How to Have a Heart for Your Kids

Just finished a lovely book by Rachel Carman (affiliated with Apologia Press). I heard Rachel speak recently at our home educators' convention, and she was so funny and delightful I wanted to know more. She is the mother of seven, and shares her journey from self-centered to others-centered. Not that she claims to have arrived.  Good thing...none of us could relate, could we?  She has a down home sense of humor, and is very insightful as well. She grew up in a preacher's home, and thanks the Lord for her godly heritage. What a blessing!

The thrust of her message is contained in this acrostic from her book How to Have a Heart for Your Kids.

H - Have a heart for the things of God
E - Enrich your marriage
A - Accept your kids
R - Release them to God
T - Teach them the truth

We love our kids, but it does us good to remember who they truly are in light of eternity. They are living souls that have been entrusted to our care...imperfect, growing, learning, beautiful, delightful, and full of wonder. Let love cover a multitude of sins (or irritations), and help us to walk joyfully with them as they journey heavenward.

Enjoy!

Book "Heaven"

Okay, so, I went to book "heaven" this weekend. At least it was for me. Our state Christian home educator convention was Friday and Saturday, and I've just got to say that I could LIVE in that Exhibitor Hall for quite a while! I think any avid book lover, whether mother or homeschooler or neither could have some serious bouts of hyperventilation in that room! My husband hasn't got the hang of it yet. He looks around for about 10 minutes and says, "Oh, well. I'm done."  WHAT??!! I can't wrap my mind around that. It's like having 30 bookstores in the same room...complete with discounts, no shipping costs, and Christian books of all kinds.

I always have to reign myself in a little bit, or I could walk out with a serious financial crisis on my hands. I give myself a general, reasonable limit with room for negotiation. (Lucky for me, my birthday usually falls right around that time so I might have a little extra "green" in my pocketbook.) This year I did mostly curriculum shopping. I'm going to try some new things...nature study, living books history, more variety with Bible time and more fine arts appreciation. I'm pretty jazzed about it all. These meetings always get me completely psyched to start school. Not so for my student body...this is still summer break time. But I'm hoping some of my newly acquired finds will help make this year even more enjoyable.

I wish you could visit a home school exhibitor hall no matter what stage you find yourself in life or what educational choice you have made. I have found some of the best classic books in the world there. If it's a classic, out of print, and now reprinted, you WILL find it there. A beautiful book I purchased about two years ago is called The Basket of Flowers by Christopher von Schmid.  WOW! I asked the vendor what she had that was similar in tone to Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss. She recommended The Basket. Boy, did I hit the jackpot! A beautiful novel albeit tinged with sorrow that is deep and rich with spiritual insight and power. Written well over 100 years ago, it is uplifting and challenging. Can you say that about all the fluff out there today?  Don't get me wrong. I enjoy a good piece of light reading as well as the next person.

I did purchase a book solely for myself though...How to Have a Heart for Your Kids by Rachael Carman. And yes, it is written by a home school mom...(Apologia Press). So far it's great! Just a little book to help me review my direction and focus for the new year. (BTW, I got to hear the speaker for four sessions. She was a lots of fun, and loves what she does.) Amen!

Let's find those "treasures" wherever they are and get busy reading them. I don't know about you but I need to be challenged to "kick it up a notch" spiritually speaking frequently throughout the year.

Enjoy!

*Coming soon...a review of A Love That Multiples by Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar.

Encouraging Blogs

There are so many venues for good reading in our day. And there is no shortage of good material to read. As always this is our first consideration. We can read the old fashioned way (my personal favorite), in magazines, on kindle and nook, on a smart phone, or online.

The world of blogs or websites is fascinating and new to me. I'm sure others are far more techno-savy than I am, but I have enjoyed the good reading I've found online. I thought I might share some that I have found or that have been recommended to me by others. I am always on the lookout for good solid Christian blogs. I frequently purge from my list of blogs ones that have ceased to help me on my path heavenward. A few that I read are not Christian in nature, but they are helpful and not offensive.

I don't read blogs every day (or write for that matter), but I think it's easy to get hooked. Have you ever been online doing email or facebook and realized that an hour has passed?  It is so easy to do, and what have we accomplished really. Even though the computer has a clock on it, I sit where I can see another clock so that time doesn't get away from me. And make sure what you're reading is good for your spirit. There is a lot of negative literature online. Not just the outright sinful stuff, but things that encourage griping and a contentious spirit. Be above all that. If it does help, get rid of it.

Even in our reading we must prioritize. Our Bible reading must be at the top of the list. Although other reading may encourage and uplift, the Bible can change your life like no other book.

I read blogs on the topics of Christian womanhood, parenting, ministry, cooking, couponing, and other topics. As I mentioned I'm always on the lookout for a good blog. I don't have to agree with the author's views on everything to enjoy their writing. If you have a good solid Biblical foundation in life, you can "eat the meat and spit out the bones".

Here are a few I enjoy-

myblessedlife.net
allshehastosay.blogspot.com
yoursacredcalling.com/blogspot
proverbs14verse1.blogspot.com
makinghome.blogspot.com
confessionsofahomeschooler.blogspot.com
aquietgraciouslife.blogspot.com
christianedification.blogspot.com
duggarsblog.blospot.com
duggarfamily.com
christine-mary.blogspot.com
thepioneerwoman.com
thekrazycouponlady.com

I would love to hear what blogs you enjoy. The last two I listed are not particularly Christian, just fun. Be safe online. Get the good stuff, and chuck the rest.

Enjoy!
cookingforseven.com

Reading That Lifts the Spirits

All of us need good uplifting and inspirational books in our lives. These books remind of us of the important truths that we are so prone to forget in the everyday rush of living. Maybe we are struggling with difficult decisions or a difficiency in our character. Maybe it's just a plain old sin problem. I like to ask others what books have helped them in their lives. Some works are truly life changing as God uses them to give direction in our lives.

If you are like me, you don't need reading material that will depress or discourage. Maybe you know you need a change. Endeavor to "set no wicked thing before your eyes." It may not necessarily be a book with foul language or explicit content, but it might not be the best thing for you at this time. Put it to the test. For one or two months read that which will encourage you in your walk with God. Ask a godly Christian friend for a few suggestions. Ask a parent for books that have helped them through the years. Ask your pastor's wife for some books on a specific topic. I believe you're notice a world of difference.

Some wonderful books:

Classics -

*The Holy Bible...perhaps starting with John, Philippians, or Genesis. This is the best choice you can make.
The Pilgrims Progress by John Bunyan
Hinds Feet in High Places by Hannah Hurnard
In His Steps by Charles Sheldon
*Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss
The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom
The Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis
*The Musicians Quest by George MacDonald (also other novels)
Mimosa by Amy Carmichael (and other works)
*A Chance to Die: Amy Carmichael by Elizabeth Elliot
Through Gates of Splendor by Elizabeth Elliot (and other works)
Renewed Day by Day by AW Tozer
Morning and Evening by Charles Spurgeon

Modern Works -

*Safely Home by Randy Alcorn
Daughter of China by C. Hope Flinchbaugh
Get Out of That Pit by Beth Moore (Note: I do not recommend everything about her)
So Long Insecurity by Beth Moore
Lies Women Believe by Nancy Leigh DeMoss
*Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by Joanna Weaver
*A Mom After God's Own Heart by Elizabeth George
Sisterchicks Do the Hula by Robin Jones Gunn
Sophie's Heart by Lori Wick
The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman
*At Home in Mitford (Series) by Jan Karon

* These are some of my absolute favorite books. I've read them over and over again. If you're looking for something on a topic I haven't mentioned, please ask. If you have some other suggestions by all means let us know. God bless you and may you continue to "read heavenward."

Enjoy!

Amish Fiction

I enjoy Amish fiction as much as the next woman. The rural settings remind me of my life in the country as a child. One I did not appreciate at the time the way I should have. Oh...to have a little place out in bean and corn country of the midwest with a few chickens, cats and dogs galore, and whatever else happened along our sprawling acreage. At least I can visit. I still have relatives living close to the old homeplace. I have precious pictures and heartfelt memories.I believe this relaxing and slow paced lifestyle is of great appeal to those of us city-dwellers across the country. Those who miss it and those who never truly experienced it.

The Amish way of life is "attractive" to many. Although living it every day would be a completely different story. Can you truly image living with no electricity, not owning a car, having church in your home IN GERMAN, dressing plain, not listening to recordings, not owning a computer or any phone, never having a picture of your family members (especially of those who have passed on), being shunned, and the many other bans and rules of the community?

Of course, there are many different types of Amish and Mennonite communities. Just as there are multiple types of Baptist churches or Presbyterian churches. Each Amish/Mennonite community has its own guidelines and lifestyles.

Rosanna of the Amish by Joseph W. Yoder is a very readable biography about a young lady who is adopted by an Amish couple. Written before 1950 there are a few different releases of this book. I like the 1973 release by Herald Press. It has a fairly authentic Amish cover.  Although Mr. Yoder eventually joined the Menonnite church, he does speak with the authority of one who lived in the community for many years. (He also wrote a sequel called Rosanna's Boys, which is a bit more about doctrine and practices.)

This particular book skillfully weaves the reasons behind Amish practices and doctrines into the story of Rosanna. Rather than reading A History of the Amish by Steven M. Nolt, this would probably be more enjoyable and helpful to you if you like to read the current Amish Fiction that is SO plentiful right now. There are some very subtle doctrinal problems with the Amish view of salvation that one should be aware of before thinking that it is a pure Christian religion. Although I believe there probably are some sincere Christian people within the community, I'm afraid there are many or even most who are not. Don't get me wrong. I truly have an affinity for the Amish. I want to see them possess genuine faith in Christ as their personal Savior. In 2005 we visited a community near Louisiana, Missouri. We drove passed many breathtaking farms, rolling hills, and saw families and children finishing chores and playing. 

Because there is a glut of fiction about the community, I think it behooves us to know a little more about it so that we judge its authenticity and the message that is presenting.

The words of my blog title, Reading Heavenward, is a true passion for me. I don't want to waste my time reading less than the best literature out there. I want to know that what I've taken in will help me, educate me, uplift me, challenge me, encourage me, or entertain me, and still draw me close to the One who gave Himself for me.

Psalm 27:11
"Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain [straight] path because of mine enemies."

Enjoy!

I Gave It a Try

A friend suggest I read a book by a certain author new to me. I usually look forward to these things, but even after reserving it from the library and bringing it home I hesitated to get started. I figured, "It's just because I have so many other things I want to read." Finally I finished the one I had been working on, and sat down to give this new one a go. Interesting...good style...different...oooh...WHOA...too different! I paused. Was I being too critical? I was reading about war and imprisonment, and, though these things happen, did I really want to read this? I've read Foxes' Book of Martyrs and other martyr stories, but this just didn't seem the same. There was no Christian message, and I'm sure that gave the story a hopeless quality.

What was the problem? Maybe I felt like I was disappointing a friend. She isn't a close friend and will probably never ask me if I read the book. So I closed it, and thought I don't need to read this. It's not that I don't want to read something weighty. I just finished Like Always by Robert Elmer about a woman dying of Leukemia. That other book just wasn't for me. It didn't seem good for me.

Of course, I had to do some other reading after that. Can't end the evening that way! So I retrieved my devotional book, and the Lord renewed my spirit as I read the uplifting and challenging words of a young believer who writes in simple everyday language with a heart for God. What a difference! Thank you, my young friend.

Did you ever pick up a book that just weighs your spirit down? I don't mean one that challenges your spirit to greater heights. I mean one that gives you a sinking feeling, and the Holy Ghost is saying, "Why are you reading this?".  Put it down! Get rid of it! Reach for something better. There is so much good literature out there. Pick up a tried and true classic or a new book that inspires. Or better yet. Pick up the Good Book!

Enjoy!

Sarah's Folly

I picked up a book on an abandoned shelf while I was out of town for a few days, and found an intreging novel. Set in a pre-911 setting Sarah's Folly by Kathy Farinella chronicles a fictional tale of a young journalist's search for her man in uniform who has mysteriously disappeared amidst rumors of an Islamic hostage situation in Iraq. The author cleverly explains many Muslim traditions and views as her main character Sarah witnesses to a co-worker during their travels. She ultimately lands herself in the middle of Iraq where she learns more about the people, the lifestyle and the whereabout of her husband.

This slim volume didn't grab my attention at first, but I'm glad I persevered through it. While not a masterpiece, it is well written and told from a thoroughly conservative, even Baptist, perspective. Refreshing! Only 143 pages it is easy to read and will definitely make an impression. I imagine this book is not easy to find. Probably most common in church bookstores, it is also available online.

Sadly the young author Kathy Farinella went to be with the Lord about 8 years ago after a battle with cancer. She wrote other books that addressed various cults in a fictional venue. Hope I come across others. If you find this little volume be sure to pick it up. You'll be glad you did.

Enjoy!