Thursday thanksgiving...

Vacation!

Give Them Grace by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick and Jessica Thompson
This book was a great reminder of giving the gospel to our children in the midst of discipline. Reminiscent of Shepherding a Child Heart by Tedd Tripp, there are many real-life examples of how to handle situations, what to say, and Scripture to encourage parents along the way. Although I’m not a huge fan of the writing style, I think most Christian parents who desire to give their children the gospel often will find much help. Personally, I think there are times when giving two pages of dialog during discipline is helpful, but most often I find that my children are not in the correct frame of mind to hear long dissertations and taking several minutes to address a point leads to them being distracted. Speaking the truth in everyday situations, and bringing up Spiritual issues about discipline at other times (when our children are not in trouble) leads to smooth transitions in times of discipline. We aren’t teaching new principles; we are reinforcing what they already understand (or are learning). And these lessons aren’t just associated with their punishment or their misbehavior, but fall into the overall understanding of how the Gospel fits into our everyday…

Monday music...

The video is fine, but I love this song of thanksgiving...

Thursday Thanksgiving...

Monday music...

Leeland

There are few bands I can listen to for more than one day in a row (I think I have music ADD), but Leeland is one of them. They are absolutely quirky (if you watch the video below, you will see that!) but their theology is sound (as far as I am aware) and their style varies from pensive to “get up and dance” (which we do often in this house…it isn’t a very pretty sight). They have so many great songs that I had a hard time choosing, so I did what any rational thinking adult would do…eeny, meeny, miny, moe.

I call it providence, folks.

Happy Fathers Day...

to the best dads EVER!

Thursday thanksgiving...

Thursday thanksgiving...

May Reading...

Hmmmm…..

Seems like I forgot something.

Oh yeah! This blog!

May was fantastically busy, but I think June got jealous and has decided to try and outdo May…

So, here is my over-due reading report...

The Next Story: Life and Faith After the Digital Explosion by Tim Challies

Very briefly, this was an informative and interesting read about how our lives have changed because of technology, and a warning about letting technology control you rather than be a help to you. There are many, many thought provoking paths the author leads the reader down, but there were a couple places where I was most challenged.

First, from part one of the book, “We need to seek to understand how a technology will change and shape us before we introduce it to our lives.” Questions to ask when we find our hearts and minds drawn to the latest and greatest device: 1)Why were you (the device) created? 2)What is the problem to which you are the solution, and whose problem is it? 3)What new problems will you bring? 4)What are you doing in my heart?

Secondly, I was challenged in my use of my cell phone and how often it interferes with what is most important in my life and heart. As a general rule, when the phone rings, I feel like I must drop what I’m doing (Bible study, teaching my children, meeting with friends, anything!) and answer it. I feel like I am personally rejecting the caller if I don’t answer and they are going to be offended (sometimes they are!) and think I’m rude (see my fear of man peaking?). But often I am rejecting what is actually important and offending other people (my God, my family). So if you call me, I may answer. But I may not. Please don’t take it personally, but I may be doing something else. And I try to respond to my messages either by a call back, a text, or in person (if I know I’m going to be seeing you very soon). If it’s urgent, I suggest calling back a few times in a row or sending me a text (I’m more likely to look at a text that takes five seconds of my time if I’m doing something else). Here is my point- I’m not trying to be selfish. I’m trying to be a more Godly wife, mother, and friend by being more self-less in giving attention to those I’m with and serving.

Any-hooch (as my mom would say J), for a more detailed and very interesting review of this book, check out my friend Kristina’s blog. You can also find one of her latest wallpaper designs at the author, Tim Challies’ blog.

Now, off to check my phone messages…