"He only wished he'd had the chance to explain more fully how prayer worked. That it wasn't a matter of asking for things and being accepted or rejected, it was a matter of adding one's energy - insignificant in itself - to the vastly greater energy that was God's love. In fact, it was an affirmation of being part of God, and aspect of His spirit temporarily housed inside a body. A miracle similar, in principle, to the one that had given Jesus human form."
"Dear God, please don't let Lover Five die.
It was such an infantile prayer, the sort of prayer a five-year-old might pray.
But maybe those were the best kind."
from The Book of Strange New Things by Michel Faber
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Sunday, September 02, 2012
Book Review: The Principle of the Path: How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be by Andy Stanley
“Direction – not intention – determines our destination.” This is the truth that Andy Stanley drives home in The Principle of the Path: How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be. Through anecdotes, scripture references, and plenty of logical reasoning, Stanley guides us to see that even the seemingly small and inconsequential decisions we make each day are in fact steps that lead to a destination. If we desire to get to a certain place in life or meet specific goals, we must be sure that we are taking the small steps to get there.
I found this book to be full of simple truths that are easily overlooked in everyday life. I appreciate the author’s ability to present concepts in easy-to-understand terms that can make an immediate impact in our lives. Take out the scripture references, and this could easily be a book for anyone of any faith who is seeking to reach their goals, but, of course, that is not the purpose of The Principle of the Path. The concepts presented are firmly rooted in scripture and help us to shed light on our goals and daily decisions in the context of faith.
A few specific ideas that I’m taking away from this book are:
- We often deceive ourselves about why we are doing what we are doing. Stanley puts it this way: “We choose with our heart and then give our brains the task of finding justification for our decisions,” and suggests that we instead give our heads the task of discovering the real reasons for our decisions. In doing so, he says, we will be free from the deceptive power of our hearts. He also provides three very specific and insightful questions to ask ourselves to get to the truth about the decisions we make.
- Some new insights about Proverbs 3:6: In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.
- In ALL your ways – not some or most of your ways
- Acknowledge: to recognize who God is and respond accordingly (submission)
- Divine direction begins with unconditional submission, not information
- Choosing a path outside of what God has commanded, even if we sincerely believe it is best, is disobedience.
- “What gets our attention determines our direction, and ultimately, our destination.” I don’t think of distractions as anything but distractions, but they are, in fact, directing my life. The good news is that I get to choose where to focus my attention and in doing so will guide my direction, and ultimately, my destination. I must remember: “We don’t drift in good directions. We discipline and prioritize ourselves there.”
Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Sunday, January 01, 2012
2012 Reading List
It’s ambitious, I know. But I should be able to read two books each month, and I’ve given myself a bit of wiggle room by choosing only 21 books. These are all titles that have been on my “to read” list for a while, and I’m hoping that setting the goal of reading them this year will motivate me to actually get it done. We’ll see…
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt written by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury
After a camping trip with cousins, this book about a family that braves the outdoors and the elements to go in search of a bear seemed especially appropriate.
A GUEST READER
Aunt Niki came for a visit and arrived on a Monday in time to hang out with Max and Macy, too. We were honored to have her as our guest reader for this book!
RETELLING THE STORY
We used the printable cards from A to Z Teacher Stuff to retell the story. David did this once on his own, and then again with Max and Macy a few days later. I was impressed by how well they remembered to order of the story.
SNACK TIME
The kids enjoyed some chocolate pudding (thick oozy mud) with teddy bear crackers hidden below. About halfway through snack time, Niki had the brilliant idea to add cool whip (a swirling whirling snowstorm). After that, the kids had fun brainstorming what else we could add for the other elements in the story. By this time, their snack was mostly gone…into the narrow gloomy caves of their mouths.
NARRATION & ILLUSTRATION
David drew a wonderful picture of the family at the mouth of the bear cave to go along with his very detailed retelling of the story. Here is a video of him explaining his illustration:
OTHER ACTIVITIES
We also completed a few of the We’re Going on a Bear Hunt lapbook activities from Homeschool Share, Keith helped David to complete a little book about his family that I found in a Teacher’s Helper magazine, and we watched this video of author Michael Rosen reciting the book.
A LOOK AT OUR BOOK JOURNAL
Monday, June 06, 2011
Caps for Sale
Our plan for the summer is to spend some informal homeschooling time with a different book each week. We’ll be focusing on several of the books featured in Before Five in Row, simply because lots of resources for these already exist and I’m trying to keep my prep time to a minimum.
I have to give a huge shout-out to Homeschool Share for providing a wealth of printable activities and lapbooks, and also to Delightful Learning for being my inspiration. I’m gathering so many ideas for fun activities, links to other resources, and organizational tips from Michelle and her crew, and I’m especially excited to keep a record of our summer adventures with a Lap Journal / Scrapbook of sorts.
And now, without further ado…
Caps for Sale: A Tale of a Peddler, Some Monkeys and Their Monkey Business by Esphyr Slobodkina
Last week was all about caps, coins, and monkeys at our house. I love this story and have enjoyed telling it to many children as a librarian. How fun it has been to share it with David as well!
CAPS FOR SALE! FIFTY CENTS A CAP!
We took the change jar down from the shelf and identified the different types of coins and their values. We also did a little impromptu sorting of the coins and put together the How Much is it Worth? book from Homeschool Share. Then we talked about ways to make fifty cents using various combinations of coins and did some crayon rubbings of the coins (the idea for this came from Delightful Learning).
A PEDDLER AND TWO MONKEYS
We spent a day out at Max and Macy’s house and took along a bag of caps so that we could act out the story together. Everyone took a turn at being the peddler, but I think they really enjoyed being monkeys more.
ILLUSTRATION & NARRATION
For each book we explore this summer, I plan to type up a summary of the story according to David and pair it with a story-inspired illustration or piece of art that he creates. This first go-around was quite fun. He thoughtfully paged his way through the book, retelling the story along the way. I provided him with a tree outline and was pleased to see how carefully he sketched out a couple of monkeys – one with a red hat and one with a blue hat.
MORE MONKEY BUSINESS
To go along with the monkeys in Caps for Sale, we enjoyed chocolate-covered frozen bananas – an especially tasty treat after participating in a 5K Walk/Run on a very hot Sunday afternoon.
While I was at work on Saturday, Keith took the kids to the zoo, where they made a special visit to a rare baby Javan gibbon, born earlier this spring. Keith told me that David was so excited to visit the monkeys and kept mentioning Caps for Sale on the way there. We go to the zoo so often that I didn’t think he would even make a connection between our focus on the book and this trip, but he did (not that it really matters, but it sure did bring a smile to my face).
A LOOK AT OUR BOOK JOURNAL
I have to give a huge shout-out to Homeschool Share for providing a wealth of printable activities and lapbooks, and also to Delightful Learning for being my inspiration. I’m gathering so many ideas for fun activities, links to other resources, and organizational tips from Michelle and her crew, and I’m especially excited to keep a record of our summer adventures with a Lap Journal / Scrapbook of sorts.
And now, without further ado…
Caps for Sale: A Tale of a Peddler, Some Monkeys and Their Monkey Business by Esphyr Slobodkina
Last week was all about caps, coins, and monkeys at our house. I love this story and have enjoyed telling it to many children as a librarian. How fun it has been to share it with David as well!
CAPS FOR SALE! FIFTY CENTS A CAP!
We took the change jar down from the shelf and identified the different types of coins and their values. We also did a little impromptu sorting of the coins and put together the How Much is it Worth? book from Homeschool Share. Then we talked about ways to make fifty cents using various combinations of coins and did some crayon rubbings of the coins (the idea for this came from Delightful Learning).
A PEDDLER AND TWO MONKEYS
We spent a day out at Max and Macy’s house and took along a bag of caps so that we could act out the story together. Everyone took a turn at being the peddler, but I think they really enjoyed being monkeys more.
ILLUSTRATION & NARRATION
For each book we explore this summer, I plan to type up a summary of the story according to David and pair it with a story-inspired illustration or piece of art that he creates. This first go-around was quite fun. He thoughtfully paged his way through the book, retelling the story along the way. I provided him with a tree outline and was pleased to see how carefully he sketched out a couple of monkeys – one with a red hat and one with a blue hat.
MORE MONKEY BUSINESS
To go along with the monkeys in Caps for Sale, we enjoyed chocolate-covered frozen bananas – an especially tasty treat after participating in a 5K Walk/Run on a very hot Sunday afternoon.
While I was at work on Saturday, Keith took the kids to the zoo, where they made a special visit to a rare baby Javan gibbon, born earlier this spring. Keith told me that David was so excited to visit the monkeys and kept mentioning Caps for Sale on the way there. We go to the zoo so often that I didn’t think he would even make a connection between our focus on the book and this trip, but he did (not that it really matters, but it sure did bring a smile to my face).
A LOOK AT OUR BOOK JOURNAL
Monday, April 18, 2011
Book Review: Love at Last Sight by Kerry and Chris Shook
I have to admit that I didn't actually follow the one-chapter-a-day-for-30-days plan, but rather read as much as I could whenever I had the time. I can see how really focusing on a topic a day would be beneficial, but I also gleaned quite a bit of wisdom from reading the book a bit more haphazardly.
Day 20 had the greatest impact for me. In this section, the Shooks shed some new light on the topic of expressing anger in relationships. They make a case for why anger is not only NOT bad, but actually a vital component of growing relationships. Their words on this topic really resonated with me because I tend to be the one (in my marriage, at least) with the temper. It was reassuring to know that I can express anger without being wrong or sinful and that "anger has to come to the surface in order for a relationship to go to new depths." I was also challenged by the practical tips they gave for expressing anger and navigating conflict.
Another portion of the book that I found thought-provoking discussed creating a vision for your relationship and intentionally working towards a common goal. This is something I long for in my marriage and I was given renewed hope through the authors' words. One question and one command in particular stood out to me in regards to my relationship with my husband:
-"What can the two of you do together that you can’t do on
your own?"
Just reading this question excites me. Imagine what Keith and I could accomplish if we carefully and prayerfully considered our combined strengths and callings. It may be something as simple as raising our children or something as foreign as becoming pediatricians and serving impoverished children in Mexico. Regardless, God certainly had a plan for his kingdom when he brought the two of us together, and I want to fulfill it.
- “[be]
of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.” Philippians 2:2
As a child, I memorized Philippians 2, so this verse is not new to me. However, I've always thought of it in the context of the church. Reading it as a command for my marriage (or other personal relationships) is eye-opening. I'm claiming this as the official verse for my relationship with Keith...I hope he's okay with that. : )
Disclosure: I received this book free from the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group's Blogging for Books program. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Book Review: The Beginning Reader's Bible
The Beginning Reader's Bible is among the best of all the kid's Bibles I've looked at. Included are twenty-six stories from the Old and New Testaments with text from the International Children's Bible translation and illustrations by Marijke ten Cate. The resources section in the back of the book provides quick and easy access to oft-used portions of scripture such as the ten commandments and the Lord's prayer as well as songs about Jesus, and a memory verse chart among other things.
The Beginning Reader's Bible stands out to me for many reasons including:
- THE TEXT: So many kid's Bibles are full of goofy rhymes or watered-down text. I appreciate that this version contains actual scripture. Each story is comprised of selected verses from the corresponding chapter(s) of the Bible. The text is formatted with little verse numbers just as it would be in a grown-up's Bible.
- THE ILLUSTRATIONS: Again, lots of kid's Bibles contain illustrations that are cartoony or sub par in quality. Marijke ten Cate's illustrations are artistic, colorful, and realistic. I love that the illustrations fill the entire space of each page.
- THE FORMAT: This is a rather large book - about 10 inches by 9 inches. It is hardcover, thick and heavy. Not ideal for a little one to sit down and hold on his own lap, but perfect for reading together. It also has a built-in ribbon bookmark, which we've found quite helpful.
- THE RESOURCES: The ten commandments, Lord's prayer, and twenty-third Psalm are such vital parts of scripture (and so often memorized in childhood), so I'm glad that they are included. The reading chart, memory verse chart and lists (12 apostles, books of the Bible, etc.) are also helpful.
Despite the title, this is not a Bible for beginning readers. The print is too small and not spaced well for eyes that are just beginning to read. The translation is suitable for children, but still full of words that would be beyond the grasp of young readers. To be fair, I'm not sure that any version of scripture could be considered "for beginning readers." Perhaps this Bible would be better described as one for beginning Bible-studiers (but that doesn't make for a very good title).
We've really enjoyed reading through this Bible, and I'm certain it will continue to get lots of use in our house in the future.
Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Jane Eyre Read-Along: Parts 2, 3, & 4
Of course, the most endearing part of the book is Jane herself. She is such a strong woman and quite a personable narrator. I would have been severely disappointed had the story not ended happily for Jane. All along, I wasn't sure what "happily ever after" would look like for her - certainly it would include Mr. Rochester, but it wasn't until he suffered some setbacks and sufferings that they truly seemed a perfect match.
The following are two more passages that stood out to me.
In chapter 27, Jane struggles mightily with the decision to leave Thornfield and a distraught Mr. Rochester:
"...and while he spoke my very Conscience and Reason turned traitors against me, and charged me with crime in resisting him. They spoke almost as loud as Feeling: and that clamoured wildly. 'Oh, comply!' it said. 'Think of his misery; think of his danger - look at his state when left alone; remember his headlong nature; consider the recklessness following on despair - soothe him; save him; love him; tell him you love him and will be his. Who in the world cares for you? or who will be injured by what you do?'
Bravo, Jane! Oh, that I could be so rational in the face of flailing emotions.
Still indomitable was the reply - 'I care for myself. The more solitary, the more friendless, the more unsustained I am, the more I respect myself. I will keep the law given by God; sanctioned by man. I will hold to the principles received by me when I was sane, and not mad - as I am now. Laws and principles are not for the times when there is no temptation: they are for such moments as this , when body and soul rise in mutiny against their rigour; stringent are they; inviolate they shall be. If at my individual convenience I might break them, what would be their worth? They have a worth - so I have always believed; and if I cannot believe it now, it is because I am insane - quite insane; with my veins running fire, and my heart beating faster than I can count its throbs. Preconceived opinions, foregone determinations, are all I have at this hour to stand by: there I plant my foot."
And a bit of wisdom from St John in chapter 31:
"It is hard work to control the workings of inclination, and turn the bent of nature: but that it may be done, I know from experience. God has given us, in a measure, the power to make our own fate; and when our energies seem to demand a sustenance they cannot get - when our will strains after a path we may not follow - we need neither starve from inanition, nor stand still in despair: we have but to seek another nourishment for the mind, as strong as the forbidden food it longed to taste - and perhaps purer; and to hew out for the adventurous foot a road as direct and broad as the one Fortune has blocked up against us, if rougher than it."
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Choosing the Next Chapter Book
We've been enjoying reading chapter books to David for several months now. We started with Stuart Little last summer and have read our way through a few others including Flat Stanley and, most recently, Peter Pan. Keith and David started The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, but David isn't too sure about a book with a witch in the title. So, I asked my librarian friend, Becky for some suggestions for our next chapter book. I can't wait to find out which one David will choose.
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