I think I actually found it...

For those of you who know how much I love the Created to be His Helpmeet book, you also know how I've desired to see one written for men. Because marriage is a journey of growing together and we always both have issues that God wants to fine tune with us. Plus, in raising children, I always want to have in mind that I am training little wives, husbands, mommies and daddies. Boy, is that a daunting thought!

Anyway, I think I found it. All along, I've expect Mike Pearl to write one, but it still hasn't come out, and I haven't read anything more about their plans for it. (He had a heart attack, so that certainly is a good reason for slowing up production!) If it does get finished, I will of course read it, but for now I'm pleased with this resource.

I heard Voddie Baucham Jr. on Family Life Today's radio program along with his daughter. The show was about how he and his wife are very involved in their daughter's consideration of potential husbands. And how she deeply desires this! I thought, now that's what I'd like to accomplish- working together as a team to produce the best possible result! They inspired me as to what a father/daughter relationship should look like. And, like most FMT shows, the guests had a book I could order. So I did.

It's called What He Must Be... if He wants to Marry my Daughter.

In one word: Fabulous. Inspiring. Encouraging. Daunting. Overwhelming. Terrifying.

Does that make you want to read it? I understand if not! But trust me- I've been reading this book for about 2-3 weeks, and several times Gabe's heard me say "I think everyone should have this book!!!" It's a guide for what we should train our daughters to look for in a potential suitor. It's a guide for men on what the Bible says about husbands and fathers. It's a guide for parents raising those young suitors. Plus, it's also a guide for men who are blessed with the opportunity to mentor young men.

I loved it. It's definitely one I'm encouraging Gabe to read, and one I will have my girls read when they are at an appropriate age. And I'm encouraging you to read it too!

Narnia

I love Narnia. I started reading the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe to the girls last year, but they didn't really understand... But yesterday we watched the movie together (although, yea, I forgot that it was kinda scary... but they always wanted to keep going) and now we are reading Prince Caspian. I'd like to read it and then watch it together. I find it quite difficult to explain some things... like why Fauns aren't real, but I'm open to the thought that in heaven, animals can talk. (living creatures worshipping the Lamb...) Better keep it simple. But how simple is too simple, where they might miss the glory of Lewis' masterpiece? Yes, I know. Narnia is glorious in itself. It cannot be missed, especially by the mind of a child. It just gets more profound as we grow.

Anyway. Somewhat random.

Oh, and the other day, I ate brocolli. :-)

FINALLY!

You know how I said I was making a big order to NoGreaterJoy??? I finally did it. But not only did I order, I signed up to be a distributor. I am very excited about this... it's no pressure on me OR you, but I get to have books available that I know will make a great impact on people's lives.

So, just in case you were thinking about NGJ books and stuff, here's what I ordered:
Created to be His Help Meet
Good and Evil Comic books
By Divine Design
Child Training Sets (To Train up a Child and the No Greater Joy volumes)
Holy Sex
Jumping Ship
When Forgiveness is a Sin
Young Adults and Marriage
Pornography- Road to Hell
Rebekah's Diary
Eight Kingdoms
ABC Bible Verse Songs CD
Authority Praying
Joy of Training DVDs
Marriage God's Way
Teaching Responsibility
Only Men

They will be the same price as their website (nogreaterjoy.org) but you won't have to pay shipping.

Big Order? Small Order?

So, I've been considering making another order from No Greater Joy. This is the company from whom we get the Help Meet book and the Child Training books, and my free favorite bi-monthly magazine.

I am asking if any of you would like to combine on an order, or would buy a Help Meet book from me if I bought another case (24 books), or some of the child training books (To train up a child, NGJ 1-3)? This is obviously for anyone who lives near me or can be delivered via friends or family. I can add anything to the order, just let me know and we can save on shipping.

A little of our story with these books: My dear friend introduced us to them, and they changed our lives. I have talked before about the Help Meet book, but one thing I haven't mentioned is how it taught me to look at the Word in a new light: Right. The cultural influence my entire life has skewed my view of God's Word- I doubted it (Satan's first intention always) and didn't really believe it applied to me. I believed in it, but didn't really believe it. After reading Help Meet, my new view is this: We don't have to follow God's rules for life. He won't force us into it. BUT! When we do, He generously blesses our faith in Him, and rewards our efforts. Even when we don't think we are making progress, He still blesses us, because we are walking in submission to Him. It is hard- I won't lie. But life is hard; if we do it HIS way, we have His peace and His blessing!

The child training books were simply a blessing from God. Gabe and I knew what kind of parents we wanted to be, but not necessarily how to be those parents. After using the "training" ideas and methods for 3+ years, we are more than sold. We are not perfect, but when we take the time to do it joyfully and consistently, the results are joyful children who delight in pleasing us and each other. We all have bad days, but for the most part we love reaping this harvest and are so grateful to the Lord for providing this resource.

We personally are ordering the Joy of Training DVDs and the ABC Bible verse songs CD. Let me know if you are interested- comment, email pyro4492 @ hotmail.com (remove spaces), or get ahold of me whichever way you normally do! Please feel free to share your testimonies regarding any of these items!

And, changing subjects yet again....

I just bought "Anti-Cancer: A New Way of Life" by David Servan-Schreiber MD PHD.

Anybody heard of it or read it?

I've been looking at it for a few weeks at work, and finally decided that I needed to get it. From the jacket, it sounds more like what I personally believe about fighting cancer--More from the preventative, health-centered approach than the "cure the disease" side. But we'll see what it says, especially in regards to genetic mutations.

The Shack: Final Word

I received this morning the review that Ken recommended in the comments section of my "part two" post, and I agreed for the most part with what Dr. Daniel R. Lockwood was saying, although it was not the most in-depth review I had read.

But the best part was this: His recommendation--

"I would recommend The Shack with a warning: read it to deepen your sense of the overwhelming love of God, but keep your eye on the cross!"

Well put.

The Shack: Part Three... I take it back.

You are never going to read one of my reviews again! I am sorry about how long this has gone on, but I hope this helps in some way.

I don't remember any other individual occurance where I have been so dogged by the Spirit! After speaking to trusted mentors people about how and what I was thinking and feeling, I knew, above all that I needed to renounce my recommendation completely. I wasn't sure about the details, but I knew absolutely what I was being instructed to do.

Throughout today, I have come to many conclusions-- I kept praying at work that I would receive some kind of explanation to give as to why I would say, "Never mind, don't read this," and I was blessed by many examples of why this book does not match up to scripture. Over and over, He is faithful!...

Then, while listening to my week 5 course of my current class (Spiritual Disciplines), which just happened to be on the Holiness of Scripture.... (see how He works? Seek Him! He will answer!) It hit me-- this book is extremely similar in how the "emergent church" (which I do not claim to understand completely, just the basics) waters down and paraphrases the Bible. In fact, the book does not refer positively to it at all, that I can recall. So then I am even more confident in where God is leading.

Then I come home and read Ken's comment on here, and think "Duh! I should of course look to sound reviews for help!" And guess what! I found exactly the same things that God had been delivering to me all day long-- What validation! PLUS-- I even found a reference to the fact that this is completely a work of fiction, there is no friend of the writer who had this firsthand experience, this is all part of the story. This was the most freeing part of today--- here I was thinking that someone had been seriously mislead, by whom? But now I understand I was just duped.

My emotions clouded my discernment, but I am so grateful that the Spirit has been hard at work turning my heart back to where it needs to focus!

All in all, you have been witness to quite the personal journey. And it is very humbling to have been so.... blinded? Distracted? Anyway, I do take it back. I do not recommend this book, but if you choose to read it, please be aware that the Biblical principles are not sound, this is a work of fiction, you will probably be uncomfortable with the personifications of God (that was my first red flag!), and please please do not be misled. Other than that, the story is tremendous-- very very emotional and deep. This is why I do not recommend! Deep issues should be sought out in prayer and study, not in someone's fictional interpretation....

I talk too much. Sorry. :-)

The Shack Review, Part Two (Possible Spoiler Warning)

The more I get away from the "just finished" perspective of reading this book, the more uncomfortable I get. While I still believe it has many good points, I keep thinking of many Biblical principles that I do not see in this book-- and considering which one is inspired... well, I cannot give a full recommendation without mentioning that this book needs to be read through the lens of Scripture, not the other way around.

Some issues I fail to see? A full understanding of the gospel-- if a non-Christian was reading this book, he may be profoundly touched, but what then? I don't see the perfect Holy God-- I see more of a happy, love everybody God, and where this is perfectly true, it is also lacking.

Now, all of this is fallible, being as it is from my own mind. But consider it possible that this is what the Spirit is showing me about this book as well. I would still consider this a very good book-- with much regard to our relationships and how we relate to our Father, it has changed from a book I would recommend to everyone to a book I would recommend to Bible-believing Christians.

Thoughts?

The Shack, by William P. Young

If you are reading this, please read my further reviews:
Shack: Part Two
Shack: Part Three
Shack: Final Word

Hmmm. Bought at Costco, $8.49

Worth every penny.

My thoughts? This was an extremely difficult read. Not because of it's language or style or writing, but because of it's depth. We have so many preconcieved notions of the hows, whats, whys, etc. about God, that to read a book like this which explores far beyond our misconceptions is intimidating to say the least.

I found myself squirming-- many topics addressed and situations encountered were challenging to believe and understand. Examining my own perceptions, comparing them to this book, and then challenging either of them to line up against Scripture.... it is painful! I would have to say that while my perceptions are not wrong, they don't go far enough right. I struggle with almost all of the questions that Mack (main character) had-- different degrees, but same struggle, and to have my own doubts and shadows lightened... Amazing book. Simply amazing.

Is it true? I tend to believe more to the yes-side. I have heard stories from people I trust that only can be called miraculous-- in our small reality, they are impossible, yet they occurred. And who am I to limit God? We should be so blessed that He would reach in to our existence and grow us beyond ourselves! (Note: This is fiction. Not real. I was unaware of this-- so I believed it to be true.)

Note/Warning. I cried. A lot. More than a lot. I told Gabe he had to read this book, and he said he wasn't sure he wanted to because I cried. But crying is healing too-- I don't remember a single time when God spoke to me that I wasn't moved to tears. This is a life-changing, relationship-changing, heart-changing book.

My recommendation? READ IT. Everyone. You. Read it~

Wow...

I just started a new book that I bought at Costco today.

All I can say is Wow. I am about halfway through, and am pained that I can't sit down right now and finish it. I bought it thinking... Hm. Painful and emotional, just what I am not in the mood for... And yet bought it anyway, and I very, very rarely buy books brand new.

It's called The Shack, by William P. Young.

Any one read it yet? Impressions? I am not sure even what to say, but I will do a review when I am done.

Speaking of...

My "Family Room" email arrived this morning, containing an article titled

"The Joy of Narnia"

I apparently forgot to include that word when I was describing how I felt about reading the books as an adult, but if I were to sum it up in one thought? This would be the one I'd choose.

Just in Time!

Safeway is doing it again... and Just in time for Gabe's birthday!

"Spend $40 in participating products, and get 2 Free Movie Tickets!"

And I did peruse the participating brands list... it's huge. This should be easy to do without spending extra money on junk like they sometimes want you to.

And... what's coming out next weekend????

May 16th - Prince Caspian!

You know, I had to tell someone the other day (an adult) that she just had to read the Chronicles of Narnia. She never had. I read them as a child, but when I read them again a few years ago, it was a completely different experience. I was bawling through the end book-- and gained a whole new respect for the series. It is one that entertains and delights children, and yet challenges an adult to their faith in God's end game. I loved it. I can't wait for the girls to be old enough for me to read it to them!

Book Review: Deception by Randy Alcorn

What a fun book to read~!

Written in first person from a very sarcastic homicide detective who has two Christian friends always trying to "evangelize him," this book had me laughing out loud at some of Ollie's thoughts.

My favorite? (That I can remember anyway...)

"My partner doesn't just have issues, she has the whole subscription."

I really enjoyed reading the discussions between Ollie and his Christian friends. Ollie's big thing was if there is a God, why does he allow all the bad things to happen? Why do the bad guys get away? Personally, I understand that our God is the Ancient of Days, and He will judge every person for every thing they did, in the end. But, to explain this to someone who does not believe in God anyway? Not so sure how to swing that one. So reading this brought me one step closer to being able to translate heart knowledge to head knowledge.