Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Kingdom Woman by Tony Evans and Chrystal Hurst

I received a copy of this book for free to review. I am so glad I did! This book pairs very complimentary with another book we were using in our small group study. This book, Kingdom Woman, by Tony Evans and Chrystal Evans Hurst, helps show God's love in obvious and tangible ways. It reminds us that God uses the imperfect in his perfect plan. The authors remind us that "Happiness is...a benefit- not the goal or driving force of destiny for a kingdom woman" (Pg6). Evans also points out that, "the church has settled for buildings and programs instead if teaching men and women how to access the authority of the kingdom" (pg7). So many times I have felt devoid I that area, but at a loss for what to do to fix the issue of the focus being on "doing" church instead of operating in the kingdom and "being" the church, or bride of Christ. My husband and I are trying to work in the direction of operating from a kingdom perspective. We want our desires to be second to the ones God has for his Kingdom. It isn't an easy choice, especially in a consumer driven society. But as this book and others in the kingdom point out, our blessings are not all for our consumption. That is something the deceiver has been good at deceiving well meaning Christians to think. I look forward to re-reading this and doing it as a study with a friend or two for some good discussion. 


Q & A with the authors of this book!- On why this book, what it is about, why it is different, etc.

Author Memes- Good quotes from the book to get a feel for what it is about.


Thursday, August 08, 2013

Ann Voskamp- Angry

"I’m angry at sin that smothers children and selfishness that steals human dignity and apathy that infects the hearts of the comfortable. And I pound my own chest.

I’m angry at me.

Angry at how much I want comfortable more than I want Christ.

Angry at how much I want to forget that grimy boy leaned over a garbage heap, wiping his fingers along the inside of food tray, looking for anything left. I’m wildly angry that I want to forget the struggle of the poor so I can pin the next pretty idea on Pinterest.

I’m angry that I’ve seen and I’m ashamed that I am angry and I’m angry that I’ve seen and now I am responsible. More than respons-able – we’re response-bound. Once we have seen the poor, we are responsible — we will make a response. As long as your heart is beating, there’s no such thing as unresponsive. We all look into the face of the poor and it’s either Yes, I will help. Or no, I won’t.

There’s no getting off the hook." [Ann Voskamp]

Tuesday, August 06, 2013

fundraising update

We are at $6500 so far! I am so amazed by the support and generosity we have been shown by friends and family thus far. We are so thankful for every sacrifice you and your families have made for us. It has meant so much. I wanted to post some pictures from the events we have had so far. I also added another tab at the top- budget friendly ideas- and updated the adoption timeline.
Donations dropped off in our carport

Presale in the living room

Sorting the day before the sale

The sale in full swing

The boys running the lemonade stand

Family at the Ice Cream Social
Ice Cream Recipes

Toppings galore!

Mixin' station ready

Mix-master Dan ready for some action

Flyer from Pizza Ranch Event