A Quiet Heart…

Once again, the ladies over at 5 Minutes for Books are asking, What’s on Your Nightstand?  Although I hardly ever remember in time to actually participate, this is one of my favorite memes!  As I’ve said before, my books rarely stay on my nightstand…they are often scattered throughout the house, in the car, and my purse…  But, this is what I am reading (or hoping to read!) this month:

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Expository Thoughts on Luke (volume 2), by J.C. Ryle: I haven’t read volume one yet…but in this case, I think jumping in somewhere in the middle is perfectly acceptable.  He starts with The Lord’s Prayer, in Luke 11, and shares his insights and wisdom through the remainder of the book.  J.C. Ryle is rapidly becoming a favorite.  In a day and age where relevance is valued above biblical accuracy, Ryle is both.

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Spurgeon v. Hyper-Calvinism, by Iain H. Murray: My husband picked this up at The Shepherd’s Conference earlier this year.  I stole it from him. Very interesting…and although this book addresses a controversy that took place well over 100 years ago, the topic is just as relevant today.

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Brokenness: The Heart God Revives, by Nancy Leigh DeMoss: I suppose this book belongs in a “To Be Read” pile, as I have not started this yet.  But, I greatly enjoyed Holiness, which I recently discovered is one of a 3-part set (including this, and one other, Surrender), so I picked up the other 2.  I was told that Holiness was to be read last, but I cannot remember which was supposed to be read first.  So, because a dear friend has inspired me to pray for revival (personally, in my immediate and extended family, my church, and our state and nation), I chose this one.  Very much looking forward to it!

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Discipline: The Glad Surrender, by Elisabeth Elliot: A favorite.  This is one of the books that I try to read at least once a year.  With the “official” start of our homeschooling journey, I felt in need of a “refresher course” in this area (in other words, a swift kick to the seat of the pants!). 

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The Children Trap: Biblical Principles for Education, by Robert Thoburn: Being a homeschooling mom, this is an interesting book, because the author argues, not, as you might expect, for homeschooling, but for Christian schooling.  However, I do agree (so far) with many of his observations and conclusions regarding the state of public (or as he calls it, government) education, and the need for strong Christian education.

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Beautiful Girlhood, revised by Karen Andreola: Another that I am only a few pages into…  I picked this up at our recent homeschooling convention.  It may seem a bit premature to be reading a book on the transition from girlhood to womanhood when my daughter is barely of kindergarten age, but I know it will come all too soon….

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Feminine by Design: The Twelve Pillars of Biblical Womanhood, by Scott Brown: (In the photo, this is the book without a title on the spine.) This book, I picked up at the NCFIC Reforming Church and Family Road Trip.  This book is full of practical, biblical insight into what true biblical womanhood and femininity look like.  And, I realize that my daughter is young, but I want to instill in her early a passion for biblical womanhood, and a desire to follow God’s design and call on her life.

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The Heart of Homeschooling: Teaching and Living What Really Matters, by Christopher Klicka: This book has been recommended to me many times by more experienced homeschoolers.  I am only in chapter 3, but I already appreciate the author’s focus on what Scripture says.  With each challenge, question, or difficulty he quickly points the reader back to God’s Word for the answer.  I am looking forward to the rest!

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Worldly Saints: The Puritans as they Really Were, by Leland Ryken: This poor book has been “on my nightstand” for quite some time….  And, yet, each month it reappears, unread.  And, after finally opening it, and beginning to read, I have no idea why it took me so long.  I know that the Puritans are caricatured as boring, conceited, self-righteous, religious fanatics.  And, the term is still used in derogatory fashion today.  But, that couldn’t be farther from the truth.  I love the Puritan authors and pastors!  And, I have enjoyed learning more about their passions and practices in almost every area of their daily lives through this book.  J.I. Packer, in the Foreward, says that, even with our supposed sophistication, we need the Puritans today.  He describes them (and us) in this way: “We are spiritual dwarfs. The Puritans, by contrast, as a body were giants. They were great souls serving a great God. In them, clear-headed passion and warm-hearted compassion combined. Visionary and practical, idealistic and realistic too, goal-oriented and methodical, they were great believers, great hopers, great doers, and great sufferers.”

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So, in addition to wading through a giant stack of homeschool curriculum (lesson plans!), that is what is on my nightstand!  What are you reading?

The end of February always sneaks up on me! It is once again time for 5 Minutes for Books’ What’s on Your Nightstand?  (And, once again, I am posting this late.)

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From last month’s stack, I have completed:

• So Much More, by Anna Sofia & Elizabeth Botkin
• Should We Leave Our Churches?, by J. Ligon Duncan & Mark Talbot
• War of Words, by Paul Tripp

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Reviews coming…eventually.

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And, shortly after I posted last month’s list, I received Joshua Harris’ newest book, Dug Down Deep.  I started and completed it before it ever “officially” made it to the nightstand! 

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So, on my nightstand this month:

{I will include a picture of this month’s books once I gather them from all corners of my house…and my purse…and my car.  Books rarely remain on my nightstand!!}

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The Bruised Reed, by Richard Sibbes
Unfashionable, by Tullian Tchividjian
Worldly Saints, by Leland Ryken
Adopted for Life, by Russell Moore
The Joy of a Word-Filled Family, by John Barnett
You Can Still Wear Cute Shoes, by Lisa McKay
Family Integrated Church, by J. Mark Fox
Nourishing Traditions, by Sally Fallon

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And, although I have posted a few thoughts and passages, I have yet to check-in with the Bible in 90 Days Challenge.  But, I am greatly enjoying the challenge of keeping up with that reading as well (part of the reason you are seeing so many repeats on my nightstand this month!)

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Don’t forget to link up over at 5 Minutes for Books, and let us know What’s on Your Nightstand this month!

It is once again time for 5 Minutes for Books’ What’s on Your Nightstand?  I love seeing what others are reading, and always end up adding another book (or five!) to my own list.

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This is the stack on my nightstand this month:

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The Bruised Reed, by Richard Sibbes

Unfashionable, by Tullian Tchividjian

Should We Leave Our Churches?, by J. Ligon Duncan & Mark Talbot

War of Words, by Paul Tripp

Worldly Saints, by Leland Ryken

Adopted for Life, by Russell Moore

The Joy of a Word-Filled Family, by John Barnett

So Much More, by Anna Sofia & Elizabeth Botkin

Nourishing Traditions, by Sally Fallon

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And, of course, I am still keeping up with the Bible in 90 Days!

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Yes, I have quite a stack! 

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And, I couldn’t help myself.  I just ordered 2 more books (Dug Down Deep, by Joshua Harris, and You Can Still Wear Cute Shoes, by Lisa McKay), and I am eagerly anticipating their arrival.  There is also a third book in there that, technically, I ordered “for my husband.”  But, I am looking forward to getting my hands on it as well…when he is finished with it, of course.

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But, those will simply replace the two books that I have already finished.  I have been reading War of Words with my ladies Bible study group, and we will be discussing the last chapter next week!  (So, I am almost finished with that one!)  And, I recently finished So Much More, by the Botkin sisters, and I am currently working on a review, that I hope to post in the somewhat near future.

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I’d love to elaborate a little more on each book, but, the laundry pile is calling my name…loudly, and threatening to take over the entire house if I don’t get in there and do something about it!  Okay, not really, but the dryer is buzzing, so I’d better get back to work. 

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Don’t forget to link up over at 5 Minutes for Books, and let us know What’s on Your Nightstand this month!

Due to a raging migraine that started last Tuesday and then lasted for 3 days, this never got posted.  So, although I am a week late, it is still September, so, I am posting it now.  I hope that doesn’t bother anyone.

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With the start of our new, and surprisingly full, fall schedule, some of the books on this list have not changed much – or at all – since last month.  And, in an utter lack of self-control I have also started a few new books before completing the others.  And, I remain unrepentant… 

I did finish Karl Graustein’s Growing Up Christian, my review can be found here.  It was a wonderfully insightful look into the lives of kids who have, or who are growing up in the church.  And, whether you grew up as a “church kid,” or are now currently ministering to (or raising!) them, this is a must-read!!

I also read through Paul Tripp’s War of Words in preparation for co-teaching our women’s Bible study.  But, I am going to leave it on the list, as I am now reading through it again, with the ladies!

This month, on my nightstand, I have:

The Mother at Home, by John Abbott – I think Jason picked up this book for me not too long after Hannah was born.  And, I have yet to read it!  But, my sweet friend, Debra, read it recently, and highly recommended it!  So, it has finally been taken off my shelf and added to the stack for this month!

The Joy of a Word Filled Family, by Dr. John Barnett – This is a recent addition to my reading list.  My husband read it not too long ago, and has been raving about it ever since.  I am only a few pages in, but already it looks promising.

So Much More, by Anna Sophia and Elizabeth Botkin – After watching their “documentary,” The Return of the Daughters, I was intrigued by their strong emphasis on the importance of the father/daughter relationship.  It seems that there are all sorts of wonderful books and resources out there that address the importance of mother/daughter or father/son relationships.  But, very few, at least that I have found, seem to address the important role that a father is called to play in the life of his daughter, and the honor and respect that is owed him on the part of the daughter.  I am only a few chapters in, but I am very much looking forward to seeing how these two young women deal with some very weighty, and in some cases controversial issues.

Womanly Dominion: More Than a Gentle and Quiet Spirit, by Mark Chanski – I am still reading this book along with the Girl Talk Book Club.  Pick up a copy and join the fun!!

The Family Worship Book, by Terry L. Johnson – This book is a wonderful resource for family devotions!  It practically breaks down why you should do family devotions, offers practical help for how to do them, and also includes suggestions and resources for what to do.  It has been a great follow-up to Voddie Baucham’s Family Driven Faith.

The Jesus You Can’t Ignore, by John MacArthur – From the moment I saw the tag line on the envelope from Grace to You, “Sometimes, it’s okay NOT to be nice!” I knew this book was a must read.  While I wish I could say I began devouring it the moment it arrived, sadly, I have not even cracked the cover yet!  But, it is at the very top of my to-be-read list, and I cannot wait to get started.

Right Thinking in a World Gone Wrong, by John MacArthur and the leadership at Grace Community Church – This arrived in the mail, as a gift to my hubby, from The Master’s Seminary.  But, since he has absconded with my copy of Bruce Ware’s Big Truths for Young Minds, I claimed this one!!  These men – pastors, elders, and leaders at Grace Community Church – take on issues of everyday life in the areas of Entertainment and Leisure (internet dating, video games, and “the cult of celebrity”), Morality and Ethics (divorce and remarriage, abortion, birth control, and euthanasia), Politics and Activism (the economy, environmentalism, racism, and illegal immigration), and Tragedy and Suffering (the problem of evil, hope, hardship and trials, and the gospel) from a biblical perspective.  I have not made it past the introduction, but I am looking forward to the rest.

For the Children’s Sake: Foundations of Education for Home and School, by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay – In the second chapter the author (who happens to be the daughter of Francis and Edith Schaeffer) says, “Twaddle.  If I were to have to label much educational material today, I’m afraid it would definitely be twaddle.  How colorfully and scientifically our generation talks down to the little child!” (pg. 16)  I couldn’t agree more.  So much of what has already been said in this book – and, I am only in chapter 4 – has truly resonated with me, and my own philosophy on Christian education and homeschooling.  I am looking forward to seeing how Macaulay practically works out some of the ideas and convictions that she has shared so far.

Raising Children for Christ, by Andrew Murray – Anyone else notice a theme here?  Yes, I am reading a ton on the family, raising children in and according to the Word, and helping them develop a Christian worldview.  More than anything, I want my daughter to grow up to know, love, and serve the Lord.  And, I am always on the lookout for resources that will help me to be the kind of parent that practically points her to the cross.

War of Words: Getting to the Heart of Your Communication Struggles, by Paul Tripp – This is the book of choice for the fall section of our women’s Bible study.  As I am helping to teach this section, I have already read it through once in preparation.  As a group we are only a few chapters in, but the second time through is proving to be just as convicting and thought-provoking – if not more so!!  The discussions have been wonderful, and I am looking forward to what the Lord will do in our lives, and in our church, as a result of studying how we can have hope as we struggle with what James calls, “a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” (James 3:8)

I’d love to know what you are reading (or planning on reading) this month!  Please leave me a comment if you participated…  And, check out the other lists over at 5 Minutes for Books!

I do not keep the books that I am currently reading on my nightstand.  There are just too many.  And, besides, I rarely read in bed.  So, my desk is standing in as my “nightstand” for this month’s edition of “What’s On Your Nightstand?” from 5 Minutes for Books.

During our family vacation last month, I attended the Women Discipling Women Conference, and picked up a few books there.  Then, on the last Sunday of our vacation, we enjoyed worshipping at Grace Community Church.  And, of course, that included a little trip to their bookstore.  And it was a profitable one, for me, as I once again walked out with an armload of books.  (It’s a good thing my husband and I have agreed to include a “book” category in our budget!!  Or maybe not…)

I always have multiple books going at once, however, this time even I think it has reached ridiculous proportions!  Be that as it may, here is what is on my “nightstand” this month:

When You Rise Up: A Covenantal Approach to Homeschooling, by RC Sproul, Jr.

Reviews coming soon!

As a side note, I find it rather funny that my yellow highlighter made it into this picture!  I know people have different (strong!) opinions about marking books, but, personally, I don’t like to read without it!

Currently Reading or To Be Read:

The Joy of a Word Filled Family, by Dr. John Barnett – This is a recent addition to my reading list.  My husband read it not too long ago, and has been raving about it ever since.  I am only a few pages in, but already it looks promising.

Womanly Dominion: More Than a Gentle and Quiet Spirit, by Mark Chanski – I am reading this book along with the Girl Talk Book Club.  Jay Adams says (on the back cover) that when he “first looked at it, [he] thought a man couldn’t write it!”  Honestly, I kind of thought the same thing myself.  But, it comes highly recommended by Carolyn Mahaney, and even though soccer analogies are completely lost on me, it has been a great read so far.

Growing Up Christian, by Karl Graustein – I picked this book up at the Women Discipling Women Conference, and have had a very hard time putting it down!  I am (was?) what Graustein calls a “church kid.”  I grew up in a Christian home, was saved at a young age, was actively involved in our church, and even attended a Christian school and college.  The author, a “church kid” himself, has absolutely nailed the potential dangers of “growing up Christian.”  But, he also highlights the blessings that go along with being brought up as a “church kid!”  I am looking forward to finishing it, and giving it a more thorough review here on the blog in the near future…Stay tuned!  Update: My review is here.

The Quest for Meekness and Quietness of Spirit, by Matthew Henry – This is a repeat from a few months ago…I told you it would be hanging around for a while.

The Family Worship Book, by Terry L. Johnson – This book is a wonderful resource for family devotions!  It practically breaks down why you should do family devotions, offers practical help for how to do them, and also includes suggestions and resources for what to do.  It has been a great follow-up to Voddie Baucham’s Family Driven Faith.

For the Children’s Sake: Foundations of Education for Home and School, by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay – In the second chapter the author (who happens to be the daughter of Francis and Edith Schaeffer) says, “Twaddle.  If I were to have to label much educational material today, I’m afraid it would definitely be twaddle.  How colorfully and scientifically our generation talks down to the little child!” (pg. 16)  I couldn’t agree more.  So much of what has already been said in this book – and, I am only in chapter 4 – has truly resonated with me, and my own philosophy on Christian education and homeschooling.  I am looking forward to seeing how Macaulay practically works out some of the ideas and convictions that she has shared so far.

Raising Children for Christ, by Andrew Murray – Anyone else notice a theme here?  Yes, I am reading a ton on the family, raising children in and according to the Word, and helping them develop a Christian worldview.  More than anything, I want my daughter to grow up to know, love, and serve the Lord.  And, I am always on the lookout for resources that will help me to be the kind of parent that practically points her to the cross.

War of Words: Getting to the Heart of Your Communication Struggles, by Paul Tripp – We are going to be reading through this book in our women’s Bible study this fall.  Proverbs 18:21 says that “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…”  I am looking forward to a great (and convicting) study! 

Big Truths for Young Hearts: Teaching and Learning the Greatness of God, by Bruce Ware – Sticking with my apparent (though completely unintentional!) theme of teaching, family devotions, and parenting…I also picked this one up on our vacation.  But, it is not included in my picture, because my sweet husband seems to have taken over possession of it.  He is planning on reading through it with several other men…so, I don’t think I’ll actually get my hands on it for a while!  But, on the off chance that he puts it down, I’ll leave it on the list, for now…but don’t be surprised if it reappears in a few months!

The Bible and The Closet, by Thomas Watson & Samuel Lee – I am still working on this one, from several months back.  It is not a quick or easy read.  The publisher says, in the preface, that it is “blessedly and distinctively different from the plethora of light and frothy devotional guides available in our day.”  But, are there any better topics in which to invest time and effort than learning how to read the Bible and how to pray effectively?  I don’t think so.

What’s on your nightstand?  Please leave me a comment if you are participating…I’d love to know what you are reading (or planning on reading) this month!  And, don’t forget to link up, and join in the fun over at 5 Minutes for Books!

Last month these books were on my nightstand…this month the stack has migrated to my desk.  And, you may notice that a few of the books are making a repeat appearance.  This past month did not yield as much reading time as I had hoped – even with a short list!!  Other projects commanded much of my time, attention, and several hours in which I should have been sleeping!  I am hoping this month will produce better results! 

The Bible (ESV): I am continuing on with this reading plan, and loving it! But, I am taking a bit of a detour this month, and spending a little extra time in the Psalms, preparing for a lesson at our women’s summer Bible study.  (Side note: This is one of the things I love about this reading plan…Because it is not based on a particular timeframe – one year, 90 days – you do not “fall behind” if you need, or just want, to spend some extra time on a particular passage or topic.  You simply pick up where you left off…and if you are using bookmarks for each section, this is very easy! Okay, commercial over.)

The Quest for Meekness and Quietness of Spirit, by Matthew Henry: This one has been collecting dust on my shelf for far too long!  I don’t plan on finishing it before next month, so you can expect to see this one hanging around for a little while.

The Christian’s Daily Walk, by Henry Scudder: My goal is to read this book at least once a year.  While the language may be a bit archaic (meaning you definitely need your thinking cap for this one!), the topics covered are just as relevant and practical for today: Beginning the Day with God, Signs of Worldly-mindedness, Eating and Drinking, Recreation, Sleep, Prosperity, Adversity, Anxiety, Fear, and the Peace of God.  Besides, you can’t really go wrong with a book that is recommended by both John Owen and Richard Baxter, can you?

The Duggars: 20 and Counting!, by Michelle & Jim Bob Duggar:  Yes, really.  And, I liked it!  Actually, this book belongs on the “already completed” list.  I read the day it arrived from Amazon – in just a few hours.  It was not, nor did it seem designed to be, a “how-to” manual for all Christian families.  But, they did offer some useful, and practical tips on organization, decision-making, debt-free living, homeschooling, and child-training (parenting).  If you have seen their shows on TLC (18 Kids and Counting) you will probably already know some of the stories shared in the book.  But, not everything has been covered on camera, so it was still an interesting, though easy, read.

When You Rise Up, by RC Sproul, Jr.: The subtitle is “A Covenantal Approach to Homeschooling.”  Theologically, I would not necessarily classify myself as “covenantal.”   But, this book has been recommended to me numerous times as a great resource to answer the question “why homeschool?”  I am only in chapter 1 at the moment (The Goal of Education), and I am looking forward to the rest!

And from last month:

Becoming A Woman of Spiritual Passion, by Donna Morley

His Word in My Heart, by Janet Pope

Please leave a comment if you are participating…I’d love to know what’s on your nightstand?  And, don’t forget to check out the other lists and join in the fun over at 5 Minutes for Books!

“The question is not whether or not our children sin later in life.  The question is, do we have a biblical obligation to train them before they leave home? Is there any biblical validity to the idea that Christian parents should allow their children to experiment with ungodliness?” (pg. 18)

As the mom of a young child, the years of training ahead of me (and my husband) can seem daunting, almost overwhelming at times.  Especially when I consider the number of “Christian” kids who leave the faith each year.  The thought of my daughter someday being among that number terrifies me.  And, that feeling is even more acute, seeing as how she will probably grow up as a “PK” – a Pastor’s (or Preacher’s) Kid.  Sadly, “the term preacher’s kid has become a euphemism for the poorly behaved, rebellious, oft-neglected sons and daughters of our leaders.” (pg. 15)  This phenomenon is not restricted to children of Pastors.  I have seen it happen to childhood friends, who grew up much like I did – in strong Christian homes, and under solid biblical teaching in their churches.  But, many have rebelled against, or in some cases, completely abandoned the apparent “faith” of their childhood.  It is a sad, sad thing to witness. 

“There are many worthwhile pursuits in this world, but few of them rise to the level of training our children to follow the Lord and keep His commandments.  I desperately want my sons and daughters to walk with God, and I am willing to do whatever it takes, whatever the Bible says I must do in order to be used by God as a means to that end.” (pg. 20)

In his book, Family Driven Faith, Voddie Baucham, Jr. uses the words of Deuteronomy 6 to offer hope and instruction to parents, and churches, who want to see their children walk with God, and are willing to do whatever it takes to see that happen.

When I first picked up this book, I was a bit wary that it would set the stage for little more than another spiritualized form of legalism that would only serve to produce little Pharisees.  But, in Chapter 4 (Give Him Your Heart), Baucham addresses this very issue.  He explains that, “legalism simply sets up external, extra-biblical standards that take the place of biblical thinking.” (pg. 85)  He emphasizes the importance and necessity of spending time training our children how to think biblically, and giving them the foundation of a biblical worldview.  “That is not to say that children armed with this information will never violate the principles they have been taught, but it will require thought-out rebellion as opposed to the logical assumption that the activity is justifiable.” (pg. 120).

Raising godly children takes time, commitment, and hard work.  We, as parents must be committed to teaching, and living out, the Truths of God’s Word in our homes.  “God has designed your family – not the youth group, not the children’s ministry, not the Christian school, but your family, as the principle discipling agent in your children’s lives.  The most important job you have as a parent is to train and disciple your children.” (pg. 118)

In Chapter 7 (Mark the Home as God’s Territory), Baucham asks a simple, but key question: “Why are we here?” (pg. 137)  He answers it this way, “if our family exists to glorify and honor God and to lay a biblical foundation in the lives of our children, then we must not allow anything to interfere with our commitment to family worship, prayer, and Bible study.” (pg. 138)  Family worship…I grew up in a strong Christian home, and while my parents occasionally tried to establish family devotions, for whatever reason it just never seemed to “take.”  This book offers seven practical principles for implementing, and conducting family worship in the home, and seven blessings that will come as a result.

Chapters 9 and 10 bring about the logical conclusion of implementing the truths and convictions so carefully laid out in the preceding chapters.  But, as the title of Chapter 9 asks, “Is the Church Ready for Family Driven Faith?”  Practicing family driven faith is going to require a revival within the church – one that is beginning with “the recent rise in parental awareness, desperation over the future of our families, churches, and communities, the homeschool movement, and the family-integrated church movement….” (pg. 169)  For some, the mere mention of the word “homeschool” will raise many a red flag about family driven faith, and the family-integrated church.  While it is true that many who follow these principles are homeschoolers, “this is not a question of homeschool versus non-homeschool.  The question is whether or not we are willing to adjust our entire lifestyle around the incredible responsibility God has given us to prepare our children to be launched from our homes as arrows (or ballistic missiles) aimed at the kingdom of darkness.” (pg 172)

We must realize that adopting the methods, principles, philosophies outlined in this book may require families to rethink their convictions on the role that the church plays in the training and discipling of their children.  This may mean that we conclude, as Baucham does, that the current model of church ministry is not working to this end.  Fully aware that many may disagree with this stance, Baucham addresses some of the more common questions and objections carefully and biblically.  In doing so, he points his readers to a somewhat radical approach to church ministry – in the form of the family-integrated church. 

“This term is used to describe churches that do not segregate their members by age.  There are not classes just for young married couples or teens or senior adults.  There are no youth groups or KidZones.  We view the church as a family of families and expect families to worship together and teach the Scriptures in their homes (hence no Sunday school).” (pg. 217, from the endnotes) 

Growing up in the church, I have seen many of the faults associated with the current models of church, youth, and children’s ministry.  And, I see the incredible possibilities that this paradigm-shift offers.  Although my current church does not follow a family-integrated model, I do not feel the need to “jump ship” as a result of reading this book.  Baucham says, “We probably can’t all go out and transform our congregations into family-integrated churches.  Nor do I think we need to.” (pg. 213).  I agree.  But, that does not excuse us, as parents, from doing the job that Scripture has called us to do – training, educating, and discipling our own children.  Regardless of what model of ministry our church leadership chooses to employ, our families can still uphold and incorporate the principles of “a biblical view of marriage and family, family worship and discipleship, Christian education, and biblically qualified leadership.” (pg. 213)

I cannot recommend this book highly enough.  You will come away challenged by Voddie Baucham’s biblical approach to parenting, discipleship, education, and ministry – and how they all fit together under the mandate of Deuteronomy 6:4-9,

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord God, the Lord one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”

“Real women need to know that being helpers to their husbands, raising godly children, and properly managing their homes takes real work, but the rich reward a woman receives by diligently tending to the ways of her household is well worth the effort.” (pg. xxi, from the Preface)

In their book, Passionate Housewives Desperate for God, that is exactly what authors Jennie Chancey and Stacy McDonald set out to explain.  They begin by saying,

“We, that is, Christians as a whole, spend far more time reading self-help books and listening to motivational speakers than we do reading God’s Word or praying and making our requests known to Him.” (pg. 11)  

A sad, but all too true commentary on our culture, where the so-called “Christian” self-help authors, false teachers, speakers, or bloggers are eager to tickle our ears, telling us that we need to take better care of ourselves, and that we deserve more.  I have heard one too many women whine and complain about their husband, their children, their home, their (expensive) car(s), and/or their lack of me-time…all because they believe that they deserve more, or better, than what they have been given.  And, I am tired of it.  And, apparently, I’m not the only one!

In contrast to this self-centered, entitlement mentality, this book reminds us that, “because of our sin, all any of us deserve is death and destruction.”  And, “regardless of our trials, not one of us is getting less that we deserve; we’re getting abundantly more!” (pg. 12)

From that point on, I was hooked.

Using the Bible as their authority, these ladies, wives and moms themselves, take on many of the myths, stereotypes, and sinful attitudes challenging today’s Christian housewife that, when left unchecked, will undoubtedly rob her of the joy and fulfillment that is to be found in embracing God’s ordained roles for men and women.  They deal with issues of: selfishness (chapter 2), perfectionism (chapter 5), the role and calling of women (chapters 3, and 6), and the dangers of the feminist agenda (chapters 8 and 9).

Chapter 4, deals with Weary Women.  It begins by discussing those who insist that, in order “to be truly spiritual or godly, you must have a ‘quiet time’ early each morning in peaceful solitude with the Lord.”  At first, I misunderstood this chapter as a defense, or an allowance for mothers of young children to forego time in God’s Word.  And, with such a great, solidly biblical start to the book, I was a little surprised, and disappointed.  But, upon re-reading, I was quite relieved to discover that was not at all the message that Stacy was trying to communicate!  She was simply affirming the very real difficulty that many women face at various stages of motherhood.  And, I appreciate her attempt to remove the unnecessary burden of legalism that is associated with the pursuit of the often unattainable, picture-perfect quiet time.  Instead of suggesting that young moms are exempt from spending time in God’s Word and prayer, Stacy offers the weary mom hope by sharing practical, real-life suggestions for making God’s Word “a continuous presence in your day (Psalm 119:116-117).” (pg. 53)

Chapter 6 deals with the reality that, “even in Christian churches, homemaking and motherhood have fallen from favor.” (pg. 84)  Instead of pointing to the way out of the terrible mess in which the world finds itself, we, as Christians, are posed to follow them right into the midst of it.  In this chapter, Jennie Chancey offers two reasons for this: “First, we have traded the clear teachings of the Bible for ‘hip’ and ‘relevant’ platitudes that affirm worldliness instead of confronting it.  Secondly, we have a narrow idea of what it means to be a keeper at home.” (pg. 87) 

The feminist agenda has crept in, relatively unnoticed, to many churches, and Christian homes.  As wives and mothers, we have forgotten that our family is to be our primary ministry, and our homes, are “the indispensable foundation stone of a healthy society.” (pg. 91)  Christian homes play vital role in serving, ministering to, and blessing others. 

“Being keepers at home is about focusing upon the Lord in all the everydayness so that our houses become centers of hospitality, forgiveness, training, business, welfare, charity, shared mourning and celebration, and – oh, yes – lots of tracked-in mud, crumbs under the chairs, and everything else that goes with human beings.” (pg. 94)

Far from the prison cell that the world would have us believe the home to be, these ladies show their readers how it can be a thriving, vibrant center for creativity, ministry, and training – both within our own families, and to others as well!  But, we must embrace a biblical view of our role as wives and mothers.  “If we view our God-given role as a punishment to women and the domesticity of the home as a cage, we…will indeed find ourselves in misery and lacking the virtue needed to truly love, obey trust and serve the Lord.” (pg. 133)  We must realize that, while they do exist, a Christian feminist is a stark contradiction.  In chapter 8, Stacy McDonald addresses the danger of women who “claim to hold Scripture in high regard, yet do not accept the biblically defined role distinctions between men and women.” (pg. 121)

This idea of dying to live, serving instead of being served, and being the least in order to be the greatest, is counter-cultural.  In the world’s eyes, it just doesn’t make sense.  But, as this book clearly shows,

“We are called to be different – not conformed to the pattern of this world but transformed by Christ (Romans 12:2).  We are to live in such a way that others may have hope.  When we trust in the Lord and submit to His design for marriage, family, home, and church, then our homemaking accomplishes far more than just making homes.  It has the power to impact countless lives and generations for the glory of God.” (pg. 163)

I would highly recommend this book to challenge and encourage you, as you seek to honor the Lord as a wife, mother, and homemaker - even, and especially, amidst the “everydayness” of life.

The last time I participated in this meme (way back in January!), my goal was to read 6 books, in addition to my daily Bible reading.

Of that list, I actually completed:

• Lord I Want to Know You, by Kay Arthur
• Passionate Housewives Desperate for God, by Jennie Chancey and Stacy McDonald – **My review is here.**
• Family Driven Faith, by Voddie Baucham, Jr. – **My review can be found here.**

I do have a few thoughts on each of these books.  But, I don’t want to say too much about them quite yet, as I am working on more detailed reviews for each one…to be posted in the not-too-distant future…I hope.  Of course, I also said that I wanted to participate in this meme (carnival?) a little more regularly as well, and you can all see how well that has worked out!

What is currently On My Nightstand?

The Bible (ESV) – This will always, I hope, be a constant.  I am continuing with this reading plan that I started in February…and loving it!  If you are on Facebook, check out Professor Horner’s Bible Reading Plan.  (It is worth checking out even if you aren’t on Facebook!)  It is thoroughly explained, easy to follow, and keep up with.  And, because you are reading a chapter from each of the major divisions of Scripture each day, it offers more variety and allows for more familiarity with the text than many of the plans out there (the one-year plan, the 90-day plan, and especially the “whenever you get to it” plan).  If you are looking for something to help you read systematically, develop consistency, and gain a better understanding of God’s Word, let me encourage you to check this one out! (Oh, and on a completely unrelated note, check out my new ESV Study Bible that my sweet hubby got for me!!)

Created to Be His Help Meet, by Debi Pearl – After seeing this book mentioned on several homeschooling sites/blogs that I frequent, it took the recommendation of a friend for me to finally pick it up and start reading.  I am about halfway through…

His Word in My Heart, by Janet Pope- Another recommendation…this time from my husband!  The subtitle reads, “Memorizing Scripture for a Closer Walk with God.”  Growing up in the AWANA program, the importance of Scripture memorization was ingrained in my thinking early.  And, for the most part, it has remained a constant part of my life.  However, the majority of what I memorized was a verse here, or a short passage there…occasionally a chapter, and every once in a great while, a whole book.  I believe that this is an extremely important, but all too often neglected discipline for the Chrsitian.  I am excited to read her suggestions for incorporating memorization and meditation into the busyness of everyday life.

Becoming A Woman of Spiritual Passion, by Donna Morley – I started this not too long ago…and am thoroughly enjoying it!  I really appreciate Donna’s straightforward, biblical style, and this one is more of the same.  I think I can safely say that she is definitely among my favorite authors.

It is a short list this month.  There are a few other books on my “to be read” list – some I own, some I don’t (yet!).  But, for now, these are the books that have made the short list, and taken up residence on my nightstand.  What’s on yours?