordinate for 3 years and LOVED), but continue to use the AMAZING 252 curriculum - and have the kids LOOK UP SCRIPTURES in the Bible more. I just love teaching the kids what God is teaching me - there is SOOOO much COOL STUFF in the Bible (if you actually take the time to read it!). Sometimes I have to get help from the pros (I listen to a ton of sermons and read a ton of books/Bible studies), because I did not growup reading the Bible! I just can't get enough now!!!!
Well, better run...have to finish packing and walk the dogs - then ON THE ROAD AGAIN!!!! Have a fabulous weekend all!
Anyway, we will leave B'burg around 5 am on Sunday so I can get home in time for my 5th grade Sunday School class. I just LOVE teaching kids about the Lord! After Church, we have our second-to-the-last faithGirlz meeting (another sad thing). We will be wrapping up the year next month (May) and I will be retiring as the leader (my youngest will be moving to middle school-where have the years gone?????).
On Sunday night, we have Altared Kids! I just love this program too! I have the chance to work with kids of all ages (K-5th grade) and our amazing children's minister has let me create the program outline! I have made it a bit easier than Powered Up (the program I use to coordinate for 3 years and LOVED), but continue to use the AMAZING 252 curriculum - and have the kids LOOK UP SCRIPTURES in the Bible more. I just love teaching the kids what God is teaching me - there is SOOOO much COOL STUFF in the Bible (if you actually take the time to read it!). Sometimes I have to get help from the pros (I listen to a ton of sermons and read a ton of books/Bible studies), because I did not growup reading the Bible! I just can't get enough now!!!!
Well, better run...have to finish packing and walk the dogs - then ON THE ROAD AGAIN!!!! Have a fabulous weekend all!
Monday, April 5, 2010
SPRING BREAK!!!!!
Oh my gosh, am I excited! Today and tomorrow I will be home spending time with my precious children! I can't wait! Today is Kristina day and we are making plans for fun! This will, of course include READING and movie watching! We are SOOOOOO excited for our special day!
I will be posting later with more details!
I will be posting later with more details!
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