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?

“God has given principles for all people to live by.  Christians are supposed to know exactly what these principles are and live by them, setting the example and upholding the standard.  Yet Christians can be some of the most careless and ungrateful and forgetful people.  We Christians can be responsible for leading the culture either away from God’s design or toward it….Christians truly have been a part of the problem, because we have been careless wit the standard.” (pg. 1)

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We live in a culture that is increasingly feministic, anti-Christian, and antagonistic to the standards set forth in God’s Word. And, sadly, even many churches have bought into worldly philosophies and practices because we, as believers, as the ones who claim to live under the authority of God’s Word, have neglected to carefully examine and study the standards and expectations laid out for us in Scripture…and then to obey them.

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So Much More: The Remarkable Influence of Visionary Daughters on the Kingdom of God, was written by sisters, Ana Sofia and Elizabeth Botkin (who were, at the time of writing, only 15 and 17 years old).  This book is not your stereotypical Christian-teenage-girl survival guide.  In a straightforward style, utilizing a question-and-answer format, these young women address many of the issues that weigh on the minds and consciences of young single women in their late teen to young adult years: parental authority and protection, submission, feminism, the influence of Marxism, higher education, careers, purity, marriage, and ministry.  Each chapter is full of helpful footnotes, Scriptural references, and testimonies of other young women who have battled the influence and pull of the feminist agenda, and are seeking to follow God’s plan for their own lives.  They also include two appendices: “Advice to Fathers,” an interview with their own father, and, a collection of quotes on the nature, design, and purpose of Militant Feminism.  Their goal is to encourage young women to rise above the mediocre expectations of the world, and to change it for the better. 

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One of the main themes addressed throughout this book is one that, I believe, is in desperate need of attention today.  In a culture where fatherhood, and masculinity in general, is consistently denigrated, belittled, and mocked from every platform, these young ladies rightly emphasize the father’s God-given authority over his home and family, and with it, his duty to protect his daughters – spiritually, emotionally, and physically.  As daughters themselves, they encourage other young women to respond to their father’s guidance, instruction, and authority, joyfully, showing a genuine desire for it through actions and attitudes that prove herself worthy of it. 

“A godly daughter is her father’s graceful pillar (Psalm 144:12).  In her daddy’s palace, she is beautifying, supportive, and hospitable.  When outside the walls of her daddy’s palace, she is his ambassador, representative, and “arrow in the hand of a mighty warrior” (Psalm 127:4).  Through her countenance, carriage, and demeanor, she leaves the world in no doubt that she is a girl submitted to her father’s protection, the daughter of a king, a princess worthy of honor.” (pg. 80)

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While Scripture has much to say about the relationship between men and women, and parents and children, the authors rightly observe that there is much biblical instruction given to the father-daughter relationship.  To fill in the gap and lend authority to some of their assertions, they (admittedly) use verses that offer instruction to a wife, or address authority and submission in the context of a husband-wife relationship, and apply it as a paradigm for father-daughter relationships.  Yes, a daughter’s consistent habit of respect, honor, and obedience to her father can be valuable training for submitting to, and helping her future husband.  And, a daughter can, and should, use her time, abilities, and talents to help her family.  But, a daughter was not created to be her father’s helpmeet.  That responsibility, and privilege, belongs to his wife.  While some of these verses may be applicable to most male-female relationships (father-daughter included), some are specific to the roles of a husband and a wife, and must be treated as such.

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Many of the ideas presented by the Botkin sisters will be seen as radical, and even extreme in today’s culture.  And, it is possible that much of what is presented, or perhaps even the book as a whole, will be summarily dismissed by many as legalistic.  But, “extreme measures are exactly what is called for, and that a drastic step in the opposite direction is exactly what we need to take.” (pg. 8, emphasis original). 

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But, so long as the extreme and drastic changes being called for line up with Scripture, they cannot necessarily be equated with legalism.  The authors offer this definition of legalism: “the fleshly pursuit of man’s moralism in hopes of earning salvation.  Joyful obedience, on the other hand, to all of God’s precepts, is the response of the grateful believer who has been saved by grace through faith.” (pg. 9)  They make it clear, throughout the book, that legalistic adherence to a set of man-made standards is not what they are suggesting or promoting.  Instead, they are exhorting young women to act in joyful obedience to God’s Word, as a result of and response to God’s grace in their lives.  

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And, I greatly appreciate and agree with that aspect of their message.  However, I am sad to say that I did not agree with everything presented in this book. 

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Most disagreements were relatively minor, and were not issues of theological or doctrinal error.  Instead, they could be classified as matters of preference.  In most cases, our differing opinions caused me to carefully analyze, pray about, and think through my own convictions on a particular issue, strengthening them in the process.

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But, there were some ideas presented which moved beyond issues of preference, and into areas of unsound interpretation or application of biblical passages and principles.  The majority of these instances were usually the result of absolute statements – specifically dealing with Christian higher education, the mode of feminine dress, and short-term international missions.  The majority of the problematic statements were made by one woman (not one of the authors, but a contributor who was quoted extensively throughout the book), who drew heavily on her own (negative) experiences to defend her conclusions.  Several of her opinions seemed to be based on incorrect interpretations of biblical passages, or personal experiences which resulted from an apparent lack of wisdom and discernment.  It is unfortunate, because many of her observations – though not true about all short-term missions organizations, or all Christian colleges or universities – were valid.  But, sadly, her false, blanket accusations of corruption and pragmatism caused many potentially helpful statements and practical insights to lose credibility.  Leaving the reader in the difficult position of attempting to untangle the faulty, experientially-based statements from the valid, biblically accurate observations. 

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Although I am beyond the age, and stage of life of the authors’ target audience, I still found many of the questions, topics, and issues addressed in this book challenging, timely, and thought-provoking…Especially from my perspective as a mother of a young daughter – who I pray will become a young woman of vision, and an influence on her culture for the Kingdom of God.  I truly wish I could offer it an unreserved, whole-hearted recommendation.  But, because of some rather significant lapses in discernment and interpretation, I cannot do that. 

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I greatly admire the young authors, and their desire to embrace, and pursue God’s highest calling for them, and the encouragement and exhortation they offer to their readers to live in zealous obedience to Scripture.  Doing so requires a radical departure from what have become the cultural norms of rebellion, rejection of parental authority, feminism, and gender-neutrality.  Yes, the ideas presented are extreme.  Yes, they are counter-cultural.  And, whether or not you agree, in whole or in part, they will make you think.  And, to a reader who is willing to exercise biblical wisdom and discernment, this would be a valuable resource.  In that case, I would say that I cautiously recommend it.  

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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!

This morning, I read Al Mohler’s newest article.  Then I immediately posted a link to it on Twitter – which, I was surprised to discover, lost me a few followers!!  On to Facebook – where it may have caused a few to “unfriend” me, I don’t know.  Let’s see who I can alienate here, shall we?

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Have you ever heard of a book called The Shack?  Yeah, me too.

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Like many people, I can’t even begin to count how many times I’ve been told to read it.  And, because some of those recommendations were coming from trusted sources, I did consider it.  But, then I read several glowing reviews, absolutely praising Young’s depiction of God, and our relationship to Him her…  Wait? What?!  That’s right, her.  But, instead of peaking my interest, all these positive reviews accomplished was to send up one red flag after another about the theologically questionable content of this book…and quite honestly, the discernment of those so highly recommending it.

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I later found several lengthy reviews on the opposite end of the spectrum.  Each one, carefully, and point-by-point, denounced the numerous doctrinal and theological problems contained within this book. 

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For the record, no, I have not read it.  At one point, early last year, I had planned to.  Not because I had any real desire to do so, or because I thought I would enjoy it, or benefit from it.  But, because I wanted to be able to knowledgeably respond to “fans” of the book, who were so quick to buy in to this mistaken theology. 

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While I respect and appreciate so many of those who did take the time to read this book, and to honestly, and thoroughly critique it, I realized that I did not need to fill my mind with this “fictional account” in order to converse about it intelligently, or to deepen my relationship with God.  What I really needed to spend my time doing was filling my mind with God’s Word.  Because that is where we are going to encounter God…where we will discover God’s character, and His holiness, and His plan for us…In the Truth of His Word, not in some work of fiction.

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Whether you have read this book for yourself – liked it or hated it, or had it recommended to you ad nauseum, or if you are simply wondering what on earth I am babbling on about (fair question!), then you need to go and read why Al Mohler calls The Shack “A disastrous failure of evangelical discernment.”

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!

“God greatly blessed me by allowing me to be born into a strong Christian family…My parents had not grown up in Christian homes, but God had saved them before I was born…They faithfully raised me according to biblical principles.  Our family regularly attended church, prayed together…My parents sent me to youth-group meetings, a Christian school, and a Christian college.  I grew up a fairly typical church kid.  Just before I turned four…God drew me to himself…At that time I repented of my sins and professed Jesus as my personal Savior.  I had a four-year-old’s understanding of the gospel and, in retrospect, I think a genuine conversion…I do not remember the time prior to my salvation.  I practically grew up Christian.” (pg. 19)

The statements above describe my upbringing, and my own testimony of salvation in amazingly accurate detail!  While this could easily be my own account, it is not.  The statements above are from Karl Graustein’s book, Growing Up Christian. 

Over the last few months, I have become increasingly aware that being a “church kid,” or, “growing up Christian,” is often perceived as a liability, even by many within the church.  And, if popular research is to be believed, “growing up Christian” produces more hypocrites and apostates than genuine believers.  After reading and/or hearing about a few books directed at stemming the tide of supposedly “Christian” kids leaving the church upon graduation from high school, the title of this book was enough to make me curious.  

Because he grew up as a church kid, the author is able to offer a unique perspective on the challenges, dangers, temptations, and tendencies of kids who grow up in the church.  But, unlike other books addressing the great exodus of young adults from the church, his target audience is notthe parents.  Graustein is writing to the current generation of kids, teens, and young adults growing up in the church, in Christian homes, and Christian schools and/or colleges.  His passion – which is evident throughout this book - is to help them recognize, and safely navigate, the dangers and temptations commonly faced by young people growing up in Christian environments.  But, his passion extends beyond recognizing the dangers, to helping them truly understand the great blessing that it is to grow up in the church.

The book is divided into three sections.  The first several chapters deal with recognizing the blessings and dangers of being a “church kid.”  The second section explains the importance of thinking biblically.  And the third part sums up his message that church kids have been given so much.  But, he explains that knowing about the Bible is not the same as living biblically. 

Chapter 3, “Un-amazing Grace,” discusses the differences in the way that church kids view and experience the saving and forgiving grace of God, versus those who are saved later in life.  Church kids are often saved at a young age, so they “can erroneously think that salvation did not make any difference in [their] life.” As a result, they are “tempted to be un-amazed at the saving grace of God.” (pg. 52)  But, he goes on to remind church kids of the blessing of being saved at a young age, and all that they have been protected from,

“Church kids should be some of the most appreciative people on the earth.  God has shown us amazing grace not only in saving us, but also in saving us at such a young age and placing us in Christian homes where we can be protected, trained, and discipled.  God has shown us immense favor every day of our lives.” (pg. 53)

In the second section of the book, the author shifts his focus from the dangers and blessings of growing up Christian, to the need for church kids to think biblically, and develop their own convictions, based on Scripture. 

“It is far too common to hear of church kids who have walked away from their faith.” (pg. 140)  I would venture to guess that most people who spent the majority of their childhood and young adult years in a Christian environment, know of at leastone person (or, sadly, more) that has walked away from their professed faith in Christ.  According to the author, the reason so many church kids walk away from the church is “due to a lack of a personal relationship with God and a firsthand knowledge of biblical truths.  When our beliefs are just copies of our parents’ values or what’s expected of us at our Christian school, we probably do not have genuine faith.” (pg. 140)  In these chapters, Graustein urges church kids to stop resting on their pastor’s sermons, their school’s expectations, or their parents’ rules to guide their “convictions.”  He encourages them to study the Bible for themselves, and to learn the truths of Scripture, so that they can develop their own convictions.  But, he is also careful to warn them that studying the Word is not for the purpose of amassing knowledge.  The end result should be to develop a growing love for God, out of which flows trust, worship, and obedience.

“It isn’t enough to know the facts of the Christian faith.  We need to think seriously about them, know why they are important, and take them to heart.”  (pg. 141)

The last several chapters focus on just that – taking the facts of the Christian faith to heart, and living biblically. 

The chapter entitled “The Fight of Your Life” (ch. 10), was a good example of the difference between simply knowing what the Bible says about sin, and actually living it out.  “Church kids know a lot about sin.  Having been taught the standards of Scripture our whole lives, we know what we should and shouldn’t do.” (pg. 78)  Graustein then goes on to describe five critical mistakes that church kids often make in their battle with sin: We do not take sin as seriously as we should; we wrongly categorize sin as “major” or “minor”; we lack perseverance in battling our sin; we battle our sinful actions, but we fail to deal with our sinful hearts; and we confuse godly and worldly sorrow. (pgs. 178-179)  He also offers sound biblical responses to help them think biblically about their sin, and to put off sin and put on righteousness (Eph. 4:22-24).  But, putting off sin and putting on righteousness is not what saves us.  As he often does throughout the book, Graustein points his readers back to the cross, reminding them that, 

“Only Jesus Christ who has paid the price for our sins can restore our relationship with God.  Yet the life of a Christian should be marked by obedience and a deep desire to live in a way that pleases God.” (pgs. 189-190)

In light of all the “negative press” that surrounds church kids today, this book is a wonderful reminder, to teens and parents alike, that while there are challenges, temptations, and struggles associated with being raised in a Christian environment, “Growing Up Christian” is also a privilege, and a great blessing!

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!

My husband recently picked up a book on Scripture memorization, and I was very excited to get my hands on it.  The value and importance of Scripture memorization was ingrained in my thinking early.  And, I believe that this is an extremely important, but all too often neglected, discipline for most Christians…simply because they (mistakenly) think they do not have enough time. 

In her book, His Word in my Heart, Janet Pope says, “I present an alternative for the frazzled, guilt-ridden woman who longs to know God and His Word but hasn’t yet found a way to accomplish this amidst the unrelenting treadmill of activities.  I cannot add one more hour to your day, but I can help you change the minutes and the moments you already have.” (pg. 11) 

For years, she has been using those once-idle and overlooked moments to memorize, not just snippets of Scripture here and there, but whole chapters and entire books of the Bible!  And, she did this with children and teenagers!   She says,

“With two small children and a never-ending list of things to do, there were no extra time slots in my day….I trained myself to use moments throughout my day when my hands were busy but my mind was free.  Household chores required busyness but not thoughtfulness, so I included Scripture memory in my daily routines: showering, drying my hair, folding laundry, vacuuming, waiting in traffic or at the dentist’s office.  Minutes that were once idle became opportunities to get to know God’s Word.”  (pg. 10)

This book is designed to be “intensely practical.”  And, it is!  You will notice that she advocates memorizing passages and books, not individual verses.  It is her opinion that memorizing passages, chapters, or entire books is more beneficial than memorizing independent verses.  She says, “You will get a more complete picture if you memorize verses that go together….Memorizing entire books or passages will keep intact God’s succession of ideas, without interruption.” (pgs. 36-37)  She goes on to explain that memorizing single verses, out of their original context, can often lead to misinterpretation and wrong application. 

Perhaps memorizing an entire book of the Bible, or even just a chapter, seems like an impossible challenge.  Yes, it requires work.  But, as you will see through Pope’s own experience and careful illustration of her method, it is not impossible. 

Three of the 9 chapters of this book are devoted to helping the reader memorize 2 passages of Scripture – Psalm 1 (which is only 6 verses), and the book of Titus (dealing with chapter 1 in one chapter, and chapters 2-3 in the other).  Pope helps to show her readers how to break down larger portions of Scripture, into more manageable daily sections (one verse each day).  She also offers helpful suggestions, or reminders, to use those “idle moments” to review what has been learned so far. 

In keeping with her goal of intense practicality, Pope shares that, “It’s not enough just to know the words of the Bible; rather, we need to be so immersed in God’s Word that we will think biblically…To have the exact words stored in my brain is a valuable asset, but it will never be enough.  If I go no deeper than just ‘the words,’ it will be a waste of time, an exercise in futility.” (pgs. 151-152)  She helps her readers to go deeper than just the words, by suggesting questions to think through while meditating on a passage, so that they move beyond knowledge to application and obedience.

No, there is no clear command in Scripture to memorize.  “There will be no checklist or prize at the pearly gates for the number of verses quoted.  What matters is a life that has been transformed by the sword of God’s Word penetrating deep into our souls and making us more pliable and yielding to His will.” (pg. 87) 

Throughout this book, I was so impressed and encouraged by this author’s love for God, and her passion to know Him by knowing His Word.  She understands that “God desires for us to know Him intimately, and that’s why He gave us His written Word.  It is God’s revelation of Himself….The goal is to know God and to walk closely with Him – nothing more, nothing less.” (pg. 30)

If your goal and desire is to know God intimately, then you must know His Word.  Memorization is simply one way to accomplish that.  If you need help getting started this book is a wonderful source of encouragement and instruction as you seek to pour yourself into God’s Word.

“Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.” ~Psalm 119:97 (ESV)

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!