(I was given this book by Moody Publishers in return for a review of the book. All thoughts are my own).

Don’t we all long to be better pray-ers? I know I do. But for whatever reason – doing more praying seems to be on the back burned of my spiritual to-do list. I’m too busy reading the Bible, teaching the Bible, parenting my kids, cleaning my house and playing my games on my ipad (yes, that is supposed to be a little funny).

Crickett Keeth wrote Before the Throne (an 8 week Bible study) to help us with that desire to learn to pray more. She can’t make us sit down and pray – but she can show us people in the Bible who prayed – bold prayers, persistent prayers, long prayers, short prayers, desperate prayers. These are the prayers we need to pray.

Here are some things I like about this book:

1. Thoughtful questions – not just fill in the blank. She is seeking your heart and your head in this book.
2. The Leader guide in the back. Helpful for anyone wanting to pick this up and teach to a small group.
3. She goes from beginning to end selecting prayers in the Bible and introduces us to them. The Bible is our guidebook

Today I started a series on the podcast where I will introduce you to women who have changed their world and we get to read about it. Women who have impacted the lives around them and we know about because their lives were written down.

Lilias Trotter was a missionary, artist, friend, daughter, sister. She lived to be in her mid-70s. Her life was filled with art and truth and life-giving moments with women around here. It was also filled with pain.

Most people are afraid of the Old Testament. Believe me, I was there at one point. But, for me there are a lot of hard parts of the Old Testament, but so much beauty as well. And as I’ve been studying it these last 5 or so years more in depth, I realize how much more I need to learn and see.

When you study the OT rightly, you see so much beauty, order, truth, love, history, and the kingdom of Christ.

Erin David, author of Beyond Bath Time (for all you mamas of littles out there), has written an 8 week study on the 7 Feasts in the Old Testament. In studying these, while looking in depth into not only the Old Testament, but seeing how it connects to Christ, the Gospel and the New Testament, it really all comes alive.

Feasts, celebrations and the good news of the gospel can all be found in this study. In our modern Christian culture today, we don’t study a lot of the Old Testament and the feasts. But, I trust that you will pick this up, learn more about it, and see how this study will enable your Bible study and your knowledge will help your understanding of the entire Bible come together.

You can pick it up from Moody publishers, study it solo or in groups. Thanks to Moody for my copy of this. I look forward to diving in even more.

This morning I was listening to a podcast with two of my favorite theologians: Russell Moore and Ligon Duncan. They were talking about how many smart people don’t know much about the Bible – even if they’ve been in church their entire lives.

Jen Wilkin talks about the same thing: improving Bible literacy among the women in our churches. I grew up in a Christian school, majored in Philosophy and Religion in college, got a Masters in Christian Education and I couldn’t tell you without looking what was going on (specifically) in the minor prophets. And I’ve led a study on the minor prophets. But, that was 15 years ago and I just didn’t retain the specifics.

Maybe you are like me and need a refresher course on Bible specifics (and generalities) or maybe you are a new believer and need the basics for the first time. Or maybe you are discipling a younger woman and want a good resource to teach with.

And, my friends at SideDoor Communications is giving a set away! Just for you. Respond to me and let me know how you would use this set!

Catherine Walker has put together two workbooks, one on the OT and one on the NT. Yes workbooks – you get to fill in the blank, answer questions, search out the answers for yourself. She designed it for high school students. And is allowing you to do the work. And that’s for me how I learn the most. In the OT the workbook goes chronologically which would be great if you are doing a read-through-the-Bible in this same way. In the NT workbook she gives a brief study of each book.

What a great resource for teachers or students for an overview of the whole Bible!

Moody Publishers sent me these workbooks and all opinions are my own.

I use Instagram to put up fun videos of my boys, post delicious recipes, and encourage others in their walk with Jesus. I love this social platform.

Recently, I saw a pencil sharpener. You may not think much of it. But, a pink pencil sharpener! With two littles boys who love to draw and are learning to write – we need a pencil sharpener. We don’t homeschool, but all year we use a pencil sharpener. Whether its for homework or just fun drawing or coloring book time, or writing in their quiet time journals, a way to sharpen pencils is quite handy!

This pencil sharpener definitely comes in more colors than pink. But, pink is the one I choose! With two boys, I have to get in girl colors where I can!

What I love most about this sharpener? The lever up at the top where you insert the pencil that holds the pencil in place! It is easy for my young boys (K and 1st) to use on their own.

I was given this pencil sharpener in exchange for a post, and I’ve taken forever to do it – but I’m thankful for this company and this sharpener! Get yours today! For your home or classroom – and you can help them give back too!