Woman of Faith Dallas (Wrap Up)

We are freshly home from this year's Women of Faith Dallas.  Thanks to Booksneeze.com for my tickets - I won them!  I took Lauryl and we were truly blessed by all of the speakers and music artists.  I continue to feel a true honor standing among 30,000+ women, and being free to worship together.   Mandissa and Amy Grant were incredible, as always.  Although, the fact that Amy Grant is now 50, made me feel quite old.  Wasn't I just 14 be-bopping to Baby, Baby in the bathroom mirror?  Mandissa has more exuberance and love that anyone I've ever witnessed.  Completely blessed by her talent and outpouring.  That girl has something special.  It was fantastic to see Andy Andrews - and hear more of his stories.  You can read my review of his latest book here.  The other speakers were encouraging, and of course very funny.  I think I was touched the most by Micro - the new project for World Vision.  As an entrepreneur; and having a business that is abundant, how can I not get involved here.  Watch this clip, and please, if you feel amazed like me, join up now!

It's Your Kid Not A Gerbil Coming Soon!

I was so excited to learn about Dr. Kevin Leman's newest book - It's Your Kid, Not A Gerbil.  Some of us tend to live in the go, go, go environment; pushing our kids to the brink of "too much".  Check out this video, and see a little trailer of Leman's new offering.

First Day of 6th Grade - Finding The Key Verse

I was in need of a key verse for our school year.   I found one that hit home for us this year.

 “And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father." (Colossians 3:17)

I love that this version says, "do it as a representative".  So just what is a representative?  To act, or speak on behalf.  Elected.  Chosen.  Ambassador.  Isn't that just what we are - chosen and elected ambassadors to speak on behalf of what we know about God and His great and unfathomable love.  Aren't we the ones that are to act with love, patience and seek goodness?  I'm so honored that this is my position in the great scheme of things.  Pertaining to home school - EVERYTHING we do as parents needs to reflect this calling.  And EVERYDAY we need to teach our children through speech and deed that we are always representing Christ - no matter if we are speaking to the masses or to each other. This year, we are determined to love like Christ, speak the truth, help the helpless and be holy representatives.

Our first day of 6th grade was excellent.  I stood on the back patio with my best friend last night - retelling the story of how nervous I was right before we began our first year of homeschooling.  That the eve of our first day was filled with anxiety and the need for perfection.  Thankfully, this year was completely different.   I sat back with ease, knowing that we CAN actually do this and to GREAT success.  I stopped sweating the little things (the fact that we are moving soon and we are surrounded by half packed boxes and mess).  I focused more on having enjoyable moments with my growing-too-fast daughter.  It worked beautifully...and we are so incredibly blessed with a man (Honey, Daddy) that makes this all possible.  We woke to white calla lilies and a note that said, "Lacey and Lauryl - Have the best first day of school, to my best girls."  So, if you are sacrificing not only your time today but your money to stay home and educate your children, hug your man when he gets home.  Let him know that all the hard work he is doing for you is greatly appreciated.

Some of today's highlights:

• Lauryl begging for science not to be over, because in her mind, science isn't learning, it's doing.  Bet she wears a lab coat as an adult. 
• Watching her try to paint like Joni Eareckson Tada, to understand that with art comes frustration.  But your efforts far outweigh your annoyance with lack of natural talent.  
• Learning about how this little blood sponge in a giraffe's brain keeps it from dying when it takes a drink.  LOVE when creation defies evolution. 
• Watching Lauryl clutch her heart during the prologue of Robin Hood.  Total hopeless romantic.  She's definitely going to require a wooing husband. 
• Listening to her recount where we left off in Bible history.  Realizing that we are in Shem's family tree is eye-opening and special.  

How was your first day?

The Seraph Seal Book Review

Book Review of The Seraph Seal
by Leonard Sweet and Lori Wagner

     Finally, an interesting novel.  The book begins in 2012 when the "eight" are born.  (Not wanting to give away what that means) Fast forward we stop in 2048 when ancient prophecy is unfolding.  The world as we know it begins to come to an end - mass chaos, destruction and strange natural phenomenon.  According to the author, "The Seraph Seal combines apocalyptic intrigue with a journey of love and discovery that blurs the lines between fact and fiction.  It will lead you into a world where only you can determine the future of the earth as we know it." 
     I have a lot of pros and cons with this novel - more than usual.  Let's start with the pros.  Research is evident.  Sweet and Wagner obviously went above and beyond in their research of nations, cultures, many religions, Revelation, prophecy, even prophetic art and signs.  I was thoroughly impressed with the back fifth of the book, which contains "Notes, Charts and Symbols", and also an "Alphabet of the Apocalypse".  Since the novel is very intelligent in thinking, and combines many different views, this helpful information allows you to wrap your mind around the story.
     Considering now the cons.  Unfortunately within it's 420 pages of story, I did find a good amount of lag.  Almost enough for me to have trouble wanting to pick up the book each day.  The characters are very well developed - to the point that you may know too much useless information on each one.  Sometimes that author shares a little too much, and makes what is coming next in the book a little obvious.  Also, the end of the book is totally conjecture.  Sweet, taking from what he knows from ancient Scripture, has put his own spin on the end of times.
     Would I recommend this book?  Yes, to the thinking man that enjoys a good adventure.  No, to someone looking for factual information on the apocalypse.  If you want the best story ever written on the end times, check out The Bible's Revelation.  John's first hand account always thrills.

(I received this book free from BookSneeze.com as part of their blogging program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.")