This week, I seem to hear about the tragic loss of a child every time I turn around. A child terminally ill with cancer. A drowning. A car accident. An act of violence. Some losses are from disease, some from accidents, and some... God helps us, were due to intentional acts of hate.
With each loss, the pain bores a little deeper into my soul. With each news report, my hearts breaks a little more. So much sadness, so much loss. I have prayed for their families; I have prayed for mine. I have shed tears for their loss and their grief; I have shed tears because I love my family dearly and life is so fragile.
These tragedies remind me that each day that my family is together safe and sound is a gift. Each night that my family returns home safely and sleeps peacefully under one roof is a blessing. It reminds me to hold my children close. To hug them tight. To keep them near and dear to my heart, where they always have been.
There is no guarantee of tomorrow. So I should live today with all of my heart. God has given me today, and I shouldn't waste it, shouldn't take it for granted. Today isn't just another day... today is God's gift to my family. Yesterday wasn't just another day; it was a gift to my family.
These great losses have also reminded me about what really matters in life. We, or at least I, am guilty of confusing my needs and my wants. Too often we hear people saying, "I need new clothes." - "I need a bigger house." - "I need a vacation." - "I need this.. I need that." But if we were to stop and think really long and hard about it, if we examined our hearts and our motives... would this really be the truth? Do we really need these things? Or are they just wants, and for the most part, very self-centered wants? There are very few things that we truly need. People have lived long, prosperous, productive lives in very small homes, wearing very old clothes, and never leaving their home state to "see the world." The secret? They were content. ("But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus," Philippians 4:19 KJV)
God doesn't say that we can't wish, hope, and dream. Yet, He does ask that we be content with right where we are and with just what we have. Dream all you want; hope is a powerful thing. Still, if those wishes never come true... if you never accomplish your dreams, will you still be content and happy? Will you still feel blessed? Therein lies the difference. Contentment. ("Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content," Philippians 4:11)
Tragic losses remind us to put things in perspective. My family is home safely, clothed and fed, and in good health. We are loved by God and by each other. Our needs are met. Everything else is just a "want." What a blessing. I am content.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Monday, April 15, 2013
This is our Time DVD - A Review and a Giveaway
This is Our Time DVD
About the movie:
The
movie tells the interwoven stories of Luke (T.J. Dalrymple) and Alé
(Erin Bethea), who marry right after school and move to India to serve
as missionaries for Embrace A Village, a ministry that cares for those
afflicted with leprosy and their families; aspiring financier Catherine
(Kate Cobb), who joins a prestigious financial institution determined to
make an impact on corporate America; Ryder (Matthew Florida), who lands
an impressive job in social media and can’t wait to use the powerful
medium for a greater good; and Ethan (Shawn-Caulin Young,) seemingly the
odd man out, who struggles to find his God-given-purpose and feels
sidelined by God.
“What they all come to learn is that it never really was their time,” Arnold said. “It always was, always is, God’s time.”
Giveaway
One lucky reader will receive a copy of this DVD, courtesy of
FlyBy Promotions. Just leave a comment on or before April 30, 2013.
I will choose one comment at random.
Our Thoughts:
I have enjoyed viewing several family-friendly Christian movies over the past few years. It is always a pleasure to be able to sit down as a family and watch a movie without worrying about the content. It also nice to watch movies with a purpose, a lesson... to be reminded of God's promises, our purpose in life, etc.
So of course, when this movie came up for review, I volunteered. This weekend, we sat down as a family to watch the This is Our Time DVD. I can't say it was my favorite movie of all times... some of the acting was a little "off", the scenes jumped around a lot, and some things were a bit difficult to follow. But the message was still there, coming through loud and clear. As the above quote said, "It never really was their time. It always was, always is, God's time." God knows the plans He has for us; He knows what the future holds. He has a plan... a plan we don't always understand, don't even always agree with. The movie reminds us that God never promised it would be easy, and reminds us that for those who God has the greatest plans, it rarely is easy. This movie is definitely a tear-jerker.
The movie also focuses on a real organization called Embrace A Village, a ministry that cares for lepers and their families.
"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one
or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope
that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend
products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my
readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade
Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of
Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Hero Tales from American History by Theodore Roosevelt & Henry Cabot Lodge CD Set - A Review
Hero Tales from American History
by Theodore Roosevelt & Henry Cabot Lodge
Complete Set for $15
Available at Raising Real Men
President Theodore Roosevelt and Congressman Henry Cabot Lodge wrote a history book for children, "Hero Tales from American History." It came to be, after Roosevelt's wife encouraged Roosevelt and Lodge (good friends) to write about some of their favorite Americans and moments in history. The tales are retellings of some of America's greatest heroes from the Revolutionary War to the Civil War, 26 stories in all.
Hal and Melanie Young have taken this treasure and turned it into an audio-tale, complete with sound effects. The set includes 3 CDs, each an hour long. The tales are 7 to 11 minutes long and appropriate for all ages.
Here is a breakdown of the included tales.
Part 1 – 1732-1777
George Washington (Biography)
Daniel Boone (Biography)
George Rogers Clark (Revolutionary War)
The Battle of Trenton (Revolutionary War)
Bennington (Revolutionary War)
Part 2 – 1780-1814
Kings Mountain (Revolutionary War)
Stony Point (Revolutionary War)
Gouveneur Morris (French Revolution)
The Philadelphia (Barbary Pirates)
The Wasp (War of 1812)
The Privateer General Armstrong (War of 1812)
Part 3 – 1814-1865
The Battle of New Orleans (War of 1812)
John Quincy Adams and the Right of Petition
Francis Parkman
“Remember The Alamo!” (Texas Revolution)
Hampton Roads (USS Monitor and CSS Virginia)
The Flag-Bearer (War Between The States)
I was so privileged to receive this audio set for review. I didn't even know that the book, "Hero Tales," existed. I knew several things about Theodore Roosevelt, but I didn't know that he was an author... and a children's author at that. He and Lodge shared the stories of great Americans, such as George Washington and Daniel Boone.
My daughters and I listened to these stories while commuting back and forth to activities. What a great use of our time. We were able to learn about some of America's greatest heroes, to hear about hard-fought victories, to be reminded of what virtue truly is.
To get an idea of the kinds of lessons to be learned from these tales, take a moment to read from the book's dedication: "Thrift, industry, obedience to law, and intellectual cultivation are essential qualities in the makeup of any successful people; but no people can be really great unless they possess also the heroic virtues which are as needful in time of peace as in time of war, and as important in civil as in military life. As a civilized people we desire peace, but the only peace worth having is obtained by instant readiness to fight when wronged—not by unwillingness or inability to fight at all. Intelligent foresight in preparation and known capacity to stand well in battle are the surest safeguards against war. America will cease to be a great nation whenever her young men cease to possess energy, daring, and endurance, as well as the wish and the power to fight the nation's foes."
I love history, especially American history. This Audio CD set is American history at its best. Way more interesting than a dry, boring textbook. I am very thankful to be able to add this set to my homeschool collection. I hope you will consider adding it to your collection, as well.
Disclaimer:
by Theodore Roosevelt & Henry Cabot Lodge
Complete Set for $15
Available at Raising Real Men
President Theodore Roosevelt and Congressman Henry Cabot Lodge wrote a history book for children, "Hero Tales from American History." It came to be, after Roosevelt's wife encouraged Roosevelt and Lodge (good friends) to write about some of their favorite Americans and moments in history. The tales are retellings of some of America's greatest heroes from the Revolutionary War to the Civil War, 26 stories in all.
Hal and Melanie Young have taken this treasure and turned it into an audio-tale, complete with sound effects. The set includes 3 CDs, each an hour long. The tales are 7 to 11 minutes long and appropriate for all ages.
Here is a breakdown of the included tales.
George Washington (Biography)
Daniel Boone (Biography)
George Rogers Clark (Revolutionary War)
The Battle of Trenton (Revolutionary War)
Bennington (Revolutionary War)
Kings Mountain (Revolutionary War)
Stony Point (Revolutionary War)
Gouveneur Morris (French Revolution)
The Philadelphia (Barbary Pirates)
The Wasp (War of 1812)
The Privateer General Armstrong (War of 1812)
Part 3 – 1814-1865
The Battle of New Orleans (War of 1812)
John Quincy Adams and the Right of Petition
Francis Parkman
“Remember The Alamo!” (Texas Revolution)
Hampton Roads (USS Monitor and CSS Virginia)
The Flag-Bearer (War Between The States)
I was so privileged to receive this audio set for review. I didn't even know that the book, "Hero Tales," existed. I knew several things about Theodore Roosevelt, but I didn't know that he was an author... and a children's author at that. He and Lodge shared the stories of great Americans, such as George Washington and Daniel Boone.
My daughters and I listened to these stories while commuting back and forth to activities. What a great use of our time. We were able to learn about some of America's greatest heroes, to hear about hard-fought victories, to be reminded of what virtue truly is.
To get an idea of the kinds of lessons to be learned from these tales, take a moment to read from the book's dedication: "Thrift, industry, obedience to law, and intellectual cultivation are essential qualities in the makeup of any successful people; but no people can be really great unless they possess also the heroic virtues which are as needful in time of peace as in time of war, and as important in civil as in military life. As a civilized people we desire peace, but the only peace worth having is obtained by instant readiness to fight when wronged—not by unwillingness or inability to fight at all. Intelligent foresight in preparation and known capacity to stand well in battle are the surest safeguards against war. America will cease to be a great nation whenever her young men cease to possess energy, daring, and endurance, as well as the wish and the power to fight the nation's foes."
I love history, especially American history. This Audio CD set is American history at its best. Way more interesting than a dry, boring textbook. I am very thankful to be able to add this set to my homeschool collection. I hope you will consider adding it to your collection, as well.
Disclaimer:
"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the
products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would
mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services
I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am
disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16
CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and
Testimonials in Advertising."
Sunday, March 3, 2013
VeggieTales: The Little House that Stood - A Giveaway
VeggieTales: The Little House that Stood DVD
Our Thoughts:
Website: http://veggietales.
Facebook: https://www.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/
About The Little House That Stood
When
the Three Little Pigs roll into Cabbageville looking to build some new
houses, they meet one builder with a plan and two without a clue! Larry
builds with hay, Mr. Lunt with bricks, but only Bob builds his houses on
a firm foundation - following the wise plans from the Master Builder's
Handbook! Will the Little Piggies make the right choices when it comes
to building their houses - and their lives - on solid ground? Find out
in this parable that shows kids when they follow God's blueprints, they
can stand strong when the storms come!
"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the
products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would
mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services
I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am
disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16
CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and
Testimonials in Advertising."
I have loved VeggieTales for years. And so have my children. The characters are cute. The songs are catchy. The stories are interesting. And the lessons are invaluable.
So when I was offered a chance to review the newest VeggieTales movie, I jumped at the chance. And as always, it didn't disappoint.
"The 3 Little Pigs" meets "The Man Who Built His House Upon the Rock" in the latest tale. And children will learn that only houses built upon the strong foundation will stand firm in the times of trials and storms. So build your lives upon the True Rock, the Word of God.
Giveaway
One lucky reader will receive a copy of this great DVD, courtesy of
FlyBy Promotions. Just leave a comment on or before March 15, 2013.
I will choose one name at random.
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