Dr. Russell Moore's latest book, Onward, tackles the issues facing the church today in America and how to rightly respond. It is a perfectly timed message and a must-read. Onward is centered on the gospel and saturated in grace and fixed on truth.
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In Priscilla Shirer's latest book, Fervent, women can gain the biblical wisdom and practical help they need to engage in passionate and purposeful prayer. Prayer seems to be the last resort for so many in our comfortable, American culture. But Priscilla does a wonderful job of giving a solid theological viewpoint on what prayer is and why we pray. She recognizes the battle we are in, the enemy we have, and the best, most under utilized, weapon to use.
She goes through every area of a woman's life and targets how and why the enemy attacks. Priscilla does a great job of reminding you of the spiritual battle you are in and what is at stake, but also provides numerous Scripture passages that reveal the promises of God so that you walk into the spiritual battle standing firmly on faith.
I didn't experience the tornado that ripped through Union University February 5th, 2008.
I transferred in that following fall semester and met plenty of people that were greatly affected by that storm. And as I heard stories, read the book God in the Whirlwind, watched the campus be reborn, and joined the Residence Life team, my life was forever impacted. Some of my best friends lived through that storm. And some of the most amazing testimonies of God's faithfulness and favor, grace and mercies came out of that storm. The promise that God brings renewal out of rubble is evidenced on that campus. But the threat of severe weather will always influence my emotions, my prayers, my actions. Severe weather easily stirs up anxiety and worry in me. It quickly brings specific people to mind to pray for. And it forces me to stay on top of the weather patterns and forecasts and be prepared. When storms approach, I am reminded of the great destruction they can cause. But, they also force me to cling to the great faithfulness of God they have displayed.
I stumbled upon Crystal Paine's blog, Money Saving Mom, awhile ago and have soaked up everything she has said since. Crystal helps women navigate through being frugal, living intentionally, and building personal businesses. She is genuine and helpful and inspiring. And I'm pretty sure we would be real life friends; there are so many things from her story that I resonate with.
So when the opportunity came to be part of the launch team for her newest book, Money Making Mom, I jumped on it. I knew this was a book I would want to read anyway and definitely fits for the season of life I'm in. I was a bit daunted when I first saw the book though. I'm not the fastest reader and don't retain things easily, so I thought it would take me a long time to get through the 218 pages. But it turned out to be quite a quick read. Crystal's writing is so approachable and easy to grasp. She connects with her readers through her honesty and practicality. I especially loved reading Crystal's personal account of finding her passions. It was encouraging to read it took her time to figure them out. It is so reassuring when others say they didn't always know exactly what path to take. Knowing it can take time to figure it all out is really comforting because that has been, and still is, my journey.
When people read Scripture, I think they tend to read more in the New Testament. Believers love pouring over the gospels and the letters, which is without a doubt wonderful. But the New Testament doesn’t make sense without the Old Testament. The Old is the context for the New. You can’t have the New without the Old. And the Bible those first believers had was the Old Testament.
I’ve always been intrigued with the Old Testament. Some of my favorite classes in college were the Old Testament ones. And anytime I get to read something that sparks a greater love for those unique books I jump at it.
Punch fear in the face.
Escape average. Do work that matters. Those are the subtitles to Jon Acuff’s newest book Start. And this book most definitely delivers those messages. Whether you are a student trying to figure out what the next step is, a stay-at-home mom figuring out how to best serve your family, a fifty-year-old back in the job market, or just desiring to live to your fullest potential this book is for you. In fact, I would recommend this book to everyone. It’s just that good.
I just finished reading the Explicit Gospel by Matt Chandler.
It is a wonderful book filled with Matt Chandler’s heart for the Lord and for the Church to truly grab hold of the whole gospel. And I most definitely recommend it. Chandler writes in an easy to read, yet academic way that I found intriguing. This post might be a bit scattered. But it all comes together in my mind. I think it makes sense. So just stick with me for a bit.
Music is powerful. Music is a tool that, if used properly, can change the hardest of hearts, provide hope to the forlorn, expose people to God, and direct people to His throne. Good lyrics hold immense power. Weighty lyrics and true emotion speak deeply.
I recently finished Elisabeth Elliot’s Let Me Be a Woman.
Elliot wrote it as a wedding present for her engaged daughter. It is filled with marriage advice in its simplest and purest form. Simple because of the short chapters and straightforward counsel. Pure because of Biblical wisdom displayed on every page. She has a distinctive writing style that doesn’t overwhelm you, yet leaves you examining your own heart and ways. Elliot shares what Biblical womanhood looks like and what being a godly wife entails. There is no doubt many in our culture would make a mockery of her humble words. But truth must be told. And Elisabeth Elliot remarkably provides insight into the role of a woman and wife, as God intended. |
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Sarah ConnatserSarah loves Jesus and her family and is passionate about addressing the urgent spiritual and physical needs around the world. She is the wife of Spencer and mama of Katherine and Claire, and they live in Nashville, TN. She runs a photography business with her husband and writes in order to offer encouragement and invite others to choose grace, joy, and gratitude in the adventure and the mundane. She loves traveling and reading; she will choose unsweet tea over sweet and bootcut jeans over skinny; and she is all sorts of awkward with small talk but thrives with deep conversations. |