Book Review: A Century Turns By William Bennett

I received this complementary book from publisher Thomas Nelson, to review and was not sure if I would enjoy it. Fiction is more my style! I was surpised by how much I wanted to continue reading once I started. Bennett recaps the last 20 years (1988-2008) of political and cultural history in America. He was personally involved in many of the events he records and adds stories as he remembers things. There is a definite conservative spin to his writing, but he is fair to all. I was a very young child when the events at the beginning of this books took place and was blissfully unaware of the turmoil. As the book progressed I was able to remember and identify with what was happening in the US. One thing I enjoyed was that Bennett told and connected events I did not know happened. This is a book I will be able to use to tell my children about the world during my childhood.

Just a side note...

Today Eli told me he had to go the the bathroom! Yes! This happened TWICE yesterday as well! I am so excited! For MONTHS Eli has used the potty when I have taken him, but never tells me, so this is a BIG deal! I am thrilled! There is hope!

We've come so far since almost a year ago when We started working on being comfortable with the toilet!

Perhaps you have noticed (or maybe not) that I have not posted anything about the kiddos lately. This is because I don't have pictures of them. My camera has decided to eat batteries at an alarming rate, so I gave up on it. I have hopes of getting a new camera and then I shall shower you with photographs of my beautiful children and yummy food.

Strong or Spoiled

I am almost done with Beth Moore's study on Esther. Today she asked us a question she has been asking herself since the beginning of writing this study- Am I strong or am I spoiled?

Am I spoiled by the nice house, car, clothes, food, etc. I have? Satan thought Job was spoiled and would not worship God if he were not blessed. Job was strong. He stayed faithful to God through adversity.

All for you

Andy and I have been reading through Paul's letters to the church at Corinth and if you have read these you may recall that he is offensive. Even as a believer in Christ, I read what he had to say and think, 'wow, that was harsh!' And the church was offended by his exhortation, at least for at first. Somehow though, Paul spoke truth and preached what they needed, but didn't want, to hear; and while they didn't like it, they did listen. They took to heart what Paul had to say. No one likes to be told they are wrong.

What made the church at Corinth receptive to what Paul had to say? How did Paul teach Truth without pushing the believers further away?

Paul points out that what he says and what he does are judged by God and that God knows he speaks for the benefit of the Corinthians. Second Corinthians 12:19 says "All this time you have been thinking that we are defending ourselves to you. Actually it is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ; and all for your upbuilding, beloved."

Did you hear that?
all for your upbuilding
Paul loved those he was writing to and that love was evident in his actions, making it easier to accept his exhortation!

Am I open to learning God's Truth presented in His Word and by way of other believers? Do I speak the truth in love? What is my motive in telling another believer something?

Monkey See, Monkey Do

Everyday they are watching me. Listening to me. What am I showing them?


I want to be able to say, as Paul did to the church in Philippi, "The things you have learned and recieved and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you." (Phil. 4:9)

How will I live? How will you live? Who is watching you?

Help for Haiti!

At this time last year my younger brother was in Haiti. After Christmas he spent a couple weeks at an orphanage with Haiti Lifeline Ministries. He has several friends who returned this year and were there when the earthquake shook Haiti. Some of his friends have returned to the States, but others are still there. Their families have started a facebook group with updates.

Many bloggers are supporting the relief effort in Haiti, you can find see them here. This month my family can help! We are going to donate a quarter of our grocery budget to Compassion International. We will eat food we already have because it is so much more than the Haitians have! Every little bit helps! What will you do! Visit Money Saving Mom to find out what you can do!