Couples of the Bible

When we were engaged, a dear friend counseled us and told us that it was vital that we D.W.M.A. in our marriage. We needed to...

          Divert Daily. (for at least a few uninterrupted minutes a day)

                               Withdraw Weekly. (a couple hours)

                                                            Maintain Monthly. (a few more hours, a day, or ideally a weekend)

                                                                                           Abandon Annually. (one week of the year)

As sad as it may sound, we are lucky if we are able to even be consistent in the "divert daily" portion. It's not that we don't try... it's just that many times one of us falls asleep a few sentences into the late night conversation when we finally have some time to ourselves. Such is the life with an orthopedic resident.

Thus, it was with reluctant excitement that I chose to read Couples of the Bible by Robert and Bobbie Wolgemuth. Although this 52-week study is meant to be read together during the course of a year, I went through it in a week (for the purpose of the review- I will go over it again slower!) and by myself. Each week is divided into 5 days of studying a biblical couple (some couples, such as Adam and Eve have more than one week devoted to them). Monday is the story of the couple, based off the Bible, but with elaboration. Tuesday highlights the culture and customs of that time period. Wednesday gives a more empathetic account of what the couple may have experienced during that time of their lives. It ends with a Bible verse. Additional Scripture and questions for thought and discussions can be answered on Thursday, followed by prayer topics on Friday. The couples are pulled from the Bible in chronological order, beginning with a 3-week focus on Adam and Eve and ending with Christ and His bride, the church. Not all are well-known couples, nor are they all examples of godly individuals who loved the Lord, but as is true in life, there are lessons that can be learned from the past that are still applicable today.

As I often felt that they strained to write something for the first three days (usually light on Scripture and heavy on an embellished story of the couple) , I felt this could have been combined into one day; additionally, I think that each weekly study could be performed in a day if the individual/couple had a good hour of time to devote to the chapter. I did appreciate the synopsis at the beginning of each chapter that highlights the meaning of their names (which were meaningful/significant in those days), as well as their characteristics and challenges they faced. In conclusion, I found this devotional to be a useful investment as the Wolgemuths' broke down and highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of different couples, where I may have glossed over the take-home point had I been reading their story straight out of my Bible.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze® book review  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

Unveiling Grace

Unveiling Grace is a personal account written by Lynn Wilder about how the Lord drew her deeply involved family out of the tentacles of the Mormon church and into a close communion with Him. The book contains her story, as well as a glossary of Mormon jargon, a brief comparison of LDS versus Biblical doctrine and information on ministries that reach out to the LDS population.

I was captivated by this book. As I do not have the best self-discipline, I usually try to avoid books (aka fiction) that will cause me to neglect my motherly duties, and I didn't figure this would be one of them- but it was. I ended up using a precious nap time and a couple late nights to read through this book. Wilder writes with raw honesty and descriptive passion, as she retells a brief summary of her childhood and how she became thoroughly enmeshed in the LDS church with her husband before the Holy Spirit called them to a true relationship with Jesus Christ. She wrote that their conversion to Christianity came through truly reading the New Testament and seeking truth from the words of Jesus, not what we are told by mere men and human authorities; I believe that not only Mormons, but all Christians, should take this to heart! We need to focus on the Word as the only source of truth, look to it as confirmation for all our actions, so that we can speak it, live it, breathe it. I loved that the book was filled with Scripture references (it is a testimony to her knowledge of the Word that she has tried to apply to her life). I loved that you could see how the Holy Spirit (referred by Wilder as the Dancer of grace) worked within her life to draw her one step at a time to recognition that no matter her status, she was indeed depraved like Saul before his conversion, and no amount of good works, temple recommends or esoteric exaltations would bring her into the presence of the Almighty. I loved that she kept the focus and glory upon God and though pointing out the errors within the LDS church, she maintained respect for the individual. I loved how the book showed the transformation of the Wilder family from a testimony of what they had done for God, to what God had done for them.

I would definitely recommend this book to friends. I agreed to review it hoping to learn what makes some of our dear LDS friends click, and finished with a heart grieving from all the deception and half-truths, and a passion for the deliverance of their souls from the only One worthy of praise.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze® book review  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

Biff & Becka's Stupendous Vacation

Biff & Becka's Stupendous Vacation is the latest in a children series written by Elaine Beachy (I have not read her other books). It is told from the viewpoint of Biff, an older brother bunny, who is disappointed when the family's plan for a vacation at the beach is cancelled and the family must improvise with a staycation.

This children's book is filled with godly values (forgiveness, family unity, generosity etc) and biblical truths (trusting in God, salvation message, answered prayers, etc) that are laid out plainly throughout the book, generally in conversation between the rabbits. Through the eyes of Biff, the reader can see the good (family playing together, helping stick up for each other), the bad (peer pressure, tension between family and friends) and the ugly (deception, guilt due to sin, parental separation) and how God can be glorified no matter the circumstance. At the end of the book are questions that would be good conversation starters for family discussions.

I thought this was a nice children's story and a quick read. I was a bit disappointed that it did not specify the appropriate age group (until I had downloaded it, I was not even able to see the length), and was not suitable for my four year old. I think he could learn from the lessons in her book, but felt it to be a bit wordy in the detail (and I am not a pithy writer!), which I felt detracted from the story. I also did not understand the necessity for a brief stint of a female character into Biff's life; unless it's for a later purpose, I felt she detracted from the story and though benign, I did not appreciate this secular, relational addition. Despite these reservations, I would still recommend this book for an elementary or older audience.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze® book review  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

Bread and Wine

"When you wake up in the morning, Pooh," said Piglet at last,
"what's the first thing you say to yourself?"
"What's for breakfast?" said Pooh.
"What do you  say, Piglet?"
"I say, I wonder what's going to happen exciting today?" said Piglet.
Pooh nodded thoughtfully.
"It's the same thing," he said.

-A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

So I jumped on the band wagon. A few friends had read this book and enjoyed it, and when I saw it offered on the blog review website, I took the bait. Faith. Food. Family. Fellowship. The four essential F's to life that I've always joked around about with my friends. All in one book. Not only do I get to read a book on new recipes, but if my husband is really lucky, I build up the confidence to have people over more often! Win-Win, right?!

My husband will tell you I'm a bit a lot like Pooh bear, so the back cover and introduction of this book was quite intriguing.  I love food, struggle with cravings (though I am sure my pregnant/nursing appetite does not help the matter), debate whether I am oft times committing gluttony, and enjoy reading (and trying) recipe after recipe. I feel like the kitchen is the closest thing to working in a lab that I'll ever come to now that I'm a mother. Maybe that's why I wear chemistry goggles when I cut onions and love using the hood vent whenever I think it is the least bit necessary.

 Niequist, in her introduction, writes that "food is a language of care, the thing we do when traditional language fails us... it's the thing that connects us... our sense of home and family...". So true. Currently on the podium in the church foyer, there are four lists for meals: one for a baby, one for the family of a mother with cancer, one for a family who lost their home in a fire, and one for Wednesday night fellowship dinners preceding church. One of the things I love about food is that it is often the only time our family is together each day if my husband is out of the hospital in time. And in those few minutes of the chaos of feeding my family, there is happiness that we are all together.   Add to that my hesitancy (due to intimidation and insecurity) to host and you've got an instructional winner.

Bread and Wine is Shauna Niequist's latest book about focusing on the haven created when people are brought around the table for food and drink, because food connects people and shows that you care about them. Each chapter is an individual essay of her life, usually ending in a recipe that pertained to that story. In addition, the chapters are divided into four parts to make it easier for book and cooking clubs (discussion questions are also included). 

To say I enjoyed this book would be a gross understatement. It's probably because I normally choose weightier reading material, but few books have the ability to cause me to escape the beautiful cacophony of my life at present. It was the perfect book to read when you only have a few minutes at a time (like nursing a child), because each essay takes only a brevity of your time and it was usually followed by an amazingly delicious sounding recipe that made my mouth water and caused me to wish it wasn't midnight and that I had those ingredients on hand. (Disclaimer: I may have made a run to Trader Joe's to pick up a few ingredients after reading certain chapters). Although she writes about some weighty issues (such as her emotional struggles with miscarriages), it is a light, quick read; except for the introduction and a few chapters, there isn't a large spiritual component to the book.

I loved this book. I loved how real and open Niequist was in her writing  about many aspects of her life. It drew me in, made me feel like I knew her and her friends. And I found myself underlining a little gold nugget in almost every chapter, because this book is so applicable to where I am in life, always nervous about hosting, but desiring that atmosphere created when people are gathered around the table. The last few pages of advice about sample menus, weeknight cooking and a pantry list were an added helpful bonus. For me it was both an inspirational encouraging and chastising read, and I've already recommended it to quite a few friends.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze® book review  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

Prayer Warrior Mom

Prayer Warrior Mom, by Marla Alupoaicei, is a book that strives to teach mothers how to intercede to the Father on behalf of their children. Each of the fifteen chapters begins with an applicable quote before focusing on a specific principle that Alupoaicei argues is essential in successfully praying for our children. At the end of each chapter, the reader will find Bible verses that related to the chapter, as well as a sample prayer and small group discussion questions. 

I’ve always felt that prayer is a weak spot in my life and have oft times felt guilty, because I know it is not only powerful, but required for true intimacy with our Lord. Since having children, I’ve become convicted even further, as I know their Creator is also the divine Author of their lives, and he has given me the responsibility (or as Alupoaicei so aptly put it, the “holy privilege”) to raise them for Him. I was thus drawn to this book the moment I saw its title. 

I know there are other books similar to this one on the market, but I can’t compare it to others as it is the first book on the subject that I’ve read. For the most part I appreciated her down-to-earth, personal writing style, interwoven stories and practical advice. It was a fairly quick read, although at times I felt it was a bit redundant, abstract and didn’t flow from one subject to the next. I think it is best suited to be read slowly, to make it more applicable in a mother’s life, so that by the grace of God she can focus on practicing and growing in areas of her prayer life in which she might be weak. There were many take home points that resonated with me, such as the reminder of the power in praying Scripture, cultivating a grateful heart that radiates the grace God has given us, having a positive and prayerful perspective on that will help our kids live with a Kingdom reality, and remembering that labels applied to our children have the potential to be “soul killers”, so we need to focus on their heart rather than their behavior, and the positive potential of negative behaviors that might be displayed (e.g. instead of seeing a child as stubborn, viewing them in the light that they are showing characteristics of assertiveness and persistence in the face of obstacles) and how to mold that to glorify God. I would recommend this book, though I do feel like it could be a bit overwhelming and could almost cause a mother to focus on working to become a godly prayer warrior, versus drawing closer to God, and thus growing in Him to become the mother He desires you to be for your children.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze® book review  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

One Perfect Life

One Perfect Life, by John MacArthur is a harmonious compilation of NKJV Scripture, mainly of the Gospel accounts, of Christ's life with Matthew serving as the base text. MacArthur begins in Genesis with the creation and the necessity of mankind for a Savior; he then transitions through Old Testament prophecies before continuing into the life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He finishes his massive (516 pages) work with New Testament reflections on the purpose of Christ's resurrection and how it relates to the believer. Although it is a large book, it reads like a story, with a copious amount of footnotes on each page (the footnotes are taken from the MacArthur Study Bible).

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it. I appreciate chronological and harmonious Bibles, but their side-by-side accounts (or repeated sequential accounts) can become tedious to read. MacArthur did a phenomenal job of blending the Scripture so that it not only read easily, but it made me desire to continue to read it, as I saw how the dates and events corresponded with each other. Using superscript, he annotates for the purpose of his footnotes, as well as to differentiate when he is jumping from one gospel author to another. In addition, each chapter is titled and includes Scripture references to the pertaining section. These sections are also organized into an outline form, thus dividing up Christ's life, so that you can distinguish the words and events of his life in time periods (eg- Passover to Passover during his ministry years).  What results is a narrative that is not only a "pleasurable reading material", but can also be used as a reference and resource on your bookshelf. MacArthur's objective was "to bring into full view the One who is Immanuel", and I believe he accomplished this goal.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze® book review  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 

Intentional Parenting

Intentional Parenting: Autopilot is for Planes is a book about just that- being intentional in the parenting of your children. It was written by Sissy Goff, David Thomas and Melissa Trevathan; these three people are the counseling directors and founder of a ministry called Daystar Counseling in Tennessee. Together they have over 75 years of counseling experience.

I found this book to be loaded with a wealth of material, advice and suggestions, examples and personal stories. It is written in a very personal language, thus reaching out to the common person and making them feel at ease- almost like you were sitting one-on-one in an office session yourself. Although I personally didn't appreciate it, even Biblical references were mostly in the Message version of Scripture (with NIV also sporadically quoted), giving it a more laid-back, personal tone.

Each author takes turns writing the chapters; each chapter is focused upon helping the reader develop characteristics that will help us grow as parents, recognizing that we are vulnerable and dependent upon God, and exhibiting attributes such as being encouraging, consistent, playful, balanced and patient. They agree that it is a two-way street and rarely are children to blame 100% of the time. Interspersed in each chapter are italicized questions to get the reader thinking about how to apply to their lives the truths that the authors have written.

I think this book will be a good reference tool in my bookcase, because of the way the chapters in this book are broken down by subject, and it's a good thing, because it's hard to fully absorb (let alone apply) all the information shared by these counselors the first time around!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze® book review  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