Category Archives: Food for thought

The Middle Matters by Lisa-Jo Baker

04 Tuesday Jun 2019

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The Middle Matters

 

“The middle is worth remembering while you are actually living it, because you won’t pass by this way again.” -Lisa-Jo Baker

I can clearly remember my dad’s over-the-hill party like it was yesterday. He turned 40 when I was in middle school. Now, I have a middle school son and I am staring 40 in the face. Lisa-Jo Baker’s new book, The Middle Matters, is the refreshment and encouragement I have needed! It is a reminder that this part of life is sweet, important, and can be just as fantastic as the 20’s felt.

I was first introduced to Lisa-Jo Baker on Instagram from another author’s mention. From there, I began to listen to her Out of the Ordinary podcast that she does with author Christy Purifoy. ( It is such an uplifting, cup-filling podcast! You should listen!) When Lisa-Jo announced she was releasing a book this year, I knew I had to have it! I was so right!

The Middle Matters is a collection of essays by Lisa-Jo about everyday, ordinary life. The book is divided into eight parts. There are essays about marriage, parenthood, faith, failures, body image, and friendship, Reading these essays is like sitting down with one of your closest friends and hearing their heart.  I feel like Lisa-Jo hits on so many things I have been feeling. The ordinary, everyday life stuff matters. Even in the middle.

I requested an advanced copy of this book from the author and publisher. If I had not been selected to receive a copy, I would have bought it!! All opinions are my own and I have not been compensated in any way.

What is the Next Right Thing?

13 Monday May 2019

Posted by in Family, Food for thought, Reviewed Books

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The next Right Thing

 

Weighty decisions are apart of life. And these days, I feel like one is waiting for me around every corner. I knew when I saw the title of author Emily P. Freeman’s new book The Next Right Thing, I needed to read it. I have the tendency to get caught up in the future, and the fallout I feel my decisions will have on life.  Freeman’s take on decision making is practicle, applicable, and very helpful. I highly recommend this book to anyone trying to pin down a right choice, a critical step, or making a life-changing decision.

There are a few chapters that were stand-outs for me in The Next Right Thing. Chapter 5, Look for the Arrows, was especially poignant. Freeman explains that sometimes, listening to your personal desires and those of your spouse can help you discern your next step. It isn’t always that easy, but our hearts often lean in the right direction before our minds do. I also loved Chapter 13, Don’t Rush Clarity, where Freeman points out that we should let go of our timeline, and our expectations of certainty.  Certainty of outcome is maybe the biggest roadblock for me personally with concern to decision making. Lastly, Freeman suggest finding co-listeners in Chapter 15. Co-listeners are trusted people in your life who are able to listen objectively that can be trusted and are a safe place. I love this idea so much. There is something to be said for wise counsel!

I requested The Next Right Thing by Emily P. Freeman from the publisher because I was looking for some guidance in descision making. At this point in my life, I thought all of my big decisions were over and done. Not true! What school is right for my kids, should we move, are our careers the right choice, and is it time to move on from where we are? Those are just a few things keeping me up at night! I received an advanced copy of this book to read without the requirement to leave a positive review. I have not been compensated. All opinion are my own.

 

 

More Than Parenting Advice

10 Thursday May 2018

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The Life Giving Parent

I love the heart behind this new book by Clay and Sally Clarkson. The Life Giving Parent  is not a step by step instruction book full of the do’s and don’ts of raising children. It is a philosophy of parenting children based on eight key principles derived from scripture. Reading this book was like getting the best parenting counseling session from a Godly couple who successfully raised children who love the Lord.

I enjoyed the chapter on Cultivating Your Child’s Character the most. This chapter is about your child’s “inner person,” their identity, personality, and capability. Clay describes their identity as who they are in God’s eyes, their personality as what they are like by God’s design, and their capability as what they can do with God’s help. Influencing their inner person develops and forms their character. It is so important for our children to know they are loved, redeemed, and created for a purpose. I love how Clay and Sally make a point to remind us that we are the most important influence our children have! Our own lives, how we live and walk out the Christian faith, is the greatest opportunity we have to develop our children’s character.

If you are an expectant parent, or a parent of children who are already half-grown, this book is for you.  I love and appreciate the wisdom of Clay and Sally Clarkson! I requested an advanced copy of  The Life Giving Parent from Tyndale publishing. I was not required to give a positive review and all opinions are my own.

The BEST Book About the Holy Land

10 Tuesday Apr 2018

Posted by in Favorites, Food for thought, Reviewed Books, Travel

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The Road The Rock and The Rabbai

 

A few years ago I had the privilege to travel to Israel and tour with a group of pastors.  I was really in awe of everything I saw, and our tour guide did an amazing job of connecting the Bible to each site we visited. However, now that I have read the Rock, the Road, and the Rabbi,  I want to go back! There is so much I missed! Kathie Lee Gifford and Rabbi Jason Sobel do an amazing job telling the story of the Holy Land,  and communicating the significance of related scripture.

I imagine the travel itinerary for trips to Israel is similar regardless of the tour company you choose. This book covers it all including Mount Carmel, Capernaum, The Sea of Galilee, Bethlehem, The Mount of Olives, The Upper Room, The Garden of Gethsemane, and Jerusalem.  I was given a book on my tour to help me better understand all that I was going to see.  Where it was information, this book is insight! Even if you never get to go to Israel, this book will allow you to connect scripture with geography.  I absolutely loved it!  If you have a list of books you are wanting to read this year, move the Rock, the Road, and the Rabbi to the top of your list!

I requested a copy of this book from BookLookBloggers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own and I have not been compensated.

New Devotional from Liz Curtis Higgs!

29 Sunday Oct 2017

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31 Proverbs

 

I love this new devotional by best selling author Liz Curtis Higgs. It is a very practical, simple, and useable 31 chapter book. Higgs walks through 31 Proverbs as a guide, teacher, and friend. She also challenges us to one simple reflection or task to that applies or highlights the Proverb in each chapter called One Minute, One Step. I found these to be enjoyable and effective.

One of my favorite chapters of 31 Proverbs To Light Your Path is Chapter 17 Smart Money.  Liz walks us through Proverbs 16:16, “How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver.” She points out that thieves can steal your money but not your wisdom. I loved her personal story in this chapter about her new raincoat. I could so see myself in this story! She ends the chapter with a brief prayer asking God to teach her to value what He values. In her One Minute, One Step, Liz encourages us to quickly go through our closets and find an item we haven’t worn in a long time. Then, try it on and if it doesn’t fit donate it to a favorite charity shop. Again, this book is very practical and good for the soul.

I first became acquainted with Liz Curtis Higgs when I read her retelling of Ruth, Mine is the Night.  It quickly became one of the books I recommend the most to friends who are looking for a good read. I know you will enjoy this book just as much. I requested a review copy from Bloggingforbooks because i knew I would enjoy it. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own. I have not been compensated.

She’s Still There by Chrystal Evans Hurst

17 Thursday Aug 2017

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Shes still there

 

Just a few weeks ago one of my favorite authors/bloggers, Ann Voscamp, featured an excerpt from author Chrystal Evans Hurst new book She’s Still There.  After reading it, I knew this was a book I had to have.  She’s Still There is for any woman who can’t seem to find the girl she use to be. The girl with big dreams, ideas, and plans for her life. And as Chrystal would say, She’s Still There. 

First let me say, Chrystal is hilarious. I found myself laughing so many times while reading this book. Especially at her reference to the #fatdemon.  My favorite chapter in this book is one titled Precious Cargo: Carry Your Contents Carefully.  Chrystal tells the story of falling asleep at the wheel at a red light in her town. (This story is unbelievably funny to me because it sounds like something I would do.) Many passers-by call the police concerned about a woman who has either passed out, or is dead sitting at a red light in her car. When the police come…and wake her up, the officer reminds Chrystal that she is carrying precious cargo. You see, her husband and kids are asleep in the car as well. Chrystal then gently reminds us that we are carrying precious cargo as well. We are here to do a job. God loves us and we have value.

I think the real beauty in this book lies in the honesty and vulnerability of Hurst’s own story. She was willing to share and be real. Because of that, it is easy to relate to her. Further, she is a wife, mother, and grandmother who has lived some life. I always appreciate learning from someone who has actual life experience! I highly recommend this book to any woman, in any walk of life, who needs a bit of encouragement. I requested a copy to review from BookLookBloggers. I was not required to give a positive review.

Grown-ups Like to Color

22 Saturday Apr 2017

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Recently, my younger sister came to stay with me for a few days.  She brought a few coloring books and some fine tipped markers with her. Anytime there was quiet or we were sitting around watching a movie, she would color. My two boys quickly became interested and joined her.  There is something cathartic about coloring. I have to admit, I often wondered about people who found time to use a coloring book. However, I am finding that there is something to it!

I love this small, purse sized coloring journal. It has a lovely color, and is the perfect size to fit in your purse for a long wait, or a car ride. Each journal entry takes two pages, There is a scripture, prayer, and blank lines included for each entry.  Some entries are fully illustrated, others leave room for coloring.

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I think this journal would be perfect for anyone really, but specifically it would make a great Mother’s Day gift. I requested my copy with my sister in mind, but now I find that I would like to keep it for myself! It’s setup is ideal for a quick morning quiet time. Nothing intense, just a straight forward reminders to choose joy, be kind, not to worry, and to rest.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by its publisher. I was not required to give a positive review and all opinions are my own.

A Delightful New Children’s Book

28 Tuesday Mar 2017

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When God Made you

I absolutely love this book by Matthew Paul Turner! It as such an amazing and powerful message. When God Made You is a children’s book written in rhyming verse with beautiful, colorful, and vibrant illustrations.  It speaks to the uniqueness of every child, each one truly original.

From the title, it is obvious that this particular book is written from a Christian worldview. It highlights the value God has placed on his creation. God knew you before you were born and created you to be unique and special. Author Matthew Turner encourages the reader to follow their dreams, and explore their passions…to dream. My favorite verse says:

So be you- fully you- a show stopping revue. Live your life in full color, every tint, every hue.  Discover, Explore!  Have faith, but love more. And learn and relearn all that God made you for.

This book is whimsical with lovely images that make this a must have. I find it to be appropriate for ages 3-8. It would be a perfect addition to any Easter basket! The book focuses on a little girl, however I think a boy or girl would enjoy it.  I received a review copy of this book from BloggingforBooks and was not required to give a positive review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

Grover Cleveland, Again! by Ken Burns

16 Thursday Mar 2017

Posted by in Books I LOVE, Food for thought, homeschool

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I honestly can’t recall how I came to know about this wonderful book by Ken Burns. Burns is my favorite documentary film maker and historian. He has done some pretty amazing things with film including a series on the National Parks. Grover Cleveland, Again! is another fantastic work by Burns.

Ken Burns shares in this book that he use to run through the names of the Presidents with  his children at bedtime. He would say George, they would answer Washington. Burns would run through all of the Presidents in this way. Grover Cleveland was the only president to have ever been president for two non-consecutive terms. So when Burns would call out Grover the second time, his children would answer, Grover Cleveland, Again! I am playing the same game with my boys.

Usually on Mondays, we sit on the sofa before we begin school for the day and we read a new president. Burns writes a few paragraphs about each president along with some really fun facts, like the crazy pets they owned.

Grover Cleveland

It wasn’t so long ago that my son mentioned Martin Van Buren in passing… like it was no big deal. He remembers everything we read in this incredible book! I was a political science major in college, so I find this book absolutely essential for our home classroom. It gives a framework to history, and an understanding of democracy. I love that Burns reinforces the idea that anyone can be president.  He says:

Can you be president? If you born in the United States and are at least thirty-five years old, you can be president. It doesn’t matter if you weigh as much as William Howard Taft (332 pounds) or as little as James Madison (100 pounds). It doesn’t matter if you are as tall as Abraham Lincoln, who was six-foot four, or as short as James Madison (again!), who was five foot four. It doesn’t matter if you’re born really rich like Thomas Jefferson or really poor like Ulysses S. Grant……

He goes on to highlight Barack Obama who is black,  John F. Kennedy who was Catholic, Franklin D. Roosevelt who had polio, and Woodrow Wilson who was dyslexic. I love this book! It is so encouraging and inspiring. I am not reviewing this book for a publisher. I just adore it. For homeschooling parents this book is a must!

 

New from Judah Smith!

15 Wednesday Feb 2017

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hows-your-soul

 

New York Times Bestselling Author of Jesus is_________., asks a thought proving question in his new release, How’s Your Soul?  I find it funny that he uses a contraction in the title, because he writes the entire book in the same casual speak. In fact, this book is very much like sitting in a room with Smith and simply talking to someone you know well. I think it is comforting to listen to Smith who never speaks above understanding and is never heady with theology.

As the title of the book eludes, Judah Smith is asking if your soul is in a healthy place. If haven’t considered the question, it might be time, and this is likely the book for you. Smith walks through intriguing ideas like having a quiet soul in a hectic, fast past world, and how having an effective soul leads to an effective life and what that looks like. My favorite nugget in the entire book is in the chapter Is Love God or Is God Love. It is here Smith unwraps the idea that love is a roof without skylights. Smith states with regard to people in sin, “We publicly cover them and privately restore them with the goal of bringing health in their lives.” Smith encourages us to not be exposers, but to be a safe place for hurting people. I love this. It is very different from much of what we hear and see in our world…and on social media.

Even if you are still kicking the tires on the idea of God, or are a life-long Christ Follower, I would recommend this book to you, There aren’t many Christian Living-Help books I would say that about or encourage people to read. I was given a complimentary copy of this book by BookLookBloggers and the book’s publisher. I have not been compensated, and I was not required to give a positive review.