Book Review : When the Hurt Runs Deep - Healing and Hope for Life's Desperate Moments by Kay Arthur

When the Hurt Runs Deep: Healing and Hope for Life’s Desperate Moments
by Kay Arthur

    When I think of someone trying to bring hope during times of another’s great distress, I tend to anticipate trite words and an inability to connect with the sufferer and understand real deep pain and heartache.  Maybe it’s because I’ve seen several well-meaning people say things to hurting friends or acquaintances that don’t bring any real hope or healing to a situation.   Because of this, when I speak to others to encourage them in tough situations I am conscientious to consider their pain as very real and something I may or may not be able to relate to.  I don’t always know what to say either, but when I can relate to the person and/or to the situation, it makes the conversation much more meaningful.  In addition, it brings about great opportunities to share how Christ has worked in my heart to heal me and how He continues to be my source of peace and strength during challenging times.   In this book, readers get a glimpse of Kay Arthur’s personal life and the pains she has experienced.   She connects with the reader and you get the sense that she shares from the heart.        

     More importantly than sharing her own stories, Kay takes the reader through the experiences of several figures in the Bible (such as Joseph and Job and of course Jesus).  By sharing their experiences we can see examples of others who suffered real neglect, betrayal, abandonment, injustice etc.  We can also see how God works and what that means for us as believers.  Throughout the book the reader will learn more of God, what His Word says and how to find real hope.

       Two things stood out to me the most in reading this book.  The first was the sheer amount of scripture and the ability Kay has to draw the reader to a deeper and closer relationship with a loving Creator. She even takes a chapter to address the question many have when they experience suffering or think of others in dire circumstances, that is “What kind of God allows our pain?”   Kay Arthur is a well-known teacher of God’s Word and one that teaches by getting students to mark words, phrases, names, locations and other things in scripture passages.  This method helps to bring out various points a reader may have missed and help to get deeper in God’s Word.  Her writing in this book is well done as she is able to focus on the topic, yet weave in times to get out your Bible’s and start marking!   If you wish to make the book a personal or small group study, there is a study guide in the back as well.

     The second thing that stood out was the little boxes interspersed throughout the book for Healing Truths.  These are great summaries of the information she shares as well as great reminders and words of encouragement.  At the end of the book she lists these all together.  It would be great to print these off with some scripture and post them somewhere where I will read them often.  Hmmm….

     Finally, I love that after the study guide, at the very end of the book, Kay has included several pages of practical helps.  Sometimes we can know the spiritual things, but we miss taking practical steps to get us through painful times.  I hope and pray with Kay that her book, and the Lord’s Word, minister to the hearts of many who are hurting.

NOTE : This book was received free of charge by Waterbrook Multnomah for the purposes of a review through their Blogging for Books program.

Who is HE and Who are YOU?

Nearly two years ago I felt led to do a Bible Study in my home for mom's with young children.  We home school and so I was a little leery about adding something to our schedule, but still felt strongly this was something that God was asking me to do, for Him.   In an effort to keep things balanced, I choose to do the study every other Friday morning.  Children were welcome and my elementary and middle school aged children helped keep toddlers and other kids occupied while babies played at mama's feet. 

The study we did was Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed by Priscilla Shirer, Beth Moore and Kay Arthur. Only a few mom's showed up at the time but I know God used that time and this study to bless each of us and help each of us to grow closer to Him.  Since then I have had the opportunity to share the resources and walk with others in the study.  It has been such a blessing to be a part of their journey and to be reminded again and again of the material.  

In the first session Priscilla talks about the anointing of God that David had in his life.  She shared how all of us who believe and trust in the Lord have the Holy Spirit, with the power of God, residing in us.  Through the Holy Spirit we are empowered to do His will in our lives and to stand against the enemy. 

At one point Priscilla goes on a long and powerful exposition of who God is and who we are as a child of His.  I loved it and want to have this printed and posted in my home as a frequent reminder.  He is the one deserving of all my praise and the one constant who can help me me in all situations. Below is a lengthy quote from Priscilla so you too may be reminded of Who He is and Whose you are!

May you be blessed and encouraged in the Lord as you read this.

He Is…..
The First and the Last
The Beginning and the end
The keeper of creation
The creator of all
He’s the architect of the universe
And the manager of all time

He always was, always is and always will be.
Unmoved, unchanged, undefeated and never undone

He was bruised but brought healing,
He was pierced but eased pain,
He was persecuted but brought freedom
He was dead and brings life
He is risen to bring power
And he reigns to bring peace

The world can’t understand Him
Armies can’t defeat Him
Schools can’t explain Him
And leaders they can’t ignore Him

Harold couldn’t kill Him
Nero couldn’t crush Him
The new age can not replace Him
And Oprah can not explain Him away

He IS Life,
HE IS Love,
HE IS Longevity and He IS The LORD
HE IS Goodness, kindness, faithfulness

And HE IS GOD
HE IS holy and righteous
and powerful and pure

His ways are right,
His word eternal
His will unchanging
And His mind is on us

He is our savior, our guide,
Our peace, our joy, our comfort
Our Lord and He rules our lives,

I serve Him because His bond is love
His yoke is easy His burden is light
And His goal for us is abundant life.

I follow Him because,
He Is the wisdom of the wise
The power of the powerful
The ancient of days, the ruler of rulers,
The leader of all leaders,
His goal is a relationship with me

He will never leave you, never forsake you
Never mislead you, never forget you,
Never overlook you and
Never cancel your appointment is His appointment book.

When you fall He’ll lift you up,
When you fail He will forgive you.
When you’re weak He’s strong,
When you’re lost He’s your way
When you’re afraid He is your courage,
When you stumble He will steady you,
When you’re hurt He Is going to heal you,
When you’re broken He will mend you,
When you’re blind He will lead you,
When you’re hungry He will feed you,
When you face trials He Is with you,
When I face persecution He shields me,
When I face problems He will comfort me,
When I face loss He will provide for me,

And when we face death
He will carry us all home to meet Him.

He is everything for everybody,
everywhere ,every time,
And in every way.

He is your God

and that sister’s is who you belong to.

 

Book Review : Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado

     In Outlive Your Life Max Lucado sends a message that underscores vital aspects of living as a follower of Christ and remains Biblical and purposeful in his approach.  His message draws frequently upon the book of Acts and relates the lives and work of those in the early church to our lives today.  Throughout the book the reader is encouraged and challenged to recognize their opportunity to make a difference in the world we live in and the need to keep Christ at the center of what we do.

     Social injustices, suffering, pain, sickness and death; these are all realities in our lives and the lives of those around us.  What can I do when it seems there is little that can be done? What can you do? I’m an ordinary mother living her ordinary life raising children and tending to the needs of my family, yet, God has given me an extraordinary ability to feel compassion for others around me, to wonder if my life can make a difference and the ability to purpose to do so each day.  Lucado provides a reminder of the call to see and act beyond the ordinary that God has given to others who have gone before us. These people include leaders and impact makers in the Bible as well as others who are unknown.  They used their lives, their talents, their time, and their specific calling to serve and reach out to others in ways that made a difference in someone’s life, or the lives of many. May my life be one that hears God’s calling and uses the desires and passions He has given me to bring Him glory through the serving of others.  As I do so, may it be as Lucado says, “If you are in Christ, God’s Spirit will speak through you.”

      Before delving into the application of outliving your life, Lucado does a great job of bringing the reader into thoughtful contemplation of how they may be shielding themselves from the pain of others and prompting them to ask for God’s help to look outside their own shell of protection.  He then intently reminds the reader not to forget the Bread; the Bread being the message and good news of Christ’s divinity, His sacrifice and His victory over death.  Ultimately, the reader is reminded and encouraged to accept, if they haven’t already, the offer of Jesus to turn away from their sin and accept His victory over death as payment for sin and its consequences in their lives; then pass this message on.

     Through the next several chapters Lucado shares moving stories of common people making a difference in the lives of others.  In many cases they teamed up.  They were not alone in their consideration and assistance of others.  He provides the example of the early church, as seen in the book of Acts, where believers worked in community.  Through the common ground of the death and resurrection of the Lord, the believers came together and assisted the poor and needy and helped others.  The body worked together.  Today, we too can work together and share hospitality with others.  We can look beyond and truly see the hurting around us and with God’s help and for His glory, reach out to the poor, the brokenhearted, the captives, the blind and the oppressed. 

      Every chapter of “Outlive Your Life” begins with scripture and ends with prayer.  In the back of the book there is also a discussion guide to provide starting points in small groups that may choose to study the book together.  Overall I was pleased with the scriptural context and concepts that were present throughout the book.  In addition to challenges to reach beyond ourselves, the reader is reminded of Christ’s sacrificial love, the persecution that will come when serving Him yet that it is God who holds you, who is caring for us in all we do. Outliving our lives is not something we do on our own. In fact , Lucado wraps up with the reminder to pray first and pray most. James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”   My prayer is that we would draw near to Him daily, that we would not be double minded in our thoughts and that we would look to the Lord and ask for His strength to see beyond our lives and into the lives of others. May it not be for our own glory or for a notch closer in a quest for self-righteousness.  Rather, may it be out of our love for Him that we love others and desire to share His love.  May it all be for the Lord’s glory.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

2011 Garden Update - April 6th - Pots

So this year I have determined to get much farther in the landscaping of our yard as well as the gardening of fruits, herbs and veggies. I have found some good deals on pots that were quite the investment. No more plastic pots that fade and crack in one, maybe two, years of use in this crazy Texas heat. Ceramic pots all around. I was glad to find many with enamel only on the outside as I am hopeful that this means less likelihood of lead getting near my plants. Although, after getting it home and filling it with soil, I noticed that one of my non ceramic coated pots actually STATES that it is not for food!?!

Sigh... The first picture shows some of my pots. These are a variety of herbs. Texas Pink Skullcap, Echincacea (just starting to grow after planting last year), spearmint, pepperment, French Thyme, Lemon Thyme, Sage and Oregano. My basil is still being transported in and out of the house to keep it going until it is warm enough to keep it outside at night.

Nothing fancy here yet.  I took two old barrel style pots I had that are really made out of foam and are cracking, some new but faded pots from Ross's or Marshall's (I hope to paint these in the future) and large bean pots from HEB and loaded these with lava rock on the bottom and Lady Bug's Vortex Potting Soil.  Then I filled most of the pots with varieties of tomatoes.  I have a couple tomatillo plants growing and a few peppers, but some of these plants have completeley STALLED in their growth. Ugh. I've tried Thrive, Garrett Juice and Plant Wash on these and haven't seen much change yet.  Perhaps as the weather gets warmer this situation will change.   

Still to do... pick up mulch or free paving stones to place around the pots so that the grass growth doesn't become a nightmare around them.

Cooking shows and cooking techniques...Cast Iron Skillets

     Hmm...I am up early this morning and catching up on a few PBS cooking shows that I had had recorded on our computer.  Something occurred to me.  I can watch a great simple recipe being made and then try to replicate and end up with problems that really end up due to technique.  This is something I'm trying to pay more attention to now so that I can know the little tips and tricks to actually have food brown properly, for example.

      Here's an example of what occurred to me...it has to do with using cast iron or enameled cast iron in cooking. And no, it's not that fact that shows always show immaculate cookware that seems to be new out of the box every time. Sigh...that seems kind of fun though. Anyway, if you've tried cooking with cast iron you'll know that it takes it longer to heat up and once it does the heat is retained much longer than most other skillets, pots etc. You may have also noticed that getting the right temperature can be tricky which I believe has to do with how long it takes to heat up or cool down.

     In watching numerous types of cooking shows (despite not having cable or satellite TV) I have noticed a common thread. They always cook on gas stoves. Oh, you've noticed it too? That happens to work great for me as I do own a gas stove and really hope to never be without one!  (However, it does make me wonder how people adjust with electric stoves.)  What I have yet to see though, is someone explain and show how high the flames should be at different temperature recommendations when they are cooking.  Ok, I do realize that the knobs say Hi and Lo and have various points in between to choose from. Yet, when I cook I notice that the flame variations just aren't as simple. If I go too far on the knob I end up heating cast iron so high that while the first batch of browning meat, for example, may be fine, the second begins to get burned and all my great browned bits in the pan turn to black before getting a second batch down.  Have you noticed this too?  I'd love to hear someone's thoughts about how get the flames to the right heat to begin with.  Perhaps it's a trick to heat up and then reduce heat just a little after starting the cooking process?  Hmmm....

What I've done to compensate when this happens is to make sure the second batch begins where there was no meat prior and is thus almost surely to burn soon.  I move the food a bit at first to pick up the bits there and then situate to brown. I know this isn't technically proper as the food should just be set on the hot oil or butter and not moved in order to get a nice caramelization.  (Is that a word?) 

I love cast iron and enameled cast iron and will continue to perfect my technique to get proper temperatures. It may just be one of those things that you have to practice and practice.  Here's to happy cooking with cast iron!

Book Review : same kind of different As me. / Ron Hall & Denver Moore with Lynn Vincent

NOTE : THIS BLOG IS NO LONGER UPDATED.

PLEASE CLICK THROUGH HERE TO BE REDIRECTED TO THE BOOK REVIEW AT ITS NEW LOCATION  

NEW BLOG : HIS NOT SO PERFECT HOUSEWIFE   
"Because life is messy and imperfect - but HE isn't"

25 Random Things About Me

These were originally posted on Facebook about a year and a half ago...It seems there are a lot of things in life that I thought couldn't or wouldn't happen...and then they did.  Do you think God knows some things I don't? OK, maybe like EVERYTHING!

1.    I never wanted any pets, ever.  Somehow I ended up being the one to run out and pick out our dog Roxie. I even left church early and drove an hour away!  Then, I had to get chickens!  We lost one of them to our neighbors dog, but we currently have seven running around our yard. Hoping to have eggs in just a few weeks.  Roxie does amazingly well with the chickens too!

2.    Growing up I hated going to the garden to help my dad. It mostly meant pulling weeds!  Now, I am enjoying the planning of my own garden. So far it’s  mostly been container gardening, but I’m hoping to branch out to raised bed square-foot methods this year…if only I can keep the chickens from using the dirt for a dirt bath.

3.    I never thought I’d live long enough to get married, let alone have children. I’m about to celebrate my 11th wedding anniversary and we have five children! Isn’t God amazing!?

4.    My personality is one that loves quiet and peacefulness.  Chaos and clutter drive me CRAZY!!  Boy, has God been growing me in this area!  Somehow I have five children, I homeschool them, I work with lots of people through the ministry and we frequently have guests over to the house, and even teens once a month.  J

5.    I learned a lot about how to behave in a professional manner by seeing my dad interact with clients growing up. His office was in our home for many years and I learned by observing. (Wonder if he knew? Wonder how much, and what things, my kids pick up from observing me!?)

6.    I remember playing kickball in the back yard. It was the best and I was never picked last. J 

7.    Growing up  I played or participated in at some point; softball, basketball, volleyball, cheerleading, canoe racing, golfing, gymnastics, ballet/tap/jazz, swimming, tennis lessons….and I don’t even like sports! (Though I did enjoy gymnastics and dance for a little while, and swimming while I could.)

8.    I had more than one boyfriend tell me that they would never leave me and that anyone who did was a fool, then they left.  Hmmm….

9.    My husband tells me he loves me at LEAST 10 times a day.  If I don’t remember to give him a hug, often enough, he stops me by staring until I do. 

10.    The first thing I want in the morning is a fresh hot cup of black coffee. (Sweet coffee would make me sick in the morning!)

11.    I was a single mom with two kids from two different dads and was sure I would never find ANYone would want me as a wife, help me raise my boys and love me the way I longed for.  It wasn’t until I gave my life COMPLETELY over to God’s hands and control rather than my own did my life start to change dramatically.  I truly was satisfied in the Lord, then he blessed me abundantly and I met a wonderful man who loved the Lord and would stay. J

12.    As soon as my head clears up from this fog…(mom’s of multiple small children know what I mean)…I will start writing again, and hopefully finish several books! (regardless of whether or not anyone else reads them)

13.    I wish I had another daughter.  We casually have discussed adoption someday. We’ll see what God has for us in the future…

14.    I prayed that my last child would be another girl, so Liana would have a close sister. I also prayed for a very CALM and EASY baby.  Wooaaahhhhh….God has a sense of humor, and he definitely knows better than I do.  I couldn’t love Riley any more than I do. He is so much fun and so cuddly…but…just look for the Jungle Baby video in my posted items if you haven’t already seen the video clip.

15.    After years of struggles personally and as a single mom, then just being a mom, and also a homeschooling parent, I have realized that the hardest things in life are the most rewarding.

16.    I wish Daimeian’s mom had a chance to see the man he turned into, and I wish I’d had a chance to meet her.

17.    I love to cook and bake…but only because I really want to eat something good and because I enjoy serving my family and friends.

18.    I used to have this skinny little (12yo?) girl that came over to my apartment in MN all the time. She’d play with Tyler, dance and bounce and laugh and talk, talk, talk, talk. Now I have a 12 yo son to do all that for me, except he plays with Liana and Riley. J

19.    I wish cheese wasn’t so high in fat! I LOVE almost all kinds of cheese.

20.    It was really nice when the EPP team at Dell got an ice cream cake for my birthday.  However, there isn’t much I just really don’t like, but mint chocolate chip ice cream is one of them!

21.    I started having plant based allergy problems with bananas, cantaloupe, some avocados and other raw fruits and veggies AFTER Riley was born.

22.    I’ve tried allergy shots twice for well over 2 years each, and they didn’t help me.

23.    I’m hoping to move back to MN someday.  Although, I do wonder if I’m completely crazy when I hear HOW cold it is there this winter!

24.    For some reason, I suddenly remember my friend Kristine and how she got bit by a squirrel. To hear her tell the story will make you laugh ‘till you cry. 

25.    One of the things I  would most love to do would be to sit in a cool room with warm clothes by a desk (in a CLEAN and QUIET ROOM and HOUSE) with a fresh cup of coffee, rain hitting the windows or snow falling outside, and me reading a book or writing something.  (Maybe Daimeian could praise and worship songs in the background….)

Working on my kitchen blog...

I'm really hoping to get in a better habit of blogging.  I have this blog about all things going on at home, especially gardening, reading, homeschooling etc.  I have a separate blog for recipes I am trying in the kitchen and what I am learning by way of healthier modifications.  Summertime is a nice break from homeschooling to organize, prepare and try out new recipes! Recently we did Snickerdoodle Cupcakes with Seven Minute Frosting from Martha Stewart's Cupcake books. I have some Moosewood Restaurant cookbooks checked out from the library and tried the Lentil Soup, which I liked but the rest of the family didn't because it's made with . . . lentils. Sigh. There's one legume out of the picture in trying to find healthy beans and rice type of recipes. Oh well. Could be worse. :)

Book Review : Never Let You Go by Erin Healy

If you like fiction, if you like mystery, if you have enjoyed fictional stories based on spiritual battles then a special welcome to Erin Healy’s first solo authored book, NEVER LET GO. Erin Healy has co-written two other books with my favorite author Ted Dekker. Her style is her own yet the suspense and twists will feel familiar to Dekker fans.

Lexi Solomon is a single mom struggling to make ends meet and is faced with tough decisions that could seriously affect her life and that of her daughter. Her troubles are familiar to many who have fought the road of parenting alone and to many who have fought demons of the past. Yet, there is an element that most of us don’t see as clearly as it is presented to Lexi. How will she handle it? Who will help her?

Ted Dekker is one of my all time favorite authors. His stories are quickly engaging and such page turners that you don’t want to stop. Most of them have a great deal of insight, plot twists and second level meanings that you could enjoy reading them again. NEVER LET GO is my first intro to Erin Healy and overall I really enjoyed the book and will likely buy more that she author’s. It wasn’t quite as engrossing as Dekker’s and it took me a little longer to really get to that “can’t put it down” phase, but still very good. However, once engrossed I really could not stop reading. There were several twists and exciting revelations that I really enjoyed.

Personally, I would have liked to have seen more depth in the spiritual aspect. In order to fight spiritual battles we need to have a firm grounding in the Lord and prayer and relationship with God is the key. There was such a light reference to anyone praying on her behalf that while I could feel some empathy for Lexi (mostly because I’ve been a single mom), I couldn’t feel a strong sense of the enemies defeat by calling upon the Lord for strength. I’m not sure if this was intentional in order to gain a larger reading audience, but I would commend anyone for standing stronger on the lines of direct references to the power of prayer and fellowship with the Lord and other believers. Frank Peretti’s THIS PRESENT DARKNESS and PIERCING THE DARKNESS are better examples of this.

Bottom line, I am glad to have another author along these lines of fiction to read.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their [...] book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 [...] :

Garden Summary 2008 - 2009

It seems like I'm always trying to learn more about something.  Lately I've been pretty focused on learning more about gardening and yard care; gardening methods, gardening tips, landscape design, perennial plants that are drought hardy for the Texas area, and natural pest control.  My goal is to garden  and take care of our yard using natural and organic methods. I also want to provide our favorite veggies and herbs so that they will be on hand when I want to use them, they will taste better, they will be healthier for our family and eventually (after the initial cost to setup the garden) they will save us money at the grocery store.

I began my journey into gardening with several pots and my husband built up a retaining wall for a raised bed on either side of the sidewalk leading up to our house.  I had great success with tomatoes, peppers, rosemary and mint in the raised beds and success in pots with basil, chives, rosemary and lemongrass.  I've tried my hand at making our own earthbox.  This method just didn't work. I may try it again with some amendments, but maybe only one box instead of several.  Last year, I had slightly raised beds utilizing some wooden shelving that had been in our garage to hold videos.  They made neat rows and gave me some structure to get started.  Around this time my husband and our sons worked to build a fence around the garden area to keep out the chickens and to eventually provide a nice place to sit and enjoy the plants.

2008 Garden - Here are a few pics of the raised beds with the video shelves and plants in pots. 

Homemade Earthbox type container.  There is another bin under the soil. It is upside down with the top 2/3's cut off and holes drilled through. The center of the bin below is cut to fit a pond basket. The soil fills in the pond basket and is supposed to help wick the moisture to the roots.  I followed online directions but did not have much success with the plants. May try again with better soil amendments. Then again, maybe not.  

Slightly raised beds.  These were set in the fall of 2008 but not truly implemented until 2009.  The wood had been used for video shelves on the wall of our garage when our non-profit library was housed there.  The soil here is a mix of compost (partially unfinished) and native soil.   Plants in this mixture did pretty well. Would have been much better with a better regimen of fertilizing, mulching and watering.  These are elements being implemented now, in addition to building greater soil and utilizing natural disease and insect cures/repellents.

First shot of the potted plants in 2008.  Lantana and Basil.

I later learned how to properly care for basil, prune after every (or most) 2 sets of leaves on a stem.  This way the basil grows bushy and large. Without the pruning it will get tall and spindly. 

The Lantana did not survive the final shot of TX heat in this container. Will try again when I have a place to put on in the ground, or possibly another larger container.

Cilantro, sage, basil and Roma Tomatoes.  After trying cilantro for a couple of years I found out that in needs to be planted in the fall. It is a cool season herb and will bolt when the heat hits.  So...they sell it in the spring. Why? Things that make you go hmmm.....
 This picture was taken in October.  The basil got woody and the Roma's had hardly any fruit mature through the summer. I started too late for one thing.  A week or so later my husband picked all the green tomatoes and they ripened in my window sill over the next few months. I was amazed at how long some of them lasted.

Lemongrass, more Roma Tomatoes and more basil.  The Lemongrass died last fall or winter.  I am hoping to get new transplants but missed the window for doing so this year.

Finally, the beginning of our compost piles.  The cinder blocks are straighter now and are filled with dirt. Every year we get tomatoes that grow up all over the place. In the prepared beds where compost was used, in and around the compost pile and even in the cinder block holes or near by just coming up out of the ground.

Here are some cherry tomatoes that just grew up out of the ground near the compost pile, behind our shed.  They got tall and were falling all over the place so we grabbed miscellaneous pies of wood and string to try and hold them all up.  That didn't work too well but we had plenty of cherry tomatoes!  We had also had a cantaloupe plant growing out of the compost. Unfortunately, the one melon we got from it was disgusting in taste.

2009 Garden - Tomato, cantaloupe and zucchini plants planted in the shelving raised beds.  We had to try to keep our backyard chickens out of the veggies. They still got in as they pecked their way through the plastic and they ate up the melons, squashed and destroyed the plants and were an overall menace.  The peppers last year gave me only a couple of very tiny rewards.  Also, as you can see, Bermuda grass is a horrible weed. It is what our lawn is and it invades with a voracious appetite.

Most of this area got fenced in.  It was a mess trying to find scraps to cover and kill the grass.  However, in the back, along the fence, you can see several tomato plants along the fence.  Lots of green but little to no fruit. What fruit we did get was eaten by birds.

NOTE: Plant tomatoes in FULL SUN. These were too shaded to produce fruit.  I've experienced before so I don't know why I thought that location would work for them last year.  Will not try that again.

Finally, my loving and darling husband worked with our wonderful sons to build this fence around the garden area to keep the chickens out.  The door needed to be finished here and the taller segment will be part of what will be a covered sitting area.   Unfortunately, we would later find out that the chickens would find a way in by getting under the shed. This led to another problem with them roaming all of our backyard.  Just a couple months ago my husband penned them so we don't have that issue anymore. However, I do have a beautiful garden area to work with now!

Book Review : Thomas Nelson's Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts, 3rd Edition

•    Colorful maps and charts
•    Chronological representation of all books of the Bible
•    Short yet concise overview for each book of the Bible
•    Easy to use reference book for individual or small group study
•    Reproducible maps and charts available for sharing in a large group study

Thomas Nelson’s Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts, 3rd edition, met and exceeded my expectations as a handy resource book and possibly a text for a basic Bible Survey course.  This book could assist my children, my husband and me in personal study Bible study by providing additional insights and information to go along with the reading of the text.

The layout for each chapter is easy to read and covers information on the following components for each book of the Bible;  introduction, authorship, dates, themes and literature structure, the book at a glance (via a chart) and an outline.  If the authorship or dating of the book has more than one commonly held school of thought, different views are explained in brief.  

Following these consistent points of coverage, each chapter highlights various points for further study.  For example, Genesis includes subsections such as;  “The Six Days of Creation”, “God’s Creative Work”, “The Garden of Eden”, “Two Adams Contrasted” (Adam of Genesis and Jesus in the New Testament) and “Ages of the Patriarchs”.  Ruth includes subtopics called, “From Outsider to Royal Ancestress”, “Ruth-A Foreshadow of Redemption and “A Distinguished Descendant”. 

Numerous charts and maps are included throughout the book.   You will find maps on the patriarch’s journeys, Jacob’s life, David’s life, David’s kingdom, the return of the Jews from exile and so many more.  As far as the charts go, in the book of Hosea there is a chart showing Israel’s relationship with God as depicted in prophecies from Jeremiah and Ezekiel and the similarities with Hosea’s relationship with Gomer.  Psalms includes a chart on the images of God referenced.  Prior to the coverage for each gospel there is a detailed harmonization of the gospels that covers multiple pages.

Finally, Thomas Nelson also provides free content for some of their books when you purchase them.  Apparently this sometimes includes an eBook copy.  In the case of this book, ll the maps are provided as free downloads.  This free content can be used by your eBook reader (Kindle or Sony Reader) or just downloaded to your computer. 

One thing that I really wish was included but  wasn’t, however I don’t know of any reference book that does include this, is an alternate possible (and probable) location for Mt. Sinai (search for the movie “Search for the Real Mt. Sinai” to find out what I am referring to).   Regardless, this book serves its purpose well.  If you are looking for in-depth study, this is not it. If you are looking for a starting point for further study on any book of the Bible, this is a great option. I love how easy it is to use and the fact that introductory coverage is provided for every book of the Bible.  The price is right too!  Unlike many other reference books found in the Christian bookstores, you probably won’t see this title in the bargain bins anytime soon.

At the time of this review Amazon does not have sample pages posted. If you want to see sample pages you will need to search for the title at Christianbook.com. 

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255   : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising

Uncommon Gratitude

Life can be such a roller coaster can't it?  So much is constantly moving around us as we try to keep up with all that is on our plates.  We're up, we're down. We get frustrated, anxious and downtrodden when things don't go right and sometimes we complain a little, or a lot. 

I was in a normal up and down day with the kids and finishing up another checklist item by getting something put into my mailbox.  Suddenly, it occurred to me that I had only taken a few steps to the mailbox.  I didn't walk two miles and I didn't have to drive to the post office. I just walked to the end of my driveway.  In addition, by simply writing an address and sticking a stamp on an envelope I could leave this object in a box, only a few steps outside my home, and...someone else was going to drive TO MY HOUSE to pick it up and then it would then be taken HUNDREDS OF MILES ACROSS THE NATION on my behalf...for 42 cents!  Isn't that truly marvelous?!  Seriously, can you consider how much gas money we save by not hand delivering a letter?  It's an amazing convenience to have the mail picked up from the comfort of our homes and  then delivered to another person's home or place of business for such a nominal fee.  That's less than you'd tip someone for bringing you a meal, when you had to go to their place of business to get it! 

Hmmm....that seems a bit uncommon to have such a suddenly grateful heart for paying so little to get my letter where it needed to go.  What else could I be grateful for that I haven't thought much about before?  Water!  It comes into my house ready to use and out ready to be cleaned up.  Wow...turn the faucet handle and there it is!  Thank you Lord for stamps and water!

What else?  My husband's passion. Often I'm not very grateful for this because the sharing of ideas puts me into task mode and almost instantly makes me feel burdened.  But, I don't have to feel that way.  I can, and am, grateful that the Lord has given him a passion to do whatever God has called Him to do.  God uses this in many ways to His glory.  For that I am extremely grateful.

How about you? What are you uncommonly grateful for?  I would love to hear the responses! Let's thank the Lord today for the things we often take forgranted.  I'm thinking that a little gratitude can go a long way in evening out the roller coaster of day to day living.

Book Review : Living Life in the Zone : A 40-Day Spiritual Game Plan by Kyle Rote Jr. & Dr. Joe Pettigrew

Buy or Preview Living Life in the Zone

Living Life in the Zone is an easy to read book that provides short snippets of encouragement and challenges to men in a number of aspects of daily living. These are provided as short chapters utilizing various sports analogies and terms that should make the information easily relatable and readable for many men. For those who are put off by the thought of a heavy study in theology, yet recognize their need for personal spiritual growth, this book may fit their needs and may even provide a spring board for further study, prayer and growth.

Though I am not a sports fan, or male, I find that the regular format used for each chapter will really help to draw in many men who otherwise would not pick up a non-fiction book. Most chapters are about 6-8 pages in length and provide an appropriate introduction to each topic followed by scripture to support the message, examples from other lives (mostly prominent sports figures) and personal challenges for further introspection.

When first provided with the opportunity to read this book, courtesy of Thomas Nelson’s BookSneeze review program, my initial reaction was that it would be a book filled with little more than words on paper. However, I have come to find great value in this book and believe it has a purpose that could serve to minister to the hearts of many men. My prayer is that it would speak to men in such a way as to inspire them towards further study and growth with their Lord. In fact, I hope that it will be made available in an affordable audio CD solution so that those who are resistant to reading or strained for time will be able to benefit from the guidance and direction offered by Mr. Rote and Dr. Pettigrew.

Finding Balance : Goals vs Expectations

One of the wisest things I think I have ever read from somewhere other than the Bible was (I think) from Teri Maxwell in her book "Homeschooling with a Meek and Quiet Spirit".  She was talking about training our children and she talked about how our expectations should not be the same as our goals.  Our expectations are what we expect out of our children as they are trained towards the goals.  Whoa. That really hit home for me. 

I am a driven person and often feel like everything within my children is intent on fighting against me in achieving and accomplishing what I want done. (oops, doesn't sound too good does it?)  I have high expectations for them in many areas of life, often too high. They are too high when those expectations are at the same height as my goals for them and thus become unrealistic.  Don't they need room to grow from, for example, having no idea how to clean a room to keeping it tidy and organized?  Isn't there a learning process that involves failure and trying again? Somehow I too often forget that they are human and sinful, that they are children and maturing, and that they need lots and lots of training to reach a goal. More than anything, I forget that they need grace from me, just as I receive it from the Lord.  This occurs on a daily basis.  May I do the same for my children.

It's a tough balancing act isn't it?  Discipline, training, grace...parenting.  Phew. In a constant desire to find balance I find myself swinging from one end to another, but to remain in the middle would be to become stagnant.

Oh Lord, please help me to more patient and to wisely discern proper expectations for my children as I train them towards wisely discerned goals in all aspects of life.  Help me to show firmness and swift action when necessary and grace and forgiveness when appropriate.  May my children learn more about you as I live my life to glorify You. - Amen