This Week in Books: Week 8
The Adventure of Missionary Heroism by John Lambert - We finished reading this recently-reprinted volume as a family this week and would highly recommend it. What's more thrilling than exciting stories of courageous men and women who left earthly comforts and sacrificed all to bring the Gospel to uncivilized tribes of savages and cannibals? This book is brimming with fascinating stories to keep the whole family on the edge of their seats!
The Endurance: Shackleton's Legendary Antarctic Expedition (DVD) - We checked this DVD out from the library and Kathrynne and I watched bits of it everyday while folding laundry. Though I've studied quite a bit on Shackleton and this incredible story, I never cease to be amazed and challenged each time I hear it. This film uses real photos and film footage as well as many excerpts from eye witness journals to tell this amazing story of men who braved more cold, hardship, and setback than we can even possibly imagine. (Note: The film does contain a few crude expressions.)
Stop Dating the Church: Fall in Love With the Family of God by Josh Harris - This small book is very thought-provoking and much-needed in this day of superficial "Christianity" where going to church has often become just another good deed to check off our to-do list. I especially appreciated Josh's points on what to look for in a Biblical church and felt they were right on.This book motivated me to think about what I can do in this season of my life to contribute to our local church in a God-honoring fashion. You see, ever since I was old enough to remember, I was very active in our local church. Since becoming a mom, I've been unable to do much of what I used to be able to as far as serving in the church goes. Sometimes I think it is easy for me to not go out of my way to look for opportunities to minister in our church Body because I'm busy with mothering.
At this season, God hasn't called me to be spending a few days each week ministering in other family's homes or serving every week in the music ministry or being in charge of the kitchen during church dinners--all things I did back before I had children. However, that doesn't mean I can't do anything. God used this book to convict me of selfishness on my part in not making more of a conscious effort to see what I can do.
This book sparked many ideas of things I can do which I haven't been doing as faithfully as I should--praying for our church leaders and fellow Believers, going to church with an attitude to minister and serve, and seeking to be an encouragement to those who seem weary and burdened.
It might not seem like much, but I can do something. God hasn't called me to be a lifeless, useless "lump on a log" in our local church during this season of mothering young children. I'm part of the Body of Christ and I need to remember that all members are to be working together for the glory of God!
Where's Mom? The High Calling of Wives and Mothers by Dorothy Kelley Patterson - I loved this book and would recommend that all wives and mothers--or anyone who hopes to be such--read this little book. It was an encouragement to me to press on, even during the difficult days, even when it seems like I'm doing the same thing over and over and over... It is worth it because what I am doing is the most important work I could be doing right now! By the way, you can read parts of this book online here.Bible Reading: I finished Deuteronomy this week and am almost finished with Joshua as well! Just this week, I have started journaling a bit during my devotions and it has blessed and strengthened my heart so much to be writing down how God is using His Word to uplift and encourage me. Why did I ever stop doing this in the first place?
Labels: Reviews
posted by Crystal Paine at 6:09 PM
13 Comments:
Hi Crystal :)
Regarding Where's Mom?--I don't think you can read the entire book on-line. From what I am seeing that site just has a preview, so only some of the pages are available, not the entire text. But I could be doing something wrong--I'm not familiar with that site or how it works.
Donna: You are very right--I didn't thoroughly look over that link. Thanks for correcting me on that! Well, at least you can get a basic idea there anyway!
One of the books that has really encouraged and inspired me (your comments about going to church with a serving attitude prompted the thought) is "Making Sunday Special" by Karen Burton Mains. It's about exactly what it says it is, making the Sabbath a day of rest and worship. It has lots of practical ideas and inspiration.
Just thought some you might be interested.... :D
Crystal,
I have been wanting to read Stop Dating the Church and I hope to soon. I know what you mean about not being able to serve in the capacity I did prior to becoming a mommy. But one way I can serve (although praying for our church is the best thing we could ever do) is to make meals for those in need. The ladies of our church make dinners for those who have had surgery or are ill, lost a loved one and just had a baby. It is so easy to do as a mother since I will be making dinner for my family anyway. It is fun to share with my children too. They like taking the meals to new moms and seeing the babies! Just an idea for you!
Hi Crystal,
There is enough of a sample on there to peak my interest. Definitely a book I want to get my hands on. Thanks for the review and the link.
Way to Go on the bible reading! I just got into I Samuel this morning.
I'm proud of you, Crystal, for deciding to look for more opportunities to serve in your church and community. I think once you start looking for those opportunities, you'll find them. As a Mom, there are actually a lot of things you're doing already that you could share with others, such as maybe baking or cooking extra food, and then donating it to funeral lunches, new mothers, or the elderly. Also, some people need help with grocery shopping, and you are a brilliant shopper. No one could blame you for being knocked back for a couple of years by closely spaced babies, but now that you've got the hang of the Mom thing, you are ready to share your gifts more than every! Good luck!
Catherine S.
I love the Missionary Heroism book. I need to finish it though!
I'm passing on the Excellent Blog Award to you. You can get the details from my latest post. Have a great day. It's been fun getting to read your blog!
Blessings,
Melissa
Hi Crystal,
I was wondering what "tools" you have in your family library for Bible Study. I bought a book a while back on Bible study techniques and it gave a list of over a dozen different books you should have to study the Bible . . . concordance, Bible dictionaries, etc. A bit overwhelming! I was wondering what you family has on hand to assist with Bible studies since you all are so dedicated to your studies.
Also, since you are such an avid reader, how do you manage your personal library? I think I have book "issues." :) I just sold as many books as I could through cash4books and took six boxes to the local library for their book sale. Granted, many of these books were from college, but I tend to collect a lot of books. I'm really happy we have our "library" down to a more reasonable size ( only two bookcases now and no boxes in the basement). I'm going to try to use the library more now and not buy so many books.
I love your blog and check it out everyday. :) I love to see how your family does things. :) Thanks for all the encouragment and tips.
Mrs. H
Thanks for your post, it went along with our sermon and discussion in Sunday School. Blessings to you.
I loved "Stop Dating the Church" as well - a real wake up call! We all need that challenge to continue to grow in love for God's people.
Crystal,
I am only on chapter 3 of Secrets to Getting More Done in Less Time by Donna Otto, and am so thankful you recommended it. I "may never be a 'sponge cake,' but homemade noodles are just as good and very useful." pg.29-30
Thanks for the reviews! I am ordering Where's Mom? It looks great.
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