12 Aug 2016

Unnatural Mom (a review)

by | posted in: Books, mothering, parenting | 0

Motherhood is such a journey – and a different journey for everyone.

Writing about the ups and downs of motherhood is quite difficult too.

I got married late and therefore had kids late (mid-to-late 30s).  I didn’t have many people in my life who truly told me how hard raising kids was going to be.  Even if I hung out with families, I only saw glimpses (and most of the kids knew to obey in front of guests).

So, I had different expectations for parenting.  And Hettie Brittz writes about parenting, motherhood, and all that goes with it in her new book (un)Natural Mom.  She tells about real life, and all the what ifs and all the doubts that we are mothers face.  I like that she is real.  I like that she tells it like it is and points us to SCripture (and not the world’s ideals).  I don’t like some of the daily specific things she talks about – because everyone is so different and may not find herself in the same story.

I do think that every woman (because she is a woman) is life-giving.  That may not mean being a natural mom, or even an adoptive mom – that may mean discipling others or bringing life to an art area that sparks her interest.  Affirming and maturing and building life is something we do because God created us as women.

Let us hold firm to what the Word says about women – not what the world says we have to be in order to be a good mom.

Thanks to Litfuse for this book.  All opinions are my own.

12 Aug 2016

Engaging Your Kids with the Bible

by | posted in: Bible, Books | 5

Now that school is starting back, most people are quickly engaging their kids with lots of tools to help them learn: ipads, calculators, folders, trapper keepers (wait, that was 30 years ago), fun pencils, Lisa Frank goodies, locker mirrors, back packs, lunch boxes with a favorite character on it.

A mom I know asked on facebook last night when did sending a kids to school get so expensive?  Everything adds up – all in the name of engaging the learner.

Something I loved from when I was a kid was going to the dentist and reading Highlights.  I loved it.  I can’t wait till my kids get old enough to read them.  One of my favorite features in each magazine was the story with the pictures in them (instead of the word).

So, when I received the Look and Tell Bible I was so excited because it was like my favorite kids magazine in the Bible.  How neat.

I had another mom over and showed this to her.  She tried to let her son read it, but some of the names in the stories were hard to figure out.  My kids only know general times like lion, ark, etc.  They wouldn’t know a lot of the specific Bible characters yet.

But, I think this book does really well at engaging older preschool children – maybe 4-5 year olds.  If you would like to win a copy of this beautiful hardback book with lots of fun Bible stories in it, just tell me what your favorite school supply was when you were growing up!  (Or maybe you still have a favorite school supply).

Thanks Tommy Nelson for this book, and the giveaway copy.  All opinions are my own.

 

24 Jul 2016

Love That Boy: a review

by | posted in: Uncategorized | 0

You certainly need to find people you can trust to recommend books to you – and when you do, always read them!

Not many books make me laugh, cry, and challenge me on almost every parenting area.  And also one that makes me re-place my hope in God because I know this parenting journey is tough and I can’t do it on my own. Love That Boy is a must read!

I love history and the American presidency, so when I knew that was a backdrop to this parenting book, I knew it would be a winner.  And it didn’t disappoint.

You don’t have to have children with special needs in order to gain insight into your children through this book.  But, every parent will gain insight into themselves, their children, and even their parents.  They will be able to see how other parents parent through new lenses.  You will learn what is important to you in how you raise your kids – even if you didn’t know it in the first place.

The only sad thing about this book: there was no hint of Christ.  And even though I can’t save my children, I can’t make them place their hope in God – I can aim for that end.  I can show them the gospel.  And I do believe, if I didn’t have that hope – then this book and the whole parenting journey would be incredibly futile and depressing.

Thanks Blogging for Books – incredible choice!

30 Jun 2016

Southern Spirits (a review)

by | posted in: Books, The Charming South Kitchen | 0

Almost inevitably, when you mention food in the south you hear talk of fried chicken, okra, and apple pie.

And when you talk about spirits in the South, you here bourbon and moonshine.

I minored in history in college, wanting to be a history teacher, but that didn’t last long (when I had to do so many lesson plans), but I still loved history.  And that is one of the reasons I chose this book, Southern Spirits, to read.  I also liked new recipes but more importantly it was so I could learn the history and culture of different forms of alcohol in the culture that made them what they are.

If you like history and your drinks – then pick this one up.  Thank you Blogging for Books.

23 May 2016

Hunting Hope: a Review (and giveaway)

by | posted in: Books | 0

To say that life has been a little complex over the last few months would be an understatement.  And I don’t think we are quite out of a season full of hurt and disappointment.

So, when I heard about Hunting Hope, I jumped at the chance to read it. (And you can enter a giveaway for it)

I’m not going to spoil it for you, but it lined up perfectly with my quiet times.  I love the break down of the book – so focused on God and who He is – then challenging the reader to apply what they have read to their lives – in whatever season they are in.

So often when we are dealing with hurt, pain, or disappointment; when we are hopeless and not hope-filled, we tend to look at ourselves and sink deeper into despair.  Nika Maples graciously offered us hope by pointing us away from ourselves and to our masterful God. Our compassionate God, our God who is there.

So, if there is something you feel hopeless about – turn first to the Word, but then if you need a companion to help you see some of God’s wonderful attributes and how they can be felt in your need, pick up Hunting Hope.

Thanks to Litfuse for the opportunity to read and share this book.  All opinions are my own.

23 Apr 2016

Good Night, God : a review and giveaway

by | posted in: Books | 3

 

Good night times in our home can be challenging, and rewarding too.  It is the end of the day, but there are some nights that my boys are still wired.  It seems they get done with dinner and just want to jump on the beds.

So, we love sitting on the edge of the bed and reading together.  It really is a sweet time and one I enjoy.  It also allows me to breathe from trying to get them to calm down so I can get there pjs and diapers ready for the long night.

A new book that I just received from Tommy Nelson is Good Night, God.  It is a sweet board book, perfect for little hands (many ripped pages in our home) that has wonderful delightful thoughts and prayers about God and to God.  Some of the truths that it tells your littles about God is that He protects, gives peace, covers you in love, shows kindness to you, is always with you, and many others.

While this book doesn’t cover every aspect of God’s character (which book does, except maybe a systematic theology), this is a great started for knowing the character of God.

If you would like to win one of these for your kids, please just tell me one of the characteristics of God you love teaching your children.

21 Apr 2016

Simply Calligraphy: a review

by | posted in: Books | 0

It is no secret that I love handlettering.  I love it. I’ve been loving lettering since about the 6th grade.  Snail mail, homework, papers, journaling, Bible journaling, writing out talks, etc.  Now, I do it for a creative side business.

I am always wanting new ways to learn and practice.  So, I got Simply Calligraphy from Blogging for Books since I saw it was an option.  And I received it, flipped through it, looked at its materials, and realized that it was great for a beginner – especially in “Real” calligraphy, not modern calligraphy.

If you want to know general concepts in a simple fashion, this is an ok book.  I really love pretty calligraphy, and this just isn’t it.  But, for solid techniques that are good for any handlettering, you might learn a few things.

 

5 Apr 2016

Good Resource for the Homeschooling Mom

by | posted in: Books | 2

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been caught in the grocery store or in Target singing the alphabet song with my boys.  They sing it loud and proud – then immediately transition into Jesus Loves Me. Its like its the second verse of the ABC song.

Teaching young kids the basics that they need to know, like the alphabet and their numbers, takes a while for some kids.  So, why not make learning fun!

This new book by Tommy Nelson was released in time for Spring and is filled with cute, storyboard pages that depict spring in all its glory.  And you can teach your children their numbers on every page.  My boys have both enjoyed it.

If you would like to win your own copy, just tell me something that you enjoyed teaching your kids.

28 Mar 2016

Finding God in the Ruins: a review

by | posted in: Books | 0

Thanks to Litfuse for delivering a copy of Finding God in the Ruins for me to read and review.  All opinions are my own.

To tell you that life has been hard since we got married, might be an understatement.  I think my mister and I are learning to trust only in God, rely on Christ, encourage each other, and redefine what we thought life might be like as a family.

Matt Bays, the author of this memoir-esque book, has definitely had a lot of harsh life thrown at him.  He very carefully tells the reader about his life, marriage, family, and ministry.  He encourages the reader to be honest and real with God about how life is treating him.

I wish that the book had been less story and more engagement with Scripture.  It is a tough book to read – not putting enough emphasis on the grace and truth of God’s character and His word, especially in the first part of the book.

It is definitely hard to keep faith in God real when life continues to hand you blows.  But, we need to keep believing, asking questions, and growing our faith through the Spirit.  He is a big enough God and can handle our questions.

 

18 Mar 2016

and it was beautiful : a review

by | posted in: Books | 0

I received this book from LItfuse in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions are my own.  

I have been blessed with a few good books lately.  These books that are real and heart-felt, and soul-searching – and tears well in my eyes and puddle on to the pages.

This book is one of them.  I even told my husband that I don’t know if I could finish the book.  I cry in every chapter.  And I’m thankful – they are short chapters.

This book will take anyone through cancer – or other trials that loom in life – and help you rest in the peace that the maker of the wind and the rain and the hurricanes and tornadoes watches every move you make.  I’m so thankful that Kara Tippetts wrote these words before her death.  They will lead others to the same Rock she went to.