Archive for March 15, 2010

15 Mar 2010
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On Spring Break Vacation

 

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11 For as the earth brings forth its bud,
      As the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth,
      So the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations. (Isaiah 61:11, New King James Version)

Like many of you, me and the kids are officially on Spring Break this week.
We are very grateful to dear Abba, our Heavenly Father, that the weather has been fantastic (so far), with clear blue skies, light winds and plenty of sun and took this first day, away from the computer, school room and well, spending the day outside and not only just enjoying the fresh air, but lunch with Daddy, which is a rare treat for all of us.

Prayers and hope that you all are having a safe and wonderful Spring Break and love to hear what you have or plan on doing for Spring Break or if you take a “Spring Break” at all.

Sunflower Faith | 2 comments | Tags:
13 Mar 2010
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"The Temperature Today Is" poster printable

This is a very simple temperature poster that I created to make it easy each day for the kids to use a dry erase marker to record that day’s temperature. Please let me know what you think of it or any tweaking that you feel I should do, otherwise, I pray and hope it can be of some benefit for you and the kids.

Simply print it out, laminate it, and it’s ready to be used.
Today’s Temperature Is

Sunflower Faith | No comments | Tags: , , , , , ,
12 Mar 2010
Book Review

Vertical Self Book Review Friday

Author:The Vertical Self: How Biblical Faith Can Help Us Discover Who We Are in An Age of Self ObsessionMark Sayers
Published:March 2nd 2010 by Thomas Nelson (first published 2010)
Details:Paperback, 224 pages
ISBN:0849920000     

  

 

My Thoughts 

From,”The Vertical Self” 

 Our greatest scorn is reserved for those who fail at the game of looking good. this is why we have become so obsessed with hypocrisy. We experience a guilty pleasure when others are “found out”. 

……Their charades just prove to us that no one is really good; therefore, we all must just put on an act that says we are

……The measuring stick for our success in this quest becomes our personal feelings. Do we feel great? Do we feel free? Do we feel happy?”  

How often do we based things, anything, even just going to church on how it makes us FEEL? Maybe we feel that by following a certain pattern that is on display for others, that will complete our lives?

In, “The Vertical Self”, I found it to be a very challenging read, because it challenges us to go beyond caring, even as followers, what the world and sometimes, just our fellow believers, think, but focus on the person that matters most, our Heavenly Father and instead of looking side by side (hence the Horizontal Self), we start looking upward, towards our Father, more in our lives.

Convicting, challenging and encouraging (yes, Christian keywords), “The Vertical Self” was interesting to read, because, it’s not a self-help book, it’s not a “do this and you’ll be doing great in your Christian walk” but it takes a step out of everything, and challenges the believer, to really pursue a radical and transparent faith and walk with our Heavenly Father.

Filled with references to modern culture and with biblical references, Mark Sayers, really goes in depth with “The Vertical Self”, so be prepared for a book that isn’t a quick through read, but instead, you will find yourself with a pencil, plenty of corners turned down to re-read and times, where you may find yourself on a stop-think-read-re read and challenge your personal thoughts and convictions about your own walk.

 

Publisher’s Description
It’s time for a return to Radical Holiness. 

Welcome to the 21st century where you can now purchase and exchange personalities, depending on mood and circumstance; where you are told that you can be anyone you want to be, and identity is no longer based in a sense of self but rather in the imagery you choose at that moment. 

The Bible contains a radically different way of understanding our identity. The path that God has chosen for us to discover who we really are is the path of holiness. 

The most exciting thing is that this path is not for otherworldy saints, rather it is a path of earthy, gutsy holiness. It’s a path that is not about basing your life on this world or of shunning your desires. Instead, it is about bringing your hopes, your dreams, your brokenness, your desires, your humanness under the Lordship of Christ. By doing this we don’t just discover a new way of living out our faith, we discover a liberating, revolutionary, life-embracing way of being truly human.

If you are a Christian Book Reviewer and would like to participate in Book Review Friday, drop by Christian Book Reviewer to find out more how to participate.Photobucket

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Sunflower Faith | One comment | Tags: , , , ,
11 Mar 2010
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When seeking a Godly Friend

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“Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a
person, having neither to weigh thought no measure words, but pouring
them all right out, just as they are, chaff and grain together,
certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is
worth keeping, and with a breadth of kindness, blow the rest away”

~Dinah Craik

26 The righteous should choose his friends carefully, For the way of the wicked leads them astray.     (Proverbs 12:26, New King James Version)

In a book that me and my mentor are working together through, one of the topics that came up was the importance of finding and having Godly friends, be it temporary for a season, or for more than a season.

The trick is that we live in a busy world where most of our social connections are by facebook, blogging, twittering, and very few are often by how most friendships use to be developed such as through going to school together, sharing same interests, through work or just in the neighborhood.

When we come to think of it, how do most of us really make friends and often, real life friends as in friends that we meet on a regular or semi-regular basis or through our church or playgroups?

We all crave friendships.

 It helps us feel connected and have that shoulder to lean on when time is tough, but in today’s busy world, it seems difficult for some to find that like minded connections or like many, we try to cultivate those friendships and put our hearts and souls on the line, only to find ourselves rejected, hurt, and abandoned.

Praise our Heavenly Father, first and foremost, that no matter what, where or who, He is always there and in the bigger scheme of things, He is and should be and always will be the only friend, if not the “Best Friend” in our lives.

He doesn’t fail us or judge us or reject us or not have time for us as unfortunately our human counterparts can or will do, but how do we expand our circle of friends when we seek to find others who are like minded and trust worthy to eventually be called a “friend”.

Now, I don’t claim to have all the answers, and truth is, like many that are out there, often find myself wishing that I could find like minded, real world counterparts, to be able to meet for coffee or just “hang out” and have “playdates” in between school, but truth is that we still live in an imperfect world and people will still and sometimes always disappoint us or sometimes…well are friends, but friends for only a season, and that in itself is still okay.

Frustrating sometimes because it would be great to have that “friend I could just call up and say, can you come over for coffee, I need to cry or could you just pray for me”.

Sometimes, friends come in and come out for a reason, maybe God seeks to use us in some form or fashion to touch their lives, and maybe they are just there for a season, so in and through them, that our Father, can touch our own lives.

Whatever the case, we must not forget that our dear Abba is always there for us, first and foremost and that if anything, when we seek friends, to seek friends that are godly and who will support us not drag us down.

One of the greatest example is probrably the friendship of Jonathon and David, where no matter what, how bad things got, their friendship bear the marks of time.

Now, reality wise, we have to remember, friends, like love, depicted on t.v. and movies are just that, fictional. It’s truthful rare that we have those die-hard friends like we see on t.v. or in the movies who is there no matter what and for many, our friendships may grow apart, move states away or just…..disappear.

Then there are sometimes we are blessed by friendships that we may never meet in person but one day in God’s kingdom, will meet, while others, through and in our Heavenly Father, we will be blessed to meet in person.

Whatever is the case, there are truths that hold strong such as:

  1. No matter what, we must take care how we choose our friendships
  2. Our friendships are often based on those that will encourage and strengthen your relationship with Jesus Christ and vice versa,
  3. We can’t be friends with both the world and God-eventually the two will collide and a choice will have to be made
  4. We are the company we keep-our friendships can often reflect us

Paul Chappell of PaulChappell.com wrote an article called “7 ways to be a Godly friend “and laid down principles, gleaned from scripture that I think we could all benefit from.

Some of the points highlighted were points that I think we all need to remember such as the fact that:

God doesn’t hold grudges against us. Though we ALL have sinned, He offers us forgiveness and that is forgiveness that we should show each other for not just for the other person’s good, but for our own relationship with our Heavenly Father.

Yes.Friends can make us mad, but what about ourselves? We are not perfect.They are no more perfect than we are. We would want forgiveness if we wrong, don’t we? So why refuse to offer that to others that we feel (keyword “feel”) wrong us.

Which leads us to, I think, a good principle about friendships:

  • Godly friends are able to forgive each other for each other faults. Godly friends know that sometimes the hurts caused are unintentionly and are mature enough to own up to mistakes, ask for forgiveness, say ‘sorry’ and move on but not apart. Godly friends seek to not only just resolve tension but seek for peace, realistic peace and that also includes realizing no one is perfect.

With that, we are guided to a great reminder that a good friend isn’t afraid and able to say, hey there is spiniach in your teeth. Okay, maybe not spiniach, but it leads us to that:

  • Loving truth can be spoken to each other. 6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend,    But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.     (Proverbs 27:6, New King James Version) I say lovingly, because there is a right way and a wrong way to point out something to a friend and it also take for the recipent to swallow one’s pride and humbly be able to take what is shared. We all have our blind spots-No one is perfect but in the process, we have to be willing to step back as well and ask ourselves, is our friend speaking to sharpen us as we are called to sharpen (with love) them? (ref. Proverbs 27:17). We much rather our friends be honest with us, rather than speak words of constant honey and in the process rather than help us, end up either enabling or allowing us to continue a behaviour or pattern that may potentially be harmful to either ourselves or others. Now there is a fine line to walk.

With that said, there is no room for envy, jealousy, or lack of support for the other and a Godly friend is there to celebrate the blessings of each other, as well lift each other in times of adversity and/or sorry.

17 A friend loves at all times,   And a brother is born for adversity.    (Proverbs 17:17, New King James Version)

My hubby shared that some of the people he considered to be “friends” are those who has been through thick and thin with and for him and not even distance can seperate their friendship. Now some of his friendship was born out of common comradrie of being in the Marines, but it is an example how, we should seek and be, friends no matter what the situation is.

With that said, a Godly friend is someone whose always going to make time for you and you for them, no matter what the time of day, if you are having a bad hair day or not, nothing.

As Proverbs 18:24 shares, 24 A man who has friends must himself be friendly,   But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.     (Proverbs 18:24, New King James Version).

From personal experience, I’ve had my share of “fair weather friends” then Godly friends who call me a friend but then never had the time. Then when they did, they were always too busy to pick up the phone, drop an email or just say hi. Yet, when they needed me, they were quick to call, but when they didn’t….they weren’t there.

For everything there is a time and season, and though I’ve had my fair share of heartaches and bad friendships, through it all, there is one friend I know I could always count on no matter what, Our Heavenly Father.

He is there, through thick and thin and with that, the trust that He has something else planned for me, but I need and must trust Him and leave it in His hands not mine. I pray that He will open doors of opportunity that I may make new friends and prayfully, He will send Godly friends my way, but in the meantime, I trust in Him, even in times when it feels hard and keep my head up high and keep on smiling, even when it may hurt on some days.

God is good. He is so very good and loving and He is the Best Friend of all.

Meantime, I lean on Him and I turn to Him as I seek to understand, not by world’s standards, but by His standards what it is to be and what is it find in a Godly Friend.

Maybe you feel the same way, you’re not alone. God IS there for you.

Maybe you have been blessed to have or have had Godly Friends. If so, what are somethings you have learned makes a Godly friend and what are some ways you have learned, doesn’t make a Godly friend?

No matter what, always remember, God loves you for you. God bless you Gentle Reader and more than anything, Gentle Friend.

Sunflower Faith | One comment | Tags:
10 Mar 2010
Word-Filled Wednesday

Word Filled Wednesday

PhotobucketIt really is no secret that I have my good days and I have my bad days.

 Truth is, what the not so hidden secret is that I’m an imperfect human being.
Okay, shocker I know, so it really surprises me of people who tend to think that I am perfect, have it all together, or should have it together without taking in the fact that I don’t hide the fact that, hey, “I’m a broken vessel that only in and through our Heavenly Father, that I rest my hope and prayer in.”

From the MHC (Matthew Henry Commentary) it is shared about 1 Corinthians 11:30-33:

Daring Escapades (11:30-33)

…… Consistent with his determination to play the fool, Paul chooses an incident that demonstrates weakness rather than strength. If I must boast, he states, I will boast of the things that show my weakness (v. 30).

 The form of the conditional denotes fact: “since I must boast” (ei + indicative).

 Paul has been forced to become a braggart by the exigencies of the Corinthian situation. The church is being led down the garden path by some smooth-talking con artists. Paul will do whatever it takes to help the church to see this–even to the extent of boasting as his rivals do.

When asked to provide a vita, we tend to pick things that make us look good in the eyes of others. Paul turns instead to what makes him look bad.

 He also chooses an episode that caused him no little personal humiliation–a quick exit from the city of Damascus under cover of darkness. His account is prefaced with an oath. The veracity of what he is about to say is at stake: The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is to be praised forever, knows that I am not lying (v. 31). Oates are used toice earlier in this chapter (11:10, 11; also see 1:18).

 In fact, Paul tends to use them whenever he suspects that the truthfulness of his claims might be questioned (as in “I assure you before God,” Gal 1:20; “God is our witness,” 1 Thess 2:5). Paul’s oath in 2 Corinthians 11:31 is made even more weighty by the additions the God and Father of the Lord Jesus and who is to be praised forever. The former phrase occurs elsewhere only in 2 Corinthians 1:3 (see the commentary) and Ephesians 1:3. The latter phrase is a Jewish expression of reverence and adoration (Bratcher 1983:128).

Truth is, I am nothing without our Heavenly Father and I am nothing if it isn’t for and about Him. I can speak all the most eloquent or not so eloquent words in the word and it all falls to dust, if my life, does not straightforward reflects Him and that includes the fact that life is not always going to be perfect-there will be trials and tribulations and there will be well, just boring days, but what all matters is that it is all about giving it to Him and trusting our Father through it all.

Sometimes this is done easily-Other times it’s not.

From “Eyes for the Unknown” by Ron Rose, the writer shares what I think eloquently speaks how we have to embrace our weaknesses as well as our strengths,

Life after the fall is filled with roadblocks, they will continue till Jesus comes. If someone tries to sell you some misguided teaching that Christianity gets rid of the roadblocks, politely disconnect.

 If you breathe you will experience Roadblocks.

God uses them to direct life, to change things, to move us to the next chapter in our story. Sometimes he moves them, but most of the time HE transforms them into road signs; road signs that point us in a new direction.

My imperfections, my weaknesses, defines me more than I feel my strengths do, because it is in my weaknesses that our Heavenly Father shines through more and it is through my weaknesses that my faith in Him is strengthen, sometimes easily and sometimes after much difficulty, but in the end, I have no one, not even myself to give praise to, except our Heavenly Father.

It is because of that, that I am slowly learning, the truth of our growth and spiritual maturity can be easily hid behind a false smile but the reality that our spiritual growth and who our characters are, are refined and definied by the weaknesses that teaches us both strength, humility and completely reliance in our Heavenly Father.

If I give praise to our Heavenly Father only when life is going great, I feel I give a false impression of Him, because He is there for when we are down as much as when we are up in the world and that’s what the world needs to know too.

He is ALWAYS there.

He is not a fair weathered friend or whose only there for the ‘good times’. He is there for the storms, the rocky days adn sometimes just the boring average day and it doesn’t mean you and I are not insignificant but rather we are significant.

So life is everyday?

So life is stormy?

So life is rocky?

Thank You Heavenly Father for everyday because You are there no matter what.

As for me. Back to my boring life. LOL

If you are interested in joining us this week for “Word Filled Wednesday” drop by Lori  @  allyouhavetogive.com who is hosting “WFW” this week to participate with the rest of us.

Sunflower Faith | 12 comments | Tags: , , ,
08 Mar 2010
Memes • Simple Woman Daybook

Simple Woman's Daybook

Simple Woman Daybook

Come Join the Simple Woman Daybook each Monday

FOR TODAY:p> 

  • Outside my window…it’s raining, the pollen is being kicked up but the thing is that I enjoy rain and thunderstorms-there is something cleansing and comforting about them-until the power goes off.
  • I am thinking…about a member of the family who is still in the hospital; how AWESOME God is and how faithful He is; Prayers for just strength and encouragment always-I think that is something that we all need always in our lives.
  • I am thankful for…Our Heavenly Abba-Wow. Resurrection is around the corner and just think of how the “ultimate” 24 hours made a difference not just for you and me, but for everyone.
  • From the learning rooms…We are working through a new primer this week,we’re going to discuss about weather and the sky this week and decorate our “bulletin board” with spring time images and start a new copywork of poems for spring.
  • From the kitchen…hoping that the oatmeal comes out okay for breakfast; thinking of making a smoothie this morning…no coffee due to coffee maker going the way of our previous coffee grinder.
  • I am wearing…skirt with a matching purple top. Hmmm..is purple becoming my “color”.
  • I am creating…Peter and the Wolf  ‘display board’ using legal size folders, debating how to create an “all about art” poster and searching for a butterfly copywork book to go with our spring unit.
  • I am going…to start school in a little bit but not much a week really planned out and just going as it goes.
  • I am reading…Just finished,”Homeschooling for the rest of us”. I have a stack of books to read/review and then a stack of just books for me to read I need to get to.
  • I am hoping…to hear good news that our family member will be discharged from the hospital; prayers for really more godly friends in real life.
  • I am hearing…Our Heavenly Father is a best friend through all circumstances and we are never truly alone in and through Him.
  • Around the house…small pile of laundry but other than that, pretty caught up.
  • One of my favorite things…Chai tea-craving it and sushi right now.
  • A few plans for the rest of the week: Trying to remember where I saw the butterfly mobile to print out and
  • Scripture thought for the Day….
       
    3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, New King James Version)

Enjoy other Daybooks at: thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Sunflower Faith | 2 comments | Tags:
07 Mar 2010
Uncategorized

The Color Career Test

This was something really neat that I came across via the, “Mrs. Happy Housewife” blog and it’s based on colors that visually catch your eyes the most/least. It’s hard to say how accurate it is, but I was surprised with the results. It’s called the “Color Career Test”

Best Occupational Category

You’re a CREATOR

Keywords

Nonconforming, Impulsive, Expressive, Romantic, Intuitive, Sensitive, and Emotional

These original types place a high value on aesthetic qualities and have a great need for self-expression. They enjoy working independently, being creative, using their imagination, and constantly learning something new. Fields of interest are art, drama, music, and writing or places where they can express, assemble, or implement creative ideas.

CREATOR OCCUPATIONS
Suggested careers are Advertising Executive, Architect, Web Designer, Creative Director, Public Relations, Fine or Commercial Artist, Interior Decorator, Lawyer, Librarian, Musician, Reporter, Art Teacher, Broadcaster, Technical Writer, English Teacher, Architect, Photographer, Medical Illustrator, Corporate Trainer, Author, Editor, Landscape Architect, Exhibit Builder, and Package Designer.

CREATOR WORKPLACES
Consider workplaces where you can create and improve beauty and aesthetic qualities. Unstructured, flexible organizations that allow self-expression work best with your free-spirited nature.

Suggested Creator workplaces are advertising, public relations, and interior decorating firms; artistic studios, theaters and concert halls; institutions that teach crafts, universities, music, and dance schools. Other workplaces to consider are art institutes, museums, libraries, and galleries.

2nd Best Occupational Category

You’re an ORGANIZER

Keywords:

Self-Control, Practical, Self-Contained, Orderly, Systematic, Precise, and Accurate

These conservative appearing, plotting-types enjoy organizing, data systems, accounting, detail, and accuracy. They often enjoy mathematics and data management activities such as accounting and investment management. Persistence and patience allows them to do detailed paperwork, operate office machines, write business reports, and make charts and graphs

If you try it out yourself, leave a comment and let me know what results you get.

Sunflower Faith | One comment
07 Mar 2010
Book Review

"Homeschooling for the Rest of Us"Book Review

Homeschooling for the Rest of Us: How Your One-of-a-Kind Family Can Make Homeschooling and Real Life Work

  • Author:       Sonya Haskins
  • Published: 
    January 1st 2010 by Bethany House Publishers

  • Details:       Paperback, 176 pages
  • ISBN:            0764207393   

    • “What about socialization?”
    “Don’t you have to have a degree to homeschool?”
    “How can you handle being around your kids all the time”

    Did you know that in an informal survey that the author, Sonya Haskins, did, that 93 percent of those polled (friends, relatives, the educational community) that is was felt that standards placed on homeschoolers are higher than those placed on educators?

    Not fair you may think and even then, ever have thoughts of how to manage your time, your home, your sanity while balancing homeschooling with being a full time parent.

    If you ever have had any of these thoughts, you’re not alone.

    “Homeschooling for the Rest of Us: How Your One-Of-a Kind Family Can Make Homeschooling and Real Life Work” is a great, layman discussion from a homeschooler of five children that addresses the everyday concerns that the new, the not so new and even the veteran, homeschooling has about making homeschooling work for your home while also dealing with the questions that people have about homeschooling.

    With both fun and also informative sidebars on almost every page of the book, “Homeschooling for the Rest of Us: How Your One-Of-a Kind Family Can Make Homeschooling and Real Life Work” ranks pretty high as a great encouragement for homeschoolers who are either thinking, starting out or maybe even just find themselves in a rut, to read.

    Some of the chapters that are encounter are chapters such as, “Dealing with Relatives” (personally this should be the first chapter followed with “Homeschooling on a Budget” and close to the heart topics such as “The Socialization Question” (which this reviewer encounter recently from a public school teacher who asked “Why did you choose homeschooling” followed with, “What about socialization” (as my kids was happily and quietly playing with their kids, sigh).

    Although this is normal topics that the average homeschooling parent deals with, “Homeschooling for the Rest of Us: How Your One-Of-a Kind Family Can Make Homeschooling and Real Life Work”, also goes in really the more vital topics that many homeschooling parents, find themselves dealing with such as “The Special Needs Child At Home”, “Pressure, Perfection and Progress” and of course, “Living in a (Very) Messy House”.

    An “easy” read at 176 pages and an easy to carry paperback book, although “Homeschooling for the Rest of Us: How Your One-Of-a Kind Family Can Make Homeschooling and Real Life Work” does not go into deep detail, at the same time, at thirteen chapters, Sonya Haskins, brings real world experiences that help the homeschooling parent at any stage of their experience, remember that they are not alone.

    More of an encouragement, Sonya Haskins, accomplishes what she set out to do, break the myth that homeschooling families are perfect. They aren’t but she helps families remember their visions of: Homeschooling with the nurturing of a biblical worldview, a realistic vision of homeschooling that fits you and your unique family and homeschooling, help children become and keep being excited about learning and for you, the homeschooling parent, real-world, biblical suggestions to keep motivated and encouragement.

    This makes a great suggested reading for families who might be on the fence about homeschooling as well, because of how Sonya really addresses questions we may not think about such as how dads can be both encouraged and involved with the homeschooling experience and I particularly enjoyed pg. 71 when Sonya talks about “Muddled Outings” and shares the comment:
    “We fear that if others see us lose our temper or our child has a meltdown, people will judge us. While this may be true, worrying about what others think can lead to low self-esteem and decisions based on the opinions of others. Try to remember that some things really do happen beyond our control”.

    Spoken like a veteran homeschooler.

    “Homeschooling for the Rest of Us: How Your One-Of-a Kind Family Can Make Homeschooling and Real Life Work” is not meant to be an indepth, know it all, homeschooling guide book, but what it is, is a light hearted encouragement for homeschooling parents with tried and true suggestions from something as simple as dealing with the repeated questions to how to make dinner easy and still relatively healthy.

    A little something for everyone, for the new, maturing and veteran homeschooler, there is a little bit of everything in, “Homeschooling for the Rest of Us: How Your One-Of-a Kind Family Can Make Homeschooling and Real Life Work”.

    Disclaimer: This post contains my personal opinions and does not reflect the opinion of any organization I am/was associated with or affiliated to.The product I have reviewed was/is based on my honest opinion and was not influenced or edited by anyone / Thank you to Bethany Publishers for the complimentary copy, in exchange for my honest opinion.

    Sunflower Faith | One comment | Tags: , ,
    05 Mar 2010
    Uncategorized

    Encouragement-Christian Book Review Carnival

    Welcome to the  first “Christian Book Review” carnival on March 5, 2010. This month’s theme for March 2010, is: Encouragement.

    What does encouragement mean to you? For me, encouragement is captured via this scripture,

    “ 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9, New King James Version)”

    There is nothing to big that our Heavenly Father can not and has not overcome. What is a mountain to us, is but an ant hill to Him. There are many among us, some we can see, some who hide it so well, who are broken, who feel lost, who feel that they are at the point of no return, and yet our Father loves them so close and so dearly, that He does not want them to think there is no hope, but that in and through Him, there is always hope.

    One of the joys about reviewing books, is discovering books that just really help us, at the right time and the right moment, remember that no matter what this world brings, He, our Father, Abba, has it under control.

    Be it fiction or non-fiction, just the words of encouragment that is shared, experience, or maybe we just need to be reminded that what we may think is so big, so permanent, are just temporary in a bigger scheme of things.

    Following are some Christian books that have been reviewed by myself and by others that work around this theme of encouragment and with prayers and hope, be a source of encouragement to you.

    • Eat with Sinners by Arron Chambers-reviewed by Twinkle Mom @ Sunflower Faith

    MckLinky Blog Hop

    Click here to enter your link and view the entire list of entered links…

    Sunflower Faith | 3 comments
    05 Mar 2010
    Book Review

    Restoration Road Book Review

    Restoration Road

    Author:        Mitch Kruse with Derek Williams
     Published:  March 7th 2010 by Credo House Publishers
    Details:          Hardcover, 316 pages
    ISBN:              1935391313    (isbn13: 9781935391319)

    My Thoughts

    I had begun reading  Restoration Road on the heels of an extended member of the family in the hospital, just having an emotionally trying week and bad weather to top it off and what I thought would be a book filled with discussions of automobiles (that I knew little about except that you turn the key to start it, fill it up with gas and if you hear funny noises, it’s usually not a good thing), instead came to be a time of hearing things that God needed to lay on my heart at just the right time.

    Wrapped around the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32),Restoration Road, is an amazing story of the importance of living not a “head filled with knowledge of our Heavenly Father” but a life that is authentic and about personally living a real, thriving relationship with our Heavenly Father.

    Filled with personal ancedotes and a heart-pounding moment that played a major influence in Mitch Kruse’s life that read like God had decided to throw a “whale” in Mitch’s path to lead him back to our Heavenly Father, Restoration Road is a deeply written, scripturally based and modern day “Prodigal” story that not only would women readers enjoy,but great to recommend to the men in our lives.

    Restoration Road though isn’t about a he/she relationship or perspective, but goes much deeper about how we can get lost in today’s world, just like the Prodigal Son was lost in the biblical time setting that our Saviour shared with the people of biblical times.

    It captured my attention the publisher’s description of Restoration Road,

    Is there anything in your life that needs restoration? Like a classic car that needs restoration, each one of us must surrender our old basket case of a life to the Restorer who desires to return us to His original design.

     As He disassembles and renovates the unrestored or self-restored components of our lives, piece by piece, we begin to reflect His inspiration fashioned from clay in the garden of Eden. Our greatest value is revealed when the Restorer uses us to restore authenticity to others who are lost from their original design.

     Restoration Road offers a raw and honest glimpse into the unique story of Mitch Kruse. Ride along with Mitch as he drives you through a modern-day parable that began on a dirt road, reached the hallowed halls of the rich and famous, and eventually led to the forgotten alleys of the poor.

    Mitch’s honest storytelling takes you step-by-step as he shares his tragedies, triumphs and truths about the wisdom he discovered along the way. He examines the parables and teachings of Jesus in the light of his own spiritual journey and offers real-life applications for readers who want to live restored to their authentic design in both ministry and marketplace.

     Discover the Master Key that unlocks your heart, desires, and three resources of life to restore you to the most valuable commodity in today’s culture — authenticity, reflecting the design of the Designer. Every sale, every relationship, every task, every decision in your life will come down to unlocking the gate to Restoration Road toward the destination of life that is priceless.

    The truth is, as I read, Restoration Road, it’s a reminder how, we all can get lost or distracted in our journey.

     We may not be rubbing shoulders with the rich, but we do rub shoulders with our family, our friends, our church members, the people of our community and sometimes in the process, be it through personal loss, busyness, pride, whatever is the case, we too, can all get lost, but our Heavenly Father loves us and cares for us and seeks to return us.

    For those who have fallen off the journey, our Father is there and yearns and calls for the fallen to come back so He could brush them off and restore them back to the beauty that He does see in all of us though we or others may not see it in us.

    It is a reminder of

    17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17, New King James Version)

    So if you are feeling broken, lost, unloved, or just maybe a little rusty, pick up Restoration Road and discovered for yourself, how much our Heavenly Father does and yearns to love you for you and to help you be restore to the beauty that He sees in you.

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