by Kimberly | Feb 3, 2015 | Books, parenting
But some of you are, and many of you have been there (bless you). I have worked with middle school students in the past via my church and Young Life – both where I was on staff for this particular age group.
I’ve learned a couple of things since that time (early twenties):
1. I didn’t know anything then.
2. What I know about teaching the Bible and the importance of the Bible – I wish I would have known then.
3. Middle schoolers are all different – yet all the same.
4. Some adults have a special gifting to reach middle schoolers – and some don’t.
5. Jesus loves middle schoolers.
I think it is tough right now parenting toddlers – but I know in some ways it will be easier – and some ways harder, as they grow up. Most people say that the middle school years are the hardest, but that doesn’t necessarily have to be the case.
One thing I do want from my middle school boys (when they get there) is open communication, personal attention (not trying to force them to like and be the same as his brother), and for them to have a growing relationship with Jesus. For them to own and search for their faith – not just take mommy and daddy’s faith as their own.
Judah Smith, a fabulous communicator about Jesus, has a student edition of Jesus Is ______. In it he explains his writing style (a little ADD) and hits on the main points of what he is trying to teach middle schoolers: that knowing Jesus for who He is will radically change your life.
This book is interactive, uses timely illustrations that middle school students will relate to, and teaches the truths about Jesus on a level most middle schoolers will understand.
I’m glad I have this book – that I can keep and have as my boys get older (ok, a decade away), but you can have one for your very one by leaving a comment here or on facebook (Tommy Nelson is glad to give a copy of this away – as I am a part of Tommy Nelson Mommies – but all opinions in this review are mine). So, here is the question you have to answer in the comment: what is one way you engage your son or daughter with the gospel.
by Kimberly | Jan 30, 2015 | Books, parenting
My life is full of balls, choo-choos, and bulldozers. If you are a mom of young boys, you know what I’m talking about. I live in the Atlanta area and many times a week I’m driving around specifically going to the site of the new Braves stadium just because my son wants to see the bulldozers. He squeals with much delight.
So, when I saw these books (a new series) by Tommy Nelson for young boys featuring bulldozers and other machines – I knew my older son would love them. And what is better yet, they teach them morals: not to lie, telling the truth, etc. And these are great qualities for young boys – who want to grow to be men.
When I’m training my little boys – I want to train them up in the Gospel – for sure (which is where I think these little books lack), but I also want to train them in good morals in ways they can grow to be men. Telling the truth and being honest is definitely something God desires and a trait they should have their entire lives. Another trait I want to teach them is to be gentle and to be good stewards of their toys and possessions. This is something that God told Adam in the Garden – to tend the garden and take care of it.
Do you have young boys – how do you teach your young boys to be young men? To teach them morals?
If you do have little boys who love bulldozers or cranes, etc, and you want to win your own set of these books – then just leave a comment on the blog or on facebook and you will be entered.
Thank you Tommy Nelson for these books (all opinions are my own) and for giving an opportunity to win them!
by Kimberly | Dec 15, 2014 | Books, Kids r Readers 2
Happy holidays everyone. I was reminded very much of this today when I went to my annual physical and had a Jewish female doctor. I didn’t say Merry Christmas, but I did talk about how the Scriptures help me when I’m fearful.
Anyway…
We live in a suberb of Atlanta, in a culdesac of townhomes. And I approached my neighbor (long time seminary friend) about hosting a holiday party for the ladies and children in our neigbhorhood. My pastor had challenged us to share Jesus 5 times this holiday season (felt like Doc Reid was going to have us fill out evangelism reports like I was in Intro Evangelism). And then I got this book from Tommy Nelson Mommies – and thought that it would be a perfect reason to have everyone over. So, I dished out the invitations and my friend passed them out this weekend. Be praying, because Saturday morning hopefully we will have non-believers in our home.
Here is what we are doing – and maybe some ideas will give you a creative spark to reach out to your neighbors in the next few weeks.
1. I am hopefully going to have the opportunity to read God Bless Our Christmas. This is a new book by Tommy Nelson (a book publisher for children) written by Hannah Hall. It is a non-threatening, winter-fun-loving book that is illustrated for children and would be a lovely book to have all the kids gather around. While, I didn’t think it hit on the Gospel hard enough, barely mentioning Jesus – I thought it perfect for our gathering. Where we want to be inviting to our neighbors, winsome, and have a conversation starter that we can take (winter, snow, gifts, Christmas, trees) to then talk about the Gospel. I’m so thankful to have conversation starters when sharing the Gospel. I find it intimidating to walk up to someone and say “Hey, you know Jesus?”
2. One of the precious and yummy things that book highlights is sprinkles. Cookies and sprinkles. So, we are going to have goodies at our holiday party and we are including a cookie decorating station for the kiddos. This holiday season is already crowded and packed with friends and functions, so I want to keep it easy. My friend and I are splitting the tasks. And usually I would use this recipe and roll out the dough and make the buttercream – but I’m buying sugar cookies, and tub frosting – and having sprinkles and icing! Fun for all the kids – and adults too.
3. Another activity for the children is Christmas tree decorating. We put our Christmas tree in our dining room this year. So much happens around our table so I thought it perfect to include the tree. So, I’m going to have construction paper, stickers, markers, glitter – you name it – for them to decorate Christmas trees. Hopefully with the children busy with activities, my friend and I can get to know the moms and have opportunity to talk with them about Jesus.
4. Presents. Christmas is about presents – in some sense. God gave us a present. We give each other gifts. And during the Black Friday madness, Lifeway Christian Stores was selling the Jesus Storybook Bible for 5$. We bought several and will have bows on them. Be praying that we will get to give all 4 of them away this weekend.
I’m thankful that my friend is doing it with me. It is scary to share the Gospel. Shouldn’t be – but it often is.
How are you planning on engaging your neighbors or lost friends this holiday season? Comment on the blog here or any of the social media sites of mine – and I will draw a winner on Friday (19th) night and you can have your own copy of God Bless Our Christmas! I love getting children to read and this is one your kids will love for every holiday to come!
Disclaimer: I am a Tommy Nelson Mommy. That means I get to review, blog, and giveaway new books for kids! Its exciting – but all opinions are my own! Thanks Tommy Nelson!
by Kimberly | Nov 4, 2014 | Books
Over the years, I’ve learned that I absolutely love books that have been compiled of sermons. My love for them started with Piper’s Swan series, and has continued – especially since I can’t make every conference but I can always buy a book that has the talks transcribed to fit between the covers. It is a helpful ministry to put these talks together for those who can’t attend, but would like to reap the benefits of the talks.
Wheaton College is an amazing romantic place to me. I’ve only been twice, but the moment I stepped foot on the campus outside of Chicago, IL – I was filled with a since of awe as I knew the likes of the Elliots and Pipers had attended there. The snow was piled high on my first trip, and the quietness peaked an interest in my heart of that campus – which I still adore. Now, with so many friends working in Wheaton or for the college, it still holds a dear place. One of my current favorite preachers is now the president. And while I can’t attend weekly chapel services, I can pick up the book of sermons on Grace that the President, Phil Ryken, preached to his students.
I’ve already reviewed the book, but now want to return to it and point you to some of my underlinings and notes:
Let me just tell you – it may be written for college students, but people in every avenue of life can glean from his sermons. I mean, for me – what Mom and wife doesn’t need to revel in the grace of Christ on her behalf – especially in disciplining two toddlers and submitting to her husband (who is wonderful by the way)?
“One of the ways that grace teaches us to say no to ungodliness is by giving us a place to go with our sin and then offering us another chance to grow.” (58) Man…I need this reminder daily. How often we beat ourselves up if we yell at our children, pick a fight with our husband, or overeat, or have a messy house. These things shouldn’t define us, but we need to step away from them and enter God’s gracious presence to receive healing and hope.
“Wanting people to think the est of us, we try to present ourselves to the world in the best possible light. Yet most of us struggle with a deep sense of insecurity. Rather than feeling confident in our abilities, we live with the constant fear that we don’t measure up.” – Probably the most impactful quote in the entire book for me. In a world of social media and my role as a SAHM – this cut to my weak and sinful heart.
“Is this any way for a person to talk who has received an absolute sufficiency of God’s abundant grace,” (81) Especially, as I’m around my two toddlers who are learning to talk and see how I respond to life (especially Atlanta drivers and disappointments throughout our day – I want my speech to showcase God – not make my boys question my relationship with Him.
“We get discouraged by the burdens of our work and disheartened by the brokenness of our relationships.” (84) This was indeed true this past weekend – when my pastor preached on parenting and I also learned that day of another marriage in trouble because of sin. I wept for the hurt of those friends. I was convicted by the way I don’t treasure the Word in my parenting like I should. God’s grace is more.
by Kimberly | Oct 31, 2014 | Books, Link Love
So many fun things to do today – whether you celebrate in a costume or not. I think holidays are perfect for baking, celebrating life that God has given us, etc. So, here we go. Enjoy! I was going to Target to purchase some items to make something fun tonight with the boys and both of them had in-store meltdowns. May try after their naps, but we may just call it a day.
Just because it’s more chocolate and peanut butter and I love the pictures.
Maple definitely makes Fall better.
Rice krispie treats decked out for today’s celebrating
These pumpkin muffins would make a nice addition to a cozy night at home, welcoming trick-or-treaters and enjoying a warm beverage of choice.
The church and why today matters.
One new book I want to read about a highly influential woman and this post is written by a friend of mine.
Unfortunately, when we get to today, that means there is no more October left. It’s sad.
by Kimberly | Oct 29, 2014 | Books, mothering, parenting, Uncategorized
I’ve already reviewed this book for Crossway and I stand behind everything I say. But, in this post I want to encourage (mostly Moms) yall from some of the highlights that I read. I’m grateful for Gloria’s writing, examples, and Christ-centered encouragement to other moms in the world. Many things I could relate to – and no matter what stage of mothering you are in, I’m sure you can to.
“It’s tempting to view everyday life merely as a monotonous cycle of making the beds on to be in them again.” (63)
Don’t let life be mundane to you. I know we have to clean and cook dinner and change diapers and run car pool. But, don’t be ok with that. That is when life gets boring and we get discouraged. Make fun things happen, change your attitude – don’t live there.
“Controlling my circumstances wouldn’t fill the void in my soul. You can’t organize your way into communion with God.” (78)
I see this in myself a lot today. My littler toddler is sick. I can’t take them anywhere I normally go because he would be around children and I don’t want him to get others sick. So we are at home. In a small townhome, all day. Well, I can’t control that. Now I can either apply the gospel or live in a bad mood the rest of the day until they go to bed? It is choice!
“God is greater, more powerful, and more mysterious than we could ever dream, and it will take an eternity for him to reveal to us his magnificence.” (92)
God is our reward – not the perfection of heaven. He is infinite and no matter how much we seek to know him on this side of his presence – we will never know him fully – because He is inexhaustible.
“Our craving for admiration is diluted and the praise of others is muffled as we serve with the strength God supplies. Why would we take credit for the fruit of the Holy Spirit in our lives?” (105)
This is an area of biggest struggle for me. God is the one who does the work and needs to get all the praise for it.
“I need God’s grace and something baked with peanut butter and chocolate.” (138)
Perhaps my favorite line in the book!
“I forget that homemaking is not primarily about my personality; it is primarily to adorn the gospel because the grace of God has appeared.” (155)
Another one of those needed statements that I will need to think through.
This book is highly marked up and I’m shipping it out today to a friend who will also love this book. There are many other things I highlighted that I’ve talked about with friends or my husband because they bring up too much hurt from past relationships.
Mom – keep pursuing the gospel in your parenting! God has got this! Be encouraged!
