And It Was Beautiful - Book Review

When I opened the package that held Kara’s latest (and last) book I cried. Today, as I finished reading the last chapter, rereading words that I read almost a year ago, I cried again. In the past year, Kara’s words have played such a huge part in my life. The Holy spirit still working through her even after her passing has had such a profound impact on me and many others. 

I do not know if you normally start out a book review with a thank you, but who knows. I want to send a huge thank you to the editorial team at David C. Cook. You had me in tears (of joy and thankfulness) just in the first twelve pages of this book. Thank you so much for putting together such an amazing compilation of Kara’s beautiful writing. Thank you for loving her just as much as we (her blog readers, her friends who never got a chance to huge her in person) did and still do. 

Oh man, this book. Without sounding horribly cliche or a like a major fangirl - this book was nothing less than just purely amazing. Even the physical size (just a great seven by five inches) brought such joy. It is so easy to just pop it into your handbag to enjoy while waiting in the carpool line or sitting in a doctor’s waiting room. 

I am a blogger and many times have wondered what I would want my blog to look like if it ever made it into a book form. Well, And It Was Beautiful is now that goal, the marker to which I will now judge all blogs turned into books. Not all the writing was originally on her blog and those entries brought such delight to this devout Mundane Faithfulness reader. 

I loved having short, little snippets of Kara. I found myself saying, “I’ll just read a couple of chapters”, then realizing I had read a dozen. I just didn’t want it to stop. Oh my goodness, this book, I just didn’t want it to end. I found myself having the same feelings I had marathoning through a great television show on Netflix (like gilmore girls), I just didn’t want to finish because I knew that was the end. That once I read that last line I would have completed the last book that listed Kara’s name so beautifully across the front cover. I’ve never been so thankful for a deadline in my life (thank you, litfuse publicity). Without it I would have purposely not finished this book. 

From writing to her children to the poem to Jason on his birthday I feel like a gained knowledge and perspective in every small chapter. I needed the reminder of how Kara embraced life, “celebrating in the midst of the long good-bye.” I love getting practical tidbits like the thank you bite in chapter 37. 

I love the opportunity that this book as given me to get to know Kara better, but also the great opportunity to see more of Jason, her dear husband. I wish I could just list quote after quote from this book, but then, why would you want to read it if I give it all to you here? So, when you do read it I want you to pay close attention to last paragraph of chapter 6 entitled, “My Hero”. In my book is it circled and starred and I even went so far as to write, “oh my heart, that is such a perfect paragraph.” There are three things that Kara made perfectly clear to the world: her love for God (and Jesus), her love for her four sweet children and her love for her husband, Jason. I love seeing through her eyes Jason’s passion for his ministry, for life. I loved seeing his real, true battle to remain positive when facing the loss of the love of his life. I’ve always had a connection to Jason because six years ago I married my dear husband who had braved the walk of burying his first wife after she too lost her battle with cancer. 

What else do I want to tell you about this book? Well, let me just say that you do not have to be battling a fight for your life through cancer or another disease and you do not have to be a caretaker to be impacted by the way Kara embraced life. I am positive that this book will leave every reader changed because Kara had a way of doing that, leaving you just slightly (if not profoundly) changed by her presence, by her life. 

Oh, how I wish I didn’t know how this book would end, that it there would be a plot twist I wasn’t aware of and that I would be headed to an author book signing this evening, but I am so thankful for the life of Kara Tippetts. This book, And It Was Beautiful, is such an amazing celebration of her and the Holy Spirt working through her. 

I strongly urge you to go meet Kara at her blog: http://www.mundanefaithfulness.com/ and at http://litfusegroup.com/author/ktippetts

And you can purchase And It Was Beautiful here: http://www.mundanefaithfulness.com/books/

I was given the opportunity to review this book from Litfuse Publicity, who so kindly sent me to the book. You can visit them at http://litfusegroup.com/. 

And It Was Beautiful was published by David C Cook: http://www.davidccook.com/

It’s Good to Be Queen - Book Review

When the opportunity to review Liz Curtis Higg’s newest book, It’s Good to Queen: Becoming as Bold, Gracious, and Wise as the Queen of Sheba, was presented to me I may have squealed. It may have taken me less than two-seconds to click “accept”.  Why? Because I absolutely love Liz!

Liz Curtis Higgs is an award wining wittier of historical novels. She is able to take that talent and pair it with her over flowing passion for the Lord to produce AMAZING books about the women of the bible. 

Just as she has done in her other best selling books, like the Girl’s Still Got It, Liz takes a passage of scripture and breaks it down sometimes by one to two words at a time. It’s Good to Be Queen focuses on the 13 verses of the tenth chapter of 1 Kings. The story of when the Queen of Sheba (known in this book as just “Sheba”) visits King Solomon (the son of King David).  Thirteen verses told in 163 pages of amazingly descriptive writing. We learn about Sheba’s visit to the breathtaking palace and grand temple at Solomon built. We are with her as she gains overwhelming knowledge from Solomon and when Sheba’s heart is transformed by God.  It’s Good to Be Queen does not disappoint one bit. If you are looking for an ounce of negativity towards this book, you will not be pleased by this review. I am trying my hardest to not make this a pure love letter to Liz herself. 

But on that topic (my love for Liz) let me just tell you two things she does perfectly in this and all her books. She is an uncanny ability to place you right in the middle of the story. You can fully see the gleam off of Sheba’s crown, you smell the aromas of the oils that were carefully packed for her visit with Solomon and you can feel the movement of the camels as The Queen of Sheba makes her long trek. I love that! I love that she’s helped me to understand each detail that you just can’t get from the black and white print of the bible. How does she do this so perfectly? I say it is months, sometimes years of hard work on Liz’s part. In this book, as with her others, there are over three hundreds notes of her sources. The girl researches her little heart out, from commentaries, to bible archaeology, to referencing many different scriptures of the bible, she is able to pull all of this together to form a true account of these women’s lives. 

As a part of that research Liz pulls multiple bible translations for each verse. For instance part of 1 Kings 10:1 states “to test Solomon” which Liz follows with, “Her intent was to ‘challenge him’ (NET), ‘try him’ (DRA), ‘prove him’ (ASV) and so ‘put his reputation to the test’ (MSG).” She even throws in a few LRV (the Lizzie Revised Version) of verses. By taking his extra step Liz not only helps us to fully understand the meaning of this passage, but proves she has taken the time to fully understand the context of these scriptures. Never once have I hesitated in believing Liz’s portrayal of these scriptures. 

As Liz tells us the story of the Queen of Sheba she also gives us a glimpse into her own life, her own personal struggles - places where God has met her, picked her up and brushed her off. Liz places these autobiographic pieces so perfectly into her books that it in no way feels like a memoir, but you are still so blessed by those stories just as if she was sitting next to you telling you the stories of her life. I have always loved how Liz also includes responses from hundreds (may less than that) of women that she has posed questions to through social media has she has written this book. She shares these voices in the hopes that we would say the one thing that brings me delight when people come to me and say, “You put words to how I felt, what I thought and to my struggle.” It is a such calming feeling to know we are not alone in this journey, to know there are women out there that are in the battle as well. 

I wish I could give you every passage that I underlined, circled, put a star next to or just summed up with “Amen!”, but then you would lose the pure joy of reading this book. Just know that my copy of this book is very much written on much to my husband’s disappointment (strict follower of the rule “do not write in books”).  This book lead me to questions like, “How did I miss this story before?” and has stirred in my the motivation to dig deeper into so many topics. It has been the motivation I’ve needed to begin different journeys in my own personal writing. 

As I turned what would be the last page of this story and saw a blank page I almost cried. Liz did as she has done so many times before, she sucked me in and left me with a urning to sit and hear her stories for hours, even days. When you finish this book you will sit in awe at just how absolutely amazing Liz is or shall I say how perfectly the Holy Spirit is working through this woman.  You will also learn what it takes to be “as bold, gracious, and Wise as the Queen of Sheba.” 

To learn more about the this book please visit this website, http://itsgoodtobequeen.me/. 

You can purchase a copy (that you can write all over) here: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?work=200229

And to learn more about this AMAZING woman, please visit this website: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/author-spotlight.php?authorid=12930

To read me thoughts on Liz's book The Girl's Still Got It read this post: http://danaraeb.blogspot.com/2014/06/the-girls-still-got-it-must-read.html

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

Finding Your Way Back to God - Book Review

When I first saw the title of this book I thought it would be a great resource for a new believer. I actually thought, “well most of this won’t apply to me (since I am no longer considered a new or recommitted believer), but I am going to read it so that I can recommend it to others.” On man, was I ever wrong. I underestimated how much this book would also bless me. And can I also acknowledge God’s timing? It took me way longer than it should have to finish this book - not that it was hard to read at all - I just didn’t make time to read. Then when I actually spent time with this book what I was reading matched up so much with what I was going through - God Loves Me Deeply After All. I found myself underling and making notes in this book because there is so much I want to share with others. 

Finding Your Way Back to God, 5 Awakenings to Your New Life is intended to be used as “a road map for discovering the satisfying spiritual experience we all want” (or so the jacket sleeve says) by taking you through five awakenings: Awakening to Longing, Awakening to Regret, Awakening to Help, Awakening to Love and Awakening to Life. 

Dave and Jon Ferguson use the parable of the lost son to illustrate their five awakenings to a new life. I’ve heard sermons on this parable many times and they have each driven home different messages, but I have to say I really do love the way the Fergusons' used Jesus’ teaching in book. Dave and Jon also did an amazing job with allegories - telling stories from other people to illustrate their points. The stories of real (at least I think real) people helped to bring this parable to life and make it applicable to today. 

I do have to admit that I wasn’t completely on board with the first two chapters. I found myself questioning some of their statements. At one point I wrote, “I always thought God searched for us, not us searching for God.” I also cringed at this statement: “If that sounds good to you, let me assure you that finding your way back to God is possible. But I won’t lie to you. There is no guarantee. It can go either way.” I may have been meant to have a reaction to that and it was also stated before the introduction to the parable, so I really could not see where they were going with that statement. 

I am happy to say that after the second chapter I was in complete agreement with their writing. This book not only helps new believers with understanding who God is, but brings so much hope. I opted out of the 30-day wager that is included in the book because as I said before I didn’t really think this book was going to apply to me. Dave and Jon proved me wrong, though, and I found my self even sharing quotes on Facebook. I actually have plans to lend this book out already, but am praying I get it back because I can see myself referencing it for years to come. 

I look forward to seeing how this book helps others. I was very excited to see there was also a bible study (with DVD) to accompany this book and trust me it will be at the top of my list if I am ever in the position to lead new or recommitted believers. 

To find out more information on this book: more info

To find out more about Dave and Jon Ferguson: author bio

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

My 2015 Reading List

Even though it’s difficult for me I have found that I write better if I read regularly. When I say it’s hard, I mean it’s HARD, but I am going to get through these 10 books this year (and maybe more). 

just so you know - I have added a clickable link to each title. If you click on the title of each book it will take you to Amazon for more details. 

Raw Faith by Kasey Van Norman: If you have been around me in the last two and half years you know my love for Kasey. This is the Texans’ (thought I’d throw that in there) second book. 

The Best Yes by Lysa Terkeurst: I have two other books by Lysa that I still haven’t finished not saying anything against her writing - it has more to do with me. I really hope to finish this one!

The Five Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell: The original Five Love Languages book was a life changer for me. This one will be read during a bible study with other parents. 

Lies Women Believe by Nancy Leigh DeMoss: I’ve owned this book twice. I may have bought back my copy at Half Priced Books and it’s been on my shelf since 2011. When I found it was part of our women’s bible study I jumped on the chance to join. Yes! I’ll finally get through this book!

Move On by Vicki Courtney: As I am typing this I just got up and looked through my library (seriously we have the begins of a library in our bedroom) to find Vicki’s other book I haven’t finished, but so need to: Five Conversations You Must Have with Your Daughter - the book that scared the pooh out of me, but I really need to finish it and blog about it, so I am now at 11 books, right?

Someday, Someday, Maybe by Lauren Graham: Since I have a thing for Gilmore Girls and Parenthood I though I try out Lauren Graham’s writing. 

Mended by Angie Smith: I have not read any of Angie’s book yet, but I am very familiar with her teachings and am excited to read this one (and more of her’s). 

Let’s All Be Brave by Annie F. Downs: This has been on my wish list for a the past year. 

And these two I pre-ordered with my Amazon Giftcard (thank you mom and dad!)

Home is Where My People are by Sophie Hudson: I absolutely loved Sophie’s first book and am surprised I haven’t blogged about it (may have to). It’s a great book. 

Nobody’s Cuter than You by Melanie Shankle: As you may remember I was put on the “bad” list at the public library for having Melanie’s last book way over my due date and wracking up a late fee of close to $8. I just could not part with it - I loved it. I also fell in love with her first book a few years ago. So excited for this one (have a made that statement a few times in the post?). Oh, did I mention she’s also from Texas? I have to support my Texas writers. 

So, as you can see if you are in doubt of a gift to give me, give me a book. You can also tell I mainly read Christian blogger, writers and speakers. It’s my passion. Maybe someday a book by Dana Bahn will be on someones yearly reading list.  Now off to read, um I mean clean the house - if Matt’s reading this I seriously don’t read all day (I do watch just a little Gilmore Girls, but only while folding laundry of course). 

Library Books with Late Fees

Before I start this evening can I just ask - Why is it so bloody hot? Saturday was an absolutely GORGEOUS Fall day and since then it’s gradually gotten hotter to where I now break a sweat walking out of HEB. (where I picked up some pumpkin spice stuff as any girl should do during the first party of October). I love Fall - I dislike Summer. Can you tell without me actually telling you? 

So, back to my story. 

A few months ago I got the brilliant idea to get a library card. There are books that I see on Instagram (you can follow me @danaraeblog) and through bloggers that I really wanted to read, but I just couldn’t bring myself to add another book to the hundreds that reside in our house already. (mostly Matt’s - he has trouble letting go of things - especially books). 

So, I loaded up all three girls and we took our first trip one day before school started. I made sure the littles were in the stroller since we were going to the college library. I went straight to the front desk and got a library card - I was instantly transported to going to the Central Library in my hometown with my Meme to get my very first library card. With my card in hand I hit the nearest computer armed with my Amazon Wish List (where I keep all the books I want to read). I guess I was pretty dumb to think they’d have books readily available from some of my favorite bloggers - nope just one copy for all of the Houston area and it was checked out with an extra long wait list (which is even longer now, but more on that latter). 

My bliss in the public library lasted all of two minutes. Then Morgan’s dislike for the library hit her - hit her hard. I took her out of the stroller and tried to hold her hand which made her throw herself into the floor until I let go and the she bolted through the non-fiction section of a very quiet college library. Every time I touched her she screamed bloody  murder. I grabbed her and bolted outside. Then I realized I just left my two other children in the library. 

This is one of those times that I am so thankful for Shelby. She came to front doors, but couldn’t leave the building because there were library books in the stroller that she was pushing. I am not sure if we actually selected them of if they were put there by a two-year-old with a fascination for vampire books (at least that’s what she grabbed). Oh that stroller (it a sit and stand or in our case a sit and sit) it’s roomy enough for my kids to attempt to shop life. I kid you not, Morgan was throwing all kinds of items in there while I was trying to check out at H&M the other day. 

Ok where was I? Yes, Shelby front door trying not to set off the alarm, me on the outside with a then quiet toddler. I composed myself and carried Morgan back inside. We didn’t get two steps past the door and she started flipping out again. And again, I bolted, this time to the bathroom. Poor Shelby was so confused. Morgan gets ahold of herself in the bathroom, so I step out (into the biography section) whispering “Shelby.” I could feel Morgan’s heart starting to race - I guess she’s not going to be a reader - and I find Shelby, dump a stack of books on the nearest cart and head for the door. Not fast enough for Morgan, though, as she lets out one more blood curling scream which I am sure could be heard all the way upstairs. 

We’ve tried her again since the incident and she flipped again, so needless to say I go the library alone or when Matt’s mom watches the girls. 

I’ve also learned to request (have the library find for me and hold) the books I want to read. The problem with this arrangement at first was I went back to my extensive (I mean 100+ books) Amazon Wish list and just requested everything I could. I would go into the library every week and pick up over five books at a time. This is where I remind you that have ADD - severe, untreated ADD, so there was no way I was going to make it through that huge stack of books before they were due back (about two weeks). I wound up rechecking most of them until my limit of re-checks ended. 

So, here I am about two months later I have have read two books. Wait I read one all the way through which I intended to discuss during this blog post, but since I’m already up to 800 words (thanks for sticking with me) it may a post for another day. Then I started reading one, paid a late fee (of a whopping .30) and returned it even though I had only gotten half way through. 

Can I tell you that right now as we your read this (or as I type this) I am late fee non-paying, wait list violator. Yep, it’s really nothing to brag about. Sorry Harris County Public Library system. On my honor, I will see if there are volunteer opportunities so I can make this up to you (and maybe read a few books while I’m there). 

My loaned copy of The Antelope in the Living Room by Melanie Shankle is now about two weeks (or maybe more) late. I attempted to “re-check” it, but was told that since so many people are inline to read it I wasn’t aloud. Oh, man I feel like a terrible person even typing that. I promise I’m almost done. I would have completed it soon, but I had a busy Thirty-One month, did a lot of volunteering at Shelby’s school, have toddlers and did I mention ADD?

I checked today and I owe $5…that’s huge in  the world of library late fees. I really hope I don’t get black listed - do you think they will take my excuses? I just know there is a great woman in my area (she has to be great because she loves Melanie as well) who is more than likely a blogger too (we gotta stick together) who is so po’d at me because she’ s next in line and I’ve boggarting   the only copy of this book in the entire Houston area library system. 

Can I just ask, why in the world did they only purchase one copy of this book? Note to self - see if the library has a purchasing position open - I know they could use my expertise on books especially ones written by Christian Bloggers. 

Since, I’ve run oh so long I’ll save my love for this book for a later post as well. So if you are keeping track that means I owe you a review on Bittersweet by Shauna Niequist (the one book I’ve made it through since I got my library card) and The Antelope in the Living Room by Melanie Shankle. I also got half way through Bread and Wine by Shauna Neiquist. Let me just say don’t read her books if you are on a “lifestyle change” that includes cutting out sugar and bread. I will also tell you these books are both perfect me (a person living with ADD) because they are all short essays…so much easier for me to read and feel accomplished along the way. 

So, please pray that I will devote the time to finishing my reading because it helps me in so many ways. And pray that the library will take pity on me. I know one thing - I will not take this kid with me…she’s cute here, but she’s not that cute when she’s screaming her head off. Wait, she is, but they may not think so. 

The Girl’s Still Got It – A Must Read

I am not much of a book review writer. Last year I joined a blogging for books group, but failed miserably. I have difficulty writing when I am supposed to write, when I am asked to write on a certain topic, so I read the book (or in that case the devotional), but never published a blog about it – I failed.

So, this post isn’t a book review, but a possible ramble about my love for Liz Curtis Higgs and her book The Girl’s Still Got It – Takea Walk with Ruth and the God Who Rocked Her World.

Let me start off by saying that I have had this book for two years (I’m a bit behind on my reading stack). I purchased the book to go along with a Women’s Retreat I was a part of that covered Ruth. I think I made it through a few chapters before the retreat, but I have an excuse – I was in my first trimester with Morgan and my ADD was in full swing. That is really the only reason I didn’t finish the book. It is a very easy read – not easy like a Dick and Jane book, but Liz has a way of pulling you into a story. You get so wrapped up in the details that you look up at 1 am and wonder if you can squeeze in another chapter before you really really need to get some sleep.

There are just a small handful of authors that I adore and Liz is at the top of that list. I love love love her! She’s even more amazing in person. I had the awesome opportunity of meeting her during the Fall of 2012 at a women’s ministry conference where she actually sign my copy of this book (whoot! Whoot!).  She is purely delightful. You may know her from her Best Selling Bad Girls of the Bible series.

What makes Liz such a great Non-Fiction Christian writer is she started out as a writer of just fiction.  She sucks you into the events of bible by saying things like “All three women are wearing coarse sackcloth, woven from goat’s hair and dyed black. Make me itch just looking at them.” The words she uses to open the first chapter of the book make you feel like you are there with Naomi, Ruth and Orpah as they stand by the fresh graves of their loves. I love it, I love being sucked into a story.

I’ve sat through many a bible study where we through a chapter verse by verse and let me be honest it bores me most times, but the way Liz dissects Ruth and turns this chapter of the bible into pictures you can see and feel makes it so easy to pick up every detail of this event.

Right now I’m flipping through, looking for any highlighted passages I want to share without giving away any of the good stuff that you need to read for yourself because I really truly want you to read this book. This and all of her books. The Bad Girls of the Bible is a great place to start for new believers who want to learn about events in the bible. It has wonderful tales of redemption and forgiveness with a ton of DRAMA mixed in…I love love love that book. How annoying are all move loves getting to you?

Oh wait, found a quote that I love and won’t ruin the story for you:

Why do teachers and speakers and preachers go on and on about the Bible? Because “they are not just idle words for you – they are your life.” His holy Word fills your spirit the way food nourishes your body. Stop eating? Die physically. Stop taking in the Word? Die Spiritually.

She goes on to say, We live in a culture that make it easy to lose an hour on Facebook and hard to find ten minutes for bible study. Yikes – that hit a nerve in me. All of this was so timely as I begin to dive into the events of the bible.

I just flipped through again to see if there is anything else that I could share with you. I have a ton marked, but most of it is the meat of the story that you need to read and a few are things where I notated “I love how she said this. I love this wording.”

So, this can all be summed up by saying you really need to read this book. I am not sure if it’s at half priced books yet (which is where I get a majority of my books), but I know they normally have most of the bad girl series since it’s been a pretty popular bible study topic.

Let me leave you with Liz’s Ruth Rap. Oh man I love her!

Parenting: A Book You Should Read

I received a copy for How to Talk so Teens will Listen & Listen So Teens will Talk from my mother in-law for Christmas. I read about it while reading another book, not sure which book, but I new it had to go onto my Christmas list.

Source

I started reading it during my 3-hour glucose screen a few weeks ago (screen was fine...no sign on gestational diabetes). This is one of those books that I feel like I need to read again to really grasp, but I think I will pass it along to JAG first. 

I am not prepared to give you a full report just yet, I just wanted to share a few excerpts that spoke to me or scared me half to death (which is the state I have been lately raising a pre-teen). 

The book is just as it says - its a manual to help you to get your children to open up. My highlighter was going full force with in the first ten pages. 

The author writes

But if you can create the kind of climate in your home where your kids feel free to express their feelings, there's a good chance they'll be more open to hearing your feelings. More willing to consider your adult perspective. More able to accept your restraints. More likely to be protected by your values. 

I was like "Yes please where do I sign up and pay my money for this to happen." It's all a process that the authors take you through using group sessions with parents as an example. Again, I need to re-read and highlight more and make notes and print notes and post them all over my house so I will remember. 

They hit home when they said

It's hard for us to listen to our teenagers express their confusion or resentment or disappointment or discouragement. We can't bear to see them unhappy. So it's with the best of intentions that we dismiss their feelings and impose our adult logic. We want to show the 'right' way to feel.

Can I get an Amen...how I fallen into this trap so many times. I know what Shelby is going through, but instead of listening to her and her feelings I find myself telling her how to fix it because I've been down that road and if she does it my way (which is way different then I did things at her age) then she will come out unharmed. 

They go on to say

And yet, it's our listening that can give the greatest comfort. It's our acceptance of their unhappy feelings that can make it easier for our kids to cope with them. 

Hello! I would love to find a mother who hasn't had to work to train herself to do this, but that's just it...it takes thought and training. They give you scenarios to read through and even practice...and they even have cartoon strips which I know JAG will dig. 

An area of debate across our country and sometimes in my home is "to punish or not to punish" which is an entire chapter of this book. I can't say at this point if I agree or disagree all I know is I have punished Shelby Elizabeth over and over again with no real positive results. 

The authors write

the problem with punishment is that it makes it too easy for a teenager to ignore his misdeed and focus instead on how unreasonable his parents are. Worse yet, it deprives him of the work he need to do to become more mature. More Responsible. 

It's all about talking...sitting down and talking it out with your child. A two-way conversation. 

Speaking of talking this passage hit a little hard, so of course I highlighted so JAG would it was important to me. 

If ever we find ourselves becoming annoyed or angry with anyone in the family, we need to stop, take a breath, and ask ourselves one crucial question: How can I express my honest feelings in a way that will make it possible for the other person to hear me and even consider what I have to say? 

Oh this is something I've been working on so much lately...I've even been working on this when speaking to my x-husband. 

The continue by say

It means we need to make a conscious decision not to tell anyone what's wrong with him or her, but talk only about yourself - what you feel, what you want, what you don't like, or what you would like. 

I challenge you to think about that inside your house as you discuss things with your children or your spouse. It seems simple, but when you've had a long day at work and have to come home to find out your daughter forgot her homework for the third time this week it can been hard to remember. 

Now, let me get into the last chapter which I am glad they saved until last because it made my anxiety level go crazy. The chapter is called Dealing with Sex and Drugs. I took a deep breath as I started to read because as you know from my testimony post last week my history is not great in this area and my promise to myself as a mother is that I will be very alert and open with Shelby on this topic (not my history, but about drugs and that other word I can barely say since she is just 11). 

What I thought was my blessing from my teenage years is that I tried just about everything and fooled my parents on multiple occasion - thus Shelby will not be able to get anything past me...ha! Man, it is true things are so different these days when it comes to sex and drugs. The second paragraph of this chapter had me squirming. A mother was describing a scenario her daughter had gotten herself into during a party:

"I heard that one of the girls in her class was giving oral sex to a few of the boys. Now, I'm not a prude, and I don't think I'm naive. I know all kinds of things go on with teenagers today that was unheard of when I was a kid. But twelve and thirteen years old! In our community! At a birthday party!"

Oh, man that sounds just what I say when I hear some of the stories from my good friend who teachers in a Middle School. "They did what? Where? and at what age?!?" It's shocking - it's put my baby in  bubble and protect her from the outside world shocking. 

And when you are done worrying about sex and teaching you daughter the value of abstinence you have to brace yourself for drugs and alcohol (or it could be other way around). 

Let me share a personal story with you before I share the next item I highlighted. When I was 17, during the time of my life where I dropped out of school and was running around like a crazy person, I went across the border into Mexico to illegally consume alcohol. I had been doing this with friends since I was 14 - let me tell you people don't do this...don't even do this as an adult today...it's all kinds of dangerous over there. Anyway, unbeknownst to my parents I spent the afternoon with three friends having a how much tequila can you drink contest. I can't even begin to tell you how much I consumed...I can't begin to tell you how I made it home much less back across the border. Let me tell you though as a result I suffered from alcohol poisoning. It has to be one of the worst memories of my life (or at-least from that part or my life). I was sick for days...I couldn't eat...I couldn't drink...I could barely stay alert. I am sure my parents were scared to death since I some how wound up back at home...probably because my friends couldn't handle how sick I was. With that story in my head I gave God a big thank you for sparing me during those days as I read:

Binge drinking can kill you. Putting a large amount of alcohol into your body at any one time can lead to alcohol poisoning. And alcohol poisoning can lead to coma or death. That's a medical fact.

I was spared (I now know for a purpose) twice in those three days. I could have been hurt or worse killed drinking at my age in Mexico especially in a Mexican border town and I could have suffered much worse consequences for my night of fun with friends - life ending life altering consequences.

They did leave me with some hope and that is how I will end with you today:

you all have more power than you realize. Your kids care deeply about what you think. They may not always show it, but your values and convictions are very important to them and can be the determining factor in their decision to either use or avoid drugs and alcohol. 

A Little Insight on Me

If you know me personally you know that I have Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). We are not talking a “oh man I feel so ADD today” kind of way, it’s a true diagnosed kind of way. I was diagnosed as an adult about seven years ago, but looking at my life growing up I’ve always had it. Since I was a quiet child and didn’t show any signs of ADHD then the school just classified me as lazy or not in the mood to pay attention. The truth is I was never able to actual read a chapter book cover to cover until I was almost 30 years old. Kind of sad to think about it now, but things happen. 

To give some of you medical people some back ground for the first five years of my diagnoses I was on 10 milligrams of Ritalin a day, then it was up to 20 milligrams (10 grams twice a day). After having Bekah I was put on a 20 milligram time release and a regular 10 milligram incase I needed it later in the day. I know there is a lot of controversy about these drugs, but you know I really don’t want to get into that here and now. I ask you to spend a day in my shoes with and without medication then you can judge.

Those of you who know me personally know that as soon as I have a positive pregnancy test I am off the drugs. That is what I did with Bekah and that is what I did with this pregnancy as well even though it’s been so much harder with this pregnancy to function. I’ve spent many a day in tears just overwhelmed with life that is pilling up around me. My patient husband is always there to lend a hand and help dry my tears. He sees the difference – he sees the two different people and how frustrated I get not being able to function. Urgh…I’m crying now. It’s not fun people and it’s harder when you work from home with a toddler.

Breathe…This is not where I planned to go with this entry, but I wanted to give you some background before I showed you what has stacked up on my night stand.

This is my to-read list:

  

I love to read, but during these times it is so difficult for me. Most of these I was so excited to get or to purchase. I quickly opened them up and started reading, but made it only through one paragraph or just one page. It’s so frustrating. I have flashback from junior high where I just can’t seem to comprehend. I make it through a paragraph and I can’t begin to tell you what I just read.

Anyway, let me tell you about these awesome books because even though I haven’t made my way through them I think you should read them.

We will stop at the top of the stack (even though these are in no particular order). If you click on the title it will take you to the author’s website or Amazon.

Unglued by Lisa Terkeurst: I love Lisa! I have a bunch of her work (and have read most of them).

One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voscamp: I have heard some many wonderful things about this book and know women who have read it over and over again. This was one of the more frustrating books for me. I could not get past the first three pages…I was so lost. I know it’s not the material – it’s me.

The Story: I am not sure how this wound up in my to-read stack. I want to read it and got it for $5 while in San Diego, but I am not sure if it is part of my “have to read now” group. The Lutheran Church down the street is going through it and would love to do that some day with a big group…well maybe…I need to read it first.

The Girl’s Still Got It by Liz Curtis Higgs: Have you read any of Liz’s books? Oh you should she is hilarious! I got the honor to meet her at the Faithlife Women’s conference in September. She is divine. This book is about Ruth and Naomi. I made it a good way through this book preparing for my women’s retreat on Ruth. I want to finish it though.

The Fruitful Wife by Haley DiMarco: Haley was part of the Faithlife Women’s conference as well. I picked up this book after reading a sample that was given to us…I haven’t opened this book since that day, but have heard great things about it.

Broken into Beautiful by Gwen Smith: Oh how I love Gwen. She is such an awesome woman and inspiration. If you read my blog on Saturday you know she also has a wonderful voice. This is yet again another book that makes me so frustrated. I so want to finish this book, but haven’t yet.

Named by God by Kasey Van Norman: Ok, if you read anything from this list you HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK!!! I have read it twice. It shouldn’t be in the stack either, but I just finished leading this as a bible study, so that is why it is there. Kasey’s writing has made such a huge impact on my life. She is the reason I went to the Faithlife conference. See:

Isn’t that a big cheesy smile from me? I am not sure what I else I could say about Kasey that would sound like I’m a complete stalker.

The Explicit Gospel by Matt Chandler: You know I picked this up thinking this was on my wish list, but it wasn’t I think it was Matt’s name that made me pick it up. Matt is a local pastor that I have known about for quite so time. I have yet to start reading any of this book.

Trusting God by Girlfriends in God: This is a book and group that Gwen Smith is a part of. I started reading this book, but I think it is better for a group bible study session and will be used in the future I am sure.

At the bottom of the stack is a little black book. That is my journal that has been neglected during my madness.

Also not pictured, but I am attempting to read is:

The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin: another book that my blogging friends have read over and over again. I started reading it during women’s retreat, but have not made it through the first chapter. Meh.

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins: This is the only book I am reading on my Nook. Yeap I have one and during these times it gathers dust. I flew through Hunger Games, but Catching Fire is much slower for me. I love these books!

You know as I am writing this I am thinking “I can do this!” I just need to set a time each day to read…I also need to set a time to read the best book ever – the Bible! I think if I pick a book and read just that book then I won’t feel so overwhelmed. So I will pick one and let you know…maybe tomorrow. I would love to share what I am reading – hey, some accountability may help – who am I kidding.

So, there is a little insight on me. You are luck…normally people don’t find out about this part of me until we know each other much better. It took me a good two weeks before I shared it with JAG. Man, I love that man…just thought you should know.

Also, I have a whole stack of books for mothers that I have yet to dive into completely. I may have to sprinkle some of those in since I will soon be a mother to three girls.

Weekend

Our weekend (partially) in pictures:

Shelby decided to go old school with some sprinkler fun on Saturday as JAG mowed the lawn. 

I spent Saturday morning running errands and getting my hair chopped - pictures later. 

When I had a chance to relax it was on the sofa reading this book that I picked up at Sam's last week. I am almost half way through - you know that means it has to be good. I will do a full review when I am finished. 

We spent a lot of time keeping this girl out of stuff. 

And yesterday it became official: We have a crawler in our house! Child proofing time! Please forgive my crazy high pitched mommy voice in the video - it's not everyday that your child masters crawling!

Want to know what else is official - well almost official. I have a Middle School student! I got my first letter the parents of Shelby. 

I am not ready, I am not ready! How did time go by so quickly?

No menu plan for this week - planned, but then scratched it all. I really just want to eat sandwiches all week - we will see how my family feels about that. 

We Buy Used

I cringe every time JAG and I walk through the doors of a major bookseller, like Barnes and Noble. My husband can read and our library is proof of that fact. It is normal for my family to purchase at least four books a month, sometimes many more. Four books brand new and full-price can get pretty pricey that is why we have fallen in love with Half Priced Books. Don’t I sound like a commercial?

I love it there. Now I have to say that only seldomly do I find a new release or one of the “it” books of the month, but I do find treasure that out weigh all of that.

For instance this week I about jumped up and down in the clearance section – which is the first place I go. I found What to Expect the First Year for $3. Then Stormie Ormartian’s The Power of a Praying Wife for $2 and one of my favorite ladies, Elizabeth George’s A Woman’s Walk with God for $2. Any time I see anything by Elizabeth George I pick it up. Her books are easy reads and they are always awesome to pass along to others – same goes for The Power of a Praying Wife.

Of course I jumped all over the $6 copy of a Mom After God’s Own Heart since I fell in love with A Woman and A Wife after God’s Own Heart. Seriously, I HIGHLY recommend anything by Elizabeth George.

So my normal pattern in any Half Price Books store is hit the clearance, then hit the Religious section looking at the relationship books and always with out fail looking at the bibles. If you were to walk into my house you would say, “Dana, you have more than enough bibles,” but I look for one specific and last night I found it – The Starting Point Study Bible. This is the best bible ever, but it is out of print – this where JAG says “well if it is the best bible ever they would not have stopped printing it.” Let me clarify – it is the best bible for new or re-committed believers and I do not believe that there are any on the market currently like it therefore I snag every copy I can find not for my personal use because I have one – it’s 10 years old and the schnauzer’s ate a chapter last year, but I still love it. I pick them up to pass them along. Without sounding like a commercial for a first start or a fresh start everything you need is in this bible. There are answers to questions most new believers have and tons of study information. I LOVE it!

This week the one I picked up was extra special because inside the front cover was a letter from Pastor Andy McQuitty at Irving Bible Church. If you don’t know that was my home church for many many years – I quickly showed JAG and Shelby…Shelby was more excited about the JAG. I was one happy camper – it was meant to be – I needed that bible and now exactly who it is going to.

Half Price Books also has unique things that Shelby’s purchase – Dress Up Dana dolls! Hello!!! We had to get them! She spent most of the night asking “what do you want me to dress you in now Mommy?”

I am not knocking the big chains, but if I have an option I would rather by from Half Price Books, thrift stores or garage sales.

All my picture were taken with my iphone...hence the crudiness.