You Are Already Amazing: A Review

I lied to you.  The title of this book is really You’re Already Amazing.  But the font embedded in my blog doesn’t allow for apostrophes in the title. 

Let me just start by saying that I felt valuable before I even broke the binding of this book open.  My review copy came with a card . . . one from Holley  (or someone posing as Holley – thanks Revell). 

Of all of the reviews I have done from big publishers, I have NEVER had a personal touch such as this. 

And the card has remained in my book serving as a bookmark. 

You’re Already Amazing is a book written to be engaged with.  You will need a pen because I anticipate that you will be underlining poignant thoughts and answering some soul searching questions provided by Holley. 

I don’t really know where to begin.  I am going to have to reread You’re Already Amazing to do the real work to begin to process and accept the title, you’re already amazing.

Really?

Perhaps God knew I was going to have a serious time accepting His quality work when He crafted me.  And so, thanks to Holley, a simple Bible verse has become a powerful companion to my self-esteem,

I have filled him {her} with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts.  Exodus 31:3

Though the verse was intended to describe God’s provision for the construction of the Temple, Holley remarks, “This verse reveals that God’s hand is in our skills, in the ordinary things we do.  And they matter.  A lot.” 

Really?

I often feel a little unusual about being a blogger writer.  The common response I get is, “How do you have time for that?” or “I don’t have time to read those blogs.”  Thanks. 

Imagine people’s reactions when I pull out my bag of essential oils . . . you would think I was pulling out the Ouija board or anointing people with dog poop. Hello!  Essential oils are the first line of response God left on earth after prayer!  I’m not practicing voodoo but instead using what God has shown me to bring health to others.

And that whole home birth thing . . .

So when I go to do somewhat normal things . . . like quilting . . . making  yogurt . . . or sprouting grain . . . I think . . . why can’t I just be normal?  Even the simple things I engage in seem different than the average mom.

But I can’t be normal.  I have to be God’s normal.  I am already amazing.  Man, that feels kooky to write. 

Do you know that you are amazing?  It is so much easier for me to tell you that than for me to believe it myself.  Do you believe it?  Do you see that  your unique strengths and skills are a valuable part of God’s creation?

Here is what I would recommend for you. 

• Read through Holley’s book by yourself first. 
• Then, go and form a small group (Sarah has some great ideas on how to do this) and read through it again . . . but truly process it.  Discuss.  Be vulnerable with this small selection of ladies.
• Or participate in the (In) Courage book club.  Click here to view the reading schedule.

You can find Holley Gerth over on her blog, Heart to Heart with Holley, on Twitter, and Pinterest.

You’re Already Amazing can be purchased in paperback on Amazon for $11.19 or for your Kindle  at a low low price at the time of this writing -- $3.99.  (Remember Kindle books can be read on most any device these days . . . including your computer.)

Thanks Revell for sending me this book to read and review.  I have been blessed by Holley’s words.  I was not paid for this post and gave my honest opinion . . . it is a good book. 

I Still Remember The Lyrics

I was tired.  It was well past my bedtime.  But I was driving.  By myself.  So tired.

Every single headlight blasted my eye with searing white light . . . nearly blinding me as each car drove by.

I don’t like driving at night.  So tired.  (Did I already mention that?)

I flipped on the radio.  Forgetting that the Engineer’s racecar only gets three stations. 

NPR.  80’s.  Rap.

I opted for the 80’s.  Songs from 20 years prior.  The era of awkward middle school dances. White Keds. Bangs. The days of riding the school bus.  Of seeing the Engineer for the first time as he ran up the street to catch the bus.

The caffeinated coffee in my ear on this dark night was Paula Abdul.

I’m NOT even going to mention the lyrics to you for fear that they will get stuck inside your brain’s personal radio. 

I have no desire to torture you. 

This car ride reminded me of the importance of wearing a seat belt.  Of guarding my heart.

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.  (Proverbs 4:23)

I KNEW EVERY WORD in this song of Paul Abdul’s . . . a song I listened to back in the day when skinny pants were popular and I was only a teenager. 

I knew the lyrics.  I didn’t sing as if there was a time delay.  I sang with Paula, as if to impress her on American Idol.

The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.  (Luke 6:45)

Like the interruption of a blaring horn in a quiet parking lot, God pressed the accelerator in my brain as we traveled to church earlier today.

What if . . . what if . . . in twenty years (should the Lord tarry), my children will be able to recite the lyrics from our music, what we dance to, what we fall asleep to? 

I have hidden your word in my heart
   that I might not sin against you.  (Psalm 119:11)

I think about all of the things that I struggle with.  Shocked at the filth that STILL comes out of my mouth, some 17 years after knowing my Lord. 

Yuck still surfaces in my mind.  Leaks out of the trunk in my heart. 

And I wonder . . . I wonder . . . just maybe . . . prayer upon prayer . . .

Lord?  Do you think . . . is it true . . . will it be easier for my children to obey you . . . to follow you . . . to make changes in their life because Your Words are written upon their hearts . . . because in 20 years (should you tarry) when they recall the songs they inadvertently memorized—resurfacing due to a situation that arises when they most need Your encouragement . . . it will be You . . . not the Paula Abdul of 2011 . . . but the God of the beginning, the present, and the end.

You who will keep them awake as they are driving home. 

Driving home from dropping their children’s baby sitter off to her house. 

I hope so. 

We have music.  We have countless Bibles.  We are blessed.  We have resources to help us memorize the Bible.

Because of this abundance . . . I am pleased to introduce to you The Seed Company.

More specifically, One Verse. 

Not everyone has the Bible as a resource.  As a GPS for their life.

I recently met some people who are passionate about making sure every language has a Bible. Ever person should have a Bible in their tongue.

So that they can teach it to their children.

These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.  Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.  (Deuteronomy 6: 6-7)

You will be hearing more about One Verse from me and others.  I’m just giving you a sneak peak. 

If you are reading this important blog post in an email, then click on the blog title up above to watch this powerful video.

I Am a Llama in Red Pajamas

Moaning.  Moaning. Moaning.    I forever sound like the little llama in red pajamas, weeping wailing for his mama. 

The ugly truth hurts.  Stings.  Is disgusting to ponder.

For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart.

Matthew 12: 34

I think my heart must look like the dredges of my mocha.  Seriously. 

I was challenged, rather convicted, when my buddy Kay asked me,

Friend, our speech is simply an expression of what is in our heart.  How is your heart?  To answer the question, listen to what you say.  The cure is a heart change, not more caution about the words you use.  How is your heart?

My first response is to say, “Shu-ut up.”

It’s not my words I need to change.  It’s my heart.

This heart of mine, it pumps. 

It has moments of pinkness and even redness.  At times it swells with unconditional love . . . it isn’t always black . . . but it does resemble my coffee grounds more often than not.

Dark.  Brownish.  Specks of sin.  OK . . . clumps of sin.

Doesn’t Jesus tell us to come unto Him like a child?

I’m struggling. 

The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart.  (Luke 6:45)

This treasure . . . this jackpot of life . . . this pot of gold . . . it ain’t in my heart the majority of the time.  But I want it be. 

I long to dispense gold freely from my treasure chest.  I want pirates to come searching for my treasure.  Bring it on.

The solution?

Hello.  Wake up before the kids, Jodi.  Do your Bible reading everyday – not because you have to, because you want to.  Because you want to be a “workman approved by God.”

Because my hearts desire is to, 

open my mouth in wisdom,
And the have the teaching of kindness on my tongue.
Looking well to the ways of my household,
Not eating the bread of idleness.
May my children rise up and bless me;
My husband also, praising me, saying:
“Many daughters have done nobly,
But you excel them all.”  (Proverbs 31: 26-29)

Besides meditating and memorizing scripture, the other thing I know that I desperately need to do is put up some wall art.

Does anyone have a recommendation for scripture wall art . . . something I can customize?  I don’t want to search online.  I want to search my Bible. 

I got to . . . I have to . . . 

“diligently teach my sons and talk of scripture when we sit in our house and when we walk by the way and when we lie down and when we rise up.  I {want to} shall bind them as a sign on my hand and scripture shall be as frontals on our forehead. I shall write them on the doorposts of our house and on our gates. 

(Deuteronomy 6: 7,8)

Warrior Prayers

Three days.  Three days we have been spending some concentrated time praying for the boys in our lives . . . our family.

Three days that have been intense.

My boys have truly lived up to being boys.

Loudness . . . climbing . . . wrestling . . . loudness . . . hard core playing . . . being loud (did I say that already?) and defending their baby sister from the evil Zurg.

And the latest . . . as I write this . . . a potential chipped tooth due to doing wheelies on their bikes.

Sigh.

Prayer is imperative to keep my boys safe both physically and spiritually.   And it is through prayer, through Jesus that my boys’ hearts of stones can be turned into hearts of flesh . . . while that is happening, I see my heart changing too.

And I will give  you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you.  And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.  And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. Ezekiel 36: 26-27

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What have you encountered the past few days?  Joys?  Answers to prayers?  Difficulties?  Any Scripture that resonated with you for a particular child?

Link up or leave a comment!  I can’t wait to hear!  Please take a moment to visit some of the ladies who have linked up below.

And just so you know . . . we have 71 ladies in our group . . . 

Revisiting Quiet Times

I just got done coloring in my Bible, and I thought of you all. 

How are your quiet times?  What is God teaching you?  What are your struggles?  Joys?  Must haves?

I know how 10 wonderful women spend their time.  They have shared their about their fellowship with the Lord.  They wrote about some brutally honest issues and challenges that they are dealing with. 

I started to think about it . . . I know that more of you spend time reading your Bible.  Won’t  you share?  Won’t you encourage others by being real with us?

As I pondered the discipline of Quiet Times . . . and read from Matthew 6, I realized why some might be hesitant to share.  Matthew 6:1 says, “Be aware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.”

Reading this, I too would proceed with caution.  Yikes. 

We are even instructed in verse 6, to go “into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and  your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.”

Reading this I felt compelled to clarify.  I’m not asking you to share what you are praying for, how long you spend in the Word, what you have given, or how much your Bible costs, etc. 

I’m asking how you do it. 

What do you use or need to get quiet before the Lord.  We live in such a noisy and busy society . . . how do you keep that out or use it to benefit your times with Jesus?

What would you recommend to someone who just met Jesus for the first time?

Are you struggling to sit before the Lord?  Why?  How are you dealing with this?  How does it affect other areas of your life?

I realize I might be asking a lot of you.  I’m often a little open . . . raw . . . brutally honest. 

Not everyone else is comfortable with that.

I understand.

But I’m asking you to step out of your comfort zone. 

Leave a comment here on the original blog post or on Facebook in a note (and tag Granola Mom 4 God) or share on your blog (directions here). 

The Motherhood Garden

I feel a little bit like my garden.  All winter it felt like my heart was cold and hard . . . filled with weeds.

Just like my garden. 

That is what happens when you ignore something.

As Indiana began to warm up, I found my heart thawing just a little bit.  At the same time, our garden began to transform with each day that we were able to spend outside . . .working in it.  Spending some time, attention, and care in it.

Investing in our garden, our soil.

With each soil amendment, my heart is getting nurtured.  Restored. 

I’m finding that I’m spending more time in my garden planning, preparing, weeding, and dreaming . . .and that in turn leads to more time in my heart doing the very same things.

A  crop is emerging. 

I’m so excited to discover what the produce will look like. 

What will my heart look like by the end of the summer?

The soil of my heart is being enriched with good doses of scripture (from my Precept Upon Precept study of Matthew), The Ministry of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson with Good Morning Girls, 31 Days to Clean by Sarah Mae, and Warrior Prayers by Brooke McGlothlin. 

Only in the introduction, the words of Sally Clarkson are lining up with the Holy Spirit’s teaching in the book of Matthew. 

If I am going to provide “authentic strength that comes from the true foundation of a biblical world-view and a proper understanding of the real Christ who is worthy of worship,” then I too have to have a strength that comes from a true foundation . . . a foundation firmly grounded in knowing the Word of God. I have got to have a faith that is the same and looks real day in and day out . . . steady in any type of weather, around any type of person, or through a variety of circumstances.

I have been affirmed that my ministry (besides my husband) right now IS MY CHILDREN.  And that is OK. 

I don’t have to do all the things at church . . .women’s ministry, children’s ministry, VBS, etc.  Though they are all wonderful ministries . . . I need to make sure that I am tending to my home well. 

-- That my children know if we get in the car to go to church, mommy isn’t going to be yelling the whole way at them and then put on a happy face once that foot steps down on the church parking lot. 

Consistency.  Unconditional love.  Grace. 

Modeling truth even when we are in the garden.  The real garden.  Patience just to plant a seed.   Not blowing up when the entire packet is spilled, or a plant stepped on, or when my plant markers are snapped by inquisitive little hands.  Or when try as they might, little hands can’t get tiny seeds into a tiny hole.  Patience.  Grace when teaching.

In Matthew, I have learned that first John came to warn that the Kingdom of God was near, One was coming who would baptize with the Holy Spirit.   Jesus came announcing that He was the Kingdom of God.  Jesus then taught His disciples . . . and finally the torch was passed on to Paul.  Teach about the Kingdom of God.  Teach about Jesus.  Jesus is the Kingdom of God.

By applying what I am learning through The Ministry of Motherhood, I found a growing Asher standing beside me wondering how I came up with the symbols in my Bible; so, I taught him.  Why did I put a crown around that word . . . kingdom?

Everything in me wanted to scream, “Go Away!!!!  This is my time!”

But held my tongue and we read through Matthew 3. 

Baptism.

“Mom, I really want to get baptized.  When can I get baptized?”

Thank you, Lord.  Thank you for using a little boy’s inquisitiveness to color in his Bible so that he would learn about baptism.  Affording him the blessing and opportunity of showing others that he believes in Jesus (despite ME!). 

And that in turn led to the Engineer getting baptized. too.

What if I had been harsh?  Shown frustration? 

Kind of like when you pull too aggressively to thin your plant transplants.  You kill both the good and the bad.

Thankfully, I listened.  I shared about the Kingdom of God with Asher.  What an amazing time for the nation of Israel!  1 Samuel speaks of the nation rejecting God being king over them . . . and now . . . here is Jesus returning . . . returning to be their King!!!!!  And though many rejected Him . . . many listened. 

Good stuff is growing here . . . good stuff. 

• Don’t forget to share about your quiet times here . . .
• Your children’s quiet times here . . .
• And sign up to be a part of my online group for praying for our sons collectively for 21 days . . . you do not have to have a blog to participate . . . only email or a phone at the very least so that I can encourage you. 

I am linking up with Jolanthe over at No Ordinary Moments for the Good Morning Girls and with the Homeschool Village to share how are gardens are growing . . .

By the way . . . here is a picture made from locally grown produce . . . but not my own . . . yet!

If You Have a Son . . . Please Read!

There is a lot of testosterone in my house.  A lot. 

 

Three boys.  One man.  And I have PCOS . . . so you can throw me in there too. 

When we found out we were going to have a son, then two sons, and then three sons . . . I really wondered what on earth the Lord was doing. 

Sons?  Gulp.  Aren’t they wild?

And then everyone at church was having sons too.  An influx of little men.  Talk about a busy narthex (can you tell my religious upbringing?)

I grew up with a sister.  I wasn’t around boys much until . . . well, until for some odd reason my two best friends in high school were boys.

Go figure. 

However, I think the Lord had me friends with the opposite sex to lead me to my husband.  The Engineer played football with my two best friends.  That’s an entirely different story.

Fast forward 18 years later . . . we have three sons.

Raising them up to be Godly men is a challenge.  It is requiring extreme creativity; patience; learning to accept mud, bugs, and pushes for hugs; and learning to communicate in a way completely foreign to me.  It requires that I consider how I dress, what attire my daughter wears, and the images that I allow my sons to see. 

I don’t get boys.  But God does.  And I know God.  I love God.  And I love my boys. More importantly God loves my boys.

So, I’m asking God these days to truly help me train up my sons so that when they are older they will not depart from the Lord, from the sure way.

I’ve recently discovered a GREAT resource and will be one of many moms hosting small groups all over the country . . . even world, using this resource --

What is this book, Warrior Prayers?  (Click on the link to hear directly from the author, Brooke McGlothin.)

It is a compilation.  A resource.  Your companion for 21 days.  Your guide through scripture to fervently pray for your sons . . . the little men in your lives. 

And you can take this sacred time and share it with other moms . . . for accountability and encouragement . . . starting June 8, 2011. 

 

How will it work?

• Starting June 8th, each Monday hop on over to Brooke’s blog, Warrior Prayers and watch a video.
• Each Friday, there will be an opportunity to link-up a post on your blog sharing about how the Lord is moving and working in your life and in the life of your boys here at Granola Mom 4 God (make sure you link up with me and over at the Warrior Prayers blog, so you can be eligible for any giveaways that may pop up along the way.
• The challenge will be for 21 days straight.  No weekends off!!  If Satan doesn’t rest, nor should we!
• You can purchase the book for only $5.97.  I skipped 2 Starbucks and it was worth it!  (Nope, I’m not earning any money through that link.)  But I would through this link . . . Warrior Prayers on Kindle. (Just being honest.)
• You can anticipate a Facebook chat and Twitter Party to finish our time together.
• And from me . . . a virtual home to relax in and discuss what  you are learning; an ear that will listen; a heart that will pray; and a person to hold you accountable. 

If you are interested in joining my group, please fill out this survey!  Don’t forget to purchase Warrior Prayers or leave a comment and win a copy of the ebook!

See you June 8th!

I Want His Chair . . . A Childs Quiet Time

Little eyes are watching.  They absorb what you say and what you do. 

 

 

This past Sunday, I had the privilege of sitting outside to spend time with God doing my Precept Upon Precept study of the book of Matthew. (And no, this is NOT an affiliate link.)

 

 

I was a bit distracted by this sweet sight.

 

 

Ezra sat content . . . restful . . . only moving his fingers to turn a page . . . for a solid hour.  And when he was done, he was so excited about being with Jesus!

 

 

Be sure to link up about your sweet spot on this post . . . please do share how you spend time with Jesus, even if it is just a comment or on Facebook.

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Teaching Your Child to Have a Quiet Time --

Many of you have asked how to go about initiating “quiet times” with your children.  Good question. 

Initially, my goal is to establish a routine.

From a routine we create a habit.  The habit of being by yourself.  Being still so that that stillness can later be transferred to being still before the Lord.

I begin quiet times with my kids when it appears they are giving up their first nap.  By that time they can sit up and hold a sippy cup.  Umm . . . yea . . . I guess I also teach my children to have a comforting beverage with the Lord.

But seriously, think about it.  when you meet with someone . . . a dear friend . . . don’t you often meet over a Starbucks or a steaming cup of tea? 

I thought so.

So . . . at around 12 months or so we begin. 

The quiet time replaces the morning nap.  The quiet time starts before your little one shows signs of being a wee-bit tired . . . but not quiet ready for a nap. 

Sippy in hand, we climb the stairs to said child’s (ren’s) bedroom(s).  I help them into their crib or bed.  I pile a few books on their bed along with approximately 3 indestructible toys.  As they begin to play and sip their leche, I read to them from their Bible (see this post).

 

So faith comes from hearing and hearing by the Word of God. (Romans 10:17)

Then, I turn some soft music on and exit the room.  My favorite music for kids?  Anything from Seeds of Worship.  (By the way, Jolanthe (Homeschool Creations) is hosting a giveaway for some Seeds music right now.)

 

The typical length of my kids’ quiet times? 30 minutes to an hour, or whenever the CD is over.

They come to need it.  They crave it.  I also enjoy it.  Quiet descends over the house for a short bit each morning.  We all get refreshed.

As they grow older, their quiet times evolve.  Books change from cardboard to picture books to word books . . . but somewhere is always a Bible that is age appropriate.

 

And now . . . my almost 7 year old spends some of his time . . . not playing, but praying and reading his Bible.

 

 

Or looking at his Action Bible . . . which has some pretty cool pictures. 

 

How do your kids do their quiet times?

Do share . . . I’ll leave a Linky just in case . . . because this could be a great resource for moms who want to know how to launch their children into the blessing of a quiet time with Jesus!

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What Does Your Closet Look Like?

Where do you go to hide?

To find a place of quiet . . . of rest . . . a refuge . . . a place in which to hang your prayers on the clothes line or toss your sins into the laundry basket to be washed?

What does that place look like?

This thing . . . this quiet place can be called a Quiet Time, devotions, a personal time of reflection, or time with the Lord.

But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 

Matthew 6:6

What do you call it?

What does yours look like?

With all the buzz going around about 31 Days to Clean by Sarah Mae, and the launching of the Good Morning Girls study of The Ministry of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson . . . it dawned on me . . .

Does everyone know?  Do they know what “we” do?  We women who are friends with Jesus?

“We” have lingo . . . journals . . . coffee . . . . tea . . . . a special nook or chair . . . . but is that normal?

I used to not “know” how to have a quiet time . . . how to have the things that I need so that I could just sit . . . sit and talk to God . . . even have what I envision as a cuppa chai with Him.  There was a day when this concept was completely foreign to me . . . absolutely bizarre.

Even my kids kind of wonder . . . they have always thought quiet times were a time to play quietly in their room. 

Yes . . . right Asher.  Right Ezra.  Right Gabe.  Right Naomi.  But I am preparing you for something better.  I’m teaching you how to be by yourself first.  To be comfortable with the silence . . . so that you can really hear from The One who really matters. 

So . . . I think we should share.  Can we peak into your “quiet time?”  Can you take us into your prayer closet? 

Don’t clean it out.  Be real.  You can see the toys strewn across my altar.  The used water glasses piled up beside my bed. . . perhaps the dog in her kennel, so as to protect my Bible.

(The location of my quiet time if it is late at night.)

For the past several months I haven’t had  one place where I consistently read my Bible.  We moved last August . . . and I have struggled to find my place of respite. 

Sometimes it has been the kitchen table.

Sometimes it is the coffee colored couch.

Sometimes my quiet time is homeless.

Until today. 

This chair is in my bedroom.  It used to be my mom’s or my grandma’s . . . some woman I love at least.  My daughter was born in this corner.  Above me resides the Engineer’s and my marriage vows and beside me a place to wedge my coffee or chai. 

I can prop my feet up.  I can look out my window.  But I am tucked in a corner . . . and I love that.  It’s like my own den.

If I get around to it, I plan on ordering an instant water heater, or something like that, for tea.  I saw my friend, Sarah tweet about it.   Because if I go downstairs to make coffee or brew tea . . . any hope of a quiet times goes down the toilet.  My computer will distract me. 

Yes, I lack that much discipline.  I’ll be honest.

To make it happen, I keep everything together.  That is a must.  Because if I have to go searching . . . well, I will get distracted.  Very distracted. 

I have a binder.  An old college binder.  I made the cover really fancy . . . it is attached with packing tape. 

Yup.  Classy.  But it works.

Inside my ancient binder are my Bible study tools . . . 31 Days to Clean, the Good Morning Girls schedule and S.O.A.P. notes, the Mission of Motherhood, Warrior Prayers, a pen, and my study of Matthew.  Stacked neatly on my binder are colored pencils (which is a must for any Kay Arthur study) and my NASB Inductive Study Bible. 

My journal should be there . . . but if I blog, I typically don’t feel the need to journal. 

I want to add my Thanksgiving journal to the pile . . . but it usually sits by my computer.

The less things to keep track of for my quiet time . . . the better.

What about you?  Can we peak? 

Here are some things to think about . . . and perhaps share:

• Why do you have a quiet time?
• Who taught you how to have a quiet time? 
• What “must” you have so as to not be distracted? 
• Are you children around? 
• When do you have your quiet time?
• Where do you have a quiet time?
• Do you listen to music?  Who?
• Must you have a beverage?

Please link up and spread the Word!  Be sure to link up using your exact URL post and be sure to mention where your readers can find out about how to have a Quiet Time!  (Here is your link:  http://www.granolamom4god.com/2011/05/what-does-your-closet-look-like.html

Thanks! 

P.S. If two Linky’s show up, use the first one.  I can’t get the 2nd and sometimes 3rd Linky deleted . . . even when I edit my html code.  Sorry!

 

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What's In The Bible DVD Giveaway

I just want to preface this blog post.  If it looks different, it is because it is different.

I normally blog using Live Writer . . . but once again . . . I'm having more computer issues.  So, this blog post is coming from you direct, using Blogger.

I am thankful that no matter what, God's Word doesn't need updated nor does it demand a constant supply of energy in order to be used/read.

You don't need a special degree to understand God's letter to you, compared to the complex and unusual language that I recently discovered when trying to download the new Live Writer Essentials.   I need to install some Windows Vista service pack.  Really?

Sigh.

However, when it comes to the Bible {alls} that you need is the Holy Spirit -- the Helper God left behind when Jesus ascended to begin preparations in Heaven for the people that love Him.

And if you don't have God's Helper, you simply ask God.  If you don't know how to love God, you just ask.  (and then maybe watch the DVD I am giving away, thanks to Tyndale).

That's right, you can just ask God.  You don't have to look around for a computer geek.  (No offense.)

It may go something like this (at least it did for me some 16 years ago),

"God, I'm coming to read your Bible and I simply don't understand it.  I need help.  I'm trying to figure out the whole Jesus-thing in my life . . . and I need You to help me understand that He (and You) love me, that Jesus died for my sins, and that He rose again on the third day.  Will you please help me to learn about you through reading the Bible?  Maybe bring some people in my life who will walk me through the Bible in such a way so as to not make me feel dumb . . . and will you show me how You are in control?  Because giving you my life . . . well, sounds scary and it doesn't make sense.  So, God . . . please help me.  Show me how I need you and help me to want to read your Bible and understand Your Words to me." 

There . . . that's a start.  That was my start many years ago.

And the funny thing . . . before I came to talk with Jesus I could not stand Veggie Tales.

I do have reason for telling you this.

I thought that Veggie Tales was the most annoying cartoon ever put to color.  (For those who haven't heard of Veggie Tales, according to Wikipedia, it is a cartoon created by a man named Phil Vischer.

It conveys "Christian moral themes and teaches Biblical values and lessons. The animated feature involves stories told by a group of recurring vegetable characters who lived on a kitchen countertop.")

But all that changed.

(I asked God to help me because I was doing a pretty terrible job running my life.)

And now, not only do I like Veggie Tales . . . but I have the majority of their songs memorized (thanks to my children), and I am hooked on Phil Vischer's newest project called What's in the Bible?

Why do I like it?

Well, the heart of this:  when it is all said and done, this set of 13 DVDs will walk your children, you, and new believers through the ENTIRE Bible.

To me . . . that kind of entertainment is worth paying for.

My kiddos heart What's in the Bible?  In fact, they like the website almost better because they can interact with the characters.  There are coloring pages and Popsicle stick puppet theaters and videos!

The DVD's are geared to entertain kids, but the reality is that they do an excellent job of teaching any aged human about God's AMAZING plan for His creation . . . US!
Previous episodes of What's in the Bible include:

• In the Beginning
• Let My People Go!
• Wanderin' in the Desert
• Battle for the Promised Land!

Big fan.  Thumbs up. 

Wanna win 

the 5th What's in the Bible? Israel Gets a King! 

 

Mandatory Entry:  Who will be watching this DVD?

Extra Entries (please leave one comment per entry)

1. Who is your favorite What's in the Bible character?  Click here to see the cast. Tell me who you picked and if you voted on the WITB website . . . give yourself an extra entry (just let me know).
2. Follow WITB on Twitter.
3. Like WITB on Facebook.
4. Watch a WITB video on YouTube and tell me about it! 
5. Tweet about this giveaway (making sure to include me @GranolaMom4God) or post on Facebook!
6. Become a fan of Granola Mom 4 God on Facebook!

Contest ends May 20, 2011.  The winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond.  I will send you a coupon in the mail to go pick up your video at a local retailer.  (Open to the US only.)

This post is brought to you by Tyndale . . . as part of my involvement with the What's in the Bible Street Team!  I was not paid for this post and was encouraged to give my honest opinion!