I am going through the list of education books that my sweet friend, Naomi, recommended. She is a classical, Christian educator. This is an excellent and highly useful book of introductions to worldviews. The author gives clear, concise intros to theism, deism, naturalism, Marxism, nihilism, existentialism, Eastern monism, New Age philosophy, and postmodernism. Our children are growing up in a world of ever increasing diversity, and I think it's essential to educate ourselves, as well as our children, about the variety of worldviews that they will be encountering. May our children love Jesus and His Word, shining as educated lights in this super dark world.
4. II Corinthians 12:8-10
Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weakness, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Paul asked the LORD to deliver him from his thorn in the flesh, but His answer didn't arrive in the way Paul had hoped. Instead, God gave him the strength of Christ. I am all too guilty of wanting the "thorn" to be gone instead of hoping for Christ's strength to endure that which God has called me to (because only HE knows BEST!). Weakness is truly a blessing in disguise. Why? Because "Paul's weakened condition made room for the strength of Christ, a strength he would need for all that lay ahead, a strength that would give him a larger capacity to enjoy the blessings that God had in store for him," (Brownback, Trust, p. 108).
Divine grace is sufficient.
I need to stop resisting and stop anxiously waiting for a way out.
Divine grace is sufficient.
If we are willing, we will find that we don't need God to remove the "thorn".
Yes, divine grace is sufficient.
I am praying that for those I love who have chronic illness and/or pain.
I am reminded, again, of Erin Fray. Please pray for her!
In light of those with chronic illness, me being on day #11 of some stupid head cold/sinus infection seems pretty insignificant. But, I too, covet your prayers. I am just not feeling well and have no energy like I normally do. I did start an antibiotic yesterday....hoping it helps! Praying I can get through my aerobics class tomorrow.
Last winter at Desiring God's Pastor's Conference that Brian attended, I came across an "On-the-Go" devotional for women entitled "Contentment". I was so desperately trying to be content in the new town God had just placed our family, and I was losing the battle. We bought the devotional and I began reading an entry each morning during my quiet time.
I was so impressed with this little devotional by Lydia Brownback. Each day I would underline nearly 1/3 of the devotion, writing notes to myself and praying over each Truth that I encountered. It was just what I needed on my journey to contentment. Ms. Brownback has also written devotionals on joy, trust, and purity. They are so amazing; I just finished her joy devotional and am now reading the one on purity.
What makes Lydia Brownback's work so special? It's "biblically rigorous" - I am daily challenged in my walk with Christ. It's deep (and I've read a lot of devotionals). It gives you a whole different, Christ-centered perspective on daily life.
On the back cover, Nancy Leigh DeMoss is quoted,
"Lydia Brownback calls Christian women to lift their eyes upward and find security, rest, and peace in a sovereign God whose promises never fail!"
And Elyse Fitzpatrick:
"Skillful devotionals for those who face the challenge to 'fit it all in'. Biblically rigorous and deeply perspective. Godly insights from a godly sister."
They are sooo good. Go to Amazon today and purchase one! God has worked amazing, supernatural things in my heart through His Truths in Brownback's devotionals. I pray that you are as blessed by her work as I have been. Let me know what you think of them, if you decide to purchase one.
Another book that arrived in my Amazon box yesterday (I just had to spend $25 for free Supersaver shipping!) was Elyse Fitzpatrick's book Give Them Grace: Dazzling Your Kids with the Love of Jesus. (Fun side-note: Elyse had some classes at Westminster Seminary California with Brian, and I had the wonderful opportunity of knowing her through some of the Wscal women's events!) I've only read the intro and first chapter so far, but it's been so good for me to read. I am such a law-girl; black and white; it's right or wrong and you'd better... Elyse discusses the immense importance of not driving law into your kids with a bunch of rules (that's why, according to her cited research nearly 88% of 'Christian' children 'are lost to utter rebellion or to works based cults'), but by gracious parenting.
I am an example girl; show me how it looks. And Elyse does. For example, Bennie is wiggling and talking during prayer time. A gracious response would be:
"Do you know why we love to pray, Bennie? We love to pray because our hearts were just like yours...all we wanted to do was have fun...but God changed our hearts...and showed us that even though we didn't love him or like to talk to him, he loved us anyway. And when you find out how kind someone has been to you and how amazing his love is for you, it makes you want to talk to him..."
I just pray and pray and pray that God would make me a wise, gracious parent whose children grow up to treasure Christ Jesus above all things.
I am so very thankful for women like Lydia Brownback and Elyse Fitzpatrick who write so that other women may benefit from their wisdom.
Enjoy! (And if you live near me and want to borrow them, let me know!)
I've been married to my best friend for nearly seven years and the LORD blessed us with our sweet son this last summer. After teaching middle school for six years, I have the privilege of staying at home to play house and raise our son. Having recently moved to the middle of no where from California, I am pursuing new hobbies to keep myself occupied: photography, blogging, and sewing. I'm also passionately studying classical education as well as pursuing my own holiness in Christ Jesus.
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