Book Review ~ Voices of the True Woman Movement, Chapter 2

Chapter 2 - From Him, Through Him, To Him
by Nancy Leigh DeMoss

     As I mentioned at the end of the Chapter 1 review, I was excited to dig into Chapter 2 and find out what Nancy had to say.  If you aren't already familiar with this book, please click this link,  http://littlekissesfromgod.blogspot.com/2010/06/book-reviewvoices-of-true-woman.html, for a book summary and my thoughts on Chapter 1.

     In this chapter, Nancy talks about how a true woman of God recognizes who God is, His greatness, His Sovereignty, His goodness, and His mercy.  She states, "rather than demanding answers to our questions, we should trust that He knows what we need to know - as well as what we don't - and that it is His kindness that withholds from us what would be too grand or painful for us to absorb in our mortal minds."  Wow!  That says much about who God is and how most of us, in our finite minds, have a hard time getting our brains wrapped around that truth.  I completely agree with her.  Even though we cannot fully comprehend who God is, what we believe about Him has much to do with how we respond to life's difficult situations and circumstances.

     Nancy continues, "God doesn't need to consult with anyone about anything.  He never needs input or counsel, needs no guidance or advice - not from me, not from you, not from anyone.  He possesses limitless wisdom.  He is altogether self-sufficient and independent.  He never needs assistance from anything or anyone outside of Himself."  While we may think differently, we don't have to understand why God is doing what He's doing or be informed of His plans ahead of time.  If we know God, according to who the Bible tells us He is, we trust Him despite the way things appear to be going.  We know that God knows what He's doing.  Whether we want to accept it or not, He is in control - we aren't!  "To resist or resent the situation and circumstances in which you find yourself is ultimately to resent and resist God Himself."  No one can thwart the plans of God - His purposes will stand!  As Christians, that should give us great comfort and peace.

     As women of God, Nancy asserts that we should have three responses.  She goes into more detail about each response in the book but I'll list each one here:

1. A true woman lives a God-centered life.
2. A true woman trusts God.
3. A true woman says, "Yes, Lord."

     I highly recommend this book to any woman wanting to deepen her knowledge of the God of the Bible and enrich her relationship with Him.  It has definitely opened my eyes to some thoughts I really hadn't consciously pondered before.  If you like being challenged to think Biblically and counter-culturally, I suggest this might be a book you'd appreciate.  You can purchase the book at Revive Our Hearts here:       http://store.reviveourhearts.com/voiceofthetruewomanmovement.aspx   or on Amazon here:     Voices of the True Woman Movement: A Call to the Counter-Revolution.  

May you be richly blessed today by little kisses from God!

Wordless Wednesday ~ #5: Uh-Oh!

     Need I say more?!  It was only a minor fracture, God gave me the bright idea of bypassing the pediatrician and going straight to the orthopedist's office, and we got in and out of his office in less than an hour.

God's blessings to you today!

Book Giveaway ~ More Than a Hopechest by Amber Moeller

     Announcing a giveaway offered through RaisingHomemakers.com.  It's a book, More Than a Hopechest by Amber Moeller.  I wanted to share in case you want to enter to win.  The giveaway ends July 31st.  To enter the contest, click on this link: http://raisinghomemakers.com/2010/the-hope-chest-a-legacy-of-love/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+RaisingHomemakers+%28Raising+Homemakers%29   

Blessings today!

Multitude Monday ~ One Thousand Gifts ~ No. 8

     Again this week I've added to my gratitude list.  Click here to see what's new:  http://littlekissesfromgod.blogspot.com/p/one-thousand-gifts.html.  

Blessings to you this week!

Ponderings about Midday Connection ~ Into Abba's Arms

     Earlier this week, I was listening to Midday Connection, a Moody Radio live broadcast that airs in the middle of the day to encourage women.  Where I live, it airs between noon and 1pm, Monday-Friday.  I'd say it's a great way to spend your lunch break and gain some spiritual encouragement.  Most of the time listeners have the option to call in to ask questions or share comments.  That's one of the things that I love about their program.

     When I tuned in this past Tuesday (7/20/10), Sandra Wilson was the guest and the title of the program was "Into Abba's Arms."  No, this wasn't a broadcast about the rock group, Abba, from the 70's.  It was about our "Daddy" in Heaven.  Once I began listening, I was immediately struck by something that Ms. Wilson said and it has resonated with me throughout this week.  It was a statement concerning who we want to please, based on John 12:43 which reads "for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God."  As Christians, who do we want to please?  Of course, our immediate response, without truly thinking, is God.  But is that genuinely true?  If we take time to think about the actions that characterize us, I think we'll have an honest answer to that question. 

     For example, many times in the past, I didn't think anything of losing my temper...yelling, slamming doors, crying, etc...to get my way.  Who was I trying to please?  Which god of the moment?  Me!  I was my own idol.  How grateful I am that the Lord opened my eyes to that sin, convicted me, and brought about the change that needed to occur in my heart!  Now that was an awesome little kiss from God!  Obviously, I'm not perfect and never will be this side of Heaven, but God is continually convicting me of my sin and molding me more into the likeness of His Son, Jesus Christ. 

     Why is it that we, even as Christians, so desperately desire the approval of others?  It is human nature to want to be accepted.  Also, rejection is a hard pill to swallow.  But even more than that, I believe that we, in the flesh, don't have an accurate understanding of who we are and who God really is - His awesomeness, His sovereignty, His transcendence, His holiness and righteousness, His infinite power, His omniscience, His omnipresence, His infinite wisdom, His faithfulness, His compassion, mercy and grace, His never-ending, undying love for us...need I say  more?!  I could go on but I'll stop there.  If we did have a good grasp of who God truly is and who we are in relation to Him, we'd absolutely, positively, without any shadow of a doubt, desire His approval and have no need or desire of anyone else's approval.  

     So how do we get that accurate understanding of who God is and who we are in relation to Him?  From immersing our minds and souls in God's Word daily, hearing the Word of God being preached, and fellowshiping with other spiritually mature Christians who encourage us and give us biblical guidance.  How else can we expect to walk in truth?  It can only happen through knowing what the Book of Truth, the Bible, says!
      

Image by ryk_neethling via Flickr

     If you'd like to find out more about Midday Connection's daily broadcasts, click on this link:  http://www.moodyradio.org/middayconnection.aspx.  I have been truly blessed by their ministry.   

Trusting you are recognizing little kisses from God today!

Multitude Monday ~ One Thousand Gifts ~ No. 7

     To see items I've added to my gratitude list, please click here:  http://littlekissesfromgod.blogspot.com/p/one-thousand-gifts.html.  This will take you to my full list plus the items I've just recently added.  Head to the bottom of the page to see most recently added items.

Blessings to you this week!

A Unique & Fun Birthday Cake - the Big Top Cupcake!

     Most birthdays around here we order the cake of choice for the birthday girl from the local grocery store.  But this year, Carrie Beth informed me a day or two before her birthday that she wanted a giant cupcake cake.  So, for $19.99 + tax, I ran out and bought a giant cupcake pan set and set about to make her not one, but two, cupcake cakes.  It's cheaper on Amazon but I didn't have time to order.  Even so, it's still cheaper than ordering a cake like we usually do, so why not!  Plus I'll be able to use that set again and again for birthday celebrations in the future. 

     I was concerned about how this set was going to work out because of reviews I had read on Amazon about some different cupcake pan sets.  While the sets I read reviews on had positive and negative reviews and in between as well, you'll see below why I chose the bake set I did.  This is my own personal mini review of the set I bought.  I am no expert, just a mom who wanted to share about the set that made her daughter's birthday special.  Here's the one we got.  

     Until now, I have never bought or used silicone for baking but I have to say that I am already crazy about it.  Some of the reviews stated that they had a hard time getting the cake out without it falling apart.  I didn't experience that at all.  Here's what I did to make things easy for me.  First, I made sure the pans were sprayed well with cooking spray.  We used cake mixes which I normally don't do but I was short on time.  You mix the cake mix just like you normally would according to directions on the box.  Then I followed the directions that came with the Big Top Cupcake Bake set pretty much exactly to make sure I didn't encounter any problems.  After baking the cakes for the allotted amount of time, I checked them every five minutes or so until they were done.  As instructed, I let them cool 10-15 minutes before attempting to remove them.   And voila - they turned out picture perfect!  On a side note, not only does this set come with instructions on how to use it, there's also a mini recipe booklet  with fun ideas for different types of cakes to make.

     Why did I choose this particular set?  I considered purchasing other similar sets but the main reason I decided on the Big Top Cupcake Bake set is because it had separate pans for the top and bottom of the cake.  That would allow me to take out each one as they were finished baking instead of worrying that one might get done before the other.  Since the cupcake top is smaller than the bottom, I assume it would get finished baking sooner.  Common sense told me I should opt for the set I bought because it had separate pans.  I couldn't be happier with this set which is why I'm sharing. 

     The "proof is in the pudding," so here's a couple of photos of the finished products (with the girls, of course).  

   

This was a lot of fun for the kiddos and the decorating ideas are endless.  I'm grateful Carrie Beth got the cake she wanted for her birthday and I now have a fun new cake idea for celebrations ahead.

Hope you all are experiencing God's blessings today and everyday!

Multitude Monday ~ One Thousand Gifts ~ No. 6

Ah...it's Monday again and I get the privilege of sharing what I'm thankful for today.  Click here to see what I've added to my gratitude list - http://littlekissesfromgod.blogspot.com/p/one-thousand-gifts.html.  

Blessings all through the week!

Blog Award! A Blog with Substance

     Thanks to Angie, otherwise known as the Pebblekeeper at Petra School which can be found here, http://pebblekeeper.wordpress.com/2010/07/10/substance-blog-award/, for sending my way the "A Blog with Substance" award.  I'm sure Angie has no idea how much she's encouraged me through her blogs.  I'm so excited and also humbled to know I've encouraged Angie and hopefully others and I trust God is using it for His glory.  Since I only started to blog back in March, it's really exciting to know that God truly is using me in this realm.  

      

     The Award Rules:

1. Thank the blogger who awarded it to you.
2. Sum up your blogging philosophy, motivation, and experience using ten (10) words.
3. Pass it on to ten other blogs which you feel have real substance.

     My blogging motivation:  Encouraging other moms/women for God's purposes and His glory! (I did it!)

     Of course, Angie's Petra School is one blog that I visit regulary and gain encouragement from.  In no particular order, here are ten other blogs that I've been encouraged by and I'd like to send this award to them.

1. Handbook of Nature Study - It's all about studying nature outdoors with your children using Anna Botsford Comstock's book, Handbook of Nature Study.  I love that Barb give instructions to moms who are new to this type of nature study.  That's how we got started using this book that I had owned for a few years already.  You can find this blog here:  http://handbookofnaturestudy.blogspot.com/
2. The Last Frontier - Jenny's blog is about life with her two sons and husband in the Alaskan bush.  It's so fascinating to see what her post is about each time.  You can find her here:  http://homeschoolblogger.com/frontierfreedom/  
3. Overweights of Joy:  Finding God in the Everyday Dance that is My Life - I've enjoyed reading about Amy Danielle's ponderings and adventures with eight children, seven of which are boys.  See her blog here:  http://overweightsofjoy.blogspot.com/
4. Seek N 2 Glorify - I have been so encouraged by Meredith's transparency and realness as a Christian. We need more of that!  You can find her here:  http://seekn2glorify.blogspot.com/
5. Raising Homemakers - RH has several contributing writers.  I appreciate reading their posts and sharing what I learn with my daughters.  Link here:  http://raisinghomemakers.com/
6. Joy in the Journey - Heather shares her thoughts on theology, mothering and homeschooling.  You can find her here:  http://joyinthejourneyhh.blogspot.com/
7. Women Living Well - Courtney has encouraged me spiritually.  She encourages us as wives and moms to live according to God's Word.  Click on this link:  http://www.womenlivingwell-courtney.blogspot.com/
8. Holy Experience - Ann has encouraged me in so many ways but mostly I get regular encouragement from her about taking time to really appreciate the little things in life.  Here's her link:  http://www.aholyexperience.com/
9. Just a Minute - Jenny shares ways God is maturing her in her spiritual walk.  Link here:  http://jennysminute.blogspot.com/
10. Treasures of Darkness - Nancy shares blessings that she's received from God, in the good times and the dark times of her life.  You can find her here:  http://mom2six-treasures.blogspot.com/

I have to admit that it was hard coming up with just 10.  There are so many great blogs out there.  So let us hear about some more great blogs through the comments section below.  Thanks, in advance, for sharing.

Blessings to all of you this weekend!

Anguish in the Unresolved Yet Hope Abounds

     Angry words fly in the heat of the moment...I feel the vibrations of the floor as she stomps out of the kitchen...then, the slamming of a bedroom door.  I think for a moment while preparing lunch.  I decide to give her time.

     A few minutes later I approach her door, hoping to be allowed in.  She's not interested in talking.  She'd rather be left alone yet she unlocks the door giving me the sign it's okay to approach her - that typically sweet, gentle spirit in our home who has a servant's heart.  I'm not sure what's going on with her these days.  As I lay there on her bed, I wondered - what is she thinking.  Why this sudden onset of anger over the past few weeks?  I just don't know.  God does.    

     I begin to talk calmly and truthfully about the unresolved sin in her life.  I see me in her.  I tell her she's a lot like me when I was younger.  That sin of ungodly anger, that could cripple a marriage, ruin friendships, even cause one to do things that could change the course of their lives, has begun to characterize her demeanor lately.  Sinful anger...it's a sin we can't allow to go unchecked in our children or ourselves.  No matter the cause, we can't excuse or rationalize what God says is sin.  It's sin - period! 

     So I try to talk to her about what is at the root of this torrent of anger she continues to express.  She offers no answers, still not wanting to let me in.  I don't think she knows the cause of her anger.  After all, she is just a child.  But a child that needs to be trained, according to God's Word and in His righteousness.  She knows her unharnessed reactions were wrong.  What to do?!  I'm just not sure.  My heart is torn for her and the fact that I can't fix this issue for her.  I'm in anguish about it and I don't have all the answers.  Yet I know the God who does and He is faithful.  I pray.  I trust the Lord to work it out in His timing.  

     In the meantime, I'll continue to pray, discuss this issue with her when necessary, and point her to the Only One who can truly set her free from this bondage, "being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" - Philippians 1:6.  Even though this issue is unresolved for now, we have hope in Jesus Christ.  I am grateful for this opportunity to disciple this child.  God still blesses in the midst of our imperfect lives.    

Trusting you are recognizing God's blessings this week!

Multitude Monday ~ One Thousand Gifts ~ No. 5

     Click here, http://littlekissesfromgod.blogspot.com/p/one-thousand-gifts.html, to see the most recent items I've added to my gratitude list.  
Blessings!

FREE Christian Audiobook Download Offer - The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer

     For those who are interested, a friend of mine on Facebook shared that the audiobook download this month at Christianaudio.com is The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer.  Besides the fact that Tozer is known as a great Christian author, on top of that, this audiobook download is FREE!  My understanding is that Christianaudio.com offers a different download each month that's free.  I always want to know about deals like this and I've already taken advantage of it.  Click on this link, http://christianaudio.com/free, and you'll get instructions on how to proceed.  Also, you can sign up for their newsletter, if you're interested, which will inform you of the free download each month.  

Blessings this weekend,

  

Helpful Tips for Organizing your Homeschool

     There are two thoughts that have weighed heavily on my heart lately - organizing our homeschool and instilling a love of learning in our children.  I really believe the Lord has led me to research these areas further and I'm grateful to Him for that.

     In the previous post, I asked others to share ideas of what they do, as homeschooling moms, to instill a love of learning in their children.  You can see those responses in the post below.  

     To gather more information on homeschool organization, I decided to do an internet search and found an article that was posted by Robin Sampson at Heart of Wisdom.  Below are the points I took away from her article.  However, if you'd like to read Robin's thoughts yourself, go to this link:  http://heartofwisdom.com/blog/homeschool-organization-morning-routine/ for the entire post. 

1. Begin by using an hour before bed each night to straighten your home, especially the space you use for school.
2. Each morning, begin praying before your feet even hit the floor, asking the Lord for His guidance throughout the day.
3. Wake the children and dress for the day.
4. Quiet time with God is a must for your soul.
5. Have a to-do list ready for each day.
6. Eat a nutritional breakfast.
7. Complete morning chores (if you choose to do chores at that time).
8. Begin school with a schedule that works for your family.

     For me, the first idea Robin shared would be one of the best tips I could live by.  Waking every morning, knowing the house is neat and tidy, would be such a refreshing and pleasant way to start each day.  No guilt for not picking up, folding leftover laundry from a few days ago, or doing dishes because it would already be done.  How nice that would be!  I really like that suggestion. 

     Of course, as a Christian, the most important thing I can do is spend time with the Lord every morning.  I fail miserably at this.  I hate to admit it but there are times when that happens and other times it doesn't.  On the days when I do spend time with the Lord, I notice that my demeanor throughout the day is different.  There is definitely a blessing that comes from spending time in God's Word.  I'm not saying that's why we should spend time with the Lord but because we want to know Him intimately, to learn more of what He has to say to us from His Word (His love letter to us) and to cultivate our relationship with our Heavenly Father.

     I trust this information has been helpful and encouraging.  I found another link, http://www.heartofwisdom.com/heartathome/homeschool/organization/, on the Heart of Wisdom site that related to organization in the home.  I'm always interested in finding ways to make my life easier and I wanted to share what I found with you.    

Continuing to enjoy little kisses from God each day!

         

How Can We Best Nurture in our Children a Love of Learning?

     Actually, I'm asking the question because, as a homeschooling mom, I'm trying to figure it out for myself.  I know each of you have your own ideas, thoughts, and insights.  Please share in the comments section below so we can all learn from one another.  Thanks!

Blessings!