The Dynamite Song

A few nights ago I laid down with Little Princess at bedtime to snuggle for a few minutes.  She was listening to a CD and asked me if this CD had the Dynamite Song on it.  I tried multiple times to ignore her since I did not have any clue what song she was referring to; however, she just couldn't let it go.  I'm glad she didn't or I wouldn't have this funny memory to record.

Little Princess:  Mom, you know, the Dynamite Song.
Me:  No, I don't think I know the Dynamite Song.
Little Princess:  Yes, you do.  It goes like this:  "This little dyn-a-mite, I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine."
Me: (refraining from hysterical laughter) OH, you mean, "This little LIGHT of mine"  OK, I do know THAT song.  Let's sing it.

I concluded my snuggle time singing "This Little Light of Mine" with my Little Dynamite.

"A cheerful heart is good medicine."  Proverbs 17:22

Family Fun Plus One

It has become a tradition to go swimming on Father's Day.  This is not necessarily a tradition born out of my husband's love of swimming.  It is the type of tradition that is born out of the ever-expanding memories of our children that constantly remind us of things with statements that begin like this, "You remember that one time you ______ (fill in the blank). Can we do that again?"

In my old age I must admit I have become somewhat of a "Debbie Downer" or "Negative Nancy" - especially when it comes to swimming in the summer.  Swimming in the winter is somewhat more bearable, in my opinion, because it involves heated indoor pools, warm (not scorching hot) walkways and does not require the use of sunscreen.  Given the unusually cooler temperatures our area has been enjoying this spring I was certain the water would be nowhere near the temperature in which I prefer to fully submerge my body.  That said, out loud.  We journeyed to the local YMCA water-park and embarked on our annual Father's Day swim. 

The water was COLD.  I do not know how our children can splash right in and never blink an eye.  After several minutes of slowly walking across the pool we were finally able to breathe again.  Preacherman was certain hypothermia had began to set in.  We spent some time in the pool (debating if we could leave yet) then moved on to a few rounds in the Lazy River and then back to the main pool.  

Many of you may know that we are in the process of taking some foster parenting classes and hope to add  another child (or two) to our family.  This Father's day outing to the pool gave us an unusual glimpse of what that might look like.  

I was no longer interested in being "in" the pool, so I sat on the edge and watched Rockstar on the lily pads and began tossing some Splash Bombs to Crazy Horse.  Rockstar and Little Princess moved on to the feature area with Preacherman as Crazy Horse and I continued our game of catch.  All of a sudden with no warning a male child, likely near Crazy Horse's age, jumped in the pool between us and entered our game.  Now I was throwing the splash bombs to two children of similar size and age and watching them, with a smile on my face, as I saw for the first time what another child might add to our family.  I was amazed that out of all the people at a pool on a Sunday afternoon that this child had decided to join us.  They were fun to watch as they both called for the ball to be thrown to them and the "fight" to catch the ball that ensued with each toss.  The smiles across their faces, the feigned frustration with each other and the pure enjoyment they were having warmed my heart.

Preacherman soon joined us, as did Little Princess who immediately wanted all the balls tossed to her.  The young boy quickly added Preacherman to the game of toss.  I kept looking around thinking his parents might show up and wonder who we were and why we were playing catch with their son.  No one ever asked.

We don't know this young boy's story.  We do know that we had fun and enjoyed sharing our game with him.  Preacherman asked the boy if he was there with his family.  No.  He was there with his coach.  I'm not sure what the boy's family life is like, but I am happy to know he has a coach who cares enough to spend Father's Day taking him to the pool.

Book Review: A Kingsbury Collection by Karen Kingsbury

I recently had the opportunity to read the three novel collection, A Kingsbury Collection, by Karen Kingsbury.  I have read several of Karen Kingsbury’s books and usually enjoy them to tears.  I had not previously read any of the stand alone novels in this collection.  The novels in this collection include: Where Yesterday Lives, When Joy Came to Stay and On Every Side.

Where Yesterday Lives follows Ellen Barrett, a prize winning journalist, as she examines her present, revisits her past and dreams of her future.  When Joy Came to Stay is a story of Maggie Stovall.  A woman who appears to have it all together and finds herself falling apart at every turn.  The novel, On Every Side, tells the story of Faith Evans and her fight to save a precious community statue of Jesus in a city park and the heart of a boy she knew long ago.

I enjoyed each title in this collection.  A couple of the stories included story-lines related to adoption which is very close to my heart.  I love how Karen Kingsbury creates characters and story-lines that are real, relational and relevant.  I would recommend her books to any avid fiction reader.  I strongly recommend the e-book format.  I found the size of this book to be a bit cumbersome to read and carry.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

2013 Reading List

Here's to another year of enjoying some of my favorite authors and finding new ones!

1) Simple Secrets - Nancy Mehl
2) Where Yesterday Lives - Karen Kingsbury
3) Shattered - Dani Pettrey
4) When Joy Came to Stay - Karen Kingsbury
5) On Every Side - Karen Kingsbury
6) Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother - Amy Chua
7) Created to be His Help Meet - Debi Pearl (I do not recommend this book)
8) Vanished - Irene Hannon
9) The Longest Ride - Nicholas Sparks
10) Unspoken - Dee Henderson
11) His Mistletoe Family - Ruth Logan Herne
12) Christmas in the Air - Irene Brand/Dana Corbit
13) Bring Me Home for Christmas - Robyn Carr
14) Stranded - Dani Pettrey

Immeasurably More

Many Christians are familiar with the passage from Ephesians 3:20-21 that reads: "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."

I find myself sitting here today questioning what this verse "lives" like.  What does it look like to daily live out this verse?  Does this verse apply to every aspect of my life?  Is this limited to my relationship with Jesus and my ministry on earth?   How do I distinguish between unrealistic expectations and trusting in God to do immeasurably more?  Is there a difference?  Where is the line in trusting God for immeasurably more and falling prey to the lies of "health and wealth" messages prevalent in today's society?

Today I am floundering in a sea of questions.

This much I know to be true:
I can attest to many instances in my past where I know God has met and exceeded my expectations.
I can present my requests to God. (Philippians 4:6)
God is supreme. He is bigger than any circumstance or storm in my life. (Joshua 2:11)
God promises to give me wisdom when I ask. (James 1:5)
God is faithful. (Deuteronomy 7:9)
God can move mountains. (Job 9:5)
Jesus said with the faith of a mustard seed, I can move mountains. (Matthew 17:20)
God's resources are limitless. (Psalm 50:9-11)
God can make good where evil is intended. (Genesis 50:20)
My relationship with Jesus is the secret to strength and contentment. (Philippians 4:12-13)
God can make my paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
My God will meet all my needs. (Philippians 4:19)

Where are you trusting God for immeasurably more?

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 139:23-24 

Book Review: gods at war by Kyle Idleman

I jumped at the opportunity to read Kyle Idleman's new book, gods at war.  However, my "preacherman" husband received first dibs at reading it and was helpful in writing this review.

I recently read the book “gods at war: Defeating the Idols that Battle for Your Heart” by  author Kyle Idleman.  This was a challenging and insightful book that will push even the most devout Christian to reexamine their lives and not only throw out idols but, replace them with a deeper love and commitment to God.  The author’s witty and playful writing style makes this an enjoyable read and a book that I will definitely be adding to my library.

The first half of the book addresses the development of idols in our modern context and the last half of the book addresses specific idols such as entertainment, pleasure, sex and achievement.  At the close of each chapter are probing questions that force you to struggle with whether this is an idol in your life that needs replacing.  This book is based on solid Biblical principles and as a pastor I plan to develop a sermon series later this year based on the concepts I have learned from reading this book. 

I received this book for free from the publisher through the Booksneeze program for the purpose of my unbiased review.

Book Review: Shattered by Dani Pettrey

I anxiously awaited the opportunity to review Dani Pettrey's second installment to the Alaskan Courage series.  I previously read and reviewed the first book in the series, Submerged, where I was introduced to the McKenna family in Yancey, Alaska and the suspenseful romance of Cole McKenna and Bailey Craig.

The sequel, Shattered, picks up with a focus on the youngest McKenna sister, Piper.  The distant and rarely heard from McKenna brother, Reef, returns to Yancey and is arrested and jailed awaiting trial for murder.  Piper sets out to prove his innocence at all costs.  Deputy Landon Grainger is a long time friend of the McKenna's and desires to believe Reef is innocent.  However, due to the overwhelming evidence that is mounting against Reef, Landon is finding it difficult to believe him to be innocent.  This presents further complications as he is aware of his ever-growing feelings for Piper and his desperate need to protect her from the danger she chases.

My biggest dilemma when writing reviews on fiction novels is trying to convey enough of the story line without revealing too many of the surprises.  My review of Shattered is no different.  This book was a fun and enjoyable read.  I finished it quickly and would read it again.  I enjoy a good, modest, suspenseful, romantic read.  Dani Pettrey is quickly emerging as one of my favorite authors at the top of my list with Dee Henderson, Kristen Heitzmann and Irene Hannon.  I think readers of Submerged will similarly enjoy Shattered.  It provides familiar characters and a new and twisted plot.  If you haven't read Submerged, I suggest picking it up first to get better acquainted with the McKenna family.  If your reading interests are similar to mine, I think Dani Pettrey's Alaskan Courage series will find a permanent spot on your bookshelf.  I will now anxiously await the release of book three, Stranded, set to be released in the Fall of 2013.

I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers for the purpose of my unbiased review.