An Easter Story

"Simon and the Easter Miracle" by Mary Josin and illustrated by Anna Luraschi is one of the latest children's books released by Kregel publishing. Just in time for this blessed holiday, I was eagerly looking forward to settling down with the girls in a cozy blanket with this new book.

The pictures on each page are soft and beautiful and captivated our attention from the very first beginning. The story follows a man named Simon as he goes into the market for the day to sell his wares. He is stopped on his way when asked to carry the cross of Jesus. His interaction with Christ makes an impression on him that he doesn't understand or notice until later.

I love Easter. I can't think of a more incredible, powerful, moving, emotional, complex and yet so simple moment of time that we remember each year. Since having kids I have been overwhelmed with their depth of understanding and love of Jesus. And I have realized just how approachable God is. Now please don't misunderstand . . . the more I read the bible, the more I realize how huge God is and just how little I know about Him and His plan. There are times however, that just baffle me when I back up and put my "intellectualism" on the shelf and look at the message from the eyes of a child (one who Jesus said the kingdom of God belongs to). The words to the tender well known song "Jesus loves me . . . this I know . . . for the bible tells me so" . . . sums it all up. Jesus love us . . . the bible tells us so.

"Simon and the Easter Miracle" was another spring board for conversation with my girls as to how much Jesus loves us and what an amazing sacrifice he made. On a practical sense, I found this book didn't end . . it lacked cohesion and finality . . . the girls said, "and then what?" I felt the same thing . . . I was craving a few more pages tying the story together and emphasizing what the miracle of Easter really was. I imagine the authors intended an opportunity to fill in the blanks when the book was closed.

May this Easter season be a blessed time for you . . . wherever you are . . . no matter your understanding of the bible or deep "spiritual" things . . . no matter the place you are in life . . . Jesus loves you - this I KNOW - for the bible tells me so.

 

Treasures Found

I loooove thrift store shopping. I love getting amazing clothes for crazy prices . . . (I'll let you in on my favorite stores if you're in the area and ask!)

On Saturday, my mom, sister and I went on an all day thrift store marathon. My sister even did research to find  new places to stop. I found some fantastic things . . . and couldn't even begin to describe and show you everything . . . but I will show you my two favorites!!

I have wanted rain boots for a long time. And I'm not sure if you have ever priced adult sized rain boots but they are expensive. Even Target sells expensive rain boots. . . but never fear . . . the thrift store shopper finds a treasure!

They are MIA rain boots and YES . . . they were $7.99!!! Whooo hoooo!!

The other thing I have always wanted is a bread box. It might sound ridiculous but my daddy has a bread box at home and it holds a lot of memories from growing up . . .

And yes . . . I found an antique bread box for only $15 . . . it makes me soooo happy and I can't wait to fill it with bread and make some memories with my own family.

I wish I could take pictures of all the clothes and shoes that I found . . . now the only tricky thing each day is what to wear! Bargains can be found and the search can be sooo fun! (Thanks Miss for putting together such a great time - such great deals and such great laughs!)

Family Ministry

My friends at Kregel publishing recently sent me another book to review titled "Trained in the Fear of God" by Rnady Stinson and Timothy Paul Jones. It is an in depth look at the history of family ministry and some ideas and perspectives on how to include it practically in the church now.

There are so many books to be read . . . some cover to cover and some browsed as a reference. I found this book difficult to get into initially but when I got over my need to read every word, I was able to appreciate the overview and thoughts presented.

I found the crux of the book to address the much needed topic of getting the family involved in the church community. There are many schools of thoughts on how to reach people and present the gospel to children and adults alike.The initial thought that I found interesting is how much our modern churches focus on separating each individual group. We have "children's ministry" and "Sunday school" and "men's breakfasts" and "ladies bible studies" and "vacation bible studies" and all of these are fantastic and serve their purpose. But how often do we focus on integrating the whole family as one group to teach, grow and involve?

There are so many things we know but don't do on a daily basis. In the home, it's having dinner together and asking each other questions about the day. This can be such an amazing time of fellowship and deep conversation and teaching and laughter. What is the church equivalent of "dinner at the table"? And how as a congregation are we encouraging such growth?

Randy Stinson and Timothy Paul Jones combine thoughts and ideas from many resources and present clear, practical tips and ideas for the church to equip, encourage, and minister to the family.

To win a free copy of this book, enter your name in the comments section and I will notify the winner.

A New Do

The girls were discussing hair (that's what girls do you know)  and Hannah decided she wanted to get hers cut . . . that afternoon if possible. The search was on. We stopped by a few generic master cut like places and found the environment less that wonderful and the stylists (although I'm sure wonderful people) didn't look like those who we'd want a haircut from. (I'm so sorry if you are an employee or affiliate of said hair cutting establishments - no harm intended) After much searching I told Hannah we'd try one more place and if they were closed or didn't have an opening, we were giving up for the day.

Behind a grocery store, down a residential side street, we found the cutest salon ever . . . and they fit us in with a smile even though they had quite a few customers being pampered themselves. Needless to say, Hannah had a great time and was thrilled with her new do.

If you happen to mosey around the Arlington area and need a new haircut in the most adorable location with the friendliest stylists, check out Studio 5 (and tell them the cutest 8 year old around sent ya!)