Book Review: Voices of the Faithful Book 2

I received my copy of Voices of the Faithful, Book 2, just in time for the new year.  My first impression of this devotional book is,"Wow!"  The cover is very beautifully done.  Turning the book over, I learn another nifty thing about this book,  all the royalties support the work of The International. Mission Board.


On opening the book, I learn that it is dedicated to "the faithful brothers and sister in Christ who lost their lives while serving Him internationally in 2008 and 2009."  I am momentarily humbled and remember there are so many who sacrifice everything.  In the acknowledgments section, we are given the charge:  "May these stories inspire you to pray for the nations like never before and perhaps challenge you to participate in missions by going on a mission trip or starting a career as a missionary."

Now I reach the Foreword.  (Of course, at this point, I want to jump ahead and get into the meat, but I must be a good, patient reader.)  Again, the reader is encouraged to let these stories strengthen their faith and desire to pray for God's work in this world.

The introduction is invitingly written by Beth Moore, to whom the idea for this and book 1 belong.  Mrs. Moore urges us to use this book to feel connected to brothers and sisters in Christ all over the world.  She reminds us that prayers matter.  Furthermore, she says, "If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, you are tremendously gifted to do something that can make God famous in your sphere of influence, however big or small." 

Each month is introduced by Kim P. Davis, a missionary.  As well as each month's entries has a theme.  January is "Prayer, the Priority."  February is "God, Our Loving Father."  March is "Divine Appointments."  April is "Jesus, the Sacrificial Lamb." May is "Follow Me."  June is "The Power of the Story."  July is "Lost and Found."  August is "Making Him Known."  September is "Lessons from the Young."  October is "From Adversity to Triumph."  November is "Be Encouraged." December is "Hope for the World."

Each entry includes a verse from the Bible and a response from a missionary.  There is also a prayer at the end of each entry.  All go together with the month's theme.  

Personally, I am very excited to have the chance to read this book with my children this year.  In our studies, we are studying God's work in the unreached world .  It is my hope that this book will further encourage us to remember missionaries and the unsaved all around the globe. 

I received this book from Thomas Nelson free of charge in exchange for an honest review.   If you would like to receive awesome books to review, click here. 

New Year's Eve Day

It's a whopping 20 degrees warmer than the average high for this time of the year.  All the snow has melted.  It is overcast and cloudy, but still dry, as the predicted rains are holding off for now.  All this to say, it is a perfect day to target shoot in the back yard with Daddy!

Our Christmas Surprise!!!

The dream began three summers ago as we were driving home from our vacation visiting family in Arkansas.  We kept noticing RV's, so many that we started to count them all.  As the long drive home gave us plenty of time to talk, naturally, we discussed how nice it would be to have one of our own.

Not being willing to go into debt to get our own, we decided to buy a tent or two and all the trimmings for camping.  That was two summers ago.  That year we fell in love with camping.  We still wanted an RV.  We went on dreaming, sometimes getting a advertisement booklet or actually going to a RV dealer.

Last year we were tested.   We actually put money down and signed loan papers to get a new popup.  Thankfully, we came to our senses and canceled the deal in time.  What were we thinking?  We would have had a camper and been unable to go camping because we could not afford the campsites and gas!

Then, out of a pure selfless act of a dear family member, we were blessed with a gift of money for Christmas to buy the object of our heart's desire!  This family member said she had hoped to make sure we were able to do all the things we wanted to especially in the summertime.  She said that the kids are at the perfect age when we want to get that together time and experiences in.  She would rather see us doing things now while she can enjoy them with us instead of waiting until she is gone.  I am still amazed at her generosity!  Amazing!!!  


And as it happens, we found this ad in Craig's List:  

This pop up is in excellent condition. Camper opens up to be 25' 9". The canvas's are flawless. Used very few times and looks almost new. It has AC (new this year), 3 way fridge, 3 burner stove, sink, lots of storage, and electric heater. It will sleep 6-8 people. It has 2 king beds, a U-shaped couch that makes into a double bed and the dinette makes into a full size bed. It has the bump out galley for more floor room inside. It has the privacy bunk end curtains, and window curtains. The cushions and mattresses are in perfect shape. The tires are in great shape with a new spare. It also has electric trailer brakes. 12 foot box. Its a 1999 popup, but looks like it is a 2009.

We went to see it tonight. It is even better in person.  And it is ours!!!  We go pick it up tomorrow evening.  Now, to wait for camping season again.  Someone pinch me!!!

Brace Yourself

There is just something about the coming of a new year that makes you want to try again at the things your failed at the year before.  I can't help myself from thinking about it all.  Maybe it comes as the result of the dull ache in my tummy from too many cookies this weekend.  My brain is saying,"Enough is enough!"

A couple weeks ago, for our family after dinner read aloud, we started reading Sean Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens. My husband has read a couple of the other "highly effective" books and found them to be very helpful.  While we appreciate Mr. Covey's wisdom, we began this book with a discussion about how the Bible is the ultimate "effective living" book. We find lots of opportunities to interject biblical principals.

All this to say, I am getting a lot out of this book.  It has made me take a long at myself .  It has encouraged me to be brave and face some short comings.  I am beginning with the end in mind and doing first things first!  Here is a great quote I re-read just this morning.

"The real tragedy is the tragedy of the man who never in his life braces himself for his one supreme effort - he never stretches to his full capacity, never stands up to his full stature."  
Arnold Bennett

By the grace of God, I pray that I can brace myself for the supreme effort it will be to overcome my unproductive habits.  With His help, the Bible says I can do all things.  I am praying for the strength of character I will need in order to live a more God honoring, God pleasing life.

Are you making any plans for the new year?
~Jenn

A Very Merry Christmas, Indeed!

James 1:16-18 (NKJV)

 "Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.  Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of His creatures."

I certainly feel blessed by the Father on this side of Christmas.  So  many indulgences were sent our way via our family.  A big thank you to all of you!

Greetings to You

"And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."
Luke 2:10-11

Merry Christmas!!!
~Jenn

Visiting Grandma

We quickly stop at a fast food restaurant before we arrive, knowing she loves the big chicken strips.  Our arms are bringing in loads of goodies.  The receptionist opens the door for us.  "Is this all for Lucille?"she says.  "It's a party," I reply. When I was little, she did it for me.  She was always kind and loving.  She did not have a lot in material possessions to share.  She shared her heart.

Now she is old, alone and her memory is failing her.  She did not know who the kids were until I came into the room.  She kept saying she was sorry for not knowing who they were.  "It's OK, Grandma.  It's OK."


We share our simple lunch, watch a couple episodes of Little House on the Prairie. I bring out the Christmas cookies.  "Oh, they are too pretty to eat," she says.  But she does eat them eventually.  She tosses aside her chicken for the cookies. She always does this.  My sweet grandma is amazing.  How has she made it this long on her sweet tooth?

It's a  wonderful visit.  She starts out a little confused, but as the afternoon comes, she is mentally sharper. She remembers things my mom told her during her last visit.   We've laughed.  We've eaten too many cookies.  We've taken pictures.  We've looked at old greeting cards she keeps in a big basket.  And it is time to go, again. But, next week we are coming again and my cousin will be there with her two kids.  We will surround grandma with love and hope she knows how much we love her. It is a privilege to do so.