Movie

Facing the Giants starts today!

Update: from the Facing the Giants website: In the movie business, an independent film has to have more ticket sales than the other movies in the theater otherwise it's dropped to make room for new releases. Opening weekend attendance and sold out showtimes tells theatre management and other moviegoers that Facing the Giants is a movie worth seeing!

Let's tell Hollywood that we want more family-friendly, faith-focused movies!!

Here's a synopsis of the movie I found on Fandango:

"A Christian high school football coach uses his undying faith to battle the giants of fear and failure. After learning that he and his wife Brooke (Shannen Fields) face infertility, Grant Taylor, (Alex Kendrick) searches for hope and a stronger purpose for his football team. Filled with South Georgia football and clean humor, Facing the Giants is [a] family movie inspiring viewers to live with faith and love!"


Sounds GREAT--I can't wait to see it! You can go to Fandango, type in your zip code, and find a theater near you that will be showing the movie.

See this post to watch the trailer.

Substitution

I'm making a substitution in my reading list. I'm abandoning Captivating because it is just not what I need in this period of my life. I keep wanting there to be more depth and spiritual meat about being a woman in God's kingdom, but I'm not finding it. I skimmed the last chapter and it seemed good, but as far as I got in the book it was mostly fluff about how women love to be romanced and be part of a great adventure...yeah, I know that, but how exactly does that apply to me as a wife, mother, daughter of the King? Maybe there are lots of women out there who have had experiences that caused them to lose their identity as a woman, a woman made especially by God to be female and all that encompasses. I already know that about myself, so I feel I'm just not in a place where Captivating speaks to me. If you would like to read it, email me.

So, with that said, I'm bringing in Unveiling Glory: Visions of Christ's Transforming Presence. Written by two professors from Abilene Christian University, this book is meaty!













It looks at Christ and what we can learn from the fact that he came to earth in the flesh and how our view of Him affects our entire lives. Here's an excerpt of what I read last night:

To orient us to his new radical vision of new life, Jesus did not call people to become members of an institution. He called people to himself, because within the person of Jesus, the world-affirming and world-rejecting dimensions of God's work exist side by side, in harmony: "Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant will also be" (John 12:26). The disciple is immersed into Christ, connecting intimately to Jesus' heart and lifestyle and enjoying communion with God. Jesus called people to become disciples whose allegiance to him--and therefore to God's plan for the world--would be absolute and uncompromising. This is what is means to believe in Jesus, to have faith in Christ. -Unveiling Glory, p. 28 (bold mine)

Now that is challenging!

Reading Challenge Update

I finished my first book for the Fall Into Reading Challenge, Divine by Karen Kingsbury. This is the second of her books I have read, and I have enjoyed both of them. I read it in two days; I simply could not put it down. It is a great story of God's ultimate love and redemption. I highly recommend it!


I'm now reading Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge. So far I'm not particularly "captivated" by it, so to speak--I've read the first chapter twice (once before this challenge started). I do hope it gets better...I'll let you know.


What are you reading these days?

WFMW Classic

It's classics week. Here's a past idea of mine:

I have two laundry baskets in our closet. One is white for light/white clothes. The other is blue for dark/colored clothing. The dirty clothes are put immediately into the proper basket which saves time sorting later. I just take the one that's almost full to the washing machine and start the process. Works for Me!
















Go see many other great ideas at Rocks in My Dryer.

On Trust

"When I am afraid,
I will put my trust in You.
In God, whose word I praise;
In God I have put my trust;
I shall not be afraid."
~Psalm 56:3-4a

God has really been getting my attention lately! I'm involved in two Bible studies and our family is also part of a Life Group on Sunday nights where we are studying the book of Mark. Last week all three of these studies were about knowing and applying God's Word in our lives and how important being steeped in His Word is for us and our children. I love it when God coordinates my studies to send me a clear message.

This week God is teaching me about trust. My lack of it. I think I have mentioned here that it is a possibility that our family will move to Singapore in a couple of years for hubby's job. That part doesn't scare me one bit (which is definitely a testament to God's peace!). I've been to Singapore a couple of times and lived overseas before, so the thought of living in another country isn't frightening to me.

The part I'm having trouble trusting Him with is when (if) we will have another child. You see, the planner in me knows that Caleb will be about 3 when we go to Singapore, and I have always wanted to have children about 3 years apart. It does not appeal to me to have a baby overseas where my family is not. It does not appeal to me to wait until we get back, possibly having our children 5 years apart. You see where this is going. If my fears seem ridiculous, that's because they are. Who am I, and what power do I have over these things anyway? I want God's will for our lives in all areas, which means I have to give up all areas to Him. Including this.

I have to trust that God knows what is best for our family. I have to trust that He knows if we should have a child next year, the year after that, the year after that, or (*wince*) never again. When I give my life to Him, there is no area that I can hold onto and decide I will control. It just doesn't work that way. I am not God. That's a very good thing!

Today's lesson for my MotherWise class was all about trusting Him with our fears. I'm praying that I can do just that.


"My soul, wait in silence for God only,
For my hope is from Him.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
My stronghold; I shall not be shaken.
On God my salvation and my glory rest;
The rock of my strenth, my refuge is in God.
Trust in Him at all times, O people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us."
~Psalm 62: 5-8

It's A Girl!!!

My sister just found out she's having a girl!

In February, Caleb will have a little girl cousin! Hopefully he won't be pulling her hair and running her down!

We are SOOOO excited!! :-)

Fall Into Reading Challenge

Katrina has issued a challenge:

"The Fall Into Reading Challenge encourages you to set goals for your personal and/or family reading. Everyone who wants to participate will make a list of books that they'd like to read (or finish) during the next few months. We'll share these goals with each other, and then share our results at the end of the challenge."

So, let the challenge begin.

Being a former English teacher and loving books, I have tons on my shelves that have not been read. Sometimes I think I'm more of a book collector, seeing as how I don't have or make the time to read as often as I'd like with a one-year-old son in the house. But I'm taking Katrina's challenge to read more this fall, so here's my list, grouped into categories.


Bible Study: Wisdom for Mothers by Denise Glenn
Lord, Teach Me to Study the Bible in 28 Days by Kay Arthur
Lord, I Want to Know You by Kay Arthur

Fiction: A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
Divine by Karen Kingsbury
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (not pictured...I have misplaced my copy)

Nonfiction: The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom
A Mother's Heart by Jean Fleming
The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie O'Martian
Soul Survivor by Philip Yancey
Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge


Several of the books listed I have started at one time or another but have not finished. I am already involved in Bible studies with the first two books in that category, but I want to persevere and finish those studies (I have a bad habit of starting things but not finishing them!).

My goal for reading with Caleb is to go to the library at least once every two weeks and read aloud to him every day.

I'll keep you updated on my progress, and, hopefully, there will be progress!

Facing the Giants

A friend send me the link to the trailer for the upcoming movie, Facing the Giants. It is not just another football movie, but one in which the team works together for God's glory.

Watch the trailer here.

The movie will be in theaters September 29.

We need to give God our best in every area, and if we win, we praise Him. And if we lose, we praise Him. ~Facing the Giants

No longer a baby

My baby is one year old today! It's hard to believe that one year ago I was at the hospital awaiting his arrival into our lives. I never knew how much my life would change in that one moment! We are so proud of him and so honored to be able to raise him.

Before Caleb was born, my mother-in-law gave me a framed poem that her mother and aunt had stitched for her. It hung in her nursery when hubby and his brothers were small and now it hangs in my nursery above my rocking chair. Today I stumbled upon the entire poem over at Adventures in Babywearing. What a great surprise to learn that there is more to that sweet poem I cherish, and on the day my sweet baby boy turns one.

They grow up so fast! (*sniff, sniff*)

Updated to add: Katrina wrote a beautiful post about raising our kids to really know and love God. It is inspiring and encouraging. Go read it and be blessed!

Free Blog Design Contest

Susie, at Bluebird Blogs, is having a contest for a free blog design. Head on over there and see what it's all about!

You've probably seen her work on so many other blogs, but you can see her gallery here.

Life Takes Over

Things have been a little crazy and out of the norm around here. Hubby has been gone to Singapore for business again and I was at my mom's house for a week. I am SO behind on reading blogs and, obviously, posting. Life has taken over!

I've also been dealing with other things...beginning a new Bible study for moms (yay!), being a mom, spending time with my grandmother, getting ready for Caleb's 1st birthday party (I can hardly believe it's here already), and having a hard conversation with a sister in Christ. It has taken all my free time lately. But, now I'm home again (for a couple of days at least) and can play catch-up.

For now, I'm off to have some much-needed quiet time and soak in my tub!

Some Gave All

Today, it is my honor to remember a fellow Aggie, U.S. Army Major Matthew Wade Worrell, Texas A&M University Class of 1994. Matt was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), Fort Campbell, Kentucky, also known as the “Night Stalkers.” Major Worrell was serving our country in Iraq when his aircraft was shot down by enemy fire this past Mother’s Day, May 14, 2006, in Yusufiyah, Iraq.

Major Matthew W. Worrell was born on April 4, 1972 and attended high school in Lewisville, Texas. He later graduated from Texas A&M University and received his commission in 1995 as a Second Lieutenant. He served in Bosnia in 1999, and after schooling in 2001, served as commander for A Troop, 2nd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division.

Those who knew him describe him as the “most courageous and dedicated commander,” “[an] exceptional father and devoted husband,” and “a man of honor.”

Major Matthew Worrell loved his family very much, and he will be deeply missed. He is survived by his wife, Camille of Clarksville, Tenn., and two children, Jake and Luke. May the peace of God which transcends all understanding guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus as they mourn the loss of a wonderful husband, father, and soldier.

Thank you, Major Worrell, for your sacrifice for this country. It is only because of people like you that we enjoy the freedoms that we have. We are forever grateful for your ultimate sacrifice. May we always remember…Some Gave All.

Modesty

Modesty is something I feel very strongly about. Jules at Everyday Mommy has started an online petition to get retailers to offer girls more modest clothing. She said, "Many retailers, marketing and PR firms review mommy blogs for trends and opinions. If we speak as one we may be able to effect change. " Just looking at what is available today for little girls is appalling. Some might think the shorts with writing across the rear end is "cute," but it just invites someone to look. The same goes for the t-shirts with "Drama Queen", "Sassy", "Man Eater" and the like emblazened across the chest. It saddens me that as my son gets older he can/will be taunted, even at church, by what some women and girls choose to wear. What's the mother of a boy supposed to do when girls dress immodestly, even at church?

Modesty is not just an issue for moms and dads of little girls. It's an issue for everyone. I do not have a daughter (I may or may not ever have one), but I am raising one little boy to be a man of God, so I wholeheartedly support this mission statement:

Moms & Dads for Modesty Mission Statement

• As a Mom or Dad for Modesty I believe in common-sense modesty for girls and young women.
• I believe in refraining from sexualizing our girls and young women.
• I believe that it is unwise and unfair to taunt boys and young men by permitting my daughter(s) to dress in an immodest manner.
• I believe that true beauty comes from within and I strive to teach my daughter(s) this truth.
• I will loyally shop at retailers that provide girls' and young womens clothing that is modest, affordable and stylish.

I encourage you to head over to Everyday Mommy, read her post, and "sign" your support as well.

Here are what a few others are saying on the issue. I encourage you to read their thoughts as well, since they are mothers of little girls:

Shannon
Rabbit
Lindsey, Part One, Part Two

New Creation

I've been tinkering with my template.

It's taken me forever to learn how to do even these small things.