Do you have a special verse that you cling to when life gets hard? Do you sometimes need to be reminded that God HASN'T forgotten you and that He DOES keep His promises? That was stated unequivocally in today's reading - but, like an infomercial, WAIT! There's more!
Today Wendy challenged everyone to post their favorite promise of God at the top of their comments. As of right now, more than 20 verses have been posted, with more coming in all the time. Wendy also linked two websites that are full of His promises to her comment section. If you're one of those card-carryin' Bible verse-readin' ladies, don't miss this chance to see a wealth of God's promises all on one place - no searching or concordance necessary. :-)
Wendy also requested prayer for the P31 family. Melissa Taylor's mother's funeral was today, and there have been three other deaths in recent weeks, as well as job loss and health issues. The Executive Director's best friend's son is also in need of prayer - he's an eight-month-old baby named Gabriel with a brain tumor behind his ear. His parents are Chris and Rhonda. Please remember them in your prayer time.
Don't forget that tomorrow we'll be meeting to discuss 'A Can of Peas' at Isabelle's at 8 PM! Diana, if you read this, I haven't forgotten you - I'm just not done yet. Having trouble focusing my eyes with all of this pollen floating around ... off to try again.
Sharing our stories of home, hearth, and health as we build our nest in the rocks
Monday, March 29, 2010
Thursday, March 18, 2010
"The Chronological Guide to the Bible" published by Thomas Nelson
The Chronological Guide to the Bible walks the reader through the Bible book by book. Each section contains historical information pertaining to the events of that book, as well as a timeline and summary of the book's individual background.
The Chronological Guide to the Bible definitely adds a great deal of background information to Biblical reading. Timelines, summaries, further information, commentary style, help fill in the full picture of what each particular Biblical era looked like. The information seems reputable and I have seen no disagreements with Scripture.
With that said, I was disappointed with how short each section is. The Bible does have 66 books, but each related section is only 3-4 pages in this guide. In addition, while there are sometimes pictures of particular items being explained, there are no maps of the changing borders boundaries, or travels taken at any time. Being able to see how this part of the world changed during Biblical times would have enhanced this book greatly.
The Chronological Guide itself is of very high quality. With thick, glossy pages and full color illustrations, the book is beautiful.
This book would be a wonderful addition for a new Christian or for someone trying to read through the Bible for the first time.
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 FTC's 16 CFR, Part 255.
The Chronological Guide to the Bible definitely adds a great deal of background information to Biblical reading. Timelines, summaries, further information, commentary style, help fill in the full picture of what each particular Biblical era looked like. The information seems reputable and I have seen no disagreements with Scripture.
With that said, I was disappointed with how short each section is. The Bible does have 66 books, but each related section is only 3-4 pages in this guide. In addition, while there are sometimes pictures of particular items being explained, there are no maps of the changing borders boundaries, or travels taken at any time. Being able to see how this part of the world changed during Biblical times would have enhanced this book greatly.
The Chronological Guide itself is of very high quality. With thick, glossy pages and full color illustrations, the book is beautiful.
This book would be a wonderful addition for a new Christian or for someone trying to read through the Bible for the first time.
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 FTC's 16 CFR, Part 255.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Reading It Daily
I've heard recently that several of you have gotten a bit behind with your reading. No, I'm not complaining - I know how easy it is for that to happen! - but Wendy talks about it today in her video. She gives a little pep talk and shares about why she thinks it's so important to be reading His word each day - and even to keep a copy with you at all times. Be sure to check out her blog and watch her video!
Also, if you've ever wondered why we no longer follow the OT dietary guidelines, that's been heavily commented on since Tuesday. Today Wendy talks about that in her blog, too, and the comments continue. If you've got pork tendencies and you're not sure about them, be sure to check it out!
I hope that all of you are feeling better! Since we had to miss again, may I propose something? If you have prayer requests, could you go ahead and forward them on? I'd hate for us to miss prayer time for those who need it. Thanks!
See you next Tuesday at Isabelle's!
Also, if you've ever wondered why we no longer follow the OT dietary guidelines, that's been heavily commented on since Tuesday. Today Wendy talks about that in her blog, too, and the comments continue. If you've got pork tendencies and you're not sure about them, be sure to check it out!
I hope that all of you are feeling better! Since we had to miss again, may I propose something? If you have prayer requests, could you go ahead and forward them on? I'd hate for us to miss prayer time for those who need it. Thanks!
See you next Tuesday at Isabelle's!
Monday, March 1, 2010
The Verdict is In ...
and we're meeting for dinner next Tuesday - March 9th! We'll meet at my house at 6:30 for dinner and some girly fun time with Betsy Durand, a very wise seminary grad who's agreed to let us pepper her with our questions from the Old Testament. Looking ahead, we'll have read Genesis, Exodus, Job, Leviticus, some of Chronicles, and lots of Numbers by that time. Make a list of any questions you may have and come ready to solve some of those ancient mysteries ... well, maybe not, but I'm sure Betsy will be able to shed lots of light on them, at the very least.
Oh, and bring your appetites! :-)
That means that tomorrow, March 2nd, we will meet at 8 PM at Isabelle's to discuss what we're reading about right now. See you there!
Oh, and bring your appetites! :-)
That means that tomorrow, March 2nd, we will meet at 8 PM at Isabelle's to discuss what we're reading about right now. See you there!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
A Family Banner
So the people of Israel did everything as the Lord had commanded Moses. Each clan and family set up camp and marched under their banners exactly as the Lord had instructed them. ~ Numbers 2:34
This verse really struck me. As was repeated over and over, the tribes were following God's directions exactly and completely, including the making of, flying, camping under, and marching under of family banners.
What did these banners look like?
Wendy's comments are full of information. Jan from TN quotes Vernon McGee and describes these banners. He says that Judah's banner featured a lion, that Reuben's had a man's head on it, Ephraim had an ox, and Dan's had an eagle. McGee notes that these line up with Ezekiel 1:10. Grace and Peace quotes Courson and says that from the air, the encampment would have been shaped like a massive cross.
If you read on to today's comments, Karen from Basel describes the significance of the colors used for securing the Tabernacle pieces for transport. I wonder how these might have been used in the banners?
At MOPS they talk about how important it is for our families to have our own traditions and identy; how this will help our children feel secure now and confident moving out on their own when the time comes. Thinking visually, if our families were to have a banner now, what would it look like? What rallying point do we have? What sets us apart and identifies us as belonging to each other? What mark would we camp out under and fly proudly as we follow God?
I think my family might just have to create one of these. I like the idea of this rallying point. Even more, I like what the author of Psalm 20 has to say about it. I see a project just waiting to happen .....
What would be on YOUR family banner?
In times of trouble, may the Lord answer your cry.
May the name of the God of Jacob keep you safe from all harm.
May He send you help from His sanctuary
and strengthen you from Jerusalem.
May He remember all your gifts
and look favorably on all your burnt offernings.
May He grant you your heart's desires
and make all your plans succeed.
May we shout for joy when we hear of Your victory
and raise a victory banner in the name of our God.
May the Lord answer all your prayers.
This verse really struck me. As was repeated over and over, the tribes were following God's directions exactly and completely, including the making of, flying, camping under, and marching under of family banners.
What did these banners look like?
Wendy's comments are full of information. Jan from TN quotes Vernon McGee and describes these banners. He says that Judah's banner featured a lion, that Reuben's had a man's head on it, Ephraim had an ox, and Dan's had an eagle. McGee notes that these line up with Ezekiel 1:10. Grace and Peace quotes Courson and says that from the air, the encampment would have been shaped like a massive cross.
If you read on to today's comments, Karen from Basel describes the significance of the colors used for securing the Tabernacle pieces for transport. I wonder how these might have been used in the banners?
At MOPS they talk about how important it is for our families to have our own traditions and identy; how this will help our children feel secure now and confident moving out on their own when the time comes. Thinking visually, if our families were to have a banner now, what would it look like? What rallying point do we have? What sets us apart and identifies us as belonging to each other? What mark would we camp out under and fly proudly as we follow God?
I think my family might just have to create one of these. I like the idea of this rallying point. Even more, I like what the author of Psalm 20 has to say about it. I see a project just waiting to happen .....
What would be on YOUR family banner?
In times of trouble, may the Lord answer your cry.
May the name of the God of Jacob keep you safe from all harm.
May He send you help from His sanctuary
and strengthen you from Jerusalem.
May He remember all your gifts
and look favorably on all your burnt offernings.
May He grant you your heart's desires
and make all your plans succeed.
May we shout for joy when we hear of Your victory
and raise a victory banner in the name of our God.
May the Lord answer all your prayers.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Updated Book List
The votes are in, and it sounds like we're changing a book! I've reposted the list below. Happy reading!
March 30th ............ 'A Can of Peas' by Traci DePree
April 20th .............. 'The Stones Cry Out' by Sibella Giorello
May 25th ............... 'The Stain' by Harry Kraus, MD
June 22nd ............. 'A Penny for your Throughts' by Mindy Starns Clark
I'm not sure what the plan is for Tuesday. As soon as I receive confirmation, I'll let you know!
March 30th ............ 'A Can of Peas' by Traci DePree
April 20th .............. 'The Stones Cry Out' by Sibella Giorello
May 25th ............... 'The Stain' by Harry Kraus, MD
June 22nd ............. 'A Penny for your Throughts' by Mindy Starns Clark
I'm not sure what the plan is for Tuesday. As soon as I receive confirmation, I'll let you know!
Friday, February 26, 2010
'The Clouds Roll Away' by Sibella Giorello
Raleigh Harmon is a forensic geologist with a secret life as an FBI agent. Following her father's death and her return to her Richmond hometown, she works a civil rights case with a famous victim and a drug-running task force when her files begin to intersect. With a suspicious boss, the return of a love interest and an emotionally frail mother, how will Raleigh solve the case without anyone else getting hurt - including herself?
Giorello writes beautiful, descriptive text that draws the reader in. Although seemingly distant at times, throughout the book Raleigh takes on a life of her own until she seems to be munching on a Big Mac right next to the reader. The history of the Richmond area is included in a realistic way, not only bringing the area to life but helping to round out the edges of Raleigh's case. The plot keeps the reader in suspense while not being too over the top. While faith was definitely a part of Raleigh's make-up, it seemed to be a distant part. A deeper exploration of her return to faith would have made her character's transformation more complete.
My biggest concern with this book lies with its history. This is the second Raleigh Harmon book, and apparently much happens in the first book that is relevant to her Richmond roots - only it isn't fully explained here. I felt as if I would have been better able to understand Raleigh throughout the first half of the book had Giorello taken a bit more time to explore her background here and catch new readers up to speed. This will not deter me from reading these books - they are very well written - but these are definitely not stand alone books. I will recommend these to my friends - starting with the first one.
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 "Guidelines Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Giorello writes beautiful, descriptive text that draws the reader in. Although seemingly distant at times, throughout the book Raleigh takes on a life of her own until she seems to be munching on a Big Mac right next to the reader. The history of the Richmond area is included in a realistic way, not only bringing the area to life but helping to round out the edges of Raleigh's case. The plot keeps the reader in suspense while not being too over the top. While faith was definitely a part of Raleigh's make-up, it seemed to be a distant part. A deeper exploration of her return to faith would have made her character's transformation more complete.
My biggest concern with this book lies with its history. This is the second Raleigh Harmon book, and apparently much happens in the first book that is relevant to her Richmond roots - only it isn't fully explained here. I felt as if I would have been better able to understand Raleigh throughout the first half of the book had Giorello taken a bit more time to explore her background here and catch new readers up to speed. This will not deter me from reading these books - they are very well written - but these are definitely not stand alone books. I will recommend these to my friends - starting with the first one.
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 "Guidelines Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
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