Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Book Review: Your S.T.O.R.Y. Begins with God


    I recently read You Can be Everything God Wants You to Be by Max Lucado thanks to Booksneeze who gave me a free copy on behalf of Thomas Nelson Publishing.  This recent release is comprised of excerpts from Lucado's Cure for the Common Life. Lucado offers advice to find your God-given destiny.  Often we look everywhere else, but to our Source who designed us uniquely for a special purpose.  After affirming our uniqueness, Lucado then helps the reader look back at his or her life for certain clues that may hint or even scream his or her purpose. 
    I had previously read Cure for the Common Life. However, I enjoyed You Can be Everything God Wants You to Be with as much enthusiasm.  It's an easy-read that is rather thought provoking. As I read and pondered his questions something clicked inside of me and I realized what God has been leading me up to.  For as long as I can remember I have had a sense that God was preparing something for me.  Analyzing my strengths, topics, optimal conditions and relationships, pondering those and seeing a common thread I realized I am headed in the right direction.
    You Can be Everything God Wants You to Be is a wonderful little book for many, from the teenager to the oldest person you know.  Lucado doesn't agree with the old adage, "You can be anything you want to be, if you put your mind to it."  No, you can't. God didn't design us for any old assignment. He has something tailor-made for each one of us.  It's refreshing and inspiring to read that.  Many of us can attest to our attempts that haven't worked out for some reason we couldn't quite put our finger on.  We weren't made to do that.  It's never to late to find our God-given purpose.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Done with Diapers

I'm not one to rush into things, particularly potty training. Many parents I'm sure don't agree with me and that's fine. I prefer to let things happen with a bit of a loving, parental push. My eldest boy seemed to do things at his own pace just fine. My daughter has followed in his footsteps. I have taken that tactic for my youngest as well.
    Sometimes it's harder to let things happen in due time when your patience is wearing thin. Every time I pick up a pack of diapers up at the store that scrapes at the patience.  I just never wanted my children to have any negative feelings concerning restroom use.
    This past Tuesday, as we are gearing up for Jacob's birthday party, we(my hubby and I) decided to give him that push into independence. No more diapers, except at night. Well, Jacob is having a few accidents, but is already sleeping through the night wearing underwear without accidents.  The poo situation is where the accidents are occurring.  Completely grossed out.
    Let me say this for the naysayers.  I never wanted to push Jacob too hard with the training. He is asthmatic and has been hospitalized six times in the last two-and-a-half years. His health was and still is our top priority. Adding another unnecessary battle to the home front wasn't something to even consider.
    In addition to that, I think as a society at large we tend to try to push our kids to independence way too fast. God blesses us with helpless, little bundles of joy for a reason. We are to bless them with our love creating a bond that will last an eternity.  God, our Heavenly Father, never leaves us nor forsakes us (Heb 13:5).  He is always there letting us take our baby steps along the way. I want to apply those same parenting principles God uses with us to my children,(His other children). 
    I'm not against potty training at a younger age if that is what your family needs to do.  However, I remember an article a lady wrote concerning her twin boys.  "They aren't going to graduate high school in diapers."  That has really sustained my convictions in trying times.  Happy potty training endeavors to all!

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Book Review: Storm Warning

    I received a copy of Billy Graham's Storm Warning  from Booksneeze on behalf of Thomas Nelson Publishing. There are so many questions that loom in our minds as we watch tragedy after tragedy unfold across the world. Why? Is the end near? When will Christ come and save us? Mr. Graham tries to unravel the entanglement of questions as he sheds light on the book of Revelation.  Our only hope is in Jesus Christ now and forevermore. Certain prophecies must be fulfilled before Christ can reign and bring His peace.
    I was definitely a Christian in the past who glossed over the book of Revelation and any mention of prophecy. I'm sorry I did. Graham takes the reader on a journey through Revelation breaking down the symbolism and shows the light of Jesus Christ that is in the world. It was surprising and engaging as I pondered the possibilities for the future
    Storm Warning was an easy read. I enjoyed Graham's voice and his thoroughness. I never felt I had to reread anything to grasp his message.  Even for the new Christian this book can clear up any cloudiness one may perceive in Revelation.
   As always Mr. Graham highlights the importance of coming to a saving faith throughout Storm Warning. I'm not sure that an unbeliever would pick this book up off the shelf and read it. Nonetheless, for the believer Billy Graham provides comfort for the present and hope for the future.