Praying God's Word For Your Life | Book Review

Kathi Lipp has a wonderful new book out called Praying God’s Word for your Life.  This book is all about your prayer life and how to make it more prevalent and purposeful in your life. 

I know that I struggle with my prayer life.  Lipp’s new book has so many ways for me to bring my prayer life in a new direction.  It’s not always easy to pray but, some of the easiest prayers have been for others.  In some of the chapters she helps you find ways that can make it even easier to pray for your husband, kids, and others in your life.  She even touches on subjects such as your finances, health and emotions. 

What I loved about this book was the practical tips that she includes at the end of the chapters.  They are wonderful because they are so easy to implement in my life.  But, of course the most amazing part is all the prayers that are included.  They have been writing from scripture and can be adapted to your life.  They are not one size fits all prayers. 

There is one drawback to the book and that would be the included stories from other.  The stories themselves give extra meaning to what she is trying to get across to the reader but, at times I was thinking it was Lipp speaking when, in fact, it was someone else telling their story.  I was a little confused at time as to who’s voice was telling the story. 

This will be a staple in my quiet time with God.  I will never stop using this book. 

Available June 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

*I received a coplimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review.*

When Love Bend Down | Book Review

This book review is a little different than any of the others I have done.  I didn’t request this from any of the publishing companies that I partner with, I wasn’t sent this book in exchange for my review but, instead I was asked to read this book by my pastor to see what I thought.  Our church right now is doing a series called “City on Our Knees” talking about times when Jesus “bent down” and this is what When Love Bends Down is all about. 

Now, this concept might surprise many since we, as Christians, have a tendency to put Jesus on a pedestal.  He was the son of God and God in the flesh so, why not put Him on a pedestal?  The problem with that is that Jesus never meant for that to happen, that’s why he would bend down whenever He got the chance.  But, He didn’t just bend down for everyone although, I am sure He would. 

Jesus lowered Himself to His knees for people that we would probably just pass by and not take a second glance at.  In the book When Love Bends Down: Images of the Christ Who Meets Us Where We Are by Michael Lodahl, Lodahl paints a few stunning pictures of when Jesus went to His knees before people that are what, we would deem as unworthy, to show them and the people around them the true reason that God sent Him to earth….To serve. 

During the first half of the book Lodahl takes 3 chapters to share a few amazing stories when Jesus literally went to His knees before His humble followers.  I think my favorite story was the chapter about when Jesus washed His disciples feet.  He bent down to lower himself to a level that the servants were on.  It was the servant job to wash visitors feet when they entered a house but, Jesus was the one to wash feet that night. 

Yes, Jesus was in the position of servant.  This is where the moral of the stories (so to speak) come in.  Jesus wasn’t sent to Earth to be a God (like everyone thought) and rule over everyone.  God sent Him here to teach His church how to act and live.  It’s all about serving.  Living a life that is “bent down” is about humbling yourself before others to serve them in their times of need.  Who better to teach that than Jesus? 

We, as a community, would never expect Jesus to serve us but, in Lodahl’s book he shows us how that’s all Jesus was sent here to do.  He was sent to lead by example.  How better to teach than to show?  Jesus could have talked and talked all day long and still…nothing would have ever sank in.  But, when you read the words on the pages of this book and imagine the scenarios that accompany them you will change.  You can’t help but change the way you look at those times, Jesus and His teaching.  The biggest idea that will change is any ideas you had as to the purpose of God in the Flesh. 

I previously only mentioned the first half of this book and there is a reason for that.  It’s because I feel this book could have stopped right there and been better for that.  Lodahl writes amazing stories and shares some wonderful lessons when he is talking about Jesus bending down but, in the last half of the book I got lost.  He is constantly repeating himself and talking in circles.  I felt like it took away from all the power the first half had.  The book lost a ton of momentum and would have been a GREAT book had he finished it before adding, what I felt was, unnecessary chapters and words.  Overall though, this book was defiantly worth reading.  Minus the extras, there is some powerful ideas and teaching between to covers of this book.

The Women's Study Bible (NIV) | Book Review

Thomas Nelson has released another wonderful Bible.  The Women’s Study Bible (NIV) has been complied with the hopes of encouraging women in their walk with God.

With this Bible being in one of the most popular translations, it is really easy to read and understand.  The publishers have included, in the footnotes of the pages, extra study notes to help you during your quiet time spent immersing yourself in the words of God. 

Before each book, there is a page of introduction.  These tell you a little about the book you are getting ready such as who the author of the book was, when the book was written, some background information that might be of interests and a wonderful outline of the book. 

While reading the Bible I found there are a few features that I just absolutely love.  They have put inspirational quotes throughout the scripture that encourage and inspire.  Along with the quotes, the other features are the diagrams and graphics that are included in the text.  Some of them include: Family trees, images of clothing from that time, and various tables of information.   Such information as Spiritual Welfare Strategies, The Seven Churches of Revelations and so much more.

I cant forget to mention the TONS of character profiles of women in Biblical times.  You just might be able to see some of yourself in them. 

 There is so much information in this Bible that I could just spend hours studying. 

Thanks to the features above and the included articles from well known authors Stormie Omartain, Nancy Leigh DeMoss, etc, this Bible has quickly became my new favorite study Bible.   I don’t think I will find a study Bible that I love more than this one.  It’s great for diving into God’s word and finding how it can apply to your life so that you may live the life of joy and happiness that God has intended for you. 

I was sent the hardcover of this Bible but, Thomas Nelson has a gorgeous "leather-look" version as well.  It's beautiful.  You must take a peak. 

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson for the purpose of this review.  All opinions are my own.*

Parenting With Scripture | Book Review

Parenting With Scripture by Kara Durbin is a wonderful resource book that every Christian family should have. 

I know there are times when I want to teach my children about a certain subject and I am not quite sure which Bible verse I need, this book makes up for the lack of knowledge that I have in that area.  Durbin has written the book so that it’s easy to find what topic you are looking for by offering them in alphabetical order.  

Each topic starts with a definition of the topic you are looking up.  She defines the topic so you don’t have to get a dictionary out and look it up if your child doesn’t know the meaning.  Then she goes on to offer numerous Bible verses that are related to the topic. 

What I love about this book is that after you get the definition of the topic and the Bible verses to help reinforce it Durbin doesn’t stop there.  She offers you discussion points and questions that can start a conversation with your kids or just get them thinking.    She then offers a “Take Action” section to implement the teaching you and your child just learned.   Occasionally there will be parenting tips along the way. 

I feel that this book is going to make teaching my children about the Bible and God’s teachings a little easier since it’s just a page turn away from having the right scripture verse to use in ANY situation. 

*I received a copy of this book complimentary from the publisher for the purpose of this review.*

True Woman 101 Divine Design | Book Review

The next best makeover…

That’s what we are all really wanting right?  We love the new shoes, clothes, makeup and we can’t forget the new haircut.  A day of pampering and feelings of newness.

Of course you can makeover the external you all you want but, what about the internal you?  What about the part of you that no one will ever see?  Or is that really the case…  The Lord sees everything that goes on inside of us.  Our thoughts, feeling, and true passions.  So…is it time for an internal makeover?

Of course it is but, a makeover from a bible study???

True Woman 101-Divine Design by Mary A. Kassian and Nancy Leigh Demoss is the place to start if you are wanting a makeover that no stylist, except for the divine stylist-God, can ever give you.  

Divine Design is an eight week study on what TRUE biblical womanhood is all about.  Take all of what you think you might know about living a truly biblical life or being a true biblical woman and throw it out the window.  Living a biblical life doesn't mean being a doormat like some might think. It's about showing the world the glory of God as He lives within you.

Each of the eight weeks is broken down into an introduction, 5 days of studies with wonderful thought provoking questions, and a review of the week that has additional questions, URL for the accompanying videos and a journal page for you to ponder your thoughts.

True Woman 101-Divine Design is a full colored text book for a brand new you.  This book is definitely a course on being a biblical woman but, in a whole new way.  This is one feminist movement that I am happy to support.  You don’t have to have a man’s job or do things better than a man to feel like a true woman.  All you need to do is read this book and find out what it’s really like to be a truly biblical woman.

Are you going to take the course with me?  Get the book and get ready to start a brand new life.  

~This book is an amazing study for your church or bible study group but, it’s also wonderful all by yourself.~ 

"I received a copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this 

review."

Fearless Daughters of the Bible Book Review

Image from Books A Million

Studying the women of the bible has become a recent fascination of mine.  Times were hard for them.  They didn't have all the help that we have.  But, yet....they made it all work.

My studies have been made easier with help from J.Lee Grady and his new book Fearless Daughters of the Bible.  In Grady's book he talks about 22 women of the bible and shows us what we can learn from each them.

It's interesting reading a book for women, about women, but written by a man.  How could Grady possibly understand women and what we need to learn???  Well, when you have 4 daughters and when you have been "drowning in a sea of estrogen" (Grady) for many years, I would think you might learn a thing or two.

Some of the women included in the book are:

• Deborah- a woman in leadership which isn't see very much in the bible
• Mary- Mother of Jesus (of course we can learn much from her)
• Sarah- Wife of Abraham.  The woman to mother a faith.
• Many amazing women more......

This makes a wonderful small group study since he includes discussion questions at the end of each chapter.  The questions help you to dig deeper into the book as well as yourself.  Grady then finishes each chapter with a letter from your Heavenly Father.  It's like God is writing to you personally.  

For a man writing a book about women, Grady did a wonderful Job.

***Disclaimer- I received this book complimentary from the publisher for my honest opinion.***

GMG Advent Study

Christmas time can be a stressful time of year.  I feel that is because we have our eyes set on something other than the true meaning of Christmas.  That is why I am leading a group for the Good Morning Girls Advent Study.

I want to keep my heart in the right place and not get overwhelmed this year with all the craziness that is going on in the world.  I also wanted to help other women keep their lives calm and stress free.

I know that when we are concerned with getting the latest technology item or toy for our family members, the hunt can become increasing stressful the closer to Christmas we get.

But, here's a hint......Christmas isn't about the presents.  I think that we have lost track of what Christmas is really about.  Actually, we have lost the meaning of Advent also.  Some think that Advent is another word for Christmas   It's not.  It's a preparation time for the arrival of Christ.  The 4 weeks before Christmas.

We need that time...More than ever. Our hearts (in general) are not in the right place.  We have become such a materialistic society....Well, that's a whole other post.

Join me for your preparation time.  I have a Facebook Group that is going to be fellow-shipping together and spending our Advent time focused on the True Christmas Spirit.

There is still time to join.  Study starts tomorrow.  Make sure you go to the Good Morning Girls blog and get your FREE study materials.

Attitude of Gratitude Days 3 & 4

Image Credit Aussiegall

This weekend was extremely busy and since I didn't get the chance to post days 3 and 4 for Attitude of Gratitude I wanted to do them both is one post.  I will be doing day 5 in a separate post so look for that coming up.

Day 3

Psalm 107:1-32

1O give thanks unto Jehovah; For he is good; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever. 2Let the redeemed of Jehovah say so, Whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the adversary, 3And gathered out of the lands, From the east and from the west, From the north and from the south. 4They wandered in the wilderness in a desert way; They found no city of habitation. 5Hungry and thirsty, Their soul fainted in them.6Then they cried unto Jehovah in their trouble, And he delivered them out of their distresses, 7He led them also by a straight way, That they might go to a city of habitation. 8Oh that men would praise Jehovah for his lovingkindness, And for his wonderful works to the children of men!9For he satisfieth the longing soul, And the hungry soul he filleth with good.

10Such as sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, Being bound in affliction and iron, 11Because they rebelled against the words of God, And contemned the counsel of the Most High: 12Therefore he brought down their heart with labor; They fell down, and there was none to help. 13Then they cried unto Jehovah in their trouble, And he saved them out of their distresses. 14He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, And brake their bonds in sunder. 15Oh that men would praise Jehovah for his lovingkindness, And for his wonderful works to the children of men! 16For he hath broken the gates of brass, And cut the bars of iron in sunder.

17Fools because of their transgression, And because of their iniquities, are afflicted. 18Their soul abhorreth all manner of food; And they draw near unto the gates of death. 19Then they cry unto Jehovah in their trouble, And he saveth them out of their distresses. 20He sendeth his word, and healeth them, And delivereth them from their destructions. 21Oh that men would praise Jehovah for his lovingkindness, And for his wonderful works to the children of men!22And let them offer the sacrifices of thanksgiving, And declare his works with singing.

23They that go down to the sea in ships, That do business in great waters; 24These see the works of Jehovah, And his wonders in the deep. 25For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, Which lifteth up the waves thereof. 26They mount up to the heavens, they go down again to the depths: Their soul melteth away because of trouble.27They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, And are at their wits’ end. 28Then they cry unto Jehovah in their trouble, And he bringeth them out of their distresses. 29He maketh the storm a calm, So that the waves thereof are still. 30Then are they glad because they are quiet; So he bringeth them unto their desired haven. 31Oh that men would praise Jehovah for his lovingkindness, And for his wonderful works to the children of men! 32Let them exalt him also in the assembly of the people, And praise him in the seat of the elders.

Since these verses offer up personal testimonies today's assignment from Revive Our Hearts is to write out my personal testimony.  This is kind of hard for me since I have never thought about it.  I was babptize when I was a baby and went to church until I was a young child. Then my family only went on holidays and eventually stopped all together.  I have always had a love for God and Jesus but, haven't always been the most devoted Christian.  

Recently I have started (again) doing bible studies and spending time everyday with God.  It's amazing how my life and mind have gotten more peaceful.  When I have a problem or worry God always has a ways to make sure that problem and worry go away by answering my questions or giving me the reassurance that I needed at that time.  

So, dear reader, what is your testimony? Please feel free to leave it in the comments section below.

Thing to be grateful for today is: My path in life.  I know that might sound weird but, if it weren't for the path that I have traveled who know's where my life would be right now.  I am extremely grateful for the way that I have gone.  

Image Credit Aussiegall

Day 4

Psalm 103:1-5

1Bless Jehovah, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2Bless Jehovah, O my soul, And forget not all his benefits:3Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; Who healeth all thy diseases; 4Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 5Who satisfieth thy desire with good things, So that thy youth is renewed like the eagle.

For todays Revive Our Hearts has the assignment to make two lists.  Gifts from God and gifts from others.  I have to say that my biggest gift from God is my wonderful family.  Without them I would be lost.  They are the best thing that has ever happened to me.  

The funny thing is when I try to think about gifts from others and find something that I couldn't live without I am having a hard time. There is one gift though that comes to mind.  It's the gift of friendship and love that I have been given by my best friend.  

We met in college and have been friends since.  A decade later we are more like sisters than friends.  We can tell each other everything and be completely honest.  Sure there are time when we disagree but, we NEVER judge each other and always offer a differing view point.  

So the thing I am grateful for today would be the friendship that I have with my best friend.  Friends can come and go but, a true (best) friend is to be valued.  Friendships take work but, if they are nourished they will flourish.  

Attitude of Gratitude Day 2

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Bible verses for the day Colossians 1:3, 12; 2:7; 3:15-17; 4:2

1:3 3We give thanks to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

1:12 12giving thanks unto the Father, who made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light;

2:7 7rooted and builded up in him, and established in your faith, even as ye were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

3:15-17 15And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to the which also ye were called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns 17And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

4:2  2Continue stedfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving;

These verses give a lot to think about. What I most grateful for today (especially) is peace of mind.  While trying to type out this post and doing about 20 other things all at once I have a ton of things go wrong.  Freshly mopped floor-spilled coffee.  Burnt grilled cheeses.  Spilled water all over counter.  But, if it wasn't for the peace of mind I do have, I probably would have lost it.  Thankfully I didn't.  

If you want to join me on my journey through 30 days of gratitude please go to Revive Our Hearts

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Attitude of Gratitude Challenge | Missouri Made Momma

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Now that October is over and we move forward toward Thanksgiving I wanted to start a new series on my blog.

Attitude of Gratitude Challenge

To many times we get so busy with all the holiday hustle and bustle that we forget to take a moment to stop and be grateful.  

So for the next 30 days I am going to be following along Revive Our Hearts Growing in Gratitude Challenge and I encourage you to join me.  It will only take a few minutes of your day and it will make a busy time of the season so much more peaceful.  Because we all know that being grateful leads to being peaceful.  When you want NOTHING (and celebrate the little things) there is nothing to worry about.  

Join me...starting tomorrow (yes, I know...short notice) to live this next month in gratitude.

Review: Quest: A Guide for Creating Your Own Vision Quest | Missouri Made Momma

As humans we are constantly on the search for wisdom.  That search can come in many forms but, one that has been used for many, many years is the vision quests.  Vision quests have been used by many people whether they were Native Americans, historical prophets, or a person seeking the meaning for their life.  They cross all religious boundaries, ages and races.

In their new book Quest: A Guide for Creating Your Own Vision Quest Denise Linn and Meadow Linn teach the reader how to design their own vision quest so that they may find the wisdom they are seeking.  They offer a step by step manual from start to finish on how to design a vision quest that is suited to your own personal preferences.  A quest that is perfect for you.

This is a wonderful book because it has everything you need to plan.  Each chapter is reserved to a certain part of planning process starting with what you need to do to prepare for your quest.  They have a list of everything you will need during your quest and a 28 day preparation guide.  You are taught how to build your sacred circle and how to find just the right spot and stones to make the circle.

I love the exercises and "Life Evaluation" questions that are included in the what to do during your quest chapter. It's a life transforming curriculum.  You can work through issues such as:  defining yourself, relationships with other people around you, relationships with your parents, and many more.

I know that my favorite part of this book, which is hard to pick since I LOVED the whole book, would be the last chapter which focuses on how to integrate the wisdom found during your quest into your everyday life.  Since that's what we are truly wanting right?  What good would a vision quest be if we are not able to make the information received work for us in our daily lives?

This book is a must read for everyone that is wanting to find themselves and make a better life.  Your teenagers can even read this since there is a chapter in the book that is focused on them to help them find who they are.  This would make a great high school graduation gift to help a teenager transform into an adult.

I will be re-reading the book over and over and planning my vision quest for the future.  After reading this book I can't wait to do a vision quest to find myself.  

I was not financially compensated for this post.  I received the book from  Hay House for review purposes. The opinions are completely my own based on my experience. 

Review: 90 Devotions for Kids | Missouri Made Momma

I have always loved Focus on the Family.  It’s truly an inspirational organization with great resources for families.  Plus, I am always on the lookout for new way to help my children grow spiritually so when I saw that I could review 90 Devotions for Kids, from Focus on the Family, I jumped on the chance. 

90 Devotions for Kids is from the Adventures in Odyssey division.  Adventures in Odyssey are audio stories that help kids to grow in character through spiritual and moral aspects of their character.  If you would like more information about Adventures in Odyssey please visit their website here. 

I love this book for so many reasons and it was a wonderful resource for my school age child.  To start, there are 13 different themes that you will study throughout the book.  Each theme has a bible memory verse for the week and by the end of the week your child should have memorized the verse, which is easy because the verse is reinforce throughout the week. 

Each theme is broken into 7 days, one for each day of the week.  You don’t have to do one everyday and can plan your child study however you want but, it’s so easy to do one each day and have one theme per week.    At the end of each theme there are puzzles that your child does to review all concepts from the week/theme.   They are an invaluable resources in themselves since your child gets a review and has fun while doing so. 

The daily devotions are wonderful because they have different parts to each one.  Each day has a daily verse, reading, and challenge.   All of which reinforce the bible memory verse and theme for the week.  The give your child a new way to look at the themes each day in a way that your child can understand.  The devotions are modern day, true to life, ways for children to think about biblical principles but, easily understand them. 

As you take this journey you have 3 travelers that go with you.  If you know about Adventures in Odyssey then you have already been introduced to these friends but, if you are like me, they will be new to you.  Their names are Connie, Eugene, and Wooton.  The each play a part in your child’s learning and I think they are wonderful mates on this journey.  Connie will talk to your child about spiritual concepts, Eugene is your go-to fact guy and Wooton is the comedian of the group.  They make learning the bible fun and entertaining.  We couldn't have made the journey without them. 

If you are like me and your children’s spiritual and moral growth is important to you then this book is an invaluable resource.  I think that ever family should have this wonderful book in their library.  I will say that it works best with school age children and preferable with 8 and up. 

Now, I am on the lookout for a preschool devotion and hopefully I can find one and I will let you all know when I do.

I received this book free from Tyndale.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Colossians Study, Week One | Missouri Made Momma

The study has began.  I know that in a couple of previous posts I have talked about the Colossians Bible study through Good Morning Girls.  

We are through week one and onto week two so I wanted to do a review/summary of week one.  I have really enjoyed this study so far.  I will say that I wasn't used to the type of study they use.  It is called the SOAP method.  I am sure some, if not most, of you have heard about it.   It's actually really easy to use once you get used to it.  The letters stand for S= Scripture O= Observation A=Application and the P= Prayer.  

I wanted to take a few minutes and share some of what I have written down in my notebook through the first week of study.  But, first the scripture.  

Colossians 1:1-14   

(1)Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, (2)To the holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colosse: Grace and peace to you from God our Father.  (3) We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, (4) because we heave heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints--- (5) the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel (6) that has come to you.  All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all its truth. (7) You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, (8) and who also told us of your love in the Spirit. 

(9) For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. (10) And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in ever good work, growing in the knowledge of God, (11) being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully (12) giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.  (13) For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness, and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, (14) in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.  

So, as you can see my Bible is that NIV format.  It can be a little difficult to understand but, there are a few key things to pull from all those verses.  Remember, these are the whole weeks worth of verse and are broken down day by day on the study book mark which you can get here.  You need to subscribe to their site and a link will get sent in an email.  Anyway, on to the rest.

The observations that I took away from these verses are:

• Paul saw that the people of Colosse were faithful and thankful to God for his wonderful gospel. 
• If you have hope then you will have faith & love.  Hope has to come first.  
• Paul always thanks God for the people of Colosse because of their faith in God.  It is spreading among them and bearing fruit.  
• Epaphras is the servant of God, that taught the Colossians about the gospel of the Lord.  
• The word of God is spreading about the world and bearing fruit because of the hope, faith and love of people.
• God will show people his will through spiritual wisdom and knowledge. 
• Live a life worthy of the Lord.
• Seek spiritual wisdom through God's word. If we seek God, through his word, he will make His will known.
• If we follow his way and have the endurance & patience to withstand all trials (with hope and faith), and never stop giving thanks, we will inherit everything he has to offer in the kingdom of light.
• Our Father has rescued us from darkness and delivered us to the great kingdom of his son.
• We have been forgiven our sins when Jesus, God's beloved, died on the cross.
• Through redemption and forgiveness, we will enter the kingdom of God.

I know that my observations are probably more rudimentary than yours are but, this is the very first time I have studied the ACTUAL Bible.  Sure, I have read the bible study books that are written by different authors but, there is nothing, NOTHING, like studying the Bible itself.  

I have enjoyed every minute of the study thus far and look forward to week two.  Can't wait.

Review: inSIGNIFICANT | Missouri Made Momma

Picture from Bethany House

We all have times when we feel like we don’t matter.  We can be going through relationship problems, health issues, or a life that is hard.  All of the hardships in life can make you feel so small.  In the book “InSignificant” by Chris Travis he shows us how we can be find our significance in the worst part of our life and how we actually measure how significant we are. 

Most people measure significance by their possession or occupation. We don’t realize that those two things are the least important items in our lives.  Travis talks about how he was a engineer major in college simply because he was good in math and science.  Little did he know he would instead become a pastor and eventually a middle-school math teacher.  God definitely had plans for him. 

He was teaching in one of the worst public schools in New York City’s public school system.  There was violence, graffiti, items being thrown at him, and this was all on a daily basis.  But, he was helping kids that truly thought that they would never matter, that THEY were insignificant.  So, by showing them the mattered he found out that he was actually significant.

Travis realized that his significance lied in God.  He must be a servant for God before he would matter to God.  Teaching might not be the most affluent when it comes to profession (how can a teacher be significant) but, it’s not about your profession when it comes to how much we matter. 

Travis was working in one of the worst schools, living in a poor neighborhood, and dealing with violence on a daily basis but, found that he was important to God.  He was doing God’s will. 

To be significant you must become insignificant first.  I know that sounds weird but, to matter you must first be a servant to others.   Really, can our possessions make or break us?   Or is it our character that matters more.  If we don’t have any physical possessions, are we still the same person? 

I have to say that when I first started this book I didn’t get it.  It was a hard read for me in the beginning but, once I got past the first half it all clicked.  The book started making sense and got me thinking.  Yes, I feel like I don’t matter some of the time but, why is that?  Is it because I don’t have what I want out of life right now….YES.  Is that how I am supposed to measure whether I am important or not…NO.  Maybe this was hard for me to read because it hit too close to home.  Even though it was hard to read once I definitely plan on reading it again.  It set my proprieties straight and got me thinking about what I am doing with my life.  I think I will get even more out of it a second or third time going through it.  

I want to leave, you the reader, with a couple of thought provoking questions.  What makes me significant?  How do we judge whether we are significant or not?  This book have changed my thinking and I am sure it will change yours.  

I received this book free from Bethany House.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Amen | Missouri Made Momma

I went to church yesterday morning.  That not might seem like a very big deal but, it's been a few years since I have gone.  Not because I hate going, just because I haven't been putting God & Jesus first and finding the time to go.  My life is pretty busy and I can get a little sidetracked if I let myself.

I would have never thought about a service like this one. The pastor started talking about the fact that he was finishing up a series on the Lord's Prayer.  Ok, I thought...I can always use some understanding on why we say what we say when we pray the Lord's Prayer.  Well, since this was the last service in the series it was all about the finish.  The "Amen."

I was taken aback for a second.  Why do we need a service strictly about "Amen?"  Then, when he started talking about it, first during the children's part of service, something clicked.  He asked the children "what does Amen mean?"  Ok, having said this word all my life, I had to stop and think.  What DOES Amen mean?  One of the little kids answered, "it means Thank you."  He replied with " that's part of it."

So at this point I was seriously thinking about the meaning of Amen.  What did it mean?  How many of us really, truly, know what Amen means.  Isn't it just the way to finish up when we are talking to God?  Isn't it just a standard finish that we have been taught to say?

When he said what it meant it was like a light bulb went off.  Ok, so right about now you are probably thinking...."How could she NOT know what Amen means?"  Well, I have never thought about the meaning until he started talking about it and until I heard it.  Our pastor said that Amen means "It shall be done."  Everything made sense at that point.  The importance of Amen finally clicked.

When we are saying Amen we are saying that we put our faith in God to answer our prayers.  To me, this is probably the most important part of a prayer.  We can pray all we want but, do we really have faith that God will answer them?

It was a very simple meaning but, VERY important at the same time.  

So, do you say Amen and just say it to be saying it or do you truly believe in the meaning and that God will answer your prayers?  I know that I have been thinking about that since yesterday and I have to say that at first I was just saying it to be saying it.  It's part of a prayer, right?  Now, I say it because I TRULY have faith that when I pray, God will hear me and answer my prayer.  Maybe not in the time frame I want but, IT SHALL BE DONE!