What's On My Shelf

When I visit new friends, I always find my way over to their book shelf to browse their books. A person's books tells me a lot about them. I look to see what books we have in common, what books surprise me, what books I've always wanted to read, and what books are the most loved from years of reading and re-reading.

In our last house, I didn't have a proper place to store my books. They were scattered around, wherever I could find space. In our new house, I have an office to myself and bookshelves for my books. I like to call it my "library." It's nice to see all my friends gathered together in one place where I can easily find them when I need them.

If you also like to snoop around your friend's bookshelves, here's a peek at what's new on my shelf in recent months.

Being There: Dave Furman has experienced intense physical suffering over the last decade which affects the use of his arms. His wife, Gloria, has walked with him in his suffering and so have many others in his life. Writing out of his experience of receiving care from others, Dave provides gospel encouragement to those who care for the suffering. "As a pastor I have seen the power of God's Word in the lives of others, and as a pastor who struggles with disability, I have felt the power of God's Word in my own time of need. While I'm thankful for modern medicines and the relief they can provide, I understand that my greatest hope doesn't come in a prescription. I know this truth intellectually, but as a person who experiences chronic pain, I need to be reminded of God's sovereign goodness. And those reminders often come through my friends who turn out to be not just friends but hope dealers." (p. 62). This book is filled with practical ways we can love and serve those who are suffering, both in our actions and our words. And ultimately how we can point sufferers to their hope in Christ. 

Whispers of Hope: Most books on adoption focus on how to adopt or how to raise an adopted child. Whispers of Hope by Twila Miles is for the adoptive parents who are struggling with issues post adoption, when they try to reach the heart of their adopted child. Twila shares the story of her family's own journey with their adopted child and God's strengthening grace through each twist and turn. In sharing their story, she gives adoptive parents hope, pointing them to Christ and the work he is doing through them as they reach out in love to their hurting child. "No one ever said that adoption would be easy. It may be wonderful, and well worth the effort (I definitely think so!), but it is not easy. In fact, we have found that it is one of the most selfless things a person can do, for it involves giving your life to another (John 15:13). Because of that, I am reminded daily of the fact that Christ gave His life for us. He didn't do it because we were prefect, kind, or lovely. He did it because He is perfect, kind and lovely, and He desired to extend His grace to us so that we could be brought into relationship with Him. Likewise, we must never lose sight of the fact that our children have been given to use so that we can care for them, even when they are difficult; so we can love them, even when they rebel; and so we can give our lives to them, even when they are not appreciative." (p. 81). 

Missional Motherhood: Gloria Furman's newest book is not about motherhood in the sense that we typically think of it. It's not a book on being a mom, as in the daily tasks of caring for and raising children. Rather it's about motherhood in the grand scheme. It's about all believing women being called to "mother" others for the sake of the Kingdom. It's about discipleship and spreading the gospel and praying for God's work in the world. It's about mothers with biological children, mothers with adoptive children, grandmothers, women without children, and single women nurturing others with the gospel. "Missional motherhood is not just for women who have given birth through their bodies or for those who have adopted children born from the body of another. The motherhood to which every Christian woman is called is making disciples of all nations." (p. 166). So if you are reading this, and you are a Christian woman, this book is for you. 

Unashamed: We all know what it is to feel shame. That desire to run and hide. That fear that others would see and know who we really are, what we've done, or what's been done to us. "At its core, shame is fear of weakness, failure, or unworthiness being unveiled for all to see, or fear that at least one other person will notice that which we want to hide." (p. 17). Heather Nelson brings shame out of the darkness and into the light, exposing it for what it really is: a lie. She unpacks different areas of shame, such as shame in marriage, body image, parenting,  and work and points us to our hope, forgiveness, and healing through the work of Christ for us. Unashamed is an important book for all of us.

Respectable Sins: I have a dog-eared copy of Respectable Sins which I have read multiple times. When I came across a student version of the book, I had to get it. I've been reading it out loud with my children each day. It has been a helpful guide in describing those sins we find acceptable and applying the gospel to them. "...we need a daily dose of the gospel to deal with the sin in our lives. We need that daily assurance that even though we are great sinners, we have a great Savior. We need the continual reminder that our sins are forgiven, that God doesn't count them against us, that He is on our side and helping us fight against sin instead of judging us for it." (p. 32) Though it is written for teens, I have found it to be just as helpful for my kids. Since I am reading it out loud, occasionally I have reworded things for my elementary age children so they can better relate.

What's new on your book shelf? 

Note: Some of these books I received copies of for free in exchange for my review. I am a member of the Amazon Affiliates program and links to books in this post are connected to my affiliates account with Amazon.com. 

Engaging Motherhood {a review and giveaway}

If we were to sit down and talk about motherhood, I would probably begin by saying, "A hurricane made me a mother and it's been a whirlwind ever since."

We were well prepared for that hurricane, after all we'd had a practice run just a couple of weeks before. The idea that two hurricanes could crash into the same seaside town, one after the other, never crossed my mind. And for it to happen when I was nine months pregnant—inconceivable!

Though we were prepared for the hurricane with our water, food, and emergency supplies, we were  not prepared for parenthood. Oh, I had read all the books. Multiple times. In my mind I was prepared but nothing smacks your pride in the face like motherhood. Those first months on into a year was hard. Postpartum depression made it even harder. 

That's why when I started reading Engaging Motherhood: Heart Preparation for a Holy Calling, I emailed one of the writer's to tell her how much I appreciated the book. If only I had read it twelve years ago! 

Most books for moms are teeming with how-to's and practical tips. "Here's what worked for me, it is certain to work for you." While such advice has its use, one thing that is often lacking in these works is Christ. Many resources point readers everywhere else but the only source of hope, Jesus Christ.

That's what makes Engaging Motherhood an important books for moms. Especially new moms and those with littles gathered around their ankles. Moms covered in spit up and whose life revolves around diaper changes and nap schedules. This book points moms to their Savior. 

"But what if I told you there was a great High Priest who has gone before you and knows all your fears? What if I told you that Christ has taken the lion's share of your pain in delivery? By leaving his throne in heaven and taking on the very nature of a man—a servant—Jesus embraced the most astronomical role change you could ever imagine. God became man with flesh and bones and bruises. And his earthly body was torn open to deliver you. And because of this, God exalted him to the highest place, so that at the name of Jesus every knee would bow. If you have confessed Christ as Lord, you can have unwavering hope that God will deliver you into this revolution with joy and confidence." (p.13)

Engaging Motherhood is written by a group of moms who have been there and know the challenges of caring for young children. Designed to be read and discussed in a small group setting and ideally with a mentor/leader, Engaging Motherhood is divided into eight themed weeks. Each of those weeks contains five days of devotional length chapters.  Some of the themes include topics such as loneliness, control, perfectionism, and spiritual life. Each day's reading includes a Scripture passage, a devotional, and questions to answer.

For new moms, every moment of the day is consumed with taking care of a child. This book, with its manageable readings, reminds moms of the truth of who they are in Christ and wherein lies their joy and strength.

"From the beginning, one of Scripture's refrains is God is with you. He entered the darkness at the beginning of the world, he entered the darkness of our sin, he walks with us through streams of righteousness and waves that seem to overcome us. God even called his Son Immanuel—God with us—as a way to remind us that he will never (never!) leave us. Take heart! You are known. You are understood. You are His." (p.58)

Engaging Motherhood would be an excellent resource for a group of new moms to do together. It would be a great tool for an older woman to use to disciple younger women. It would be a blessing to any mom with young children. To find out more about Engaging Motherhood, click here.

I have a copy of Engaging Motherhood to give away. US residents only. Enter below.

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Note: I received a copy of this book for free for this review. The thoughts and opinions are my own.

Redeeming Church Conflicts

If you have been in church any length of time, then you have experienced it. Conflict. Sometimes it's a disagreement between church members over the songs chosen for Sunday morning worship. Sometimes it's the fruit of gossip that has poisoned all who have taken a bite. Sometimes it is differing opinions over a staff hire or the use of church funds. Just like a biological family, the church family is filled with broken, sinful people who often don't get along. 

What does a church do when there is conflict? 

Veteran church conflict mediators, Tara Barthel and David Edling have a resource that every church and every church member needs: Redeeming Church Conflicts: Turning Crisis Into Compassion and Care. With decades of combined experience mediating conflicts in churches, Barthel and Edling lay out Biblical and practical guidelines for how churches can address conflict. Using stories of experiences with churches they have helped, the book presents a step by step process to bring redemption, hope, and healing to a conflict.

When I read this book, I was in the middle of multiple conflicts occurring around me. They were heartbreaking conflicts, the kind that rip and tear and break unity. Reading the book helped me see the ways such conflicts start and gave me hope for how they can end. But the truth is, that wasn't the first conflict I had encountered in church and it won't be my last. Every church I have been a part of over the course of my life has had some kind of conflict. Some ended in church splits and others with lasting bitterness and broken hearts. Because of the fall, conflict in our churches is inevitable. We have to expect it. But as Redeeming Church Conflicts shows us, through Christ it can also be redeemed.

Redeeming Church Conflicts follows the Acts 15 model of addressing conflict: Perspective, Discernment, Leadership, and Biblical Response. It helps us see the reasons why we have conflict and the underlying issues behind it, because more often than not, the issue everyone is upset about isn't always the real problem. It helps us see the ways God is working on our holiness in and through the conflict. It reminds us that we all have a part to play in working through and resolving church conflicts. It open our eyes to have compassion for those with whom we are having conflict. And it walks us through a Biblical response to the conflicts we have in our churches. Ultimately this book is about the church, the Body of Christ, and our need to do the hard work to keep the bonds of unity. 

"Leaders are not prepared for conflict (even though they should be). Followers are not prepared for conflict (even though they should be). Both leaders and followers are caught in worldliness and many have bought into a postmodern philosophy that says truth is relative and personal and emotive experiences are preeminent. We become passionate, defensive, and self-centered. Rather than studying Scripture and obeying it, we live as a law unto ourselves, motivated by what we want and demand. Rather than a blazing reality, heaven feels vague, so we lose our sense of the nearness of eternity and begin protecting our property, reputations, and comfort in the here and now. Rather than loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (and loving our neighbor as ourselves), we get tired and distracted and our immediate desires trump eternal realities. Failing to trust in God's sovereignty and living for temporary security, many of us make our church conflicts worse." (p.7).

This book is not only a necessary resource for every church but the principles are useful for individuals as well. Because after all, how often do church conflicts begin with a conflict between two people and spread out to the rest of the church? This is one of those books all believers need to own and read through regularly. As Christ followers, we are all united together by the blood of our Savior. We are a family. We will be with each other for all eternity. We must work hard to maintain unity and redeem conflicts when they arise. For the glory of God and his church.

"From an eternal perspective, we already are reconciled with and united to our brothers and sisters in Christ. Therefore, during any church conflict, we simply strive to become who and what we already are: one in Christ. We may differ over issues and hold conflicting positions on important questions, but those temporary things pale in comparison to our unity in Christ." (p. 173).

It's a book giveaway day! Enter below to win a copy of Redeeming Church Conflicts, US residents only please.

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Praying Together and a Giveaway!

On the center of our kitchen table we have a little jar filled with popscicle sticks. On each stick is written a prayer concern. As we sit together for meals each day, we take turns praying. Whoever is praying takes a stick and prays for that need. We pray for health concerns of loved ones, missionaries, salvation for loved ones, cultural issues, as well personal prayer concerns.

Each time we pray together as a family, we are participating in corporate prayer.

When most of us think of prayer, we think of our individual prayer life. In Megan Hill's new book, Praying Together, she talks about the importance of corporate prayer, of praying together with other's in the Body of Christ. And not only the importance, but the joy and privilege of joining together with our brothers and sisters in Christ to pray. 

Praying Together is divided into three sections: the foundations of praying together (the why of praying together), the fruits of praying together (what God does through our praying together), and the practice of praying together (the how and practical suggestions for praying together). The book includes study questions for use in group settings. 

One of my favorite truths that Megan starts out the book with is the fact that "a Christian never prays alone" (p. 17). Prayer is relational and the Trinity is actively involved in our prayers. "Our relationship with the God who is three-in-one assures us that all three will involve themselves in our praying--making the prayers of a Christian part of a grand, heavenly conversation..In prayer, we approach a loving, listening Father, and we are helped by the intercession of the Son and the groaning of the Spirit." (p. 22-23). What a joy to meditate on this truth!

I also appreciated the chapter on revival. Megan shares a number of stories about the ways God has used the corporate prayers of his people to bring about spiritual revival. From just a few people meeting weekly to pray together for their city, God moved in the hearts of thousands. 

In her chapter on discipleship, Megan shares how God uses corporate prayer in discipleship. "In praying together we disciple one another: we strengthen one another's faith, testify to our experiences of God, shape one another's repentance and desires, stir one another to thanksgiving, and encourage one another in godly habits." (p. 70). And it's so true! As I thought about the times I have prayed with those in my church, all these areas of discipleship were true for me. 

I asked Megan a few questions about Praying Together: The Priority and Privilege of Prayer: In Our Homes, Communities, and Churches (The Gospel Coalition (Women's Initiatives))and this is what she said:

Christina: What prompted you to write this book and who is the intended audience?

 Megan: I wrote this book because I truly love praying with other people. I am a daughter of the church, and from my earliest years I can remember sweet times of praying with God's people--in Lord's Day worship, in church prayer meetings, and with my family. And because I love praying with others, I was surprised to discover that there was really no contemporary, Reformed book on the subject.  Many excellent writers and theologians have addressed the topic of private prayer, but there isn't much modern writing on corporate prayer. I hope this book will be read by individual Christians, but I especially hope it will be read by communities--by families and discipleship groups and even whole churches--who can then take up the work of praying together with greater enthusiasm.

Christina: Was there anything that came out of your research/study for the book that you didn't expect or surprised you in some way? 

Megan: I discovered some wonderful anecdotes about prayer meetings throughout church history. Praying with other people is not a new idea, and I found and retold some stories in my book that still bring me to tears even on the 10th or 12th re-reading. I'm particularly moved by the rich tradition of children's prayer meetings and the way the Lord often used groups of praying children to bring blessing on his church. (I discuss some of these stories about children in this article here.)  

Christina: Did your own prayer life change at all in the process of writing this book? 

Megan: I think writing this book has certainly made me look forward to times of corporate prayer even more than before. Also in the course of writing I grew in my conviction that saying an audible "Amen" during corporate prayers can be a valuable act of whole-hearted participation--even for Presbyterians like me! (I discuss this practice in this article here).

Christina: If there is one thing people take away from the book, what do you hope that would be?

Megan: I hope they pray together more! And I hope people read my book and realize that when we pray with other people we are doing important kingdom work. Sometimes I think people don't realize that when one person is praying aloud, the whole group is actually praying just as earnestly in their hearts. So when the pastor prays from the pulpit, we get distracted because we don't commit ourselves to praying alongside him. In reality, we are all praying--young children and elderly widows, men and women, church leaders and church members, new believers and mature Christians. Praying together is work for all of us.

Christina: Do you have one personal story of praying in community that you didn't share in the book that you'd like to share now?

Megan: About a year ago, I went with my children to visit a woman in our church who was dying of cancer. She was very weak and could barely speak, and when I asked her if we could pray with her, she could only nod her head and close her eyes. My children (who were 6,7, and 8 years-old) and I took turns praying aloud as we held her hands. After we said, "Amen," she looked up and smiled at us. In that moment, I realized what a gift it is to someone who is beyond the ability to speak to have other Christians come and give words to her prayers. When I am dying, I hope others do the same with me. I never saw that sister again--she died very soon after--but I know we will spend eternity praising God together for His answer to that hospital-bed prayer meeting.

Want a copy of Praying Together: The Priority and Privilege of Prayer: In Our Homes, Communities, and Churches (The Gospel Coalition (Women's Initiatives))? Enter to win a copy below. I have three to giveaway! US residents only please.

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Disclaimer: I received this book for free in exchange for this review. The thoughts and opinions are my own. This post may also contain Amazon Affiliate links.

A New Book: Women On Life

This week marks the 42nd anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, the court decision that legalized abortion in the U.S. In the years since that landmark decision, more than 57 million babies have died in the womb. And since that time, human life in general has become increasingly devalued. Those who aren't strong and capable are easily overlooked, mistreated, and simply discarded.

We are called to value all of life because God is the creator and sustainer of life. God's word teaches us that people are made in God's image and are worthy of respect and should be cherished, whether they have just been conceived or are 99 years old. In an effort to stand up for and honor life, the ERLC has published a new book, titled Women on Life: A Call to Love the Unborn, Unloved, & Neglected. I was honored to contribute to this book, along with many other gifted women. Each chapter in this book looks at ways we can honor life, looking at issues such as infertility, special needs, teen pregnancy, the elderly and more.

"Because all of life is important to God, we are compelled to talk about it. Whether it’s addressing purity and teaching our children about sex, teens and pregnancy, caring for the woman with a high-risk pregnancy, children with special needs, caring for the single mother, or getting involved in the pro-life movement, how we interact with God’s image-bearers matters. It’s our desire that this book will inspire you to care deeply about issues of life, equip you for prayerful action and begin a conversation in your churches and homes." (from the ERLC).

Here's an excerpt from my chapter, titled "Teens, Pregnancy, and the Family:

"After Adam and Eve fell into sin, God promised a Savior in Genesis 3:15. The rest of the Old Testament reveals the need for this Savior, foretells of who this Savior would be, and pushes forward the plan for his arrival. In the New Testament we meet the Savior, Jesus Christ. He came in the most surprising of ways, through the womb of an unwed teen. As the angel explained to Mary, “‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be borne will be called holy—the Son of God’” (Luke 1:35).

When he was 30 years old, Jesus began to teach about God’s kingdom. He gathered a ragtag group of disciples and traveled around the region teaching, healing and delivering people from their bondage. He revealed the heart and intent of God’s law, showing that sin isn’t only what someone does, but it is also what someone thinks. He taught that all sin, including sexual sin, begins in the heart, “But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matt. 5:28).

In John 4, Jesus met a Samaritan woman at the well. As Jesus spoke to her about a mysterious source of water, he revealed that he knew more about her than she knew about herself. He knew about her multiple husbands and the sinful life she led. But he offered her more. He offered her grace and water that could quench the thirst that no man could ever quench. She ran off to the village, telling everyone about the grace of Christ, “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?” (John 4:29).

When he had completed his ministry, Jesus went like a lamb to the slaughter. Though he was perfect and had never sinned, he laid down his life to free us from all our sin. Through faith in Christ, we have been set free from the bondage of sin and are freed to live for him. This is the grace that our children and our teens need to know. Without this grace, we cannot hope to follow and obey Christ in a fallen world, especially in a world broken with sexual sin." (p.66-68).

I have one copy of Women on Life: A Call to Love the Unborn, Unloved, & Neglected to giveaway. Enter below. U.S residents only. Update: Congrats to Sarah H., winner of the giveaway!

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Book Review: The Ology

This semester in homeschool, we've started a new thing that I call "Theological Truth Thursday." During our Bible time on Thursday mornings, I teach my children a theological term. They write it down, along with the definition, and we discuss its meaning and significance to our faith. We've discussed words like theology, omniscience, and justification. 

Recently I had the opportunity to review a new children's book called The Ology. It has been a perfect addition to what I am trying to accomplish with Theological Truth Thursday. This book is one of those books that families will read over and over and with one child to the next. 

The Ology: Ancient Truths, Ever New

By Marty Machowski

The Ology: Ancient Truths, Ever New is a picture book, written by Marty Machowski. You may be familiar with his other children's books, Long Story Short: Ten-Minute Devotions to Draw Your Family to God and Old Story New: Ten-Minute Devotions to Draw Your Family to God. The Ology teaches children foundational theological truths in simple terms and in short chapters.

It begins with the story of a young boy and girl exploring around the cellar of an old church. They stumble across a book called The Ology. It is a long-forgotten book written for children to understand deep truths about God. They open its pages and begin reading the first chapter titled, "God Always Was and Always Will Be." 

Each chapter is one to three pages long and provides basic instruction in theological truths of the Christian faith.  There are seventy-one chapters in all, divided into eleven sections. Some of the sections include: The Ology of Sin, The Ology of Christ, The Ology of the Church, and The Ology of God's Word. 

From a chapter discussing God's holiness:

"Is it possible to get close enough to the sun to scoop out a sample to bring home in a jar? Of course not, the sun's surface is so hot is would burn you up before you even got close. While we know we can't touch the sun, a lot of folks don't understand that God's holy light--his glory and holiness--shines brighter than the sun. Just like we can't touch the sun, sinful people, still under judgment, can't get near to our holy God" (p.85).

This beautifully illustrated book is intended to be used with children both in elementary school and in older grades as well. There is a parent guide with helpful suggestions for how to use the book with both young and older children. For older children, there are Bible passages provided in each chapter for further reading and study. There are discussion questions for each chapter at the end of the book as well. Each theological truth is explained using examples and illustrations that children understand. The images are engaging and pertinent to the chapter, but not distracting. 

I do wish that the author had incorporated more of the terms we use for the theological concepts he describes. While he does define words such as "atonement" and "sanctification" he doesn't use terms like omnipotence or omnipresence when he describes God as all-powerful and that he is everywhere.  

The Ology: Ancient Truths, Ever New is a wonderful new discipleship tool for parents to use in training their children in the "Ology" of God and his word. If you've been searching for a new devotional for your family, this is one book you'll want to add to your library and read with your children multiple times as they grow.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free in exchange for my review. The thoughts and opinions are my own. This post may also contain Amazon Affiliate links.