Unleashed: Release the Untamed Faith Within

I recently read the book Unleashed by Erwin McManus.  Unleashed strongly encourages the modern day Christian to be a barbaric Christian as Christ and his followers were.  The author places a huge emphasis on following the spirit and acting like a barbaric Christian in today's society...not an easy task since so much has changed.  The author achieves this through Biblical examples and personal stories, particularly from his and his children's life.  There is a great emphasis on doing and acting and going out into the world to spread and live out the Gospel.

I've often struggled with this thought myself....that modern day Christians are not acting like Jesus' followers, the disciples.  The author does a good job challenging the reader and making the reader uncomfortable with his/her present lifestyle.  I always think it is good to be challenged in this way.

I did not particularly care for the writing style of the book.  It didn't flow and felt a bit choppy at times.  He also gave a lot of personal family stories which were interesting but I felt not always relevant.  I also wish he would have focused also on God's grace and that is by grace we are saved, not works (in my prayful understanding of the Bible).  I agree its good to be challenged to be more barbaric in my faith and life but I also think God's calling can look different in situations.  Not everyone may be called to lead such a barbaric way and can serve Jesus just as faithfully and spiritually in quiet, unnoticed ways. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Diaper Dilemmas

Why is it that I appear to be that frantic, unprepared, inexperienced mom more with my second child more than my first? With Max I would take an hour planning every outing and making sure we had everything. With Sam, we just grab and go, often leaving essentials. One goal I've had lately is to see the bright side and laugh at these incidents rather than stress or cry.
Last Saturday we went to the DM Farmer's Market then the Science Center. Sam woke up at the science center and wanted to nurse. I wasn't crazy about nursing him in public but found a nice bench by a restroom in a more secluded area. I went to pick him out of his carseat and wham - super mess. He had leaked out of his diaper on his clothes - car seat - everything. Conviently, the bathrooms were right there so I wheeled my tank of a double stroller in and set to change him and practically bathe him in baby wipes. Sam giggled and thought this was great fun. I immediately realized that I didn't have a change of clothes for Sam but didnt' worry too much since it was so hot and we weren't going to stay much longer. However, after I got him cleaned up I then realized I didn't have any diapers for Sam either....just a 4T pull-up for Max. With no other options than wrapping him in paper towels, I pulled on the pull-up and told him we would be potty training early and not to worry too much about that cool sensation when he pottied. Sam chuckled and felt quite proud in his brothers pull up that almost went up to his chin. I then nursed him and received a few odd looks when the huge pull-up and tiny toes were exposed from under my nursing cover.

The next day - Lincoln's b-day party....guess what? No leaky diaper but again no diapers in the diaper bag. A good friend came to my rescue...but you think I would have a learned. A friend recommended I keep diapers in the car....maybe I need to put two on Sam each time - just like a spare tire - so we always have one :)

Our Calling in Life

God called me to be a stay-at-home mom. It was a tough decision as I loved teaching but my desire to be with my kids full time and serve God prevailed. I've learned through this experience that following God's calling is not always easy and full of surprises. I haven't been swallowed by a whale (yet) but many surprises have come my way.

The first surprise was that I don't get a lunch break or bathroom break with this job :)

The second surprise was that being at home is everything BUT boring and mundane. I think I could make megabucks by starting a reality tv show about stay-at-home moms - my house would be very entertaining to watch.

The third surprise was that I had to rethink my identity. For so long I placed my identity and purpose in my career. Through thought, prayer, and the Word, I was reminded that my identity is that I'm a child of God - not a teacher. I had a hard time at first understanding that I was serving God by changing diapers, rocking babies, going on walks, and folding laundry. I did grow discontent and antsy as I wanted to do bigger things and be acknowledged for such things. However, God speaks to us and is amazing. He made my heart content in being a mom - especially after Sam was born. I can find many way to serve the Lord and others by being with my kids.

The final surprise was that I think this is the hardest job I've had yet :) I love it but there are challenges and requires a truck-load of patience. I have been humbled in how much I need to learn as a mom and grow along with my children.

Max on Life by Max Lucado Book Review

"Max on Life" is a book compiled 172 questions that Max Lucado has been asked throughout his ministry and life. The questions are categorized into the seven topics of hope, hurt, help, him/her, home, have/have-nots, and hereafter. Lucado answers each of the question in a few paragraphs, including scriptural references in each of his answers.

This is the first Max Lucado book I have read. I knew the format was different than his former books and it did take me a little while to become interested in the book. I felt that there were very deep and tough questions asked and often times a couple paragraphs were not suffice to answer the questions - I often times wanted to read more about the question. I also felt that some of Lucado's answers didn't fully answer the question or skirted around the issue a bit. However, due to the tough nature of the questions, I don't believe that any person on Earth could give a solid answer to the question. I did appreciate and enjoy Lucado's easy writing style and his solid Biblical references. He used scripture to answer all his questions and also gave great practical examples.

I will continue to use this book as a reference whenever I am learning more about a Christian topic or discussing a Christian topic with another person. I would recommend this book to any new or seasoned Christian as it wrestles with tough topics that everyone would find relevant in life. I am also eager to continue reading Max Lucado's literature after reading "Max on Life".

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

The Final Summit by Andy Andrews - Books Review

The publisher sent me a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®, but all opinions stated are honest and true.

"The Final Summit" by Andy Andrews is a captivating piece of fiction with a creative and brilliant plot concerning the one principle that will save humanity. David Ponder, the main character, reflects and ponders his own life in a state of sadness when suddenly the archangel Gabriel appears to him. Gabriel then travels with him to The Final Summit where David is posed with the question being what is the one principle that will save humanity. He must answer this question with the guidance of other historical figures in only two words. The book includes thoughtful and insightful conversation between David and famous historical figures such as Joan of Arc, Abraham Lincoln, King David, and George Washington Carver as they seek out the answer to the one thing that will save humanity.

I was able to read this book in three days and found the conversations to be inspiring and insightful. Although the conversations between the historical figures were fictional, the author included many real quotes spoken by the people. The history of all the characters were also claimed to be factual by the author. I highly recommend this book to others due to its creativity and dialogue. However, I would caution the reader that the book is fictional despite the references to the Bible and history. I feel that it is the author's own thoughts and experience that shaped the dialogue and I didn't always agree with how some of the Biblical figures responded (such as King David). However, knowing its a fictional account makes it an interesting read and can cause great thought and conversation with others.

A Conversation with God - book review

"A Conversation with God" by Alton Gansky

"A Conversation with God" is a book full of questions that many people ask or think about with Christianity. The unique aspect of this book is that the questions are answered by God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and other Biblical prophets and apostles such as Stephen and Paul. When I first realized the format of the book, I was a bit cautious because I thought it was quite bold of the author to answer as God or Jesus. However, due to the numerous scriptural references, I quickly became more enthralled and educated from the author's answers. I appreciated that the author used scripture from the Bible to back up all of his answers. I also enjoyed reading the answers to the questions from multiple perspectives. The questions were also well-written and there were even a few questions included I hadn't heard asked before in Christianity. Overall the book was well-written and supported by scripture but easy and interesting to read.

Smack in Front of My Face

I had an appointment to take Max to the AEA to get his hearing checked at 3:00 in Indianola today. I had a map and written directions and left in plenty of time to get there. Friends warned me it was not an easy place to find because of the one ways and small signs. I had a hard time telling exactly where the office was located but I knew I was close by so I decided to park and get out and walk to find it. I turned off the car, unloaded Max, and started venturing around looking at street signs. I figured out where I was and tried to understand the map that had been mailed to me. Max helped by pointing at the map. I knew I was pushing my time so I decided to walk back to my car as I saw a group of ladies that I thought could help me. They studied the map and helped me figure out where the office was. "Why, it should be located just right here!" All of the sudden, I looked up at the sign and we realized we were standing right in front of the office! The ladies shared a nice laugh with me. The receptionist observed everything that happened and also shared a laugh. Yes, I had parked right in front of the office and not even bothered to look at the sign.

As I was driving home, it hit me that God is right smack in front of my face and I go looking for Him other places. I keep thinking, if I just go around this corner and walk down this street, I'll find Him. In other words, if I volunteer here, or keep myself busy, or buy the new Christian CD then I'll find God. Of course those are all good things but sometimes I forget to YIELD and WATCH, and WAIT. I get so wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life that I forget to stop, pray, and watch - really open my eyes to see that God is smack in front of my face.

Today I had tunnel vision as I was looking for the office. I feel like I have tunnel vision right now in my faith too. And its a tunnel that's going faster and faster but that is missing moments to find God. To find God in people and experiences that I pass by every single day because I'm looking somewhere else.

What a good lesson today!

So Blessed

It takes rain and clouds to make a rainbow shine across the sky. Admist the storms of life, the LORD always flashes that rainbow to remind us of His unending, love, grace, and comfort. The storms and pain are still there but contrast sharply to the vibrant colors the LORD gives us. And somehow we know that everything is okay. The sun will shine again. Yet we wouldn't appreciate the beauty of a rainbow without the dark and scary storm clouds. In the moments of storms is when I learn how I truly am blessed.

I'm blessed by a beautiful beautiful son. He is healthy and he is happy. Maxwell brings such intense joy, purpose, belonging, and love to my life. I am blessed.

I'm blessed by a loving husband that desires to honor, respect, and love me. Paul will go to no ends to make sure I'm happy and loved. His love IS unconditional. I am blessed.

I'm blessed by loving families - both Paul's and mine. They both love the LORD and love us. They pray and support us in all situations. I am blessed.

I'm blessed by a close-knit church family that takes me as a child of their own. Jesus is the head of the church (family) and we are united as brothers and sisters in Christ. I am blessed.

The Lord has richly blessed me.

"Moreover, your little ones who you said would become a prey, and your sons, woho this day have no knowledge of good or evil, shall enter there, and I will give it to them and they shall possess it." (Deuteronomy 1:39)


"Before I was born the LORD called me; from my birth he has made mention of my name...and now the LORD says--he who formed me in the womb to be his servant..." (Isaiah 49:1,5)

"The word of the LORD came to me saying, 'Before I formed you int eh womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations'" (Jeremiah 1:4 - 5).

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that fully well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." (Pslam 139:13-16)

The Woes of Weaning

I'm going to start off immediately apologizing to anyone (if you're out there) that is reading my blog who doesn't want to know about breastfeeding. I will tell you right away to close the blog, sign into facebook, and surf the web because this will not be the place for you today!

After five months of starting the weaning process, Paul and I have finally decided to stop breastfeeding Max for good. Some of you may chuckle and why I included Paul. I'm very serious about this - dad's are just as important in a breastfeeding family as mom's are - especially during the weaning process.

Max has loved his mama's milk from day one. He knew right what to do after birth and has officially been a milk addict ever since. His first sign language was 'milk' and his nose has led him to his mom whenever his tummy felt the tiniest rumble. My hope was to wean him completely by age one which is why I started weaning him at 9 months. We successfully decreased the number of feedings to just nighttime but immediately became stuck there. Since I value my sleep, it became much easier for me to simply give him a snack in the middle of the night verses let him cry it out. My friends kept badgering me telling me to give it up, fearful I'd be "that woman" who was still nursing their son in middle school. I kept saying, "He's not ready" or "We'll get there soon". Recently we were at the library for story time and a mom started nursing her hungry little boy. Max closely watched what happened and then ran to me, of course those fingers closing in on his hand, eagerly signing "milk, milk, milk!" I've never been a public nurser (nothing against it - I actually give mad props to women who are brave enough to do so) so of course I told him 'no' and he was easily distracted...phew. Crisis averted. However, this was a wake up call that Paul and I needed to join forces and stop this milk addiction before he was seven and coming up to me at a basketball game, eagerly signing 'milk' after he had eaten a Snicker's bar.

So Paul and I formed a plan and started Sunday night with the "No Mama's Milk" intervention. We failed miserably. After two hours of screaming, I scooped up my tear stained baby boy and cuddled him closely as he had a quick snack. He fell asleep in two minutes. Monday night we formed a new plan and started phase two of the "No Mama's Milk" intervention. We failed miserably - twice. This time, he fell asleep only to wake up an hour later in tears, confused, and of course - wanting milk. After an hour, I scooped up my upset little man and gave in to his wants. He grinned and sighed...
Tonight we entered phase three - and so far - success! No promises during the night, though...

What I learned from this is that its not really about Max. Its about me. I don't want to give up nursing. Yes, the biting, sleepless nights, and commitment have been a bit overwhelming but it is so much more than that. I love that quality time that I can only spend with him. It is a relationship that is unique only to Max and me and he treasures it as much as I do. I can make any troubles, ouchies, or cries go away in an instant and see those happy blue eyes. Weaning is not about stopping a habit, its about accepting that my baby has grown into a toddler and its time to start fostering independence rather than dependence. As I write this with a few tears in my eyes, I know I'm going to miss nursing Max more than any other part of Max's baby days. I will appreciate more sleep at night but I hope that Max will soon be able to just cuddle his mama without the milk demand. I miss that unique and special time we shared together but I will always be him mom - and that is unique enough for me!!

Baby To Toddler

I'm amazed at how quickly Max is transitioning from baby to toddler. He's ready to assert his independence, explore his curiosities, and show pride in his discoveries. At the same time, he still likes and holds on to his dependence for mom and dad. I really like that Max doesn't show a preference between his mom or dad. I was worried that he might after I decided to stay home but I think that he's so excited to see his dad at the end of the day that any dad time is worth it.
It is very rewarding to watch Max free think and come up with new games to play. Yesterday, Max was walking along, stuck him head between Paul's legs and said, "Hi!" He thought this game was hilarious and was proud he made it up all by himself. His personality shines through him everyday as he persists, finds things humerous, and plays the day away.