Book Review: Not a Fan by Kyle Idleman

If you want to be challenged in your Christian walk, pick this book up and read it.  It's not a book that is easy to read because it tends to show you how short you fall as a follower of Christ.  Too many of us are simply fans of Christ.  In the words of Kyle, "The biggest threat to the church today is fans who call themselves Christians but aren't actually interested in following Christ.  They want to be close enough to Jesus to get all the benefits, but not so close that it requires anything from them."  I think that describes pretty accurately many Christians today.  In America, we don't really know what it truly means to be a follower of Christ.

Kyle points shares a story of a pastor in Russia during the communism era who saw many people come to know Christ.  However, when they would tell him they received Christ, he would say, "that's great, but do you know what it's going to cost you?"  After they made that decision, they went through a 3-month course to make sure they fully understood the cost of being a Christian (loss of family, friendships, jobs, kids, wife/husband, or even death) before they went public in the statement of baptism.  He wanted to know they were committed and that they had counted the cost.  Wow.  That stuck out at me, as well as how God doesn't want to be first place.  He wants to be THE person in our lives.  Not one of many.  And since I've been struggling and being frustrated with keeping my house clean, it really hit me when he talked about how the things we tend to get frustrated with show us our priorities and what could compete with our focus on God.  Ouch.  Talk about perfect timing when I had just spend 2 days focusing solely on cleaning my house.  (Not that a clean house is bad...but I tend to stress when it's even a little messy.)

So much in this book is great.  The whole question to answer is: Are you a fan of Christ or a follower of Christ.  Kyle wrote with passion, love, and even humor.  I loved the footnotes at the bottom.  They made me laugh when I read them.  I will also say that it had the best prologue that I have ever read.  It sucked me into the book and the purpose before I even started Chapter 1.  That hasn't happened in a long time.  Can't wait to read more by him!  I challenge you to read this book, too, and become a follower of Christ and not just a fan.
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 I received the book from Zondervan for free.

The Thoughts of Babes

It always amazes me now as B is talking more and sharing more of this thought processes with me.  It reminds me that he's growing up and he's looking like such a big boy. This morning, however, I couldn't help but crack up listening to his thoughts work their way out his mouth.

We were sitting at the table with my mother and he had asked her to make waffles.  (It's no secret that he likes Waffle House.  I don't really know why, except for the fact that it's at the end of our road and he sees it EVERY time we go down our road.)  Anyway, she made him some and then asked him if they were as good as Waffle House's waffles.  He said "no."  She asked him if she could work there because they were so good and he said "yes."  A little bit later, she put on her sun visor so we could go to the pool and B turned to her and said, "You have to put that on to go to work at Waffle House?"  No joke!  I couldn't hold back my laugh!

Happy 4th on the 18th!

I know it's a tad bit late, but cut me some slack!  We've been on vacation and I just couldn't muster up the strength to blog much while at the beach.  The beach definitely came before the blog.  Sorry!

We spent the 3rd of July outside with my mother-in-law, my parents, most of our Sunday School Class, and some dear friends from orchestra who all came out to listen to me play in the orchestra.  It was great, but extremely hot!  I had to keep wiping my face with one hand during all rests.  Playing during the fireworks display was so awesome.  There's something so special and moving when you pair live patriotic music with fireworks.  It can't help but remind you of our freedom and those that are fighting or have fought for our freedoms that we tend to take for granted now.  I got to catch the last few fireworks.  I had to wait for the fireworks to light up the sky so I could take a few steps to make my way through the crowd to our family and friends, so that took a little bit of time.  B loved it this year and wanted to watch more.  Baby M stayed awake all during the music and they both would clap, but when the fireworks started, she fell asleep.  Seriously.  The girl can't sleep if you sneeze, but she can muster up a snooze with fireworks. 



Watching the fireworks

My mother taught me....

This was something that was handed out to us at a mother/daughter banquet at my mother-in-law's church. I thought it was very cute and wanted to share it with you. I don't know where it originally came from, so you may have already seen it.


My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE.

"If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning."



My mother taught me LOGIC.

"Because I said so! That's why."



My mother taught me MORE LOGIC.

"If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the store with me."



My mother taught me RELIGION.

"You better pray that will come out of the carpet."



My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL.

"If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!"



My mother taught me about STAMINA.

"You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone."



My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS.

"Shut your mouth and eat your supper."



My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM.

"Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!"



My mother taught me FORESIGHT.

"Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident."



My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY.

"If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!"



My mother taught me about the WEATHER.

"This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it."



My mother taught me IRONY.

"Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about."



My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION.

"Stop acting like your father!"



My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE.

"I brought you into this world, and I can take you out."



My mother taught me about ENVY.

"There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like you do.



My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION.

"Just wait until we get home."



My mother taught me about RECEIVING.

"You are going to get it when you get home!"



My mother taught me about MEDICAL SCIENCE.

"If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to freeze that way."



My mother taught me HUMOR.

"When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."



My mother taught me ESP.

"Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?"



My mother taught me about JUSTICE.

"One day you'll have kids and I hope they turn out just like you!"



My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT.

"If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."



My mother taught me GENETICS.

"You're just like you're father."



My mother taught me WISDOM.

"When you get to be my age, you'll understand."



My mother taught me about my ROOTS.

"Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?"

Book Review: The Blessed by Ann H. Gabhart

Before reading this book, I can honestly say I didn't know much about the Shakers or their lifestyle.  I knew how they got their name but that was about it.  I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and Ann did a great job including the history behind the Shakers but not making it boring.  It fit into the story perfectly. 

This book is her 4th book in the Shaker series.  After reading this one, I'm going to track down the previous 3 to read.  The Blessed starts out in the year 184.  Lacey Bishop has had a very interesting life which has led her to the point in her life where she has ended up married to the Preacher.  However, this was not a marriage of love, but of convenience.  After the Preacher was visited by 2 Shaker men, he decides that perhaps this is the life for him since Lacey considers her marriage to him as an abomination.  Because Lacey wants to stay with Rachel, her kind of-adopted daughter, she goes to the Shaker village, as well.  While there, she discovers Isaac, a man who has entered the Shaker community to find food and shelter.  There's one problem, though.  In the Shaker beliefs, they are not to marry.  Can Lacey find happiness?  Will she be able to stay a part of Rachel's life or will the Shaker women take over the raising of her? 

I definitely recommend this book for anyone who likes fiction. 

****Available July 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group****
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I received this book free from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.  In return, I was asked to write my  honest opinion of this book.

Decisions Part 1

Let me start this post with the fact that I know everybody is different.  I knew that thought would come up as a response to this post, so I figured I'd go ahead and say it!  However, that said, I have prayed for clarity this week in how my fall schedule should look like.  It's been a blessing that my music therapy business is getting so many offers and many want to take lessons and Kindermusik and Sign classes.  I'm thrilled that so many people are interested in all of this.  I truly am.  However, I am one person who has 2 kids under 2 (until next month!  Just the age changes, not the number of kids I have...just to clarify...) and I am a wife that has a house that is full of jobs to do in order to enter the next big thing in our lives that I'll share more about later. 

Those who have all of these descriptions as well will relate when I say that there's not enough of me to give to all of that.  I've known that I couldn't take on too many more therapy jobs since I'm determined to only work 1 day away from my kiddos and that is truly a great break for all of us.  Not that I want to get rid of them, but I love what I do and the kids get to go play with their friends so we all win.  I've sent some replies back and have been saddened to have to put them on waiting lists, but I know that this is what I'm at peace doing. 

That said, knowing that God has called me to minister to my children and that I want to be at home with them so that I can develop a deep relationship and enjoy them as much as I can, why is it so hard to give up job opportunities?  (By the way, I'm not saying that those who work outside of the home cannot have the same relationships and enjoyment with their kids.  I just feel that my main focus needs to be at home.)

I think the answer is a selfish one for me.  Yes, I do enjoy it and yes it brings in money.  However, what do I have to sacrifice for that?  My sanity is one and I find that when I'm balancing too much on my plate then my kids and husband suffer.  Mostly it's B that suffers because I tend to take it out +on him.  I find that I'm stressed and can never get things done.  I end up in tears by the end of the day because I feel like I've failed yet again.  This is what has led to me making some big decisions about my schedule and I've realized (thanks to my husband) that it's okay to say "no" even if you really DO want to do something.  Sometimes, that's not the best thing for my kids or me for that particular week.  That's hard because I do love playdates and letting my kids be with friends.  However, I don't want to have to be gone every day of the week especially because of the new stresses we are about to be adding to our already crazy lives!  So if I say "no", don't be offended!  I'm just trying to simplify our schedules and make room for the homeschool schedules that will need to be added into our days, as well. 

My head is still swimming with trying to figure out what else needs to be changed in our schedule, but at least I'm getting some answers about where my focus needs to be at the moment and what needs to be set aside for a different season in our lives. 

I'm just curious, though.  Has anyone else had to simplify their schedules to make it a little easier once you had 2 kids?  What did you find was not as important?  What was the most important?  Do you regret what you took out at all?

Actual Birthday

We spent Baby M's actual birthday as a family.  Daddy T had to go to K-ville the night before (just like when I went into labor and he had to come home early that morning after me waking him up saying I was in labor) so when he got home he slept a little before going in to work.  We had a birthday dinner at a local Japanese restaurant that is one of our favorites and they brought her some ice cream with a candle.  My mom came to stay the night and visit so we decided to take the kids to the children's museum.  They had so much fun!  I think I was still in denial that my baby was 1.  I knew if I stopped to really think about it, then I'd cry. 

Baby M, I can't imagine our family without you.  You balance out B with the COMPLETE opposite personality.  You listen and obey even at this early age.  You love for me to cuddle you and I love it too because I know that one day too soon you'll be independent and want me away.  We love you precious girl!  You make us laugh so much with all of those "girly" things you do.  Who knew that girls are ingrained to do certain things, just like boys.  Girls come out knowing what to do with babies and phones and kitchens.  Boys know how to make car noises and pee outside!

Oh....in case you haven't figured out, we love Bob the Builder!  Happy 1st Birthday Baby M!

Book Review: A Vision of Lucy by Margaret Brownley

Set in Rocky Creek Texas in 1882, lives a girl in a town where everyone are neighbors and know what you do and when you do it.  However, there's a guy that's entered their town that is full of secrets and makes everyone feel a little uncomfortable.  Lucy helps stop a wagon from being robbed and that is when David, the man with secrets, falls in love with her.  However, he doesn't realize that it's love at first and is kind of annoyed with her.  You'll have to read the book to see how the twists and turns guide them to find and admit their love for each other.

Margaret does a great job writing an enjoyable book that is fun to read.  She is full of humor and this book is one that keeps you turning the pages, even if you know how it might end.  I will definitely be reading more of her books!
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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."

Baby M turns 1!

Can it possibly have been a year?  I mean, wasn't I just having Baby M and bringing her home to meet her brother?  So much happens in the first year!  Baby M started crawling and moving and was walking at 10 months, just like her big brother.  I always say she learned to walk for her safety so she could get out of the way of B!  She'll be running soon, I just know it.  She's already walking faster and faster.

Baby M has the sweetest temperament unless she doesn't get what she's wanting.  She smiles a lot and very rarely gets in a bad mood.  She loves to cuddle and be held.  She doesn't like to be left alone and only goes to certain people without screaming.  She is totally girl....loves purses (which she never puts hers down), dresses, shoes, and phones.  She talks ALL of the time.  It doesn't matter if anyone is listening or not, she still wants to talk.  She loves music and actually has really good rhythm, just like her brother.  She likes to play the piano and anytime she hears music she stops what she's doing and dances.  She likes to play all of my musical instruments and sing.

At her checkup yesterday, she was 17 pounds and 30 inches long.  Her head was still in the 90th percentile!  All those brains....

Because of so many pictures, I'll post her actual birthday pictures later.  We had her party on Saturday and her birthday was on Wednesday.  We had just a small family party and it turned out so nice.  My mom even embroidered her birthday shirt for her.  It turned out so cute!

Book Review: Martha by Diana Wallis Taylor

Set in the times of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, Martha finds herself fulfilling the role of her mother after her mother passed away.  She has so much to do and sometimes has to rely on Mary, which isn't necessarily a help since Mary liked to daydream in the middle of tasks.

Martha has high hopes of getting married, but no man seems to want her for some reason.  Phineas chose another girl and Martha realizes that if she were to get married and leave then her family would have no one to take care of them.

Martha also likes to think of the Messiah being born to one of them and walking around with them.  Many in her village are looking for the Messiah to come like He promised He would.

To see Lazarus being raised from the dead from Martha's point of view was interesting, as well as all of her encounters with Jesus.

If you like historical Biblical fiction, I definitely recommend this book.  It's not a long book, but it is a well-written book.  Do keep in mind that it is fiction and not a replacement to the true account in the Bible, though, although she did do a good job recounting the events in the Bible and staying true to those.

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I received this book from Revell Publishing Group, which is a division of Baker Publishing Group.  In exchange for receiving the book for free, I was asked to write my review of this book, whether good or bad.