What Works For Me Wednesday

My Bible Study Table...

Here's what works for me (so far):

1. My Bible. I love the ESV translation, but I also keep an NIV and The Message nearby for comparison. 
2. A Pen. I am one of those people who can.not. write in my Bible so I always keep notes in (see 4.)
3. The current study I'm working on: Cultivating Contentment by Luci Swindoll 
4. My big note book lives at the study table. I use a 5 subject-notebook with a system similar to the one Courtney at Women Living Well shared. (check out her site today for a great Bible reading e-resource for free!). I am using it to record my answers to my study each day. I think better when I write. That's just how I roll :p 
5. The Power of  Praying Wife by Stormie Omartin. I've written about this book before. I think God has really used this book as the inspiration for prayer that He has answered over the last two years, changing my heart towards my husband and the way i pray for others. I heart this book. (Don't worry - not more than I heart the Bible :p). I pray through one of the prayers in this book for Awesome each day). 
6. The Daily Reading Bible: Volume One - I am reading this concurrently with some others in my church and finding it a great resource. It deserves to be studied on its own really. Maybe it will become my number 3 when I finish that one... right now I'm just reading through to keep up with the others. 
7. My gratitude journal. Just a simple notebook where I just number the next line as I go and pour out some gratitude. God is so good. There is never a day where there is nothing to be grateful for, even though its hard to find things some times. 
8. It's hard to see, but this tiny pocket calendar has room for some sticky dots I bought at the $2 shop to be tucked in the cover. I pop a dot on each day I complete my quiet time. It helps me stay on track. I'm a dangling carrot kinda gal sometimes... 
9. I pull my diary out of my handbag after my quiet time, and sync my wall calendar, online calendar and diary before the day begins (yes, I need all three!)
10. (not shown) I have started carrying a notebook in my handbag... its important. More on that one tomorrow ;) 

I had all this stuff at home. Including the pretty box for the pens and stickers. But before the pretty box was a plain cardboard one. That's ok too. You don't need to spend a fortune to get started. Just use what you have and what works!

It works for me. What works for you?

September's Reading Plan

Desiring God ~ Dr. John Piper

Meditations of A Christian Hedonist

The Blurb:The great business of life is to glorify God by enjoying him forever. Discord between duty and delight doesn't exist: delight is our duty. Piper stuns us again and again with things we saw in the Bible, but never dared to believe. Join him on this dangerous quest for maximum joy in God. But beware, it may cost you your life. Never mind - "the steadfast love of the Lord is better than life" (Psalm 63:3).


My Thoughts So Far: This is a new concept for me and a challenging read that is really making me think and question aspects of what I hold on to. An excellent intro in to Piper's work, that I think every Evangelical should read. 

Married For God ~ Christopher Ash

Making your marriage the best it can be

The Blurb:The author examines the Bible's teaching on marriage, while remaining firmly earthed in the twenty-first century world where messing up, heartbreak, divorce and intimate chaos are distressingly common. Starting with God's grace applied to our pain and failure, the author centres on God's plan for intimacy and marriage, one of service.


My Thoughts So Far: You know when you first get a book like this, how you turn straight to the bits that apply to you right now? Twelve months ago I did that and never actually read the rest of the book. But now I will. 

The Power of A Praying Wife ~ Stormie Omartin

The Blurb:See more here

My Thoughts So Far: Picking this up again after a few interrupted weeks. I'm up to chapter 9 - how about you? I'm going to be sensible and hope to finish this in September as best I can. 




What are you reading this month?

Book Review: Home Court Advantage

Home Court Advantage by Dr Kevin Leman

This is one of the books I have recently finished from my 30 Excellent Books in 2010 List. 

I tripped across it recently in a Christian Book Store for a bargain price ($3!) and thought it would be good to put in the parent library at work. 

I decided to read it first...and perhaps not put it in the library after all! 

Dr. Leman is a psychologist and a Christian and I have read a couple of his other books this year which have been great. 

This one just wasn't what I expected. 

Dr. Leman's view point is that children are given the very best to prepare for life when they spend the majority of time in a stable and warm family home environment. So far, so good. He gives many reasons for this and many I agree with no problem. 

As an Early Childhood Educator, I struggled with many aspects of this book. I agree that families really need to question whether both parents working full time is in the best interests of the children, but Dr. Leman goes further and suggests that Early Childhood settings are unhealthy and even damaging for some families... 

I'm being careful here, a lot of what he said rang true for me, but by the same token I am seeing the coin from both sides, and its a hard thing to do. 

I have often wondered whether I would be able to return to work in EC if I had young children. Its something we haven't really fleshed out in detail as yet. I think one thing is certain however... if I was a hairdresser, a builder or an office worker - anything but an early childhood teacher - I would probably find it a tiny (very tiny) bit easier to return to work.  This is purely because right now, my current job would have me being paid to look after other people's young children while paying someone else to look after my own... It's sort of too hard for me to get my head around.

And I don't think its a bad thing as such - its just a bit weird. I know lots of people who do it - some like it some don't. I'm not judging. I'm just not sure what I would do. 

I don't think there is a right answer as such - every family has to make their own choices and for their own best interests. It just made me think. 

I don't think everyone would agree with everything Dr. Leman has to say, and thats ok. It's just good to start the discussion. As far as the book goes, it was worth the read as it made me think and question some things, and I think good books should challenge you, whether you agree with them or not!

Any thoughts? 

Thanksgiving Tuesday-January 2010 List

Photo: The Fijian Island of Malolo Lailai

185. Quietness that breeds gratitude
186. Being wise in decisions
187. Contentment in chaos
189. Abundance of food and resources
190. Team hands to help
191. Old books read anew
192. Clear vision and focus
193. A child's eye contact
194. A mother who loves
195. Quiet beauty of a garden
196. Warm breeze
197. Stillness
198. Time to rest with your Word
199. Your timing
200. Ducks
201. The ability to write
202. Summer sounds in the air
203. A new year and fresh start
204. Hungary tummy
205. Beauty in creation
206. Time away with friends
207. Tropical warm water
208. Cold orange juice
209. Warm gritty sand

Its funny, but as I read back over these lists, suddenly I can remember all the things we were doing and even how I was feeling at the time. And I'm thankful all over again.

Its worth doing, this giving back in gratitude...

Thanksgiving Tuesday-January 2010 List

154. Flies!
155. Common ties of blood
156. Meaningful time together with family
157. Relaxing by the quiet river
158. The inspiration of a friend
159. Christian accountability
160. Challenging marriage message through film
161. Time by myself to unwind
162. Brothers spending time together
163. Technological marvels... mobiles!
164. Setting goals for 2010
165. Memorising the Word
166. Being strong in conviction
167. Friends who share the faith
168. The passion of fledgling faith
169. Well loved resources lent to friend
170. Loving, devoted family
171. Your Word changing my family
172. Writing old fashioned letters by hand
173. Love letters
174. 10 minute oven cookies
175. % off after Christmas sales
180. Husband's unwavering love
181. Getting to know church family
182. The challenge and joy of serving
183. Email reminders from thoughtful friends
184. Music ministry

30 Excellent Books Update

Back in January I decided to read 30 excellent books in 2010. The point was to stretch my mind and spend time focussed on things that would pull me forward, majorly in the areas of Christian living and spiritual discipline. Its time to review the list and see how I'm doing!

I originally only chose 21 books so that I was open to reading other books that crossed my path throughout the year. It seems that so far I have read more "other" books than those on the original list! 

My 2010 30 Excellent Books List (in no particular order)

1. Disciplines of a Godly Woman by Barbara Hughes
2. A Call to Spiritual Reformation by D.A Carson
3. According to Plan by Graeme Goldsworthy
4. From Clutter To Clarity by Nancy Twigg
5. The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace
6. The Lion Handbook to the Bible by David and Pat Alexander
7. The Love Dare by Stephen and Alex Kendrick
8. Feminine Appeal by Carolyn Mahaney
9. Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartin
10. Power of Praying Through the Bible by Stormie Omartin
11. The Plight of Man and The Power of God by Martin Lloyd-Jones
12. How Should We Then Live by Frances A. Schaeffer
13. Guidance and the Voice of God by Phillip D. Jensen and Tony Payne
14. Knowing God by J.I. Packer
15. Knowledge of the Holy by A.W Tozer
16. The Pursuit of God by A.W.Tozer
17. Commentary on Romans by Martin Luther
18. My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers
19. The Cross by Martyn Lloyd-Jones
20. Spiritual Blessing by Martyn Lloyd-Jones
21. Hind's Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard
22. Sheet Music by Dr. Kevin Leman
23. The Birth Order Book by Dr. Kevin Leman
24. How Women Help Men Find God by David Morrow
25. Finding God by Larry Crabb
26. Home Court Advantage by Dr. Kevin Leman
27. Hungry for God by John Piper

Some of the reason for my slowness has been the difficulty of finding the books I originally set out to read - most of these were recommendations so I didn't actually own them (note to self: next year I will pick all the books on my shelf I haven't read yet!). I also have had a number of work related books to read this year which have devoured some of my time and energy. I currently have about 4 of these books on the go (I have a very distractable personality so I like to have different options at anyone time!!) and I intend to blog about several of these that I have recently finished reading also. 

I thought it was probably also time to have a quick reflect on the goals I set for 2010. 

• Find time to have quiet time with God everyday - I am still working on this but at the moment I am managing around 3-4 days a week
• Use less internet each day - create stillness in the home - hmmm..this one needs work...!
• Have less junk in my life - physically and spiritually -physically I have been through 3 of the 6 rooms in our home so far and have been ruthless in riding us of the excess junk we just don't need - typically I have saved the harder rooms for last!!
• Read 30 excellent books
• Complete the first level of the Preliminary Theological Certificate - I am hoping that now that work has settled down I will be able to enroll for the next intake of subjects in the series.
• Plan meals to manage the budget more effectively - we are finally starting to save more effectively through managing our budget and particularly our food. I am learning to use my freezer and slow cooker to help keep the costs down and not throw out so much food. 
• Memorise Ephesians this year- oh dear - this is one I haven't even STARTED yet!
• Remember more and forget less! hmmm.... only those around me can tell me if this is working! I am trying very hard to return phone calls emails and messages in reasonable time frames and to remember the things that I promise people I will do for them! 
• Complete sewing projects for gifts and for the house - is a sewing list ever complete? I think that's a whole blog post in itself!

Overall, I have perhaps been a little ambitious in my goal setting for this year - but on the positive side we are only half way through! Praying that God will give me the strength to prioritise. 

How are your goals going this year? 

Completing Him Challenge Week 4

Well, this week's challenge is to ask your husband how you can pray for him each day for the whole week!

This will be challenging for me because I rarely bring up what I am thinking or praying about with my husband...

Providing that what he requests is not of a personal nature and at the end of the week with his permission, I will post a list of topics prayed for and look back at how the week went.



On the topic of praying for your husband, I thought I would take this opportunity to review the book that has had the most impact on my prayer life to date - fittingly titled "The Power of a Praying Wife" By Stormie Omartin.

I have read this book twice through now, after tripping across it in the Christian bookstore last year. At the time, I was full of criticism for my new husband, and was constantly trying to nag him and change him into what I thought he should 'be' as a husband (to no avail and my utter frustration).

On the very first page I was challenged by Stormie to look at the way I pray...

I won't spoil it for you, but just one tiny change in the way I think about prayer has forever changed the way I pray about and for my husband and for everyone around me too...

The book consists of short chapters (3-4 pages) which each focus on a different area of your husband's life. At the end of each chapter there is a sample prayer showing the way that Stormie encourages us to pray for others... by praying for ourselves (intriguing? You gotta read it!). There are just over 30 chapters - thats just one month of praying for your husband each day.  So simple, and yet the effect was absolutely profound...

A year on from my first read through of this book and I am still seeing God's answers to each prayer as I grow even more in love with my husband each day. Our conversation, our "fight style", our cooperation and service has changed completely, and while we still have many things that we need to work on, both individually and in our marriage, we are in a much better place, and growing every day thanks to God's grace. Through this book I have been able to watch that grace unfold in specific ways for both of us.  The first time round I was too scared (!) to tell Mr. Lord that I was praying for him, but on my second read through he would always give me a smile when he saw me with the book!

Stormie uses honest, personal examples and an easy-to-read writing style that make this book very accessible and a wonderful way to honour your God and your husband.

Challenge yourself. Read a chapter a day for a month and pray the sample prayer each day, and tell me that your marriage hasn't changed in some way by the end of the month.

There are many other books in this series by Stormie.  I have yet to read them, but if they are half as good as this, then they are worth it!

Note: This is not a paid or solicited review


Linked up For the Completing Him Challenge at Women Living Well

January Wrap Up

The first month of the year has flown by already and I am still just nutting out the details of my goals ...!

I have finished the first of my books on the 30 excellent books list.

Guidance and the Voice of God by Phillip Jensen and Tony Payne is a simple and easy to read overview of the way the Bible outlines God's guidance for us. I was particularly encouraged to read about the way God examines our choices. When we are faced with two 'right' choices (for example, choosing between two great churches) we need not fear that we will miss the 'path' that God has set for us. Already I have had the opportunity to discuss this very subject with friends, and I was thankful to have read such a clear outline on the topic. The book also examines cases studies of church, work and marriage as models for the way God guides us and speaks to us.

I recommend this book highly!

In the sewing realm I have started on some of the sewing projects I had lined up for Kindy. There are more to do, but I really need to find a more permanent place for my sewing machine! I wonder if I can angle for the spare desk that hubby is using for his models? We'll see! I was given a beautiful book called Meet Me at Mike's for Christmas and it has me thinking about several more projects to be added to my list! All in good time though!

I have recently found a friend who is willing to be my accountability partner in my 2010 goals. I will be hers also! We have emailed each other a list of our goals, measurable, specific and achievable, and will be writing out a timeline (this was her idea, and a wonderful one - it will help keep me on track). Then each week we will meet up briefly before bible study or call each other and check on each other's progress, update prayer points and encourage one another. We start next week and I am all ready looking forward to it!

This week I am aiming to get my house under control after a week in Fiji and organise a healthier fridge and meal plan for the week. I'll keep you posted!

30 Excellent Books in 2010

I thought that it would be a good idea in a quieter year such as this, to focus on filling my mind with excellent things. I have decided to develop "Five Fat Files" as described by Elizabeth George in her book "A Woman After God's Own Heart"

My Five Areas of Focus are;

• Biblical Womanhood
• Spiritual Discipline
• Being a Help Suitable
• Healthy Eating On a Budget
• Prayer

To help me start this learning journey, I am creating a reading list of 30 books for 2010 - some I already own, some I will borrow and I may even buy one or two... but I'm trying to start with those I own or can access to keep the cost low.

My 2010 30 Excellent Books List (in no particular order)

1. Disciplines of a Godly Woman by Barbara Hughes
2. A Call to Spiritual Reformation by D.A Carson
3. According to Plan by Graeme Goldsworthy
4. From Clutter To Clarity by Nancy Twigg
5. The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace
6. The Lion Handbook to the Bible by David and Pat Alexander
7. The Love Dare by Stephen and Alex Kendrick
8. Feminine Appeal by Carolyn Mahaney
9. Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartin
10. Power of Praying Through the Bible by Stormie Omartin
11. The Plight of Man and The Power of God by Martin Lloyd-Jones
12. How Should We Then Live by Frances A. Schaeffer
13. Guidance and the Voice of God by Phillip D. Jensen and Tony Payne
14. Knowing God by J.I. Packer
15. Knowledge of the Holy by A.W Tozer
16. The Pursuit of God by A.W.Tozer
17. Commentary on Romans by Martin Luther
18. My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers
19. The Cross by Martyn Lloyd-Jones
20. Spiritual Blessing by Martyn Lloyd-Jones
21. Hind's Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard

This list stops at 21 because I want to allow for other people to lead me to good books they have enjoyed. I am hoping that throughout the year I will be challenged to read some books I would never have thought of!

God-Sized Dreams

2010 Goal Setting

• Find time to have quiet time with God everyday
• Use less internet each day - create stillness in the home
• Have less junk in my life - physically and spiritually
• Read 30 excellent books
• Complete the first level of the Preliminary Theological Certificate
• Plan meals to manage the budget more effectively
• Memorise Ephesians this year
• Remember more and forget less!
• Complete sewing projects for gifts and for the house