Sisters Chat (BOOKS, Part Two)

Lizzi: Today I want us to continue talking about books. Ready?

Maude:  Ready

Lizzi: First question: Are you in the midst of reading something right now? If so, what?

Maude: Oh dear - it isn't something I would recommend though... Should I still say it?

Lizzi:  Haha! Yeah, just give the disclaimer

Esther: Maude, what are you reading?!

Lizzi: I know! We're all in suspense!

Maude: I am currently reading a paranormal romance by Shana Abe. It is about people who turn into dragons during the regency area (think Jane Austen). I really LOVE the idea of combining paranormal and historical romances but this one is a little more risque than I like. That is the only reason I wouldn't recommend it.

Esther: I am reading way too many books right now... ahh!

Maude: The reason I started reading it is to broaden my romance horizons since I've just started writing in that genre I need to read more different type of romance novels

Lizzi: So kind of a homework assignment?

Maude: Exactly, Liz. But I am a "sweet" level reader not a "spicy" or "sensual" reader or writer.

Esther: I am reading "Give them Grace" by Elyse Fitzpatrick and Jessica Thompson, which I highly recommend. It is a wonderful book on being gracious with your children. Also, I am doing a book study with some ladies and we are reading "Lies Women Believe" by Nancy Leigh DeMoss.

Maude: I LOVE "Lies Women Believe"! I always recommend that as a study!!

Lizzi: Ooh. I may have to check out "Give them Grace"! I am always looking for helpful parenting books. I am reading 'Shepherding a Child's Heart" right now, by Tedd Tripp.

Christian Conference

I just got home from spending a week in Germany.  I attended a conference for Christian filmmakers in Europe (and other parts of the world).  It was a wonderful week of business, faith and encouragement.

The fact that was most impressed on me was the varied beliefs that the groups held while still holding the common goal of using film to reach the world for Christ.  I, personally, disagreed with most of the other Christians there on one view or another (European Christians tend to be much more liberal than many American Christians) but that didn't matter.  We were united under something far more important than theology - we were united by our love for Christ.

another birthday apart

We have been married for two years and a couple for over four years. You have grown four years older and still, we have not spent one of your birthday's together. This year is no different.  I have been doing some calculating and it would seem we have spent about 15 months of our four years of being a couple together (give or take a little). We once lived with a country between us and now we sit with the world between us.

Goodbye, Facebook!

Recently, as Facebook has been introducing changes and as they have had their big F8 meeting to introduce the upcoming makeover, I have read various articles that speak of the users' connection to the social network in "relationship" terms. One article even states that "more and more people visit Facebook out of necessity rather than desire." Necessity? Really? The claims are that the attraction has "gone stale" but that people do not leave because "all their friends are there." Okay, but "necessity?" Isn't that overreaching a little? If Facebook has become a necessity for me, then it is time to step back, evaluate, and properly realign my priorities. Sure, it is great to have a place where friends and family can connect from afar. We can share little tidbits from our day and peruse each other's photos. Nice, but not necessary. There are other means to connect (perhaps we have just forgotten?) and on a more intimate level than just a 20-word post or status update.

I have also been considering (or perhaps convicted of) Facebook's encouragement of self-elevation and focus. I find that I think of cute or clever thoughts, quotes, or happenings and phrase it in the wittiest way I can. Or, I talk about something absolutely adorable that my son has done or said. Then, I wait to see who'll "like" or comment on it. Am I the only one so easily self-focused? Please tell me I'm not! At any rate, I realize that I need no encouragement to put myself first, and Facebook does a pretty good job of feeding my love of self. Since everything that is said is seen by all, it is only human to want to display a stellar image. But, I am realizing that it is because of these things that I need to "take a break" from the social network arena for awhile. I need to evaluate whether the bad aspects of it outweigh the benefit it brings to my life. While I am thankful that Facebook easily connects me with loved ones who are not nearby, I am lying to myself if I say that is the only reason I am using it. I could call them, email them, send them a note, and share pictures through an alternate (and more private) source.

Christmas bells are ringing!

'Twas the Night B
Me and my little boy have started our Christmas time- music listening. A little early, perhaps? I think not! It is hot chocolate season, sweater season, and most certainly Christmas music season! We have been dancing to "jingle bell rock" and I have been singing him, "Hark the Herald Angels sing".   I got my early Christmas  bug from my Mother "A Visit from St. Nicholas" (aka "Twas the Night before Christmas") is her all time favorite poem; no matter what time of year.  "It has such great descriptions and brings such wonder, taking you straight back to Christmas as a child." We started early our Christmas celebrations growing up and I have every intention of doing that now! Bring on the Jingle bells!


                       'Twas the Night Before Christmas  
       (or A Visit from St. Nicholas) by Clement Clarke Moore (1823)
(or A Visit from St. Nicholas) by Clement Clarke Moore (1823)

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

Sisters chat (crazy kids)

 Esther:  Well, I thought we would talk about our kids since we all have them First question: what is the most embarrassing thing your child (or children) have done in public?
My little man is still fairly young but we have managed to have our share of embarrassing moments
  Lizzi: I can't think of anything embarrassing right now! I know I am probably jinxing myself, but my oldest is pretty reserved in public. Maybe with my second when he's a little older! 
 Maude:  We went to Chick-fil-A one day and Milton was really tired (we'd been swimming and shopping hard all morning!) - we should have just headed home.  Anyway, he wanted to walk across the parking lot holding my hand not his father's hand and he wouldn't stop crying!   He was so upset and every time we tried to shush him he only got more upset an consequently louder.  Poor little guy he wasn't throwing a fit about wanting a Happy Meal or anything just about wanting to hold his mom's hand.  It was sweet (in a way) but we ended up leaving and putting him down for a nap.  That'll teach us to EVER go out to eat with such tired kids!!

The Responsibilities of Womanhood

I've been thinking a lot about the expectations of Womanhood lately, of all the different things that women are expected to be good at and to take care of.  The list is overwhelming:

baby grin

When my son started smiling it was the sweetest thing; that little gummy smile I didn't think my heart could take it. 

Standing with a Sister

I am sure that some of you are familiar with The Voice of the Martyrs organization. They work with Christians who live in nations that are hostile to the gospel, or Christians who are persecuted for their faith.

In June of 2009, Asia Bibi was arrested for speaking the truth of Jesus to Muslim co-workers as she worked picking berries in the Punjab province of Pakistan. She was charged with blasphemy and sentenced to death. She is in jail awaiting her execution as I type this. The Voice of the Martyrs have started a petition, that I now encourage you to sign, which calls for Asia Bibi's release from prison and will be delivered to the Pakistani Embassy in Washington D.C.

“Rejoice in the Lord always;” in context

I love Paul’s exhortation for us to rejoice in the Lord always in Philippians 4:4, but I am afraid that too often we forget what was going on in Paul’s life when he wrote this, let alone the proceeding verses. If we put this verse on plaques, and even in our heads, and forget the context of this verse it will lose much of its weight. We must remember that Paul wrote from prison (1:7b; 13b).