by Kimberly | Jan 6, 2011 | Books, Women
Finally getting around to bringing over more of the old posts. Many of you have not been reading this since 2008, so this gives you a glimpse into what was going on on the blog back then. Enjoy.
Hungry Adulterers: Thoughts on a JD Greear sermon
My Favorite Chili
My Go-To hummus recipe
Ruth – A review on quite possibly my favorite commentary ever
Ode to the Oreo (go with it, really)
Sacred Influence – one of my top 5 books every wife (or woman preparing to be married, or any female for that matter), must read.
When Sinners Say I Do – my top recommendation for all engaged/married couples
Some books are worth just their forward – but this book has a great forward and is a good read:
Easy Cobbler recipe
Interesting that in May of 2008, I read his book – now I work for the man. Great boss. If you are a youth pastor or pastor, read this book.
Do you like strawberries – you’ll love this!
My favorite Jerry Bridges book, and I loaned it out and never got it back…hmmm…
Man, has it really been this long ago that I read and loved this book?
My favorite Ed Welch book – to date.
I’m really glad my photography has improved, but this trifle is amazing
Gender-Roles, Pre-Marriage
Great winter, holiday, special salad
by Kimberly | Jan 5, 2011 | Bible, Books
The kind folks at Thomas Nelson Publishers recently contacted me about doing a book review on their Read and Share Bible and gave me one to giveaway to one of my readers. So, to be elegible for this giveaway, just leave a comment about one amazing thing you do in your family worship or children’s worship at church to get the Bible into your children’s hearts. These comments alone will be a blessing to me in the ministry I’m involved in.
I have to say there is one children’s Bible out there that I use as a plumb line for all others. Unfortunately, this one doesn’t match up, but it does have some great qualities. Here are the impressive traits about this children’s Bible:
1. The amount of stories. Some children’s Bible only has the “popular” stories or ones that are often told. This Bible has over 200 stories retold by Gwen Ellis.
2. I love the user-friendliness of this Bible. There is a table of contents (including topics, Scripture passages, and page number). Ok, I know this may not sound like much. But, I find it difficult in other children’s Bibles to find the story corresponding to the passage in the “real” Bible.
3. At the end of every story, there is a question. So what? This is a helpful tool for parents as they take the leadership in their children’s lives as their primary discipler. Some parents have no clue what it means to teach their children about worship and Jesus. Maybe they didn’t grow up in a home with Christian parents who led in family worship? Maybe they are new believers who don’t know what that might look like. Thankful these questions are there so parents can have a helpful resource for starting conversations with their children about what it means to treasure Christ.
So, what are your tips for getting the Word in the lives and hearts of children? Leave your comment and I’ll choose a winner and send out the Bible on Tuesday, January 11th.
Thanks Thomas Nelson!
by Kimberly | Jan 5, 2011 | Bible, Books, Women
My friend, John Starke, who serves at The Gospel Coalition, wrote this article as a response to a book review of How I Changed My Mine about Women in Leadership. I wholeheartedly agree with everything John said (as I knew I would), but wanted to elaborate on some of his points and maybe state things from a women’s POV who is in full-time ministry.
Disclaimer: Some may say that the “women in ministry” issue isn’t really timely. I do not find that to be a valid argument. Anytime we have failing marriages, dysfunctional churches, and church leadership teams that aren’t biblical, then it will be a valid topic for discussion.
“Complementarianism is unsatisfying to egalitarians.” The reason I think it is. We, all of us, sin-nature, is to put man first. Sin nature is man focused. God is God-focused. To use the Westminster Catechism: “The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” We like to focus on ourselves, our desires, our wants, making our name great (Genesis 11:4). God’s authority and plan for our lives is that we make MUCH of Him (John 3:30). Most of the arguments I’ve heard from egalitarians is man-focused. “I’m gifted in preaching and can’t use it. I can work just as well as my husband at _________. Being a mom is not really a satisfying job.” The underlying theme in all of these is “I”. The gospel is not about “I”. The gospel is about Christ.
‘Pastors should take these concerns seriously and labor to answer them appropriately.” For complementarian pastors and ministry leaders, it is not enough to just say “Egalitarianism is wrong. The Bible says so.” You need to know what the Bible says about this and why/how these truths are applicable. Some content that will decidedly be helpful to you as you learn more about this is: CBMW, Grudem and Piper’s Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, and Wayne Grudem’s Evangelical Feminism and Biblical Truth. Theologians and pastors such as Dr. Grudem, Dr. Peter Schemm, John Piper, Randy Stinson, and Chris Cowan have all been highly instrumental in my thinking on this subject and I’m grateful for their ministry and knowledge of this subject and the Word of God.
The Bible must be our “go-to” starting point for this discussion. If we start anywhere else, we’ve started at the wrong point. And I my boss says, ‘If we are only 1% off now, ten years down the road, that 1% has turned into 40%”. We don’t want to be 40% off on this subject. It is too crucial to the understanding of the gospel to a lost and dying world that needs Christ.
So, we take our situations (existential) and we see what the Bible has to say to them. If I have the ability to speak and write, then what guidelines does the Bible give me in how I can use those gifts. Am I a Mom? Then what does the Bible say about how I’m to respond to and respect my husband and how I’m supposed to nurture my children and order my home? What does the Bible say is important in these roles?
“We should conform our worldview and feelings around the Word of God – the norm above all norms.” Pivotal statement by John. If you understand this, then the rest will fall into place.
“We trust that complementarianism makes sense of reality and can be satisfying to believing hearts.” God’s rules and authority are not for our torture. They are for our good and His ultimate glory. Jesus said in the gospels that His yoke was easy and His burden is light (Matthew 11:30). If we are burdened or put-out by these rules and regulations as woman, then our hearts needs transformed by the gospel. We all stand in need of redemption and sanctification. Pray that the Spirit would sanctify and transform your heart as you see God’s bigger Truth and how it is completely satisfying.
Here is where we fail, where I fail, as pastors, ministry leaders, women’s leaders, wives, friends: we don’t know how to have a pastor’s heart in this area: a shepherd’s heart: like Jesus who was compassionate to us, knowing we are stupid like sheep and tend to wander away. We need to have a more compassionate heart to meet women where they are, take their circumstances, and lovingly walk them to the gospel, show them the right ways of Jesus and the gospel and allow them to see that God has such a more glorious path for them to be on.
This world is full of sin, abuse, neglect, pride, dysfunction – not at all the way the beauty of the original Creation was: walking in the Garden of Eden in perfect harmony with God. We suffer broken marriages, poorly led churches, men who abuse the authority that God has given them. My word of exhortation and edification: pray that God would soften your hearts to those who are in need of the truth of God. These may be non-believers who need to surrender their hearts to God. These may be women who do not yet see the beauty of God’s design for the home and church as He designed it. Live life on life with these women (or men, life or life with other men), pulling them aside the gospel, praying that your life and God’s truth would be transformative in their lives.
God has a Grand Design. It is based in the gospel. It is based on His character and not our situations. He redeems. He has purchased us. He has made His plan known through the Bible. Let’s share life with people, live in authentic community, and bear with our people. May God use His sufficient and perfect word to transform our lives, hearts, churches, and homes.
For His Fame.
by Kimberly | Jan 4, 2011 | Books
“Read or get out of the ministry” was a quote a I learned when I started seminary at SEBTS 11 years ago this month. Yes, I do like to read, but I’m not a fast reader. Love actual books – not electronic reading. Love a pen in hand, book in hand, maybe a drink in hand – its a good life! I read 28 books in 2010. My goal for 2011 is 52. We’ll see. Goals are goals. They take work. Here are some of my favorites:
1. Mudhouse Sabbath: Lauren Winners. Thanks to Janel for introducing me to this book. Great Christian look at her Jewish upbringing and how she can still live the traditions and laws under the new grace of Jesus.
2. What is the Gospel? by Greg Gilbert. The coolest thing about this little book is that Greg, and his wife, Moriah, live out what he wrote in this helpful book. Always a winner.
3. Counsel from the Cross by Elyse Fitzpatrick. So nourishing for the soul and especially to have walked through it over breakfasts with Becca.
4. Girls Gone Wise by Mary Kassian. Biblical truths for living out God’s Word in today’s world.
5. Big Truths for Young Hearts by Bruce Ware. Especially if you are a parent, or new in your faith – ok, everyone. You need to read this book. Theology 101 – or 99 – or 50.
6. Surprised by Grace by Tullian. Meaningful commentary and life application on the book of Jonah. You’ll never read Jonah the same again.
7. Radical by David Platt. I know this will be in almost everyone’s top 10 for 2010. But, what are you going to do with what you read?
What are your reading goals for 2011? What are your favorite books? Do you have favorite authors? What are you reading right now?
by Kimberly | Jan 3, 2011 | Bible, Books, food, Uncategorized, Vegetables, vegetarian
Happy New Year! When do you get tired of hearing that? I usually have to wait until after my birthday, which is tomorrow. New Years and birthdays, both great. I used to dislike having a birthday so close to Christmas (school was out so I never got to celebrate it in school), but now I love it, because not only am I starting a new calendar year, but also a new birth year.
1. I had one of the best new years ever! A friend from seminary came over to Raleigh: we cooked dinner, hung out a cool place in Cary, went to the NCMA, and watched movies. It was low-key and wonderful.
2. I already went away from on of my 2011 goals. I ran in a 5k on Saturday and unfortunately left my cell phone at home so I had no interval timer. I finished this multi-terrain, ice/mud, hills, loops race about the same time I finished my first one. So, I wasn’t happy. But, I did it. And I had friends cheering me on and running with me!
3. This is going to be a tough week and a good week. Tough week with many things going on a work and writing kicked into high gear. Good week because I get to have dinner on Thursday night with some of the most amazing RDU friends a girl can have, both new and old, and I’ll be missing some too because of vacations and babies. God is good, isn’t He!
4. Day one of clean eating went very well yesterday! I am thankful for oranges and sweet potatoes that I don’t have to buy because of family! Everytime I have craved nut butter or even milk or egg whites today I thought that God is sufficient for my every need and He is gracious too. I have included seeds in this clean eating: fruits and veggies only while at home. Seeds because I eat hummus and tahini is in it – ground sesame seeds. I’m already thinking post-40 days to see how my diet will be altered, and see how my food-relationships/sin issues have been changed. Thank you God for the cross!
5. Bring on the playoffs! Excited. We’ll see how long my teams last.
6. January… here we go: I’m doing the list here rather a whole new post.
6.1: Birthday celebrating
6.2: Working out and logging milesd
6.3: Stemmerman Inn for my birthday! Thank you Mom!
6.4: Charlotte to prepare for an upcoming women’s conference I am speaking at in March.
6.5: Photog!
6.6: Writing and reading. Sound familiar?
Link Love
1. One of the coolest things I’ve heard from country music in a while – great on the gender issue too. Go Zac Brown!
2. With clean eating for 40 days, I’m making this soup.
3. For those of you memorizing Philippians, John Piper reciting it may spur you on!
4. Do you already need help keeping those resolutions? These apply to any you have made.
5. One of the smartest guys I know, and do ministry with, gives his list of best reads of 2010. And he read a lot more than this.
6. Some great sermons and talks about keeping resolutions
7. After taking off most of 2010, John Piper returns and tells all what God taught him and Noel from their leave of absence. Good stuff.
8. Also, if you have never memorized long passages of Scripture, here are some quality sermons from Andy Davis and John Piper to help you out and to see the benefit of it.
9. If you still need help picking which Bible reading plan to do for 2011, go here. Justin lays a lot of them out for you. I am doing Elevate’s B90X from last year, just multiplying it times 3 with some breather days in there.
10. Her photos are inspiring.
11. 
Recipe coming soon!
by Kimberly | Dec 30, 2010 | Books, ethics, Worship
There have been two similar books published in the recent past that were pretty much about the same thing: this one is better. In my opinion, which really doesn’t matter, I know. I loved Platt’s book: all except the familiarity of the stories he told through out the book. I’ve heard him preach on several occasions – and I’ve heard them. So, I could skip over them.
He is very practical and honest in his book: which I love. He just doesn’t give lofty ideas of how to let go of American Christianity – but he actually gives you ways to do it.
If you are ready for a gut-check (as my cousin calls it) – read it. If not, keep it on its shelf and pick it up when you are ready.
“Wake up and realize that there are infinitely more important things in your life than football and a 401(k). Wake up and realize there are real battles to be fought, so different from the superficial, meaningless “battles” you focus on. Wake up to the countless multitudes who are currently destined for a Christless eternity.” – p 15. This hits home because what do we normally talk about in our chuches: this superficial stuff.
“As long as we achieve our desires in our own power, we will always attribute it to our own glory.” – p 46. Do we dream big dreams? I want to start dreaming big and praying big, so when things happen – God gets all the glory. How big do you dream? Do you dream for attainable things in your own power or do you pray for God sized dreams? Ephesians 3:19-21.
We’ve been hearing a lot about this in our ed staff meetings at our church:
“The church I lead could have the least gifted people, the least talented people, the fewest leaders, and the least money, and this church under the power of the Holy Spirit could still shake the nations for His glory. The reality is that the church I lead can accomplish more during the next month in the power of God’s Spirit than we can in the next hundred years apart from His provision. His power is so superior to ours. Why do we not desperately seek it?” – p 54
I need this especially for the work I am doing right now, because it is so often overwhelming to me: “Our great need is to fall before an Almighty Father day and night and to plead for Him to show His radical power in and through us, enabling us to accomplish for His glory what we could never imagine in our own strength. And when we do this, we will discover that we were created for a purpose much greater than ourselves the kind of purpose that can only be accomplished in the power of His Spirit.” p 60
Do you really believe this for yourself? “God has created us to accomplish a radically global, supremely God-exalting purpose with our lives.” – p 83. I don’t think I do. I again ask petty things that I want. But, I know one prayer I always pray that hasn’t come true yet. But, I still pray it.
We are starting Backyard Bible Clubs this summer at our church. I thought this quote went very well with the reason we are doing it: “Disciple making is not a call for others to come to us to hear the gospel but a comman for us to go to others to share the gospel. A command for us to be gospel-living, gospel-speaking people at every moment and in every contest where we find ourselves.” -p 94
Who do I go to first when I need advice? “Jesus never intended us to be one voice among, many counseling us on how to lead our lives and use our money. He always intends to be the voice that guides whatever decisions we make in our lives and with our money.” – p 121
Here is his one year experiment and ways that I intened to take him up on it:
1. Pray for the entire world. I haven’t decided yet how I am going to do this, but Operation World is a good start (that he mentions).
2. Read the entire Bible. Again, the plan isn’t in place, but it will be done.
3. Sacrifice your money for a specific purpose: I’m partnering this year with PSSWF because its close, the gospel, and tangible.
4. Spend your time in another context. Every month my church works with two low-income/homeless ministries here in Raleigh: feeing the homeless in Moore Square and With Love From Jesus. Once a month I will partner with these. This definitely takes me out of my upper-white neighborhood.
5. Commit your life to a multiplying community. Pray dot org. Done.
How will you live the experiment? For one year. This is a new year beginning, start now.
