Seeds of Turmoil by Bryant Wright

I am a history buff, I think where we have come from is a fascinating story and can provide much information into our future. So when I decided to read this book about "The biblical roots of the inevitable crisis in the mideast" I knew I was in for an amazing story. I have always been intrigued by Israel and the special place it has in God's plan, but this book really sheds light on how Israel formed and how and why she is hated by so many. I will say that this book is not a one or two day read, it took me a few months to finish it but it was never boring. I find this is typical for me with historical books to take my time and soak it in.

The book starts out by stating that the decision made by Abraham to disobey God has lead to what we see now in the Middle East. Abraham decided that he and his wife knew better about when and how their promised son was going to be born, so they took matters into their own hands. What unfolds is the birth of Ishmael thru Sarah's(Abrahams wife) servant Hagar and then years later the promised birth of Isaac via Sarah. I love on page 39 when Bryant writes " When we take matters into our own hands and try to manipulate God's will to get what we want, sometimes He allows it. Misery can result." Bryant does a great job of explaining the sibling rivalry between Ishmael and Isaac and how this transforms into a bitterness between two nations.

Bryant also discusses the sibling rivalry between Isaac's two sons Jacob and Esau. What I found fascinating was that even though at the end of their lives Jacob and Esau reconciled, the heirs of Esau(the Edomites, now present day Jordan) did not forgive and hence the bitter history between nations unfolds.

The first part of this book also focuses on the struggle of Israel to become a nation and up to present day as they struggle to remain a nation despite heavy opposition. Then in part two of the book it discusses the conflicting perspectives of the Jews, Islam nations and Christians. On page 137 Bryant states " Christianity originated between these two influential faiths(meaning Judaism and Islam), and it has been caught in the middle between the two to this very day."

I highly recommend this book as it provided great biblical perspective, is applicable to today's currents events and also discusses the eternal consequences of this history. I found it very interesting that at the time I decided to read this I came across the history of Egypt and it mentioned Mubarak. I would not have given a second thought to this but at the time the news was covering how Mubarak had just been overthrown by his people. I have discovered so many interesting truths, facts and life application by reading this book and am looking forward to exploring more from this author.

NOTE: Words in italics are my own explanation/words to provide context to the quotes from the book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Out Live Your Life

I just recently read this book by Max Lucado. It is only my second book to read by him but I am of course very familiar with his name and impact. I can say that this book was convicting, inspiring, heart felt and practical. The main purpose of this book I think is found on page 68 "Works done in God's name long outlive our earthly lives". Each chapter guides you on how to make a difference in this world now and have a lasting impact for Christ after we are gone. I enjoyed the short chapters as it kept me on task and allowed me to read small bits at a time without getting lost or off track. It also offered a scripture verse and prayer at the end of each chapter which I found useful in summarizing the key points. The prayer will also serve as a great reference to help me as I strive to make the changes I know God wants me to make. There was also a great balance of biblical examples(Moses,Paul and Stephen) as well as personal stories from Max and others.

Some of my favorite parts of the book are as follows:
Chapter 6 OPEN YOUR DOOR: OPEN YOUR HEART- Call us a fast society, an efficient society, but don't call us a personal society. Our society is set up for isolation. We wear ear buds when we exercise. We communicate via e-mail and text messages. We enter and exit our houses with gates and garage-door openers. Our mantra: "I leave you alone. You leave me alone."

How I long for the days of front porches and kids running in and out of yards as the parents gather and discuss the events of the day. I love the convenience of technology but I need to make sure I don't let people become inconvenient.

Chapter 13 DON'T WRITE OFF ANYONE- God used Paul to touch the world. But first he used Ananias to touch Paul. Has god given you a similar assignment? Has God given you a Saul?

This gave me hope for those I know that do not know the love of Christ or have turned away from him. I am encouraged that God may choose to place someone on my heart that I need to reach out to when no one else will. I can only hope that I am willing to listen and respond to God's prompting on this.

Chapter 15 PRAY FIRST; PRAY MOST- Grant me the grace to treat everyone I meet as someone for whom Jesus died and rose again. Let there be no unwholesome or unholy distinctions in my eyes and no unworthy favoritism in my actions. Rather, make me into a vessel through whom Jesus shines.
I love that, a vessel through whom Jesus shines. What a great mental image of what I should be striving for and can achieve through the power of the Holy Spirit.

We are privileged to be able to serve along with our Lord and this book is just the tool to help us show that to others.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

You Can Be Everything God Wants You To Be

I recently finished reading this book by Max Lucado. In a short 127 pages he helps you discover the "sweet spot" that God specifically designed you for. It is marketed on the cover as the "Perfect gift for the Graduate" but I found it very helpful as a stay at home mom who graduated years ago.

I like that it is broken down into very small chapters that flow seamlessly into one another. I found that I could read small sections at a time and not feel disconnected by not completing it all in one read. When I was done with the book I at first felt slightly disappointed that their wasn't this immediate moment of clarity, shouldn't there be some sort of checklist/quiz to point me towards my unique gift? Then as I flipped back through all that I had underlined this stuck out "So make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that"(Gal. 6:4 MSG).

This book is just part of my exploration, a tool in my navigation to be everything God designed me to be. As Max says "Consult you Designer" and no quiz can give me the answers to the plan that God specifically created for me. So use this book as a stepping stone towards discovering your uniqueness, I have.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Plan B

Well Plan B by Pete Wilson has finally been released!! I was fortunate enough to win an advanced reader's copy almost two months ago and have been so eager to post a review. I posted a review on Amazon last week but thought I would give it a little review over here on my blog.

What is amazing about the release of this book is the timing. Pete Wilson is the senior pastor of Cross Point Church in Nashville, TN. If you have been following the news you know that Nashville experienced the worse flooding on record this past weekend. I have been following youtube videos posted by those in the area and the devastation is heartbreaking. Pete Wilson's church has been organizing relief efforts this week and has even set up a fund. Talk about the ultimate Plan B, many of these homeowners have no flood insurance.

This book is great because we all have unmet expectations or dreams that failed to come true, the key is what do we do about it. How can we see/feel God's presence in our life when it seems like everything is going wrong. Pete helps you work through the confusion to come out stronger and closer to God. He reminds us of the hope that is in Jesus Christ during and inspite of all circumstances. One of my favorite chapters is Chapter 6 Whiplash. On page 93 he offers this advice "In this life, many of your questions will simply no have answers. But through it all, God himself will never change. This is why our faith must rest on his identity and not necessarily his activity."

Probably my favorite lines of the book are found on page 199 "...God has a perspective on life we don't have.... If you had been at the cross on the day Christ was crucified, you would have sworn that was the worst thing that could ever happen. We don't see it that way today, do we?"

I already have two people in mind that I am going to purchase this book for. I am hopeful that this book will be a blessing to those who are currently struggling in their Plan B and a great resource for those who have yet to experience one.

If at first you don't succeed.......

This past friday I attemped to get a signed copy of Sarah Palin's book "Going Rogue". I started my morning by taking Abby to school, then raced like a mad woman to buy 2 of her books at the Kenny Rd Borders, because Borders website said they were out at their Dublin Location. I then dropped Will off at preschool and zoomed over to the Borders on Sawmill to wait in line for a wristband. Originally they were going to give out 1000 wristbands that would allow you to come back in the evening for the book signing.
When I showed up the line was all the way down the front and back of the shopping center. I heard from someone in line that now they were only giving away 500 wristbands as Palin's crew had requested this. I enjoyed chatting with the nice people in line with me, it was comforting to be with those who appreciated the same conservative values that I believe in. After over two hours of waiting we were told that they were out of wristbands. I was disappointed but I knew in the big scheme of life it wasn't the end of the world. I went on with my day but I just couldn't let go that I felt like I really wanted to get those two books signed.
I called Borders at 530 that night to inquire about the line for those without a wristband and the worker said not to come because I wouldn't be able to get them signed. I felt defeated, Mike came home and I told him I knew I was being a baby about this but I really wanted to see her. So Mike said just go anyways and see what happens. So I went back out and waited in line and 2 and 1/2 hours later I had two signed copies of her book. I got to shake her hand, she asked me my name and I said Thank you so much. I was super pumped after that. I got one book for me and one for my father in law for Christmas.
So in this case persistence paid off. I had prayed about this a few days before because I didn't want to spend God's time doing something that might be frivalous. I feel like God ordained my schedule so that I might go. So that I might be encouraged by others who share similar values and that I might share my faith in Christ with others. I know that 4.5 hours is a long time to wait to meet one person, but I also see it as a reminder that if I am willing to do this to meet Sarah Palin I should be able to commit that amount of time and more in serving Christ.

I love it when a plan comes together!

Any A-team fans out there? Well I am not talking about my plan but of God's. I had mentioned earlier this week about studying the book of John for BSF and how my pastor taught on the same book at church on Sunday. Little did I know after that post that God was not done re-affirming the importance of the book of John in my life.

Today I went to the bookstore to pick up two books. I have recently re-discovered the joy of reading books again, that is books that aren't geared towards a 5 and 7 year old. I had heard about a bible study going on at Angie's blog called "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. I had wanted to participate in it but thought with BSF starting I would not have time. So I didn't get the book but I have watched bits of the video portion Angie and her friend have posted on the first two chapters. So today as I am looking for the book "What Difference do it Make?" by Ron Hall,I came across what else but Crazy Love. I thought to myself, God must want me to read this book so I might as well get it.

Fast forward to tonight, I decide to go ahead and read the first chapter of this book. First of all, if you think you are in awe of our God now, please go to the crazy love website and watch the video called "Awe Factor". If you thought God was big, you haven't even scratched the surface. As I read the first chapter I came across this verse, Colossians 1:16 "For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him." While the verse is amazing itself, even more amazing is that I just studied this verse this morning as part of my BSF homework. This was not a coincidence or chance, it was a total God thing. How great of him to confirm to me that I am inside of his will. Being in God's word is blessing enough but that he would take the time to guide me to the passages he wants me to be in is simply breath taking.

I can't wait to see what God is going to reveal to me over the next few months. I am only two weeks into BSF and 1 Chapter into Crazy Love and I feel like shouting from my rooftop all that God has taught me. God is good, all the time, all the time he is good. Thanks God for being ever present in my journey to know more of you.

Wind in their Sails

I read bits here and there out of this book "The Power of a Positive Mom" by Karol Ladd. I tend to read it more while my husband is traveling as I find it harder to be as positive as I would like to be when the day to day activities seem to wear me down.

In reading from her book this week I came across the chapter providing advice on discovering your child'd potential. I am drawn to this topic as Abby has started school now and Will will start next week. As I begin to schedule activities and homework projects are introduced it does make me think about recognizing those areas where my kids really shine. I love in the book where it states "Our challenge is to learn how to be the wind in their sails without blowing them off the course God has set for their lives." I want to be an involved and supportive mom but I don't want to be a controlling mom. Giving thoughtful direction and choosing or controlling the direction are two different things. Of course the Bible provides insight into our parenting duties and specifically how to train them. I really like the author's translation of Proverbs 22:6 "train a child according to his bent."

So it looks like I have some homework as well this school season, according to this book there are four steps to studying your children in order to find their unique skill sets and direction. Step 1: See the potential, this sounds easy enough but I know if feels like some days I have only focased on what they didn't do or say. Step 2: Offer opportunities for Growth, here she empasizes trying a variety of activities for you kids but not rushing. In fact she lists several Olympic athletes who didn't focas on their specific sport until their teenage years!!! Step 3: Set realistic goals, she emphasizes that these be the children's goals and not your goals for them. Lastly Step 4: Support their Endeavors, whether they win or lose, just them knowing you support them no matter what is such an encouragement to them.
So I am excited to really study my kids a little more deeply and find out what makes them truly unique and how I can help them find their bent. Hope you enjoyed this new info as much as I did. Happy Discovering!!!