July Reading List

posted in: Books | 0

I’m very excited to start a new month with new reading.  I’ve got a smaller list this month and I changed some out – but I may add some more or may actually finish all of these.  But…here they are.  Let me know what you are reading this month:

 

James by Doriani – in the Reformed Expository Commentary series.  This will be in light of the James Bible study I am writing.

A Woman’s Wisdom by Lydia Brownback – I thoroughly enjoyed meeting this author and hearing her speak at the recent TGCW12, so I look forward to finishing this book.

The Fruitful Life by Jerry Bridges – hands down my favorite author and I am excited about spending some time studying the fruit of the Spirit.

Keep a Quiet Heart by Elisabeth Elliot – I was given this book a while ago by a friend of mine who thoroughly enjoyed it and I anticipate the same.

 

I will be praying through some books for devotional reading and reading portions of books for different blog posts.  So, its going to be a great month!

Book Review: Letting Go of Perfect (Amy Spiegel)

posted in: Books, Uncategorized, Women | 0

This book, Amy’s first one that has just hit the presses, is one that every woman could read and obtain laughter, wisdom, and gospel implication…no matter what stage of life she is in.  Usually you can’t say that about women’s books: they are geared toward one woman or another: wife, mom, empty nester, single, divorcee, etc.  But, even though Amy is married, you can take all of her experiences and apply the gospel truths she illustrates to your life.

There will be a longer, more detailed review of this book coming up in the fall edition of the Journal for Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, but until then take hold of some of these favorite quotes from her.  See if you find yourself trying to set a standard of perfection (that is based on others around you) instead of living by grace in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

“Choosing what I will and won’t wear is as much about living up to my responsibilities to myself and my fellow womankind as it is about showing consideration to my brothers.  I have a responsibility not to create a competitive or hostile environment for my fellow females.” (pg 28-29)

 

Book Review: Scandalous by D. A. Carson

posted in: Books | 0

This weekend I had my second opportunity to hear Dr. Carson preach in person.  What a privilege.  Especially after coming off of finishing this book on the Cross and Resurrection of Jesus.

Ok, now granted it was my Easter reading and I am just now finishing it, but I finished it nonetheless.  And it was good – just longer chapters (so I can’t just breeze through one) and theological material (so I don’t breeze through that either.  But rich.

This book it pretty much sermons that Carson has preached on the cross – it will bring new insights to the power of the cross for you with which you can use to live the empowered Christian life.  Enjoy it.  Don’t fly through it – savor it.

“It is in Jesus’ death, in His destruction, and in His resurrection three days later , that Jesus meets our needs and reconciles us to God, becoming the temple, the supreme meeting place between God and sinners.  To use Paul’s language, we do not simply preach Christ; rather we preach Christ crucified.” pg 23

“…Paul is convinced that the root problem is our rebellion against God, our fascination with idolatry, our grotesque de-godding of God.” pg 43-44

“Paul insists that if you rightly read the OT, you will discover that these very writings, rightly understood, point forward to , testify to, anticipate, and prophesy what has culminated in Christ.” pg 52

“The rapid pace of life often squeezes what is important out to the periphery: the urgent displaces the important, the digital replaces the personal.” pg 77

 

Book Review: Back in the Day Bakery Cookbook

posted in: Books, food, Uncategorized | 1

Savannah is known for several things: shrimp, moss, SCAD, Lady & Sons, being one of my favorite towns in the US, Eden Village, and now…Back in the Day Bakery.  This sweet Mom mailed me this cookbook – what a treasure!

When I was recently in Savannah I wanted to stop by here, but as we passed the bakery, baby Campbell wasn’t making me feel very good (you know, first trimester) and I had no energy to even allow E to find a parking spot, walk in, taste something, and take pictures.  Jenna (happy birthday) at Eat Live Run introduced THE WORLD to this bakery from her blog and I’ve been intrigued ever since.

The blueberry muffins are a winner.  I also want to try (one from each chapter, just so I don’t start out with wanting to make the whole book):

Breakfast: Since I’ve already made the blueberry muffins, my next choice would be the Carrot-Golden Raisin Muffins

Coffee Cakes, etc: Brown Sugar Banana Bread

Cupcakes and Cakes: Hummingbird Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting (a southern classic)

Pies, etc: Smore Pie

Puddings and Custards: Chocolate Pudding (not the instand kind)

Cookies: Oatmeal Coconut Cookies

Brownies and Bars: Lemon Pie Bars

Confections: Butter Mints (not the Brach’s 99 cent kind)

Savories: White Bean Soup with Bacon

 

This cookbook is a winner to me because of the:

1.  Stories they tell with each recipe

2.  The extras they include in it: pantry basic, background of their beginnings, etc

3.  The beautiful pictures

4.  It has traditional recipes with some new additions and just a few surprises!

(Picture taken by me on Boyce College grounds in Louisville, KY January 4, 2010 when they came to visit!)

 

 

June Reading List

posted in: Books | 0

Another month, another stack of books.  I always overshoot my reading abilities and time, but I’d rather do that than not be ambitious and then only get one – or none – read.  With hub’s schedule this week I’ll have some evening to do some reading.  And I have 20 hours in a car this month just counting one trip so I hope I can get some reading done then as well.

Here we go.  You will see some similarities from last month.

Loving the Way Jesus Loves – Philip Ryken – Yes, I’m still reading this one.

From One Ministry Wife to Another – Susie Hawkins –

What Did You Expect – Paul Tripp – I’ve been reading this one for a while, hopefully I’ll polish it off this month – great book

Parenting by God’s Promises – Joel Beeke – liking prinicples of it, not necessarily agreeing with all the underlying theology

Bake in the Day Bakery Cookbook – Cheryl and Griffith Day – I love reading cookbooks and this one is no different.  Cookbooks are about three things for me: writing, food, and photos.  For it to be a good cookbook, all three have to be present.

Boyhood and Beyond – Bob Schulz – still praying through this one for Baby Campbell

Letting Go of Perfect – Amy Spiegel – This will be a great read because I’m always striving to live up to unrealistic expectations.

A Woman’s Wisdom – Lydia Brownback – I’m looking forward to finishing this before TGC’s Women’s Conference later this month.  She is speaking and leading a publishing forum.  Brilliant.

Girl Meets God – Lauren Winner – Autobiography for the month.

So, this month I have:

1 Autobiography

3 Christian Living

1 Cookbook

3 Parenting/Marriage

 

That’s a good spectrum for me.  Now…gotta get to reading.

How Many Shades?

posted in: Books, Uncategorized, Women | 4

Bandwagons.  I don’t like them – ask my husband.  So, I haven’t read any of the Twilight, Harry Potter, or Hunger Games series.  So, when a friend asked me to write a blog post about 50 Shades of Grey, I said, “sure!”.   I haven’t read Mary Kassian’s thoughts on this yet – but will get to it after I write my own thoughts.

I didn’t even know what I was looking for in the store, but I found it right away in my local Target store.  I was truly appalled at the few bits that I read while I leaned against the store counter.  I then made my way to the nearest Barnes and Noble to gather the trilogy in my hands and write this post.

I was really thinking about putting in some of those snippets but I will refrain – if I don’t want women to be reading this book, I don’t need to allow you to read it on this blog.  And, I really don’t need to read those snippets again.

Here is some of the back of the book:

“When the couple embarks on a daring passionately physical affair, Ana discovers Christian Grey’s secrets and explores her own dark desires.”

Classification: Erotic Romance – Mature Audience

The tag line at the bottom: “Erotic, amusing, and deeply moving, the Fifty Shades Trilogy is a tale that will obsess you, possess you, and stay with you forever.”  Really…

Obsess you: There should only be one obsession in you life if you are a believer: Christ.

Possess you: The Bible I read already declares us to be possessions of Someone: Christ.  He bought us with His own blood and sanctifies us.  Women: this book will not aid your sanctification process.

Stay with you Forever: That is the unfortunate part.  I can’t erase what I read in this book, I can’t go back to before I read it.  It will stay with me forever.  It is damaging.  Don’t do it.

In this book these is sex, reversed gender roles, obsession, unbiblical habits that are brought out on every page, envy, anger, lust, need I go on?

So…this one is pretty easy.  Don’t read it.  I don’t know what good could come out of it.  Since I’ve been married, what I put in my mind has changed.  Before I could watch chick flicks or read Sweet Valley High (in high school) and Christian romance novels.  But, honestly, now I can’t. I love my husband too much.  I don’t want to bring any outside thoughts into our bedroom.  I trust him too much to do that to him.  He should be the one I fanticize about – not anyone in a book or on a TV screen.  (Note: some friends might know that I loved the Mentalist – mainly because of Simon Baker – I don’t watch the show anymore for this very reason.)

How do you guard your mind and thoughts and engage the culture at the same time?  What do you do with non-Christian books that invade culture?  Well, whether its with Sci-Fi, teen romance that is all the rage – really, adult women falling in love with vampires – how do you keep your thoughts pure?

I seldom just say NO to cultural phenomenons.  I want to judge for myself.  And with some reads or movies I think you can engage them with a biblical worldview and your watching of it will not do any harm.  But, there are some that won’t do any good.

One song from the early 90s I often sing (just because its stuck in my head) is “Free your mind, and the rest will follow.”  I know that song doesn’t have really much to do with what we are talking about today – but the problem remains.  If we “free our mind” from God’s laws and mandates that are made for our good – then pretty  soon the rest will follow: our heart and then our actions.

Here is some of the best of what the Bible has to say about this:

Proverbs 4:23-27: “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.  Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you.  Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you.  Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure.  Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.”

Ladies: keep your eyes, feet, mind, and bodies pure.  50 Shades will not enable you to do that.

Book Review: Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor (D.A. Carson)

posted in: Books | 0

The lives of people teach us how to live today.  This is one of the reasons I think everyone should read history and biographies.

As I was searching through our church’s library one day I came across this book, written by D. A. Carson, about his father.  I love Carson’s writings as does my husband so I knew that reading it would be a blessing to both of us.  And indeed it was.  Carson’s writing style is spot on as it always is and this one is a little less dense as compared to some of this theology books.  It is as personal, reflective, and subjective as it possibly could be being that he was writing about his father.

Here are three things I learned about how to live life by this ordinary pastor named Tom Carson who lived in the country to our north:

1.  He rarely if ever complained.  He didn’t complain about others, he didn’t complain about ministry, he didn’t complain about anything.  What a great testimony to the children and his wife.  he lived Scriptures that talk of no grumbling, do everything without complaining, let your speech be always edifying, etc.  He would pray these “complaints” in his journals to his Father whom he knew and loved.  There he could leave them and knew that God would provide an answer in His timing.  I need to learn to do this.  I need to model this in my own life – even as I was journaling this yesterday.

2.  He struggled with failure.  If you have read Monday’s blog post you might notice a theme here and know why this aspect of this ordinary pastor’s life meant much to me.  He strived in ministry his whole life and there were periods of his life when he saw little fruit.  That would drain him, as he continued to strive for perfectionism.  He would note later in his life about how he had failed his wife in her healthy years and wanted to make up for it.  This was by no means a rejection of the gospel, because he clung to the truth that Jesus would be his entryway into heaven – He had done it all for him on the cross.  It seems as though many famous and not so famous pastors and other ministry leaders struggle with failure and depression.  I don’t know if anyone but the Lord ever knows of a man’s real struggle.  But, how this encouraged me, was to daily encourage my husband, do not be one of the many that may at some point wear on him or beat him down. He needs to hear encouagement from me and find me telling him (and telling myself) to hope in the gospel of Jesus.

3.  I saw the faithfulness of a marriage.  I have never cried so much in reading a book.  The last two chapters I could barely read because there were too many tears.  Carson told of his mom’s failing health of Alzheimer’s disease and how his dad was faithfully by her side.  How he would give up ministry and stay home to bathe, feed, dress, his wife of more than fifty years.  The book recounts his journal articles of hopelessness and failure in the many ways he was serving her (due to his own perfectionism) and how he so missed her when she was gone.  Then Don tells of his own Dad’s passing, how he died about 3 years after his wife, was sick, and unfortunately died alone in a hospital room.  Even though the children had been there and were just going home to rest, they couldn’t get back to the hospital in time.  I think that was the saddest part of the book – to die alone – but Jesus was with him and his children loved him.  He was a great man to them.  And they got a healthy view of what a godly marriage should be.  This of course means more to me now after I am married then it would have before.  I can’t imagine living life without my husband, even though I’ve only known the man a little over a year of my life.  How I survived the previous 33.5 without him I don’t know. God is certainly gracious to me.  And I know that God has only loaned him to me for a while, and that when He takes him (or me) if that happens before Jesus’ return: then, just as HE IS ENOUGH now, God will prove Himself to be all that I need then, too.

I think back to the celebrity pastor panel at T4G this year…and this is how Don Carson ends his book of his Dad’s life:

“Tom Carson never rose very far in denominational structures, but hundreds of people in the Outaouais and beyond testify how much he loved them.  He never wrote a book, but he loved the Book.  He was never wealthy or powerful, but he kept growing as a Christian: yesterday’s grace was never enough.  He was not a farsighted visionary, but he looked forward to eternity.  His journals have many, many entries bathed in tears of contrition, but his children and grandchildren remember his laughter.  Only rarely did he break through his pattern of reserve and speak deeply and intimately with his children, but he modeled Christian virtues to them.  He much preferred to avoid controversy than to stire things up, but his own commitments to historic confessionalism were unyielding, and in ethics he was a man of principle.  His own ecclesiastical circles were rather small and narrow, but his reading was correspondingly large and expansive.  He was not very good at putting people down, except on his prayer list. 

When he died, there were no crowds outside the hospital, no editorial comments in the papers, no announcements on television, no mentiona in Parliamnent, not attention paid by the nation.  In his hospital room there was no one by his bedside.  There was only the quiet hiss of oxygen, vainly venting because he had stopped breathing and would never need it again. 

But on the other side all the trumpets sounded.  Dad won entrance to the only throne room that matters, not because he was a good man or a great man – he was, after all, a most ordinary pastor – but because he was a forgiven man.  And he heard the voice of Him whom he longed to hear saying, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord.'” (pg 147-148)

This is a good read for anyone who loves biographies, a pastor or ministry worker, a pastor’s wife, or an ordinary Christian who needs to be encouraged by a life of faithfulness and how God rewards His own.

Thank you Dr. Carson for sharing your memoirs of your Dad with readers like me.  They were necessary.

 

Book Review: Loving the Little Years

posted in: Books, mothering | 2

Raves: that is all I have ever heard about this book.  And in some ways, I think those are correct.

And in some ways, I think those raves fail.

Where this book is strong is in its every day ideas for parenting of multiple small children.  Jankovic’s experiences she shares with her readers bring them many practical steps for raising children that are great with their siblings.  I would love to pick this book up when I’m facing difficult challenges when parenting goes awry.  She offers great biblical advice for mothers who are in need of direction of how to set their children on the right path.  As some of my friends have said, you will want to read this at least once a year. 

Another aspect of this book that I love is short chapters. She definitely knows and identifies with her main audience here: mothers who don’t have a lot of time to themselves.  As most mothers will testify to – quiet time is scarce: sometimes stuck between nap times or when you are taking a shower, or drying your hair (especially on those days when you actually get a shower).  These chapters are short and practical and funny and down-to-earth. You will want to read it time and time again. 

Here is where this book fails for me:

1.  Although she is most definitely a Christian and writes from a biblical perspective, a gospel perspective, there are maybe a handful of Scripture references in the book.  With all of her references to the gospel, to obedience, to the Law – there are many opportunities for her to direct her readers to Scripture, and the sufficiency of it for our parenting.  Instead, we mostly just have her experience, which is great – but I want to base my parenting on the Word and see what of the Bible I can bring to Baby’s life and mind – and point him to the source.  Also, if I want to share this book with other parents, or a neighborhood small group of moms (made up of Christians and non-Christians) they see good kids are the outcome, but not necessasrily gospel-centered children who see Christ in their parent’s parenting.

2.  There are very few mentions of how the Dad plays a role in the parenting.  If you take this book and Gospel-Powered Parenting and combine them – then you would have one that reaches both parents because it would speak to the joint effort of parenting with the spiritual leading of the Dad as the head of the home.   One may be too Dad-based and one (this one) may not have enough Dad in it.  I know she is writing to moms who are “stuck” in the house all day with children (and by stuck I’m not being sarcastic or rude, God allows our role to be in the home and we have the ministry of running our home and raising our children).  But, I do believe Dads need to have more of a hand in the parenting that happens in the house.  Even though he may be gone all day, I want my husband to be an integral part on our baby’s life and heart. 

All that being said, here are some of my favorite quotes:

“Christian childrearing is a pastoral pursuit, not an organizational challenge.” – pg 50

“It is not about ignoring the sin, it is about renewing the fellowship.” – pg 76

“When you have disciplined, there should be a restoration of fellowship.” – pg 86

I know, who am I to talk, I’m not a “real” parent yet – I’m not having to make disciplining decisions on the spot and dealing with 3 children tugging at my skirt and flinging flour all over the kitchen or one who has a diaper blowout.  But, I hope to apply some of these great tips that she has offered and hopefully employ my husband’s help and his kindness and grace tied with the hope of the Word of God.

Book Review: Treasuring God in Our Traditions (Noel Piper)

posted in: Books | 1

Growing up I can’t think of a single tradition we had as a family.  Kind sad – but that doesn’t mean I can’t start any in our new family, especially as we welcome baby boy into the world in a few short months.

Noel Piper has written a tremendous book on why do you have traditions?  I mean why do you watch the Rose Bowl Parade every New Years?  Why do you go to grandma’s house for Easter lunch every year?  What makes something a tradition?  How do you start new ones?

Through many personal stories and Scriptural citations, Mrs. Piper exhorts families to share in traditions together that embrace the Savior and exalt Him to a world that doesn’t know Him.  As parents, we have a huge burden and responsibility (and joy) to raise our children in the ways of Jesus – to help them come to know Christ and see Him for who He is.  How do your traditions/holidays/birthdays, etc explain and display Christ to them and neighbors and other family members?

Honestly, I felt like the best part of the book was the one at the end about worship services and little children.  Her and her pastor husband, John, gave great advice and helpful hints for having young children in corporate worship services.  This is such an important issue in many churches.  And I think every parent/couple must know what will happen come Sunday morning. 

My one regret with this book is that I didn’t read it with my husband.  A wife shouldn’t really establish traditions by herself and this book would have been great, or at least to discuss with my husband, so we can think and plan traditions for our family.  I’m sure he is open for discussion!

“We are always teaching our children, whether we mean to or not.” (pg 34)

“Children need teaching from the Bible so they can grow into men and women of God.  That’s what we long for on their behalf and what God offers through His Word.” (pg 44)

“Our celebrations work good in our own lives and in other people whose lives touch ours, by kindling our love fo God, by increasing our knowledge of Him, and by helping us remember who God is and how He works.” (pg 64)

Book Review: Help! I’m a Minister’s Wife (Tina Wright)

posted in: Books, marriage | 0

Using her years of ministry experience and over 100 surveys by minister’s wives with years in the ministry as well, Tina Wright writes a helpful and encouraging book for all ministry wives. 

Its funny, I got this book years after I met Tina (about 5 years ago now) and just read it – only 7 months after I got married.  The chapters are short, readable, makes you laugh, think, cry, uses illustrations you will definitely be able to identify with, and just a pick me up.  I joked with E after each brief time I read a chapter or two.  “You really like it when I read some of Tina’s book, don’t you.  You get encouraged!”  I would always say something positive and encouraging to my husband when I put down her book.

That is what I’ve learned from Tina, both in real life and through her book.  I loved reading her book because I knew some of the people and stories that she shared.  I also knew she, though not perfect, strived to live out the principles she put forth in Help!  These aren’t just lofty ideas that can’t be obtained.  Through her almost 20 years serving alongside Steve in ministry, through moves, schooling, raising three children, etc – she has had plenty of practice with the ideas and truths in this book.

Most ministry wives (especially moms) do not think they have time to read.  You can easily read a chapter of this book in 10 minutes.  I think we all can find 10 minutes, and believe me – your life, marriage, and ministry will be changed because of the biblical truths Tina gives in this book.

Thank you sweet friend.  You are missed.

Photo credit: GreenFlash Productions from our wedding.