by Kimberly | Aug 12, 2016 | Books, mothering, parenting
Motherhood is such a journey – and a different journey for everyone.
Writing about the ups and downs of motherhood is quite difficult too.
I got married late and therefore had kids late (mid-to-late 30s). I didn’t have many people in my life who truly told me how hard raising kids was going to be. Even if I hung out with families, I only saw glimpses (and most of the kids knew to obey in front of guests).
So, I had different expectations for parenting. And Hettie Brittz writes about parenting, motherhood, and all that goes with it in her new book (un)Natural Mom. She tells about real life, and all the what ifs and all the doubts that we are mothers face. I like that she is real. I like that she tells it like it is and points us to SCripture (and not the world’s ideals). I don’t like some of the daily specific things she talks about – because everyone is so different and may not find herself in the same story.
I do think that every woman (because she is a woman) is life-giving. That may not mean being a natural mom, or even an adoptive mom – that may mean discipling others or bringing life to an art area that sparks her interest. Affirming and maturing and building life is something we do because God created us as women.
Let us hold firm to what the Word says about women – not what the world says we have to be in order to be a good mom.
Thanks to Litfuse for this book. All opinions are my own.
by Kimberly | May 23, 2016 | Books
To say that life has been a little complex over the last few months would be an understatement. And I don’t think we are quite out of a season full of hurt and disappointment.
So, when I heard about Hunting Hope, I jumped at the chance to read it. (And you can enter a giveaway for it)
I’m not going to spoil it for you, but it lined up perfectly with my quiet times. I love the break down of the book – so focused on God and who He is – then challenging the reader to apply what they have read to their lives – in whatever season they are in.
So often when we are dealing with hurt, pain, or disappointment; when we are hopeless and not hope-filled, we tend to look at ourselves and sink deeper into despair. Nika Maples graciously offered us hope by pointing us away from ourselves and to our masterful God. Our compassionate God, our God who is there.
So, if there is something you feel hopeless about – turn first to the Word, but then if you need a companion to help you see some of God’s wonderful attributes and how they can be felt in your need, pick up Hunting Hope.
Thanks to Litfuse for the opportunity to read and share this book. All opinions are my own.
by Kimberly | Apr 12, 2016 | Bible, Books
I love church signs. You can either think that is sarcastic or true – whichever.
But, I passed one today and it said “prayer is the answer”. I thought to myself. No, Christ is the answer.
Here’s my thought. If we tell people all they have to do is pray, everything will work out right, then that really isn’t the right answer. We do need to pray – Christ models it and commands it. We need to pray biblically-centered prayers. We need to know the Word and pray it back to the Father through the Son by the power and intercession of the Holy Spirit. But, our works, prayer, isn’t the answer to any of our problems.
The one who is our Brother and Intercessory Prayer partner is the answer. All of God’s promises to us are yes in Christ Jesus. So, we need to pray – but rest all of our hope in the Christ who answers according to His Father’s will.
I’ve been a believer for a long time now, and Max Lucado has been influential in my growth. I read most of his earlier books when I was in high school and college. I have his children’s books and read them to our boys. And now, he has come out with a set of prayer books that have prayers that are guided by the Word. You have ones for military families, mommas, dads, friends, graduates, etc. I love how you can give these out to people, be a blessing. You can also have them to read in a quick moment and focus your mind (through prayer) on Christ!
I gave away the military one to some sweet ministry friends of ours who live in south Florida. They are about to have their second baby.
I gave away the teacher one to a mom of 3 boys and a preschool teacher.
I am giving away the Dad one to my husband on Father’s Day.
I gave away the moms one to a sweet friend in our church who is about to have their first baby girl
Thank you Litfuse for sending these to me. All opinions are my own.
by Kimberly | Mar 28, 2016 | Books
Thanks to Litfuse for delivering a copy of Finding God in the Ruins for me to read and review. All opinions are my own.
To tell you that life has been hard since we got married, might be an understatement. I think my mister and I are learning to trust only in God, rely on Christ, encourage each other, and redefine what we thought life might be like as a family.
Matt Bays, the author of this memoir-esque book, has definitely had a lot of harsh life thrown at him. He very carefully tells the reader about his life, marriage, family, and ministry. He encourages the reader to be honest and real with God about how life is treating him.
I wish that the book had been less story and more engagement with Scripture. It is a tough book to read – not putting enough emphasis on the grace and truth of God’s character and His word, especially in the first part of the book.
It is definitely hard to keep faith in God real when life continues to hand you blows. But, we need to keep believing, asking questions, and growing our faith through the Spirit. He is a big enough God and can handle our questions.
by Kimberly | Mar 18, 2016 | Books
I received this book from LItfuse in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
I have been blessed with a few good books lately. These books that are real and heart-felt, and soul-searching – and tears well in my eyes and puddle on to the pages.
This book is one of them. I even told my husband that I don’t know if I could finish the book. I cry in every chapter. And I’m thankful – they are short chapters.
This book will take anyone through cancer – or other trials that loom in life – and help you rest in the peace that the maker of the wind and the rain and the hurricanes and tornadoes watches every move you make. I’m so thankful that Kara Tippetts wrote these words before her death. They will lead others to the same Rock she went to.
