Mark of the Lions den series Book 1 "A voice in the wind" by Francine Rivers

So It took me forever to finish this book, not because the story was not good and not because it wasn't a captivating story; but because it's so detailed and lengthy! I love Francine Rivers and her books especially "Redeeming Love" and this one was amazing as well, but they are so hard for me to read through! I feel like they take me forever!

I borrowed this book from a friend because I heard it was a must read and she was totally right! The first few chapters I didn't care for just because it talked a lot about war, and I'm not big on reading about war. Watching it is okay but reading it is a bit boring to me. Once I got past the first three chapters the book really started to take off!

It's the story of a Jewish slave girl, who is a Christian. She sacrifices everything for the love and truth of the one True God! This is an amazing story of love, sacrifice, & betrayal but in the end God always wins!

What I learned in 2010

When I think about how I teach my children about Creation, and how God made the earth and all that is in it. It just humbles me to think that he already knew all the lessons in life he was going to teach us before he ever created us. He already knew how to be the perfect father and didn't have to learn by trial and error. He knew what we needed because he knew us personally before we even knew Him.

Thinking back over the last year, I find it interesting how long it takes us humans to learn simple lessons God is trying to teach us. Some of us can sit and listen to a friend talk about their experiences over and over, and how painful the outcome of things were because of their mistakes; and then we go out and do the exact same thing and expect different results! Over and over again we do the same selfish, self-destructive things to ourselves and still we do not learn! I'm guilty as well of needing the Lord to hit me over the head with a brick before I can say "OH WOW! So that's how it's suppose to be!!" I feel like when it comes to life lessons from God, he teaches us in parts. Little by little, piece by piece he puts things together for us over long periods of time. Each year I feel like my life lessons have gotten more intense, more in depth and harder and harder to figure out what exactly God is trying to say at times!

2010 was a huge eye opener for me spiritually speaking. I believe that God has shown me one of the most important lessons of my life this year, piece by piece . For the last 12 years, I've gotten up on Sunday mornings, put on my Sunday best, put on shoes that make me grit my teeth in pain and went to "Church." I'd walk in say hello to whoever crossed my path on the way to my seat and do whatever ministry duties I had that day. Some days I'd sit behind/beside people and listen to them talk about what that person was wearing in the Choir, or this person's shoes or that person's hair style; and some day's I felt like it was a huge fashion show that I was not classy enough for. Some day's were better than others, there were some day's I could walk in and out and have not ONE person notice or say hello to me; but some day's when I would be so caught up with talking to people I couldn't get out of the building. I felt that people based my faithfulness to God on my attendance, how much I volunteered or how much money I gave. I'm not speaking of one particular "Church" that I've attended, but several of them. My overall experiences in "the church", I have to say has not been so great!

I found myself pulling away from "The Church" (not one in particular) wanting to seek the Lord on my own. I felt that I had grown more from spending my Sunday's and Wednesday's pouring over my bible myself, then I had in the last 12 years sitting in "the Church" building. As this began to happen in my life, the Lord piece by piece began to bring people into my life to explain to me what "The Church" really is! Last summer, I believe it was, we received a visit from my husbands old roommate in College; Pastor Jamal Jivanjee. Jamal started talking to us about a book he was reading called "Pagan Christianity" He told us all about his thoughts on "the church" and how a lot of things we do today in "the church" are old pagan traditions. He talked about how "the church" isn't a building full of people but a community of people. I listened to Jamal talk and my first reaction was "I like the traditions".

As time went on, my husband was asked to lead worship for a friend of ours at a new church plant one night. After the worship, we talked to him about the model of "the church" it seemed similar to what Jamal had talked about. The thing he said to us was "if you are ready to be a missionary in this county then this church is for you!" Basically it's a group of believers meeting together in a house, reaching out to non-believers in their neighborhood. Then eventually someone will start another community in another neighborhood and on and on. But the emphasis here is not on "Growth" of "the church" it's on growth of "THE CHURCH"; reaching non-believers.

For months we talked about this new "church" model. And for months I wrestled with what this meant for me, and for my future. Then last week I finished the most life changing book that brought everything God has been trying to show me together! "Radical" by David Platt.

I've learned this year that "The Church" is what has been separating The Church from being "THE CHURCH" - Yes you heard that right. WE are the church, our body is the Temple. The holy spirit does not just move at the alter of a building, or in the presence of one man standing on the pulpit preaching a sermon. The Holy Spirit moves within the Temple, it moves within all of us not just one of us, we are a mobile church, in need of community with other believers. "The Church" is not a building, or a denomination, or a service that caters to seekers, and ignores believers; nor is it a service that caters to believers. It's not for our entertainment and it's not for our comfort. "The Church" is us, the body of Christ coming together for one common purpose. "The Church" isn't about how big we can grow "the church". Jesus only had 12 disciples of whom were not schooled, but trained to go into the world and teach the good news. Looking at the New Testament it seems Jesus was more successful with those 12 disciples then some "churches" are with 10k members! From my experience getting people to volunteer for things in "churches" is like pulling teeth sometimes. In the book "radical" it talks about people saying things like "that's just not my calling!" I for one am guilty of using that excuse myself, but it also talks about how when Jesus says "GO" it doesn't say "if you are called" because he has called everyone! It's not about being comfortable in our church buildings, and not stepping on peoples toes, the watered-down gospel doesn't satisfy; it's about being uncomfortable and offending people for the gospel!

Why it took me this long to be able to look at how Jesus did things and say "Hey that is how your suppose to do church" I have no idea. It has been right in front of me all this time and I'm just now being hit with the brick! It would make since that we would duplicate everything our Savior did, if we are Christ-followers. I mean really he showed us how to do everything from prayer to living a godly life; why wouldn't he have shown us how to BE the church too?

I'm thankful for the lessons the Lord has been teaching me. I'm looking forward to what he has in store for us in 2011 since I've finally grasped what he was trying to say to me in 2010. Praying for lots of spiritual growth this year! God Bless and Happy New year!

"Radical" by David Platt

"Radical" by David Platt, was a well needed book for our christian society. Most pastors and churches now days like to sugar coat things and make things more sensitive for seekers to hear. But not Platt, he is straight forward, down to earth, nothing but complete biblical truth. It might not be what you want to hear but it is definitely what is needed! We can't grow in our Christian faith without having our toes stepped on once in a while and our faith challenged.

In this book, Platt talks about taking back your faith from the American Dream. How can we live a true biblical life, just sitting comfortably in our own homes. We've become so materialistic in our every day lives we haven't even realized it! We have above and beyond the necessities that we need for every day living, yet we still want more! Platt, talks about how it's a constant battle to resist more things that make life more comfortable. We even have to have these comforts in our Church buildings, padded seats, air conditioning/heat, lights, screens, music. If we took all that away Platt asks, "would just the Word of God be enough to continue meeting together?" He talks about his experiences overseas and how there are so many people daily meeting in underground churches. They are risking their lives for the sake of meeting together to worship God; but here we are in America, in our comfortable houses, comfortable churches, unwilling to step up and take a little risk ourselves. This book is a "Radical" eye opener to the life that we should be living but are not. If you like a challenge, and want something more in life,this book is for you!

~I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.~

A Baby Changes Everything!

As we did our Advent family devotional last night, I decided to put on some Christmas music while we finished up. I popped in "Faith Hill" which I consider to be my favorite Christmas CD,and the girls and I proceeded to sing and dance through the entire CD. At the end we came to the song "A baby changes everything." As I tried calming the girls and getting them ready for bed, I listened to the words of the song quietly knowing that they were piercing my heart more than I had intended. I suddenly realized that I had more in common with Mary, then I had ever imagined.

I started to think back to over 5 years ago to the day when I learned I was going to be a mother. I had gotten pregnant during our honey moon. I was so excited about our baby especially since I had prayed for her for years! I wasn't quite sure I could have babies then, and for it to happen so quickly was such a blessing! I was so consumed with the blessing God had given me that I didn't consider what others would be thinking. I was so overwhelmed with our blessing that I couldn't hold it in but was anxious to tell everyone right away, what God had done for me! Well after a week or so I was shocked to face some of the most hurtful words of my life.

The accusations of people that my child was conceived out of wedlock was horrifying. The way people looked at me, stopped talking to me, and talked about me, stole the joy away from my 1st blessing, not to mention caused lots of problems in our young marriage. What I considered a blessing others thought was a sin. No matter what I did to try and prove to them we did not do anything wrong, and even after having a letter from my doctor stating the date I became pregnant; some people still would not believe us. Then 5 weeks before she was due, my little blessing wanted to come early! As labor started that morning, all I could do was cry that no one would ever believe me now!

Since then we received apologies from some. However there was still a lot unsaid to others who made accusations and did not really know us or know our hearts. I still would not change any of it. Yes it damaged relationships we had with others, and things were never the same afterward, but, I've since been able to move on and use this as a testimony in my life instead of dwelling on that pain.

I feel that I can relate to Mary in a way. She was young, probably excited and scared. Hurt by all the talking, rude comments, and unbelief in what she told them had happened. And yet, was carrying the biggest blessings God could ever give someone! Jesus Christ our savior! Even after all the evidence the miracles, the signs and wonders; people would still not accept the truth, that he was the Son of God, Christ-the Messiah.

It's funny how such a little person can change your life in such a big way. Before my girls, little things in life didn't seem to matter so much. But once I was trusted with this little life to care for, teach, and mold into a grown woman -things got serious! This is a HUGE job! I have four little souls in my hands and what type of Women they become all rests on my shoulders! I'm responsible for each and everything that goes into them, food, cartoons, language, The Word of God, knowledge and wisdom. And what goes in must come out! Everything they see, hear, and experience will effect their life. I wonder if Mary thought that about Jesus or if she felt like she could breath easy since after all he is going to be perfect!

Anyways I'm so thankful that this year my girls are able to talk about Jesus, and realize that this is his birthday and not just another meaningless holiday. I'm thankful that after 5 years of grooming my oldest daughter she has accepted Christ into her heart this year! And I'm so amazed by her love for Christ and boldness about Him already! I'm looking forward to our Celebration of Christ's birth this year and making it as real as we can for the girls.

I pray everyone else has an amazing loving Christmas as well!
Merry Christmas!

The truth about Legos!

So I was watching cartoons with the mini's this morning and this commercial came on. I found it quite humorous! I realize it's just a commercial and shot on a set that they created. I realize it isn't a real family, but isn't that the point? When I used to sell Cell Phones at Radio Shack, they taught us that the best sales tactic is getting the customer to pick up the phone and hold it to their ear, put it in their pocket, and touch it; this way they will be able to visualize how the item will be incorporated into their every day life.

As I watched this commercial I realized these blocks would never fit into my every day life. First of all...EVERYTHING is white! The little Boy in his WHITE bed, under his WHITE covers, with his WHITE walls, and WHITE carpet. There is like three kids playing NICELY on the WHITE floor, THE white rug, in the WHITE room, with WHITE furniture, OFF WHITE Dog, and mom sitting behind them smiling holding out her multi- colored birthday cupcakes which everyone is ignoring. The boy playing nicely in his WHITE ROOM, with his WHITE toy box in the background. Then the boy playing nicely on the front porch (on the WHITE rug) while mom reads her book. And finally the nice tidy WHITE room with every little piece of legos put in the WHITE toy box!

This is NOT a picture of what life is really like with Legos!! Especially in our house! Let me lay it out for you! Especially those new mom's who haven't taken the plunge into Lego buying yet. If it was our family in this commercial it would look more like this...

Picture it...Scene 1: Three girls, on the floor with Legos EVERYWHERE, screaming and hitting each other over the last red Lego! Mom behind them looking frazzled, frantically trying to scrub up the multi-colored stains from the cupcakes they knocked off the plate onto the floor then proceeded to stomped in squishing the icing between their toes! As the stain only gets worse with scrubbing, she hears a shriek as one of the girls chucks the last red Lego across the room into her sisters head, causing blood to splatter all over the carpet! The Off White dog, also stained with cupcakes, running frantically away from sister #3, knowing if he is caught he will be swung around by his legs and pulled by his tale until the frazzled mom is able to come to his rescue.

Scene 2: Three girls playing in their room, screaming jumping on beds, chucking toys at the walls, at each other, and not a Lego in site since they all got thrown behind the bed at some point in the chucking contest.

Scene 3: Outside on the porch with Legos, they go flying into the yard along with the children, screaming running around playing, eating dirt, grass, and whatever they can find between. Mom running around trying to keep them from going out of the yard and fighting with each other, unable to read ANYTHING, finally gives up and drags them all inside, leaving behind the precious Legos to get ran over by dad when he gets home from work.

Scene 4: A messy room with a White toy box colored on with crayons and markers, there are toys everywhere but not in the toy box. The Legos are scattered about the entire house, it will take at least an entire day to find them all! Most of them will be found not by opening the toy box but by stepping on them when you put your kids to bed, are walking down the hallway, across the living room, into the kitchen, pulling down the covers on your bed, and driving across them in the driveway.

So that is how they would fit into my life! I hope you see why the commercial made me chuckle! I almost want to go buy some for the girls just because of the effort they put into the commercial trying to convince me that my life will be clean, beautiful, and joyful with Legos. However as you see above the conclusion I came to is they will be used for nothing but clutter and weapons in our house. But I tell ya, if it really would make my house nice and white and peaceful like the commercial...I'd be the first in line!! haha!

Scrapbook Giveaway!

For all those scrapbook lovers out there, here is a great give-a-way at Zippity-Do-Dah go check it out!!

List of Goodies:
Clear Scraps- Stars
Kaisercraft Bling
Prima Overlay
Ink
Ribbon
Maya Road Stick Pins(my fave)
Basic Grey Asst. Brads
Heidi Swap Overlay
Creative Imaginations-Swatchbook and Glitter Brads
Eye-Lets Etc.- Asst. flowers and brads, bottlecaps,mini book and card phrase vellum stickers(another fave)

Christmas back to basics!

So I'm so extremely excited about Christmas this year! I want to do everything this year, from decorations, to gifts, to homemade cookies right down to my Christmas cards! The last few years email and Facebook has made it so easy to forgo the old-time tradition of a physical card, and I'll be the first to say I've taken advantage! But not this year!!

As I was looking at Shutterfly.com, I noticed the cutest Christmas cards! In my opinion these photo cards are so much better then the old traditional cards. Most of the time when I get those, I have to be honest, they end up in the trash after Christmas is over. But when I get the photo cards, I make a point to keep them!

It took me a while to pick one out because there were so many cute ones but I think I finally made my selection! This one! Cute right! I loved how it looks so much like a scrapbook page! When I'm ready to put it in my scrapbook all I have to do is glue it in! How easy is that! And the styles of cards to pick from are unlimited, you have definitely got to check them all out for yourselves!
I also ordered some from shutterfly.com last year and they turned out really great! I was thrilled with them! I can easily find a great layout that matches the photos I want to use every time, and can also search for them by how many photos I decide I want to use on the card. With these adorable designs this year, how could I not send out cards!

Also another thing I'm planning to do this year, is make some homemade gifts! Only problem is, I have such trouble finding cute things for people who are close to me, especially extended family (grandparents, cousins, in-laws etc.) Again as I searched the shutterfly.com site, I came across their calendars! and they were PERFECT! Just load up your photos pick your designs and voila! No one can resist an entire book with pictures of cute little girls on it that just happens to be a calendar! Totally a gift you can't go wrong with!