by Kimberly | Oct 18, 2012 | 31days, Books
I haven’t had a lot of time to read since having Elijah, but definitely wanted to read this one. I love everything Kevin DeYoung. I know, call me a groupy or what have you. But, I forward many of his blogs to my husband who is a worship pastor. One of our goal trips is to go to his church for a Sunday to see how they do reformed worship. Just not in the winter, because its cold in Michigan. But, maybe when I go there I can hook up with Pretties By Meg who is a great blogger/jewelry designer!
Anyway…this book called The Hole in our Holiness is much along the lines of Pursuing Godliness or Respectable Sins or Holiness. All good books and all hard books to read because reading it makes you examine your life and how you live.
I remember reading Mortification of Sin by Owen back in 2007 and a pastor friend of mine said I wasn’t allowed to read any more puritans till I read a book on grace and the cross.
I think Kevin DeYoung does a good job here of combining the two. Not wanting us to rely on works for our salvation – he reassures us of our place in Christ. But, also not wanting us to err on the side of lawlessness, he reminds us that the Bible says to be like God for He is holy.
One sentence toward the beginning of the book sets the tone of the work required for the rest of the book: “holiness is plain hard work and we are often lazy.” (pg 19)
Throughout the book he reminds us of grace but also that we have imperatives that we will obey if we abide in Christ. Powerful reading if you want to examine your life.
by Kimberly | Sep 13, 2012 | Books, mothering, parenting
The day this post goes live will be my first son’s due date. As most of you Moms know out there in blogland – due dates rarely mean anything. I think it is a ploy for women to get all worked up and having something to plan for – then it comes and goes with little fanfare. But, we shall see.
As soon as I found out we we were having a boy, I wanted to start praying specifically for him to be a man after God’s own heart. I already was praying for his daddy that he would continue to press in and love Jesus – and that is what I want our son to model as well.
The first book I was recommended has been a wonderful tool for me to use to know things to pray for Baby about: Boyhood and Beyond by Bob Schults. This is actually a book written for boys, probably between the age of 10-12. And that means it was great for this pregnant mom and her attention span. Short chapters, not difficult theology, and very practical.
Covering such topics as: wisdom, letter writing, loving your sister, obedience, serving, working hard, preparing for a wife and children and a myriad of other topics, Bob writes courageously for young boys but not treating them as kids – treating them as young men.
I want to train my son early to be man after God’s own heart. Yes, there is plenty of time to have fun, play games, etc – but I want to raise him to be a man. Teach him the characteristics of what a man should be: gentle, kind, humble, meek, protector, provider, and leader – whether it is in the classroom, at home, or on the baseball field.
“God creates boy to become men.” – pg 40
I didn’t mark a lot in this book, because I will probably be praying it again for him and then giving it to Baby when he is old enough to read it and learn from its wisdom.
What do you or how are you praying for your children?
by Kimberly | Sep 12, 2012 | Books
I’ve recently been given two Giada cookbooks, and I found this one more tantalizing then the other one, Everyday Italian. This one had more original recipes and recipes that actually needed recipes. 🙂
Here are some of the ones I want to try…
Lemon Chicken Soup with Spaghetti
Nonna Luna’s Rice (to make one night when my husband isn’t home – he is not a shrimp fan) – We can have a girl’s night!
Grilled Tuscan Steak with Fried Egg and Goat Cheese (another one I would have to cook differently – my husband doesn’t like runny eggs) – but I like pleasing him with what I cook
Vegetable Parm – baked veggies and cheese – does it get much better?
Cranberry Cornmeal Cake – would be great for the Fall!
Chocolate Rice Pudding – oh goodness comfort food and chocolate
Should be making some of these once we move!
by Kimberly | Sep 8, 2012 | Books
This was my first choice of fiction for this month’s reading selections from Crossway. I knew I was taking a risk with fiction and not knowing anything about the series or the author. And honestly, this is the first Crossway Book that has disappointed me. The medieval language was tough to get through and it was a long drawn out beginning. Others may like it – especially if you are a fiction person. I would rather non-fiction, and I know I can always count Crossway to deliver in that genre.
by Kimberly | Sep 6, 2012 | Books
Ok – I know I may be wishful thinking, especially with a due date sometime this month, but what do you think nap time and feeding time is for? I know, staring into my newborn’s face, but I can read too – and know many that do. Or those nights when I can’t get back to sleep (like last night when I couldn’t fall asleep) – this is what I can do (or play Angry Birds)
Devo Books: These are ones I use to pray for my hubs and baby or as a Bible help or just short devotional reading: Finding Faithful Elders and Deacons, Boyhood and Beyond, Keep a Quiet Heart, and Psalms by Boice
Reading Books: James (for writing purposes), Hobbit (not shown, but we are getting it to read to baby), Godliness, and The Fruitful Wife. This is a new book coming from Crossway – and I’ve read a couple of DiMarco’s books for teen girls and they are really good and relevant. So, I expect nothing less from this one.
What are you reading?
by Kimberly | Aug 14, 2012 | Books, food
I was given two of Giada’s cookbooks and am almost done reading both of them – and salivating at the contents. Here is one of them – the easier recipes of the two cookbooks. This would be a good cookbook for a beginner, with some of the recipes not really needing to be in there because they only have like 4 ingredients or something and most cooks with any experience could put combinations together.
Here are the recipes that I look forward to trying in Everyday Italian:
Marinara Sauce (though I’ve come to love mine, maybe I can comine the recipes to make a perfect batch)
Vodka Sauce (so yummy and simple)
Lemon Spaghetti (because it is perfect for this summer weather)
Pizza di Spaghetti (baked pasta – does it get any better?)
Chicken Cacciatore (to see how it compares to my favorite)
Stuffed Mushrooms (actually, I made these for a wedding reception recently: they were a hit and quick and easy)
Verdure al Forno (basically, baked veggies and cheese)
Grilled Pineapple with Nutella (perfect late pregnancy treat)!
What I’ve learned about Italian cooking: 3 key ingredients are really expensive: proscuitto, mascarpone cheese, and pine nuts.
Enjoy cooking fresh!
