15 Mar 2016

I Want It All – a book review

by Kimberly | posted in: Books | 0

As a busy mom and wife, who is trying to get a creative business going, I don’t really have time to read. I love reading – but by the time I sit down to read I’m so tired, so a book really has to be compelling for me to read it.

Enter: Gwen Smith’s I Want it All .

I really thought this book was going to be about women who could do everything and be everything to everyone. I was so skeptical about it. Then, I opened the book.

Immediately, Smith’s winsome, real, and grace-filled writing was so captivating and encouraging to a broken heart that needs lots of healing.

If you are in a place with wounded faith that needs encouragement – find it here as she saturates her book with the Word and life.

4 Feb 2016

a little bit of life (book review)

by Kimberly | posted in: Books | 1

Sometimes yall, life is a little bit crazy. Ok – sometimes life is a lot crazy. Can anyone relate?

Our lives as a little family have felt like this since we day we returned from our honeymoon. But, now we are again in an extra chaotic season of having to move and not knowing where in the world we are going. Our townhome that we’ve been renting in ATL for two years is going up for sale in oh, say, 24 days. And our lease is up the end of April. And we have two toddlers. And yeah – so there you have it. Another move. Another change.

Well, even though our lives may be chaotic, and at times our home, my life doesn’t have to be chaotic. Between lettering, photo shoots, spring break, packing, and then normal weekly activities, an early Easter, potty training – yes, life is crazy.

Shannon Upton, in her new book Building Your House, has given me great encouragement, grace, and instruction on how to be a wise mom who builds a God-centered home. (Thank you Shannon for the book, btw) When my mister and I were dating, he asked me what I thought of the verse in Proverbs that says “The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.” I just thought that meant keeping things clean.

Oh, how much I had to learn. I knew it meant other things – but didn’t realize the importance of all those little things. 4.5 years into marriage, I am realizing it even more.

Shannon gives you helpful DOABLE tips on how to keep from cluttering up your soul, your home, and your life. Prayer is the key – but prayer isn’t all. There are certain activities you must do. But, with these to -do items, she gives grace, practical tips, spiritual reasons that might be at the heart of why you need to do these things (like dealing with materialism and why you hoard possessions or idolatry or fear of man when you are too busy to do what needs to be done.)

This book can even be a great tool for new moms or women in your church because she includes a study guide – and I’ve found that being around women who will encourage me with ways to keep my home and keep my family on track is very rewarding.

On that note, I need to check on my eggs that are boiling on the stove so I can eat lunch here at 1:20pm.

24 Sep 2015

What’s the Scoop with Grown-Up Coloring Books?

by Kimberly | posted in: Books, creatives | 0

If you haven’t been in a Michaels are read blogs you may not know this – but coloring books are back. No, not for kids – but for adults. Mostly women who want to have a creative outlet. Coloring books are definitely a new thing in the adult coloring world – and may be here for at least a little bit – and one of the fads I love.

My friend Karisse is doing them and I love hers because they are simple and based on Scripture for the most part of really cool quotes that she likes.

Blogging For Books had one I chose by Daria Song. I really loved the prettiness of the book, but for me it was a little too detailed. I like to color to relax and just think and do nothing. When I have to be that detailed in my coloring (I like coloring inside the lines) then it isn’t as relaxing for me.

I can’t wait to do some more though and keep the coloring trend alive!

17 Jun 2015

Friendship in the Real World

by Kimberly | posted in: Books | 0

Over the past few years with the pick up in social media sites, I fear that more people (mostly women I’m writing about here) are better friends with the people on their social media networks than they are with people in their daily lives. I am not saying those online friendships are bad, I just want to make the case that they are insufficient.

I would say that the main way I see this dominating the circles I follow are online Bible studies. Again, I’m not saying these are bad – I’m just saying they are insufficient. You can only be so real with people you only know through a computer (that’s why I think there are great problems with online dating). The good thing about these online Bible studies is that you study the Word and you get to know people…but that can’t take the place of real life Bible studies if you have access to good ones.

Neither can these online friendships take the place of real life friends. Since I’ve traveled a lot and moved a bit since being an adult, I have plenty of my best friends that don’t live in my immediate area. Social media is definitely a way I keep up with them and know what’s going on in their lives – and they know how they can pray, encourage, and help me along in my sanctification process by loving me and loving the Gospel.

I’ve been reading a surprisingly good book A Friend in Me by Pamela Havey Lau. It is about friendship – but more importantly, an older generation of women being grace-imparting friends to younger women. Sounds very much like Titus 2. I found this book for women to be refreshing because its deeper than most books on friendship. This has been a convicting read to me in getting to know knew women, continuing relationships with women I already know, pursuing Gospel love with them, encouraging them in whatever stage of life God has them in right now, and even in my parenting and imparting the Gospel to my boys who are so little.

Thankful for this book on friendship, real life friends, and yes, social media where I can keep up with all my friends spread throughout the world.

I received this book from LitFuse in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.

29 May 2015

Fear and Faith : a book for every woman

by Kimberly | posted in: Books | 3

There haven’t been many books I’ve come across, geared toward women, that I think apply to all women. May be a few by Elyse Fitpatrick, but that’s about it. Most books for women are geared toward marriage, singleness, motherhood, etc. This new book from Moody Publishers by Trillia Newbell (who works for the ERLC) is one book that I would highly recommend to every single woman to read.

Why? Because we all fear. We may not like to admit we fear – but we all do. I will post my official review later, but suffice it to say that Trillia states her case and successfully writes about it – and points us to the gospel in all things with this book. I want to interact personally with this book here.

I don’t think I would ever consider myself a fearful person – until I got married. I think the closeness to other people brings that out – because there is more a fear of loss. Before I got married I lived by myself in my own apt, I moved gladly around to different countries, I was actually quite independent – though I did have close relationships. Now, I hate it when my mister is gone and its just me in the house with my two littles. I have trouble falling asleep and I have to quote verses to myself in order to calm my heart.

My biggest struggle is fear of man. I think I’ve known this tendency since I was little – but not until I came more into a relationship with Christ did I fully understand my need for salvation in this area. A pastor recommended an Ed Welch book for me to read about 10 years ago. So convicting – but so filled with hope that God has a special plan for our lives so we don’t have to be chained to sin in this area.

That’s what Trillia does in every area! She lists out many fears that women struggle with ranging from tragedy, the future, to physical appearance and sexual intimacy. In every single chapter – I was convicted by some of her thoughts (totally based in Scripture backed up by personal experience – not the other way around) – and I was placed gently in the hands of the Almighty who doesn’t want me to fear but wants me to trust completely in Him.

I see this in my marriage a lot. This idea of us being consumed with the opinions of others (pg 24). I always want to know what my mister thinks of my outfit, the food I cooked, etc. I want him to realize that I cleaned this or that and am always looking for his approval.

Right now my mister and I are not in a place of surety – meaning I don’t think we are going to be in this place in life for a long time so we feel kinda in limbo. So, when I don’t have a vision for the future and don’t know how long it will be till we see that vision – its scary. This book has taught me that I don’t trust God enough in this area. I like to be in control.

I read the chapter on appearance (am I pretty enough) the wknd I finally lost all the baby weight. I was so excited. I mean my second son just turned 20 months old. Its been a long time coming. Newbell reminded me that while I should take care of my body because God desires me to – I shouldn’t focus on my looks to an extreme amount nor should I find my identity in the numbers on the scale.

Giveaway: Moody has graciously said they would give a copy of this book to a reader. Here is how you enter: what one verse to do you go to when you are fearful? You can answer in the blog comments or on a social media account of your choice. Just make sure I know about it. I will choose a winner on Sunday night.

Trillia – thank you. This book was very helpful and was restorative to my soul.

16 May 2015

Never Say No : a Startling Guide to Parenting (Review)

by Kimberly | posted in: Books, parenting, Shepherding Children | 0

Thanks to Litfuse for the chance to read and review this book. All thoughts are my own.

There is something to say for having a great title. When I first saw this book come through my emails – I wanted to read it solely for the purpose of finding out what the Foreman’s had to say about parenting – based on the title Never Say No. And they raised two creative children (Switchfoot) and I want to know how to bring out my sons’ creativity.

I was really surprised by this book and how much I liked it. It was practical, not at all saying your children should run the home or the universe. They had an underlying focus on the grace that Jesus offered to us at the cross, and how that enables us to parent with eyes focused on Him and handing out more grace. “Everything is grace. Be thankful. Give grace away.” (pg 21)

I think really in the overall picture – they still tend to be more man-centered in this book then I would naturally point to. With good goals – like spending time with your children, bringing out there gifts, giving them grace, etc. But maybe, we could point them to their Savior and His Will for their life and what God gave them to do for his glory. I think it is really semantics – I do believe the Foremans would say the exact same thing.

I would recommend this book for parents of school-age children or pre-teens. I think that is where it is hard to connect and communicate with your children and help them to see their amazing purpose in the world – to shine Jesus!

8 May 2015

Do You Have Blind Spots?

by Kimberly | posted in: Books | 1

If you are in the church…then you might have figured out that the church isn’t perfect – and everyone in the church isn’t just like you. The church is made up of sinners who have been redeemed by a gracious God. Everyone is different, has different opinions, and has different gifts. So, what are you to do when you have differing opinions (not right or wrong)?

Collin Hansen, guru over at The Gospel Coalition, has written a book to answer such questions. I found this book difficult to read – not because of how it is written, but that it is so introspective and points to the sin that is in all of our hearts (when wanting our own way). Thankfully, Collin doesn’t leave his readers there. He offers the hope of the Gospel and also some ways to apply this grace even in the church.

“And when these differences cohere around the Gospel of Jesus Christ, they work together to challenge, comfort, and compel a needy world with the only that will never fail or fade.” (pg 23)

The hardest thing about differences in the church is everyone always thinks they are right. This writing by Hansen helps us to see that there are gospel-centered ways to handle our differences, how to engage together with those who are not like-minded, and how not to point fingers. Pointing fingers doesn’t get you anywhere.

This would be a good read for:

1. Me…because if I see differences in the church I am quick to point out how I would do things differently or why I don’t think this such and such is working.

2. Church leaders who seem to have a thriving church – but know that there are differences within their congregations.

3. Churches on either end of the spectrum. Maybe you are a church leader who has a congregation that loves missions and serving the poor and has dynamite electric worship with a rocking praise team – but you are really low on theology. Or maybe you sing out of hymn books, would never use the drums, and barely see any conversions all year – but your people know the Bible. We are all sinners and desperately need the hope of the Gospel for us to love Jesus and look more like Jesus on Sundays – and every day of the week!

15 Apr 2015

Read This: Give Her Wings

by Kimberly | posted in: Books, Uncategorized, Women | 1

I feel like the title of the book should be a country song – but I won’t venture there.

This is a more serious book with a serious message, not appropriate for a country song.

Megan Cox has become a friend of mine through another friend, and she has such a heart for ministering to women who have come from situations that no woman would desire. She shares much of her story in Give Her Wings, and that is one of the reasons that Give Her Wings is such a powerful book. When women share their story, where God met them, how God brought them new life from death, created a new heart where only death lived, it is a miraculous story.

She shares her story in this book and offers hope and counseling to women who might be struggling in similar situations. She ministers to women with God’s truth on her lips and understanding in her heart. This book speaks of that understanding and also can be used as a guide in how to minister to hurting women.

One of the best things I’ve read in this book is the following:

“Speak God’s truth into her life. She Scriptures that encourage and comfort. Remind her she is not alone. Bless her with the Word. If she heads condemnation, her crisis of faith may very well tip to the wrong direction.” (pg 89)

There is a spot of time that women who are coming out of hurting relationships are open to hearing God’s truth. Relationships can be redeemed by God’s Love and Justice. He can bring healing. And it is books like this that offer that Love, hope, and truth to hurting women.

23 Mar 2015

God’s Delight in Pre-Teen Girls (Book Giveaway)

by Kimberly | posted in: Books, parenting, Shepherding Children | 10

(This post is sponsored by Tommy Nelson Mommies: they give me free books – and allow you to win them – in exchange for my review of them. All opinions are my own.)

One of the first things we learn as believers (or are taught in Christian learning) is “God created everything.” I already teach that truth to my boys. We love the verses that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” and “created in God’s image”

But, somehow, I think it is a very easy truth to learn and put into belief the older we get. I remember being a pre-teen girl. I was overweight, wore glasses, didn’t have great hair, had zits, wasn’t all the cool, wanted to be cool, had a crush on the cool guy, started my period, looked different than most of the girls in my class, it wasn’t easy.

I believed lies. I desired popularity. I earnestly tried so hard to fit in. But, one of the things I don’t remember reminding myself of is that God created me perfectly in his image and has a plan for my life.

Then, I graduated high school and started college. I taught 7th grade co-ed Sunday School for 3 straight years. I still keep in touch with some of those girls. There were (and still are) so many battles pre-teen and teen girls face. But, there is only one answer. God’s truth.

My first devotional when I was in 10th grade was Spirit Wings by Ken Burns. I loved it at the time. I was just learning how to have a quiet time thanks to my youth pastor and youth workers. Quiet time material has come a long way. I think it is an important discipline for kids of any age to learn. Taking time each day to talk with God, read His Word, and listen to Him.

You, as a parent to them, have a vital role in this. You can not only model this for them, but also teach them how to do it for themselves, and engage with them after their quiet time. Ask them what they learned. Ask them what they read. Ask them important questions of how they might apply it to their heart that God is in the process of making new and making to look like Christ’s.

Tommy Nelson has put out resources for quiet times for pre-teen or young teen girls called Brave Girls. The two I have for the purpose of this blog is Faithful Friends (on friendships and relationships) and Better Than Perfect (on self-image and how to relate to this world in light of the Word). Each day is a 1-2 page read. Starts out with Scripture, then there is a story, lesson, truth, completely applicable to this time in their lives, and finishes with questions and prayers.

One way I think it could be better would be to bring everything in every story under the Cross of Christ – but I do think these are really really good and can be a great help to you as a parent in giving your daughter some solid material. And, as you talk with your daughter and engage with her in what she is reading, you can tie everything back to the Gospel.

So, if you would like a chance to win these books, please comment with the answer to one of these two questions.

1. What was the first devotional book you read (besides the Bible)?

2. How do you train your children to have their own quiet time?

21 Feb 2015

Hope in a Sexually-Broken World

by Kimberly | posted in: Books, hearthopejustice, Women, World Events | 1

Sex. God created it. Blessed it. He saw that it was good.

Then sin destroyed it. Sin distorts and kills everything.

There is only one hope for sin: Jesus.

In the Fall, I heard Dr. Albert Mohler give a talk at my church. He shared the trauma and results of living in a sexually-broken world. How far and wide its affects are. This one area touches so many other avenues in the churches, our homes, our societies, and our world.

Allow me to explain what I mean when I say a “sexually-broken”: anything outside of God’s amazing plan for a hope-filled, Christ-exalting sex life within a marriage of two people: a man and a woman, for life. Everything else is sin. And that leads to a sexually-broken world.

This brokenness can come in the form of physical/sexual abuse, pornography, lust, rape, addictions (think 50 Shades of Gray), homosexuality, sex-trafficking, prostitution…the list could go on.

Some of you might not be aware of how pervasive this brokenness is. But, look that the Super Bowl for example: one of the highest profiting days for selling sex.

Some of you might not think that this brokenness affects you. But, I assure it does. Sexual sin affected me starting in college. Not my own, but someone else’s. This still affects my thought life to some degree. Then my own sexual sin left scars of guilt in my heart that I still carry now (and I fight with the truth of forgiveness and the power of the Gospel). You probably know friends who have been raped, abused, who are addicted to pornography, who struggle with lust, who have had sex before marriage, who do not have wonderfully fulfilling sexual relations in marriage, or who bring sexual scars into their marriage and suffer mentally and physically from them.

Now, that we know a little of the problem, how we do fix our sexual-brokenness? Hownestly – we can’t. We need a Fixer. That’s why Jesus came. During His time on earth, he did ministry in the life of at last three women who were sexually broken: Mary Magdelene, the woman at the well in John 4, and the woman who was caught in adultery. His blood on the cross covered all of our sins – not just our sexual sinfulness.

You may be the cause of your own brokenness (your sinful addictions, etc), or the brokenness may come from the outside (rape, abuse, bondage, etc). Once we have that relationship with Jesus, there are a few things that will offer hope in Christ and the Gospel:

First, if you are in a dangerous, life-threatening, abusive relationships, get help now. Exit the situation. Cry for intervention.
Realize your own brokenness. This is something that has been helpful for me in the past year: admitting my failures and admitting how I am feeling. Know that sin is sin. If God would mark iniquity who of us could stand (Psalm 130:3)? Here is an example: I am angry or hurt. How often are we encouraged to hide our hurt or made to feel ashamed of it? This admittance is helpful and not a sign of weakness. We can confess our brokenness and engage our feelings with the Lord. The Holy Spirit dwells in us and helps us in our weakness.
Seek counseling. I personally would recommend a biblical counselor (See ACBC for help). Another go to would be a Christ-exalting pastor/wife you know. One of my sweet friends recently suggested this to me. Find someone whom you can confide and who will weep with you and feed you truth (not let you continue in sin).
Journal. This is a form of meditation which is definitely recommended from the Psalmists. This has been a huge help to me this year. My friend and also a pastor friend of mine encouraged me in this and it has been a tremendous blessing. The Psalms are a great place to start! There are so many trials, blessings, Godward-cries, even sexual sin in this gem (Psalm 51). Its answers are the very healing words of God.
Seek repentance. He is faithful to forgive (1 John 1.8) If you are the committing the sexual sin then turn from it. Keep turning from it. My husband mentioned the idea of starving your sinful appetites. They will diminish if you starve them. Satan may have you in a snare but Christ is the chain-breaker.
Forgive. Forgiving doesn’t mean forgetting. Truely forgiving means not holding it against that person for the rest of his/her life. Christ can and wants to bring healing. In the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6), Jesus instructs his followers to pray that God would forgive their debts as we forgive our debtors.
Believe God at his Word. There is hope! He is the deliverer. He is the chain-breaker. He is the Healer. He wants your good! Love protects. God wins. Heaven is real. You are precious and beautiful and bought with the blood of Christ. I loved this quote in Megan Cox’s book Give Her Wings: “Hard men believe that Jesus is a hard man. Which means they do not really know him. Believe if you know Jesus you understand His mercies.” (p 100)

Please know that there is no easy answer for sexual brokenness. Healing is hard. Jesus brings freedom and healing and hope and love. That doesn’t mean we still don’t live in a sin-plagued world that wreaks of death. We will have the consequences of sin.

Jesus offers hope.

Jesus’ love protects and is faithful.

You can be victorious in Jesus.

(This post is sponsored by heart.hope.justice and Give Her Wings. Megan Cox has just written this new book as a devotional for those who have been affected by abuse. In is she shares her own story, or years of counseling, and Gospel-focused hope. What I found helpful in this book is the Christ-exalting message on so many of its pages. Counseling won’t solve all your problems. Jesus is the answer for everything. heart.hope.justice is a dream of mine. Its partial goal is to bring healing and financial help in the area of sexual brokenness by an artwork that I did – and the proceeds will go to help some sex-trafficking end it movements.)

book review

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