Thankful but...

These are words I admit have come out of my mouth many times in my Christian walk. God provides but it's not necessarily what we had in mind or we think we know better.  The Lord spoke to me about his over the past couple of weeks. I will say thank you for something, and then I will add a plea at the end in the form of a "but...".  ex:  Lord thank you for providing SHOP with a building for us to meet, but...it's not easy, there are SO many sound issues, the stage is high, the kids area is in the basement...and I go on and on grumbling and complaining as if the Lord does not know what we need.
Then I heard him say:

"the fact that you are adding a "but" when you say you are thankful; tells me that you are not really thankful. Do I not know what you need? Do I not know that it's not always easy? Will I not provide through your perserverance? Just be thankful, period. I will reward a thankful heart."

This changed my thinking a little bit, of course I knew this in my head, but unbelief and impatience sets in and I find myself saying I'm thankful but really not trusting Him.
Lord thank you that you want this more than I do, thank you that we are not left without a building! Thank you that we can encounter you and that you sent your Spirit fill me in my inner man! You are good and your love endures forever!

Book Review: The Falling Away

The Falling Away By TL Hinds is a mysterious story that deals with the hidden realms of influence. Dylan Runs Away is being chased from all different angles, but where will he choose to run to? The place that looks safe but will lead to his destruction, or a place that looks difficult will lead to his ultimate calling.  One could not give a too detailed synopsis without giving away parts to the book, but each chapter keeps you wondering not only what will happen next but keeps you wondering what exactly is happening now!? 

The first 15 chapters really peaked my interest, but it was getting tiring trying to figure out what in the world is going on. If you like thought provoking novels, this is a great novel for you. This is the first novel I have read from Hinds, so I am unfamiliar with his other works.  The biggest bother for me in the book is the over detailed reasoning behind the characters OCD, I can see why the author did it because of the necessity to the story; but it got a little depressing.
Overall, the writing is good, there is some good suspense, enough to keep you reading the book.  There are some parts that I would consider a little bit "cheezy". I would give it 3/5.
I received this book free for my review from Nelson House Publishers Book Sneeze program.

Back From Regina and Back To School

"I have to pee, I'm sick, I'm hungry, I need to stretch, I smell a diaper, I'm crying for not apparent reason" Three kids in a car for 7 hours is not easy. It made me think...how in the world did our parents do it without dvd players in the car to watch? It's hard enough with movies playing. If it was just Corrie and I driving to Regina it would have taken 6 hours tops, we only tacked on 1.5 hours with 3 kids. Not bad, half hour per kid. So I figure if we had 10 kids (no plans) we could tack on 7.5 hours to a 6 hour car ride. It would take us 13.5 hours to drive to Regina. In any case, it was a bit of an eye opener that we likely won't be taking our kids to KC any time soon for a family trip...unless an airplane was involved. First time in a hotel with the kids was not all bad, especially when you have a pool and waterside. All difficulties aside, it was well worth the trip. I love seeing my family in Saskatchewan, and the atmosphere created by the fans of the Riders is electric...so much fun! Until next year Regina!

I had my first day back at school today (staff meeting). I think it will be a good year, I have always been working in grade 7 or 9. For the first time in my 5 years working in schools I am in grade 8, this means different staff that I have not worked with before. They seem like a positive bunch and I think this will make my job enjoyable.

Book Review: The Boy Who Changed The World

The Boy Who Changed the World by Andy Andrews is a story that proves that the little things that you do could have a huge ripple effect on what happens in the future and may even "change the world". This is a great book for everyone from preschool aged children to adults. The story is engaging and relevant for everyone and we can all take from its message in this inspired heartwarming story. The book is beautifully illustrated, enhancing the enjoyment of it. I would definitely show this one to my co-workers (teacher) and have them consider it as one to read in front of their classes.
As much as I loved the story, I don't think it is a story that children would want to read it multiple times in a short period of time as is the experience in my household with many of my kid's other books.
This book was provided free from booksneeze (http://booksneeze.com) for my review. I was not required to give it a positive review.