Finding Your Pinecone

Almost every day after I get home from school I put my little Cavapoo, Sydney, into her harness and we drive to our favorite park to walk the trails.  Sydney is now 7 months old. She is full of energy, attitude, and curiosity.  She is easily distracted and although she has been through puppy kindergarten and basic obedience, she is definitely a work in progress.

Recently on one of our walks, Sydney's attitude and demeanor changed.  At first, I had no idea what happened.  She was walking with a purposeful stride and remained focussed on completing the walk to return to the car. This is simply not her norm. Usually, she is roaming from one side of me to the other, sniffing everywhere, trying to eat every bug or speck she sees. Though she is supposed to be walking solely on my left side and not pulling hard, this usually never happens. On a regular day  I am in constant chatter with her, telling her to walk "with me", "ease up" or "heel".
However, on this particular day, she was doing all she had been taught in class (except for the pulling on the lead). When I had her pause to look up at me I saw she was carrying a pinecone in her mouth that she picked up along the way. Finding that one item, something of extreme interest to her changed everything about how she approached the task of walking.

After that first time of walking Sydney while she found and carried a pinecone in her mouth, she began doing this each day when we go to the park.  She acts distracted until we make it to the pine tree grouping of the path, then she sniffs and tries several pinecones until she finds just the one she wants to carry, after that she happily continues her outing, all the while holding her precious talisman along the way.
Sydney made me think.  Aren't we all on a distracted path in life until we find our pinecone?  Something we can really get our teeth into and carry with us on our journey.

In my life, I think I carry two pinecones, my faith, and my family.  My faith in God moves me forward along this road and keeps me focused on not only life here but eternal life ever after through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.  My family provides care, comfort, and joy as I go.  Together these things make my life complete and keep me moving forward on my path.

Every day I work with students at my school.  Some have found their pinecones, they are focussed and happily moving ahead in their education and facing the world head-on with purpose.  Others are searching.  Nothing seems to suit their needs or wants as they rove back and forth along the path.
For those, I pray for peace and discovery.  That one day their special pinecone, the one that suits them best presents itself along the path.

My hope this Thanksgiving is that all might know their purpose in life, how to be their best selves. What motivates and inspires, what sustains and endures throughout the path walked. Happy Thanksgiving and may God bless your paths and your journeys upon them.

I've Seen the End of You

Few books have touched me in the way that  Dr. W. Lee Warren's powerful memoir, I've Seen the End of You has.  His accounts of his journey as a neurosurgeon, treating various forms of cancer, head injuries and other health problems illustrated just how tenuous life is and how important it is to appreciate each day.
I received Dr. Warren's book from Waterbrook & Multnomah as part of the launch team for an honest review.
Warren shares many of his patients' stories throughout his book. Each one touches the heart in a special way.  Some face their diagnosis with anger and denial.  Others with dignity as they teach a lesson in how to die well with faith and grace.  Warren explores his own journey as a physician and a man of God. Through most of his memoir, he stands as an outsider, looking in as he treats his patients.  Deciding with each one how he will approach the relationship as a doctor. Some he remains aloof, with a just the facts demeanor, yet others he is caring and personal.  He lets his years of practice and intuition guide him.  One commonality is his habit of praying before each surgery, asking for God's guidance and care to truly see what the patient needs and not allow himself to feel he knows.  A lesson he was taught as a resident intern and one he never forgot. 
I think the part of the book that moved me most was when personal tragedy hit his family.  When he became part of a club no parent ever wants to be included in, a child's death.  This struck me because as a doctor Warren was always the one delivering bad news, sad prognosis and complicated reports.  He was always the one with the information, not the one on the receiving end.  It reminded me that each of us is the one outside a trauma until something happens to us or our family.  We live in a fantasy of this won't happen to us, until our world comes crashing down and it does.  Warren shows us that no one is outside of tragedy and helps the reader feel his pain as well as his healing.  I strongly recommend Warren's book, I've Seen the End of You.  His story is timeless and placeless and one every reader can relate to through their own life experiences.

#W.LeeWarren,MD
#I'veSeentheEndofYou
#Waterbrook&Multnomah

Free to Believe: The Battle Over Religious Liberty in America

Much of America’s pilgrims came to the new world as an escape from religious persecution, They sought refuge in a country to practice their religion in freedom.  Today, many of the ideas of religious freedom are being challenged.   Luke Goodrich, author of the book Free to Believe: The Battle Over Religious Liberty in America  offers his book to educate and inform his readers of the religious changes in America and the courts. I gratefully received this book as an advanced uncorrected copy from Waterbrook & Multnomah as a member of the launch team for an honest review. 

Goodrich is a lawyer with Becket Law, a non profit legal institute that represents religious cases of various faiths. Goodrich has presented cases in both the Circuit and Supreme Court level. “Goodrich was part of the Becket legal team that won four major Supreme Court cases in four years: Little Sisters of the Poor v. Burwell, which protected nuns from being forced to violate their faith, Holt v. Hobbs, which protected the right of a Muslim to practice his faith in prison; Burwell v. Hobby Lobby, which protected family business owners from being forced to violate their faith; and Hosanna-Tabor v. EEOC, which protected the right of churches to select their ministers. The Wall Street Journal called Hosanna-Tabor one of “the most important religious liberty cases in a half century”(Luke). https://www.becketlaw.org/staff/luke-goodrich-2/ 

Goodrich’s definition of religious freedom follows: “religious freedom means the government, within reasonable limits, leaves religion alone as much as possible.” After defining religious freedom, Goodrich begins to discuss some of the most threatening topics to that freedom, he includes abortion rights, gay rights, the Muslim religion and religious representation in public areas. Goodrich illustrates his topics with thought provoking questions.  The reader is challenged to explore how the change in our culture is affecting the freedoms of the religious institutions.  As a Christian myself, I acknowledge how easy it is to become complacent about the freedoms we enjoy in America. Though not an easy read due to the detailed information and depth of the topics presented, I do think it is a powerful tool to examine the current political and governmental climate and the effect on religious freedoms. 

“Luke Goodrich.” Becket, 23 Oct. 2019, https://www.becketlaw.org/staff/luke-goodrich-2/.

God Gave Us the Bible: 45 Favorite Stories for Little Ones

God Gave Us the Bible: 45 Favorite Stories for Little Ones is an abridged bible anthology written as a narrative by Lisa Tawn Bergren and illustrated by David Hohn. I received my copy of the book God Gave Us the Bible: 45 Favorite Stories for Little Ones by Lisa Tawn Bergren free as part of the Waterbrook & Mutnomah Launch team for an honest review.

 My first thought the day that it came in the mail was...charming.  The beginning of the book uses adorable animal illustrations to create a setting of a mama bear hosting a sleepover for her little cub and his friends.  She calls them into the house for a story and reads to them from her bible, telling them that God's word is actually our story because He gave his word to His children because He loved them, the same way He loves us, His children, today.
 I am pleased with the entire book, but I particularly like the way that Bergren relates the bible as a book for all ages at the start of her story instead of just jumping into the bible stories with no other introduction than the bible chapter names. With her illustrations and soft beginning, the book is more enticing for young readers.
I have read many other children's abridged bible story collections and often they fall short in two ways. either they are too short without enough details or they go overboard with vocabulary and plot that is so deep that a child might as well read the original text.  Bergren has found a happy medium with her format.  She tells enough of the story to be factual and accurate while adding in some commentary that covers thoughts and observations a child might have when hearing God's word.

Another part that I liked about her book is how she defines certain bible vocabulary that children and even some adults that are not well versed in the bible might find confusing.  For example, on page 108, Bergren explains the word parable this way, ""What's a parable?" Little Moose asked."  "It's a kind of story that Jesus used to help his followers understand truth," Mama said "And it helps us understand God better too."" That way not only does the child gain information, so does the parent. There are several excerpts like this throughout her book.

Another example is on page 115.  Here Bergren explains the story from Luke 18 where Jesus teaches the lesson that to enter the kingdom of heaven you must be like a little child.  Little Pup asks the mother bear what it means to be like a little child? The mother bear responds ""Well, what are kids like? Most are curious, open and loving, right? Full of faith and joy like you," She said. "Kids trust that things will work out.  It's harder to be like that when you're a grown-up.  Jesus's reminder is a good one for us adults.""

Finally Mama bear explains who God's word is really a neverending story because it is the living word that lives on through Jesus and the Holy Spirit that puts it in our hearts.
I wholeheartedly recommend Bergren's book and encourage anyone with young children, grandchildren or any other little ones in their life to share God's message through a wonderful book.

Jesus In Me by Anne Graham Lotz

       As much as I have read and studied my bible, I know the least about the third part of the Holy Trinity, the Holy Spirit.  Most of my focus has centered on Jesus and God the father.  So when I discovered Anne Graham Lotz's new book, Jesus In Me, Experiencing the Holy Spirit as a Constant Companion was available from the WaterBrook and Multnomah launch group I requested it for review.  I received the book from WaterBrook and Multnomah free for an honest review.
       Anne Graham Lotz, daughter of the well known Reverend Billy Graham writes an impactful book that explains all the ways that the Holy Spirit intercedes and lives within us.  She delves into the various ways He is present in our world and throughout history.
       Personally, my one reference that always comes to my mind when thinking about the Holy Spirit is the symbol of fire.  When the Holy Spirit came to dwell with the disciples just as Jesus promised he would, and each disciple was seen to have a vision of fire or flames above their heads and they could speak in tongues of all the various countries to spread the gospel.  Pentecost is the day we celebrate this event. Graham Lotz refers to the various ways the Holy Spirit is represented by fire throughout the bible. "One of the things He (the Holy Spirit) does is to set our hearts on fire for God Himself, for God's Son, for God's Gospel, for God's Word, for the people whom God loves, and for the purpose for which we exist, which is to bring glory to God.  You and I should be fired up...all the time! We are to be keepers of the fire. We are commanded, "Do not put out the Spirit's fire.""  This particular passage from chapter 16, He Ignites Us, spoke to my heart.  I feel it is easy to let our fires dim and smolder instead of burning strong with a constant flame.  Yet the Holy Spirit is ever-present and ever-ready to restore our passion to share the Gospel, and Graham Lotz reminds us this is true in her book.
      Another part of the book that I appreciate is the Appendixes and notes section in the back of the book.  She shares how to hear the Holy Spirit while studying your bible, understanding the fruits of the Spirit, and learning how to be filled and stay filled with the Spirit.  She also shares her extensive notes section that gives reference to all her research and documentation of scripture.
      Needless to say, I am very pleased with Graham Lotz's inspiring book and now I want to learn even more about the Holy Spirit. 

#JesusInMe
#Waterbrook&Multnomah
#AnneGrahamLotz

Raising Successful Teens by Jeffrey Dean

      Perhaps I am not the right person to review Raising Successful Teens by Jeffery Dean was my first thought when beginning to read this book. I have already raised two children. They are both married and responsible adults. I work in a public high school as  Targeted Assistance Support and I am surrounded by teens every hour of my workday.  Yet I received this book free from Waterbrook & Multnomah for an honest review so here goes. 
      Dean's book definitely fills a niche for Christian parents who have not already completed the process of rearing their children.  Dean emphasizes the need for devotion time, open communication, setting boundaries on technology, curfews, knowing their teenage child's friends and families and staying involved in their lives while giving them enough freedom to become the individuals God intends them to be. 
      For parenting assistance, I feel the best time to read this book would be during your child's late elementary, early tween years.  Setting boundaries and expectations with teens are most effective when done before the events become a problem and Dean's book gives excellent advice on what Christian parents should consider when setting those limits.  Overall I think Dean does a competent job of informing parents what to look for during the teen years and how to keep a God-centered focus in their lives as well as the entire family life.
#Waterbrook&Multnomah
#RaisingSuccessfulTeens
#JeffreyDean

     

Dear Grandchild, This Is Me

Today has been a very blogful day.  There are often times when I go weeks even months between installments. But I have recently received so many incredible books as a part of  the Waterbrook Multnomah Launch teams that I can't wait to share them with everyone!  I'm voraciously reading which is true joy!

The latest book I have read is a beautiful gift for families.  The book is titled, Dear Grandchild, This is Me. A Gift of Stories, Wisdom, and Off-the-Record Tales, published by Waterbrook and Multnomah.  I received an advanced reader's copy of   Dear Grandchild, This is Me. A Gift of Stories, Wisdom, and Off-the-Record Tales from Waterbrook & Multnomah as a member of the Launch Team for an honest review.

The charming book is a guided writing activity for grandparents to record memories and geneology for their families.  There are so many things that I love about this book that I don't know where to begin.
Some of the features listed from the Waterbrook & Multnomah website are:
  *  Built-in envelopes to stash special, private letters for specific occasions in your grandchild's         future.
  *  A sheet of adhesive photo corners to adhere photographs and special memories throughout. 
  *  Off-the-record questions to prompt fun stories.
  *  A family tree to track your ancestry.
  *  Space to share your favorite recipes, or those passed through the generations. 
  *  A world map to showcase your travels.
I have shown this book to many friends and family and there has been a general consensus that not only are the pages and artwork wonderfully designed and drawn but the inclusion of the envelopes for special notes is truly unique as they are accompanied with prompts for the note writing. Dear Grandchild, This is Me is such an exceptional way to pass on family stories and create a superb legacy for the family.


I may not have any grandchildren as of yet, but I am excited to work on filling it out for future generations to enjoy and learn more about me.  I encourage every grandparent to check out this marvelous book. 



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47HyT1WTR10&feature=youtu.be

#Waterbrook&Multnomah
#DearGrandchildThisIsMe

Something Needs to Change

     Powerful, thought-provoking, dynamic, empowering...these words describe the newest book by David Platt.  Platt's story titled: Something Needs to Change: A Call to Make your Life Count in a World of Urgent Need, details his journey through the Himilaya mountains as he meets the people in the villages who survive there.  I received an advanced reader's copy of  Something Needs to Change: A Call to Make your Life Count in a World of Urgent Need from Waterbrook & Multnomah as a member of the Launch Team for an honest review.
     Platt shares his thoughts and emotions about all that he discovers as he experiences the physical and spiritual needs of the high mountain culture.  While learning about the people and their spiritual beliefs, he delves into his own, questioning his core understanding of the gospel and God's will for the world.
     In the first chapter of the book, Platt explains his approach to writing this book. "I'm most naturally a preacher who makes use of exposition and explanation to communicate his points.  But as I've mentioned, I don't think we need more exposition and explanation.  I think we need an experience...an encounter that takes exposed and explained the truth to a deeper level in our hearts than it would ever go otherwise."  He then throughout the compelling expedition takes the reader boldly through the trials and shocking conditions of the mountain people and those Christians who choose to live and work among them to care for their physical bodies as well as share the gospel of Jesus in the hope to save their spiritual future also.  When asking their guide, Aaron, what he saw on his first trek through the mountains that made him want to continue to live among the people and help them? He replied, "The region we are in right now includes about nine million people. Out of that nine million, there are probably less than one hundred followers of Jesus.  The reality is, most people here have never even heard of Jesus...That's the spiritual condition. The people are also severely impoverished and disadvantaged. When I first came to these villages, I found that half the children were dying before their eighth birthday.  Many weren't making it to their first." It was then that the guide knew he had to devote his life to the needs of these people.
     Platt's storytelling ability allows the reader to feel they are part of the adventure, to find joy in sharing the message of Christ and anguish learning about the persecution of those who follow Him.
I can not possibly praise Platt's book enough.  He is right that - Something Needs to Change.


#Something Needs to Change
#ChrisPlatt
#Waterbrook&Multnomah

May It Be So

The Lord's Prayer taught to us by Jesus and recorded in Matthew chapter 6 verses 9-13 is His response to the disciples request to be taught how to pray. Justin McRobert's and Scott Erickson's book, May It Be So,  is a 40-day study to contemplate your life, loves and how God is in, and around all the parts of life.  I received an advanced reader's copy of May It Be So from Waterbrook & Multnomah as a member of the Launch Team for an honest review.
The book is designed to enhance prayer life and understanding of The Lord's Prayer. What I liked about the book.  I liked the way each section highlighted a particular line or part of the prayer. Images are included with thoughtful statements to help the reader/participant form a deeper understanding of the prayer's section.
Another part of the book that I have found very enjoyable is the short vignettes that are included at the beginning of each new section of the prayer.  The stories illustrate various sections and help the reader remain focused on the content of the study.  I heartily recommend May It Be So to anyone wanting to enrich their prayer life and build a deeper understanding of the Lord's Prayer

#Waterbrook&Multnomah

#McRoberts&Erickson

#MayItBe

The Dog Days of Summer

The saying, the dog days of summer came from a Greek star patterns, who knew.  I always thought that it meant the days were so hot that you wanted to lie around in a puddle like a tired dog.  For me, the dog days of summer is quite a literal thing.  I have happily spent my entire summer with a special little dog.  Her name is Sydney.

Sydney has been a project in motion since last October, when I first began to even consider the idea of adopting another dog into our family.  I had not yet healed from the loss of my dear 4 year old pet, but was beginning to think about the possibility that I had enough heart back to want to take another dog into my home.  Then the thought that perhaps a furry little friend might eventually make it into my classroom at a local high school continued to grow in my mind.  I decided to broach the subject with my principal during the October teacher conferences.  He was optimistic about the possibility. On April 15th, Sydney was born and she become officially part of our family June 22.  

So, my summer has been raising a puppy.  We've got an awful long way with much training and learning to happen before she will ever be ready to go to school, but along the way, Sydney is teaching me so much, maybe even more than I am teaching her.  Okay, probably much more than I am teaching her.  Let's face it, my main goal the last 6 weeks has been to keep her from going potty and pooping in the house. I can confidently say we are at about a 80-90% success rate.  She's 4 months now so it's doable.

However her list of what she has taught me is so much longer.  

1. The joy of seeing young children love on a puppy is one of the best things in the world. 

Dogs give unconditional love, and so do kids.

  

Watching the joy of our neighbor's girls when we brought her home and everyday that they play with her is one of the best things that has ever happened to me.  

2. It's important to take time out everyday and just look at the world around you.  There are many wonders in your home and yard.  Birds, pesky squirrels, small toads, and even just the grass is amazing when you spend time contemplating its purpose and creation.

3. Make friends even when people (or the family cat) are resistant to your attention. Building relationships is vital to survival.  

4. Play, and then play, and perhaps play some more.  Play with things, play with friends, just take time everyday to play.

5. Learning can be tough but don't stop learning.  It's important to continue to hone your skills.

Sometimes it is easy to focus and sometimes you just don't want to listen, but do it anyway.

6. Finally, when you are tired... nap.  Rest. Rejuvenate.  You will be better for it and this also helps you grow as you become fresh for new adventures in the world.

It's my true hope and desire that Sydney can learn all the things she needs to so that she may come to be in my classroom and comfort so many as they work through their days, beginning August of 2020, but if she only helps me enjoy life then I will be eternally in her debt. 

The Jesus Who Surprises

Sometimes I can be a tough sale. I'm sure many of my friends and family would be surprised with this confession, but when it comes to bible study books I am a cautious consumer.  That being said I was simply thrilled with the new bible study by Dee Brestin titled, The Jesus Who Surprises. Now, I was a little concerned when I requested this book, because I received an advanced reader's copy of  The Jesus Who Surprises by Dee Brestin from Waterbrook & Multnomah as a member of the Launch Team for an honest review.  I was afraid that it might be a light, charismatic offering.  Boy, was I happily  "surprised"!  Brestin's bible study has meat, and depth.  It asks tough questions in the written answer section and causes the reader to do some soul searching along with scripture delving to uncover the answers.  Brestin encourages the reader to look for surprises throughout the bible and life in seeing the life of Jesus as foretold through the old testament prophesies, the new testament and in evidence of our everyday lives.
As a bible study student, I am particularly concerned that passages used in various bible study books reflect the context of the passage and are not pulled out of context to simply support an author's whim.  Brestin stays true to the bible and supports her teaching with well thought out personal stories, historical accounts, and intact biblical excerpts.  I simply adore this bible study and feel excited to suggest it to my friends.
#waterbrook&multnomah
#DeeBrestin
#TheJesusWhoSurpises

Hearing God

I received an advanced reader's copy of  Hearing God, by Nathan Finochio from Waterbrook & Multnomah as a member of the Launch Team for an honest review.  My first thoughts were....interesting.  Finochio's book definitely falls within the charismatic church movement of theology.
Finochio states in his introduction that his book is about "how God is speaking through all kinds of channels."  Finochio encourages the reader to not change how they are, but to change how one listens for the voice of God. The more one spends time with God's word, the more one sees and discovers God's works in the world around them.
One unique  part of the writing of Hearing God, would be the voice of the writer.  The book is written in a conversational modern vernacular. This does make the content more entertaining and easier to read.  Another aspect of Hearing God is the use of scripture throughout the book.  Finochio both quotes and paraphrases scripture to encourage the reader to form a deeper understanding of the bible.
He sums up his book with the this quote, "Here's the practical truth: if we know the Scriptures, have the right people around us, and cooperate with what the Bible and our godly friends tend to say, it's going to be tough not to hear God."  Many will enjoy Finochio's book, Hearing God.
#waterbrook&multnomah
#NathanFinochio
#HearingGod

The King's Mercy

Nicely done!
This was my first thought when finishing the newest novel by Lori Benton, The King's Mercy. I have read quite a number of Christian fiction novels and have always enjoyed the light uplifting stories that are centered on faith and trust in God's love and direction.
Benton's novel differed from the traditional form that I have read in several ways, and those differences are what made Benton's story so dynamic in comparison. Where so many of the Christian fiction novels that I have experienced were light and simply entertaining, Benton's had depth and multiple subplots within her overall story.
I received The King's Mercy from the WaterBrook and Multnomah Book Launch Team @waterbrookmultnomah#partner. 

The story is set in North Carolina, one of my favorite places. The Story begins with a Scottish prisoner from the failed Jacobite uprising of 1745, when so many Scottish warriors were defeated on Culloden Moor in a failed attempt to reinstate the Scottish Stuarts to the throne. Alex MacKinnon is granted the king's mercy and thus is transported across the Atlantic Ocean to the American colonies, ending up in the colony of North Carolina on the plantation of Severn as an indentured servant, learning the trade of a blacksmith.  Here at Severn, Alex meets a strong willed daughter of the plantation master, Miss Joanna Carey. Joanna has been proposed to by her step-father's acquaintance, Mister Reeves, a former part of her step-father's crew when he was captain of his ship, The Severn. The same name that Captain Carey later named his plantation.  Joanna delays her answer to Mr. Reeves as she is conflicted over her feelings for him.  In the meantime, Alex and Joanna begin a relationship of caring support.
Reverend Paulings, a traveling missionary/emissary of  God, arrives at Severn to evangelize, and meets McKinnon while ministering to the various family members, workers, and slaves on the plantation.  The kindly reverend advises McKinnon to watch out for Joanna and take care of her as her step-father is away on business, and the reader is led to believe that the plantation's caretaker, Mr. Reeves, is not as honest as some may think. Many unfortunate events begin happening to the Carey family and Severin plantation which prompt a life on the run for McKinnon and a runaway young slave who is searching for her family ties involving the Cherokee Indian tribes.  The reader is continually taken on a tumultuous plot line until the final end, where God's protection and deliverance sends the Carey family forth on new adventures while bringing others into Christianity through the work of the Holy Spirit and Reverend Paulings. 
Benton has thoroughly researched various parts of this historical time period which effectually brings the story to life as it creates a rich setting and well formed characters.
I have always felt that one of the most sincere compliments a reader can make to an author's work, is to enjoy it so much that the reader then searches out additional novels written by the author to enjoy.  As soon as I finished The King's Mercy, I went online and purchased another Benton novel to enjoy on an upcoming summer vacation.  I would wholeheartedly recommend The King's Mercy! It is a wonderful piece of historical as well as Christian literature. 

**I received an advanced reader copy from WaterBrook and Multnomah and was asked to read the book and to publish an honest review which I have.

#TheKing'sMercy
#LoriBenton
#Waterbrook&Multnomah
  

A New Discipline: Core 52

Recently, I have been accepted on three separate launch teams to review books for WaterBrook and Multnomah Book Launch Team @waterbrookmultnomah#partner.   I'm excited to  read and review once again.  Summertime is the perfect time to read and begin new disciplines.  Most people choose to do this in January, when making resolutions is all the fad, but summertime is a perfect time to choose to do or learn something new or in the case of Mark E. Moore's new book... build your bible IQ.

Core 52 : A Fifteen-Minute Daily Guide To Build Your Bible IQ In A Year,  written by Mark E. Moore, teaching pastor at Christ's Church of the Valley in Phoenix, Arizona, formerly a New Testament professor at Ozark Christian College for twenty-two years, presents the reader with a 52 week plan to learn 52 core texts and concepts of the bible.  Moore lays out a five day plan for each week's topic. Day 1. Read the essay and the three key points to check for comprehension.
                      Day 2. Memorize the core text and review verses from the previous two weeks.
                      Day 3. Read a story or other passage from the bible that illustrates the text of the week.
                      Day 4. Read through three trajectory passages.
                      Day 5. Put it into practice by making time to include an action step, directly applying                          what was learned in the week's lesson.
Moore states that "if you can carve out fifteen minutes a day, five days a week, for one year, you'll know the vast majority of what every preacher preaches."  He backs up this statement by telling the reader he has applied the Pareto principle or the 80/20 rule to the bible.  The Pareto principle says 20 percent of one's effort yields 80 percent of the results.  Moore encourages his readers by affirming his plan, "with this core, you can go further faster, moving from curiosity to confidence."

After reading through a few weeks of topics I have found that Moore has done a fine job of melding the old and new testament together to explain various concepts.   He also uses the bible passages in context as they should be used to make his points, which is important to have reliable bible learning. Some bible study writers pull bible verses and passages out to illustrate a point being made but do not hold the text to the integrity it was intended, I have not found this to be so in Moore's book.

One  comment I might make is that both the church Pastor Moore is currently at and the college he formerly taught at as a professor are non-denominational christian organizations.  I make this observation because I myself am a member of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.  I have many friends from various denominational backgrounds.  Through biblical discussions we often vary on some of our viewpoints concerning theology and bible interpretation. I found a few topics in Core 52
that not surprisingly did not align with my Lutheran beliefs, however that does not change my mind that Moore has written a solid tool for learning some core foundations of the bible.  I would just suggest that anyone reading the book that stumbles upon a section that seems to differ from what their particular denomination or previous teaching has upheld, do further study and/or ask their pastor for clarification.

Overall, Moore has developed a good resource to build some daily bible study discipline and common bible knowledge.  I feel that  Core 52 : A Fifteen-Minute Daily Guide To Build Your Bible IQ In A Year, when used wisely according to each person's beliefs, can be a helpful aid in becoming more confident in bible knowledge.

**I received an advanced reader copy from WaterBrook and Multnomah and was asked to read the book and to publish an honest review which I have.

#Core52
#MarkEMoore
#Waterbrook&Multnomah
  

May you grow...

May is a time for growth and renewal and boy am I ready.  It's been a long tiring winter. This is very true for me as I haven't blogged since December 31st.  One reason is that in the past I would blog on books that I read for review, and sadly I have not had the opportunity or the time to pursue my penchant for reading.  This is one thing I vow to remedy from now on.  In fact I was just recently accepted into two book launch groups for WaterBrook & Multnomah Summer so I am looking forward to reading and posting soon.

For me, this winter felt more emotionally draining than past years.  Perhaps the amount of snow and rain has had an impact. Whatever the cause, I have seen my students show more apathy for completing work than in former semesters and I am disheartened to see them resist doing their work no matter how hard I try to encourage, persuade, cajole, and even throw in my best mom guilt at times. I  care whether each one completes the assignments and progresses to the next level of their education. Sometimes much more than they do.  I wouldn't change it if I could because I know that caring makes me build strong relationships with my students and I value those connections. 

Yesterday was the last day of the school year for my seniors.  Saturday is graduation.  Spring growth makes me consider how much my students graduating Saturday have matured and changed over the past four years.  Some have been with me almost all of their four  years.  The pride I feel when knowing the adversity that they have faced and how they persevered gives me hope for my students that I am working with currently.  There were days that the students walking Saturday also refused to do their work, made poor academic choices and struggled to succeed.  Yet, overtime they learned how important having a diploma is, and they began to change.  I am focussing on this to get me through the next few days.  Now, don't think I won't continue to push them, prod them, and do my best to convince them that the work to be done must get finished.  But on the times that I get turned down, I will remember my graduates, and continue to pray for their welfare and growth in maturity to occur.


Throughout my time with you dear students I have one wish for your future...May you grow

May you grow to be competent and strong,
May you grow to be confident in your own abilities,
May you grow to appreciate right from wrong and always choose what is right.
May you grow in friendship, making connections that will last a moment or a lifetime.

May you grow in family, whether that family is one you were born into or one created yourself,
May you grow in esteem, so that the world around you knows your presence and is in awe,
May you grow in love for yourself and those that share the world with you,

Simply,

May you always grow.