Book-Themed Birthday Party

My sister-in-law Kari threw a first birthday party for her son Max, last weekend. She chose Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? as the theme, because it is Max's favorite book. Guess which Auntie bought that book for him? :) Kari did a great job, and the party turned out really well. I'm so proud of Kari for being such a great mom, and among other things, reading to Max so much. He's sure to grow up loving books and reading with this kind of care! Here are a couple pictures from the party:

If you look closely, you can see the blue horse on the side of Maxy's little cake. He wasn't so sure why EVERYONE was looking at him and singing, but he fell to once the cake was in his reach! (and the candle safely out).

Story time! Kari reads Max's favorite book to all the guests. She has it memorized, and quotes it to him all the time. Maxy was pretty excited and lunged for the red bird page! I just love it when babies love books!







Here is Maxy playing with his present from Uncle Josh -- a real Louisville Slugger with his name on it! Good thing it's still a little bit heavy, or watch out!

Great party, Kari! I wish I had some more pictures of the cake and things, to show the Brown Bear theme, but you get the gist. Have any of you done book-themed birthday parties? I think it's such a fun idea!

Lessons Learned in the Dark

So Hurricane Ike sent some of his winds up to us last Sunday -- no rain, just wind -- and wiped out the power in our lovely city. A couple pockets were not affected, but hundreds of thousands of people lost their electricity for a few days -- many have still not been restored! We were out for 3 days, and I tried to take a few pictures here and there to document the lessons I learned in the dark. Some are practical, some more thoughtful -- but here they are:

Lesson 1: You can do a lot of cleaning without electricity. For instance, look at how great my freezer looks!
Lesson 2: Unbelievers can be enormously generous (often putting Christians to shame). Josh and I were fed like kings at the Louisville Slugger Factory where Josh works as a tour guide. They gave us tons of ice as well. Lesson 3: You don't need electricity to enjoy the warmth of friendship -- in fact, you bond quite closely without it. We had a lovely campfire with several friends, singing and telling ghost stories around the fire. No outlets needed!
Here is a picture of me with my sister Emily and her roommate Faith. We had some nice bonding time charging our electronics at the local coffee shop. I appreciated their positive attitudes. Emily didn't complain once even when we had to hike to Java carrying all our earthly goods in backpacks.
Lesson 4: Our school has excellent leadership. Now I knew this before, but it was really good to see firsthand. After the first 24 hours passed without the lights, Dr. Mohler called a meeting on the lawn (where it was light) and updated everyone on how the place would run without power. Free food, canceled classes -- what did I say about generosity?! I really appreciate how everything was quickly addressed and organized. We are so blessed to have this kind of humble leadership on our campus!

Kingdom Kids Prayer Festival

Wednesday night was our end-of-the-summer festival for the kids at church. We had a prayer Festival around the world, as a fun conclusion to learning about unreached people groups in the 10/40 window. The kids got boarding passes and passports, and traveled around the world with their pilots. Each classroom was set up to represent a different people group in a different country. Here's a picture of my room. We were the Khamba people in Tibet. So use your imagination, that is my tent. My room was probably the most creative and imaginative and the LEAST accurate. Ha ha! We can't all have it all. Here I'm serving the cute kiddos Tsampa to eat when they visit my home. I bet when the Khamba make tsampa, it doesn't taste EXACTLY like cookie dough, but that's what it was when I made it. So mostly everyone really liked it. Also, the Khamba do not wear saris exactly. But that is all I had and I tied it differently so it's not so traditional-Indian.
Doris Stam hosting the China room. She's so cute! Her husband, Chip, is our Worship Pastor and the nephew of the John and Betty Stam who were martyrs in 1934. The Stams are some of my favorite people in the world! My friend Amelia, hosting the Turkey room (the kids had just come from the India room where they were shown honor with flower necklaces). Her husband went to Turkey this summer, along with a number of people from our church, Clifton Baptist. What a blessing to be in a community of believers who are so aware of God's movements in the world, and who desire to be a part of that!

Thanks, everybody, for helping! It was a great night of co-operating with a great team of competent , like-minded servants. I'd highly recommend the Caleb project material. The DVDs about unreached people groups are fabulous. Check out their website. I think you could even just use this for your family, or for a geography class in your homeschool group.

Comforts from the Cross

I just found out about this new title by Elyse Fitzpatrick, being published by Crossway in March. I was so blessed by her book Because He Loves Me that came out last spring -- this looks like it will be along the same lines: shorter passages to read everyday to cause us to reflect on the gospel! I would read a few paragraphs of Because He Loves Me each morning right before work, and it was so encouraging. This will be just the same thing. Here's a review I read (not sure why the font, spacing and color are doing this):

"Nothing comforts a woman’s soul more than a fully understood and embraced gospel. But many women aren’t finding solace in their relationship with

Christ because they don’t see how his life, death, and resurrection connect

with soccer practices and swim lessons. Besides, they just don’t have time

to sit down and read a theology book, no matter how much they might hunger
for God’s truths.

That’s where Elyse Fitzpatrick’s latest book comes in. Comforts from the
Cross provides those well-intentioned women with bite-sized readings to
remind them of their place in Christ and of his love and ministry in their
busy lives. It also dusts off the facts of the gospel to show how ancient
truths such as justification, sanctification, and redemption can free and
enliven their souls every day. Even more, these five-minute celebrations of
the gospel relieve readers of legalistic condemnation and empower them for
joyful obedience by engendering fresh love for the Savior.

A perfect choice for gift-giving or personal encouragement, Fitzpatrick’s
book helps active women grasp the practicality of the gospel message and
experience its deep comforts."

Looks like a good one!  Here I am with Elyse last March when
she came to campus.

Begin Reading!

Last night marked the kick-off of my junior high Reading Roundabout, with excited squeals from several of the girls -- okay, well at least from Chrissy. There was a bit of a skirmish over The Scarlet Pimpernel but since it was Caitlin's suggestion, I'm letting her read it first. We do ALL get to read them ALL!

I made some little bookmarks for each book. Here are some pictures of the books, journals and bookmarks. We're planning to get together and discuss after we've passed everything around a bit. I think booklovers cannot help but bond together over a cup of tea -- don't you think?

I've changed the first-round list for the RR, adding and dropping a couple books. For this small group, I figured we'd be better off to go in smaller rounds and change lists more often. For anyone who's interested, here is the updated list:

1. The Scarlet Pimpernel by Emmuska Orczy
2. Tramp for the Lord by Corrie Ten Boom
3. These Strange Ashes by Elisabeth Elliot
4. The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald




In other business, I've removed the post I wrote about Michelle Obama because it was getting the kind of attention I did not want it to get. I know now I should never write about anything political unless I can back it up with some sort of fervent conviction. That post was simply my observations about a speech I watched -- not meant to reflect any sort of political affiliation whatsoever. I realize that for many people anything written about politics is backed up by strong feelings, so it was natural for this post to be interpreted in that light. I'm sorry for anyone I've offended -- I certainly didn't mean to do so. I appreciate the few who commented and knew what I meant and where I was coming from. You won't hear anything even bordering on political from me here henceforth! Even though I was rolling around in my mind a "First-Lady-Fashion-Contest" post . . . just kidding.

Pastor Daddy Story Hour

Yesterday we had the pleasure of hosting the authors and illustrators of the book Pastor Daddy for story hour at the bookstore. Lindsey Blair, Bobby Gilles and Tessa Janes were delightful to meet, just the sort of folks I knew I'd be friends with. You can read a good interview and more insight to their ministry and collaboration on the book here.

We had a great crowd come out for story hour, which was great! Here are some of the kids listening to Lindsey and Tessa read. I think it's hilarious how the little boy in the front is more interested in the gummy bears the girl next to him is eating. She clasped them to her chest and shook her head every time she wasn't eating one because of his steadfast gaze.

Here I am in my maroon-ness with Tessa (the illustrator) and her husband, who was the original model for the dad in Pastor Daddy. What great people! I love this little book! Let me know if you are interested in getting a copy, because I'd love to help you out.

Reading Roundabouts

I am still working on my who all will be involved in our Reading Roundabouts, but I have finally settled on the book lists for them. First, for the Ladies' Roundabout with some women at church we will be reading a nice variety:

1. Disciplines of a Godly Woman by Barbara Hughes
2. Practical Theology for Women by Wendy Horger Alsup
3. If by Amy Carmichael
4. He Gave Us a Valley by Helen Roseveare
5. Hannah Coulter by Wendell Berry
6. Marriage to a Difficult Man the Uncommon Union of Jonathan and Sarah Edwards by Elisabeth Dodds

These are all books either I have or am able to get from my bookstore. I have a 33% off coupon for LifeWay right now!

Caitlin, Chrissy, Grace and I are having our own little Roundabout. Since there are fewer of us, and the girls are such voracious readers, we will be exchanging books every 2 weeks! I've started us with 6 books, which should take us to the end of the school semester. Here's what we are reading:

1. The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy
2. Lies Young Women Believe by Nancy Leigh DeMoss
3. Mimosa by Amy Carmichael
4. Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie
5. Safely Home by Randy Alcorn
6. Tramp for the Lord by Corrie Ten Boom

This weekend I'm going to work on making bookmarks and little notebook journals to pass around with the books to keep everyone on schedule and to give us a way to communicate about the books. I'd also like to put together little Reading Roundabout parties, so I need to look at a calendar and try to schedule those.

Thanks again to MummyMac for the outstanding suggestion. Many good cups of tea to you all!

Reading a Play

While finishing off Hamlet, and preparing to read Faust, I've come to realize that I've never really been taught how to read a play. Shakespeare is enjoyable regardless how you read it because so much of the phrasing and characters are familiar and his play with the English language is a treat for the eye and ear. But now I'm looking at Goethe and I'm a little tentative. How should I tackle this work?

The only tactic I know to employ is to imagine the play taking place before me. Sometimes I even read aloud so I can hear lines I'd otherwise struggle to follow. This works well with most plays that I have seen before, or whose story lines with which I'm at least somewhat familiar. I am only slightly familiar with Faust, and the fact that it's been translated into English makes me think it's possible some things might be lost in translation. In German Faust is probably an incredible treat, but Clifton Fadimore (Lifetime Reading Plan) assures me that it is worth the effort in English as well.

Surely there are those of you who have loads of experience reading plays, and you might have some helpful tips. Please, anything!

In other news, I'm putting together 2 reading roundabouts for some friends at church. One is for the junior high girls in the youth group and the other is for some girlfriends at my church who are not in school. I'll say more later, but let me encourage you to consider doing a roundabout this fall. Why not start now, during this time that everything is transitioning?

Roasted Tomatoes and Ikea stuff

Last week the Courier-Journal (our newspaper in Louisville) had a whole big article on garden tomatoes, along with lots of photos and recipes( including the tomato tart). The article made me want to attack and eat the newspaper itself! The writer waxed eloquent, describing the flavor and color of summer's gems. I have since attempted to eat tomatoes at every meal since they are in their peak, and it's really almost like eating another food compared to the pinkish bland things that come around in the winter. I haven't been entirely successful, not because I am sick of tomatoes, but because they are fragile guys and they only last so many days from when I buy them at the farmer's market! I never run out of ways to eat tomatoes -- here's one of my favorites (okay, so we've veered off the book path, but it's tomato season right now, so please come along!).

Roasted Tomatoes

Cut small to medium tomatoes in half. Lay them open side up in a baking pan (I use a bread pan). Drizzle with EVOO, add salt and pepper. Roast them in a lowish temperature oven (300 or so) for 40 minutes or so. You may stop them sooner if the smell makes you stand in front of the stove salivating! I add pine nuts and a touch more EVOO for the last 10 minutes.

Holy cow! These things are amazing. I usually eat them with a hunk of bread to dip in the juices, but since I was out, I ate them with some steamed ravioli. It was amazing! I drank every drop of juice from the bottom of my bowl.



I also wanted to show you where my dear husband put up my recent Ikea purchases. I love that place. When we were there, my sister Anna said she wished she had a little house like me so that she would need some of their storage things. Ha ha! You crack me up, Anna! I was glad to find a few things that would help us get a bit more organized that also didn't break the bank.



Here are some hooks and things to keep stuff handy I need at the stove. These cute green mugs were only 58 cents! And I love the hanging basket that keeps the seasonings I use most over the stove.

Back to books next time, I promise.

The Lifetime Reading Plan

I've found a little gem in this book by Clifton Fadiman. Most of you who have been reading in this world even just a little bit longer than I have are probably already familiar with The Plan, but in case you're not, I'll introduce it to you.

Fadiman was a personality in the 40's and 50's in print and on television and radio, mainly for his opinions about books and reading. He wrote book reviews for The New Yorker, chose books for the "Book of the Month" club, and hosted a show called "Information, please!" He was asked to write a little plan for the average American, choosing the best books from 100 of the best authors, which was published as this little book, The Lifetime Reading Plan.

I was immediately struck by Fadiman's gentle wit and pleasant style of writing when I read the introduction -- it was like sitting in on a very fine lecture on the pleasure of reading good books. He humbly admits that any very well read person could make up such a plan, and that many other authors might be suggested or added to his list, and he would not argue about that -- if there are others you like, please, read them!

Fadiman gives short bios of each of the 100 authors, followed by a bit of a plot line and concrete reasons why the modern American should gain by it's reading. "Why should you read Dante?" he asks in the introduction "Jane Austen? Lucretius? Voltaire? Because they are great? That is no answer. Their greatness is what we feel after we have read them, often years after. I have tried to give a more concrete, less lofty answer to a natural and proper question."

He gives this tip on how to tackle difficult books: "If you try a book, say Hobbe's Leviathan and find it too difficult, put it aside for a year or so. Then take it up again. You will find that the other books you have read in the meantime will somehow have made Hobbes a little easier. That is one of the miracles of this kind of reading: each original communication helps us to extract a bit more from all the others."

Fadiman also lectures on our approach to reading: "Reading is not a passive experience, except when you're reading trash or the news. It should be and is, one of the most vigorous modes of living. A good book, like a healthy exercise, can give you that pleasant sense of fatigue that comes of having stretched your mental muscles."

The plan is not meant to be a checklist which earns you a bachelor's degree when you have completed it. Fadiman is clear about his intention "I would like you to feel The Lifetime Reading Plan as an exciting adventure of the mind, as well as a discipline. If I have communicated to you any of my own enthusiasm, you are ready to sit down for a lifetime of conversation with some of the liveliest talkers our civilization has produced." If these books are not enjoyed, then reading them is vanity.

I have always liked to hear reading spoken of as a conversation between the reader and writer. Choosing a book is often choosing a new friend -- not just in the characters, but behind them their author. Fadiman nods to that concept in the book's dedication: "For Mortimer J. Adler who first taught me, and has never ceased teaching me, how to listen to the Great Conversation."

If you're wondering, How to Read a Book by Adler is #99 in The Plan.

My friend Christen

I got a package in the mail yesterday from my dear friend Christen, who works in Brazil as a missionary. It was for my birthday, and I can't imagine a sweeter gift than this.

She sent me this jewelry that I'm styling here in this picture, which is made from coconut shells. I just love it!

The rest of the package was filled with an assortment of different tea bags from Brazil, all labeled by Christen so I would know what flavors they were. For instance, "Cha Verde com sabor de Pessego" says in Christen's girly handwriting that looks somehow the way she talks: "Fav! Green Tea w/Peach". MMMMmmmmmm . . . I'm sipping some of the tea you sent me right now!

Chris, your card brought me to tears, thinking of God's Providence in our lives that crossed our paths 2 1/2 years ago. That first night I sat and talked with you, drinking tea in my kitchen, I KNEW God was bringing me a true friend. I thought of praying together on Monday afternoons drinking green tea with pomegranate in the Barnabas house kitchen. There is no time or space that separates the love of the Father from His children, and likewise, His children from one another. We are bound together in Christ! I feel myself standing shoulder to shoulder with you, working joyfully to serve our Savior, no matter how far apart the map says we are.

Fellow readers, would you pray for my friend Christen today -- consider her as you drink a cup of tea this morning. She is just beginning her second year serving in Brazil, learning the language, and salivating with her husband to begin making plans where they will go serve and work when this phase is through. May the Lord use you to bring glory to Himself wherever you are serving, Chris! I pray that He will make you happy in Himself.

Thank you so much for the birthday presents!

Tomato Tart and Book Sale at the Jewish Family Center

My friend Annie scans the internet all week for any promising weekend plans (she's the one who found out about the Jane Austen festival), and this week she found a used book sale at the Jewish school here in Louisville. Of course, the sale was on Sunday, so we had to wait to check it out until the afternoon.

For a quick lunch, I had fixed everything last night, including a tomato, onion and zucchini tart that I'd seen a recipe for in the newspaper this week. I'm on a tomato spree, endeavoring to eat them in all 3 meals each day. I'd say the tart turned out well, though I think I'll add even more tomatoes next time.

***EDIT: See end of post for Tomato Tart recipe.

I found a nice handful of books at the sale (the Judica and language books were rather picked over, according to the Hebrew scholars in our group). I was excited to find a good little variety of stuff I'm not already familiar with, like Little Pear by Eleanor Frances Lattimore in 1931 or Daybreak at Sampey Place by Frances Fitzpatrick Wright published in 1954. I'm eager to peruse, and I anticipate being unable to put down The Lifetime Reading Plan by Clifton Fadiman (books about books are just amazing!). This little collection of reviews of the greatest books of all time is dedicated to Mortimer J. Adler, author of How to Read a Book.

Finally, I do like to grab books purely for their aesthetic quality. For instance, when I saw the spine of this particular copy of Rudyard Kipling's Kim, I knew at once that it would be perfect on this shelf with these other books. It coordinates with the wallpaper! Similarly, I envisioned the illustrations of Will You Take Me to Town on Strawberry Day being matted and framed in a little girl's room, for their red and pink hues in every picture (we'll see if I ever get around to it. It's a cute book nevertheless).

Tomato and Onion Tart (please forgive -- I give out recipes the way I remember them)

• Saute 1 1/2 sliced onions in a little butter and pinch of sugar until they start to carmelize (medium heat). Set aside and let them cool.
• Prepare a pie crust, roll it out and bake it in a tart or pie pan (I WISH I had a tart pan) for about 8 minutes so the bottom can toast a bit.
• Layer the tart with: Carmelized onions first, 1 medium sliced zucchini, and 3 whole sliced tomatoes. I added garlic salt, basil and oregano in between layers as well. Top with your favorite cheese.
• Bake 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. You may cover the crust with foil and bake longer if you want to make sure the veggies are nice and done.
  

Mary Jones and Her Bible

Christian Focus prints some extraordinary little books -- some of which may be lost in antiquity never to be printed again, if not kept in print by one of my favorite publishers. One such book is Mary Jones and Her Bible by Mary Ropes. This sweet book is the true story of a young Welsh girl, Mary Jones, who wanted to buy her very own Bible, and worked and saved for six years to buy one. She walked 50 miles, barefoot and alone to find a man who might have a Bible she could buy. At that time (early 1800's) Bibles were no longer being printed in Welsh, and Bibles were terribly scarce. Mary's love for the Word and devotion to Christ are inspirational to read about!

The man responsible for selling Mary her precious Bible began the first Bible society in England, which grew and grew. It is a bit hard for a westerner to appreciate what a blessing these societies were -- working to print the Scriptures in the languages where there was great need for them. We live in places where Bibles are sold in nearly every bookstore in every color, size, translation, with notes for every age and situation in life. If we are informed, we might consider places where the Bible has not yet been translated into the language, and pray that the Word would go forward in those parts. But what about people who live in places where Bibles are scarce? Reading this book opened my heart to consider those people in a fresh light. Bibles Unbound is a ministry of Voice of the Martyrs that enables Christians to send Bibles as gifts to places in the world where they are hard to come by. I highly endorse their program! Why not read this terrific little book, and then sign up to send some Bibles through Bibles Unbound? Sounds like a fitting activity for late summer when our minds tend to start thinking of "back to school", and we can start to get self-focused and materialistic.

Thinking toward 30

Well, it's coming in 2 days. Of course, I've been thinking on it for much longer than that. I found this interesting quote by C.S. Lewis:

"Thirty was so strange for me. I've really had to come to terms with the fact that I am now a walking and talking adult".

Well, that doesn't really sum it up for me so much, but interesting nonetheless. I think I've been feeling like a walking and talking adult for a while now, but there is still something strange about being thirty. Today a very rude man demanded "how old are you?" when I asked him if he'd ever shopped in our store before (a general question I ask often during checkout). I was stunned, and taken aback. Perhaps he meant how long had I worked there? "Excuse me?" I asked, trying to sound cheery. He repeated the question, this time emphasizing the word OLD. "Thirty" I said after a pause. "I was shopping here before you were BORN" he grunted. I guess he must have been pretty young when that happened -- perhaps a teenager? (He wasn't a sweet old man).

Why does it bother us to grow older? I feel no different. I don't really look whole lot different. What makes me esteem youth over age? I once heard John Piper point out the ignorance of that kind of worldly thinking -- Scripture blesses and esteems the gray head, doesn't it? Why then, do I so often build in my mind a little worldly idol of staying pretty and young?

Help me think toward 30, here. These past 3 decades have carried along not only change, age and experience, but also MORE of Christ -- His reality, His beauty, His gospel. God has shaped my heart to love him more, to know him more. Won't the coming years bring the same, by His grace? Why would I hesitate for a second to embrace with open arms all that God will bring in my future -- the mercy of knowing Him more and more.

Jim Elliot looked deep into his soul and asked "Can you bear it -- long life?" He died at 27. Can I bear it -- aging well, or dying young -- to the glory of God? Oh God, in the fire of your glory, make me be fuel to the flame!

Last Chance

Just a quick heads-up and reminder that we're still doing Jesus Storybook Bibles for 50% off through Saturday ($8.50 each). I've still got plenty left if you want to take advantage of this great offer!

Last night a friend from church was telling me how much he loves this children's Bible. He said when he first got it, he read a chapter each day with his devotions and was amazed how much it increased his love for Christ! This guy is in seminary and a military chaplain, and he gives JSB to new believers. I thought his testimonial was outstanding! How often do you hear such high praise for a children's book?

Literary Happenings

You know how tons of wonderful events tend to fall all with in the same 48 hour time slot, while the rest of your life plods on uneventfully? Perhaps this doesn't happen to you, but it certainly did for me last weekend. All within 24 hours, I attended the following:

• Farmer's Market featuring the sweet sounds of our friend Matt Shirley (performing at the market with his folk group)
  
• Book club brunch -- Great Expectations
• Jane Austen Festival with my friend Annie
  
• 25 cent ice cream day at the Pie and Ice Cream Kitchen
• Cook-out and sing-along at Blue Gables (named for the Cuthbert-like feel to the place as well as the "Shirley" that dwells therein.

Here are some pictures of the events:

Annie and I with Austen-type characters.

Getting a book signed by the keynote speaker who also wrote this book! Her talk was excellent, titled "Jane Austen for Smarties"

Showing the price of our yummy cones!

Hooray for Bastille day! Freedom and Fireworks for all!

Singing with my friend and talented musician, Rachel Amunrud

The Sale is Back!

Last Year I promoted a sale on my favorite storybook Bible, The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones here on my blog, and your response was outstanding. Well, I have great news! The sale is back! Yes, my friends, July 19th-26th (one might think it's in honor of my birthday) we are offering 50% off this great Bible (making the price $8.49). I know I gave away all the copies I bought last year, so I'm glad to stock up again this year!

I don't want to just rewrite my review of the book, but if this book is new to you, please read my post from last year. I don't know of any other storybook Bible that does such an excellent job of pointing to Christ through all the stories. It truly is Christ-centered.

“This is heady theology, often missed in adult preaching and teaching, but full realized in an age appropriate and attractive form that will delight children and often (at least for me) leave the grown up reader in tears... " (from Timothy Keller's review)

I can't think of a better way to spend $8.50. This would make a terrific baby gift for new parents, Christmas gifts for all your nieces and nephews, or even a great read for yourself (Tim Keller says every Christian from pew-warmer to Seminary Student should read it).

You can call me at work if you'd like to place an order -- we have tons on hand for the big sale -- (5o2 897 forty-fiveo6), or leave me a comment on this blog, or send me an e-mail. For the friends I know personally, (or sisters through the blogosphere) I'm happy to send them Media mail nice and cheaply. Our store usually does UPS in order guarantee fast delivery, but I'll handle your shipping whichever way you like.

The sale only lasts for that one week, so get me your order ASAP. I can't start shipping until the 21st, but I can put them aside for you before then. Hope to hear from you soon!

Book Plates

Do you use bookplates? I am an ardent fan. I have a lovely little collection of vintage-y bookplates, but recently I've been bookplate shopping for more, or a company that I can set up as a vendor for our bookstore. I was blown away by all the adorable paper companies out there. So far I haven't been successful in finding what quite fits our academic store, but I am personally a huge fan of the following.

Soooooo. . . tell me what you think! And if you know any booklovers who are turning the big 3-0 in a couple of weeks, this is just the sort of gift that would keep her feeling youthful! (I like "Home Sweet Home," and "Hello Deer" from Paper Princess best, hint hint.) :)


Here's Paper Princess -- all their stuff is cute!
http://www.thepaperprincess.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=6&zenid=cab23a38e7587615f2339d0fdc5d0c19

Felix Doolittle has more serious ones, check out the book prints
http://www.felixdoolittle.com/web/product_bp.aspx

Bookplate Ink has the plates I have and a fun interactive tool that shows how the fonts look on the plates.http://www.bookplateink.com/bw_bookplates.htm

This Etsy store has the most original ones of all
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12324877

A Delightful Visit

I've written before about my job here at the bookstore on SBTS campus, and how I'm frequently surprised when authors come to visit and buy books from us while they visit the school. In this way, I've been able to meet quite a few of my favorite grown-up authors (or their husbands).

Today I had the pleasure of meeting Bill and Carine MacKenzie -- visiting Kentucky from Inverness, Scotland. Bill is the founder of Christian Focus Publishing, and his wife Carine writes children's books -- a LOT of them! She has sold over 3 million children's books worldwide! Her books are great. They are so solid, and so clever. The MacKenzie's sat down with me and showed me the upcoming children's titles for CF4K (children's branch of Christian Focus), and highlighted some of the thought put into these books. "That book is about the gospel" Bill told me when I had Carine sign a copy of My 1st Book of Memory Verses. "It's not in the title, so not to be off-putting, but when children memorize these verses, it takes them through the gospel so they've memorized it." Carine told me about the interactive aspects of an upcoming book she has for preschoolers about the life of Jesus, Little Hands Life of Jesus. "How do you think of all these things?" I asked. Carine humbly nodded toward her husband, which was precious. I can tell they are such intentional people. They don't just produce children's books to make cute children's books and sell cute children's books. They are considering every aspect of what they publish. They want significant doctrines to be instilled into the little ones that read them. They want to equip parents to teach important doctrines to their children.

I appreciate Christian Focus' no-nonsense attitude. Perhaps it stands out a bit to me, being an American, but even CF's catalog descriptions of materials reveal a measure of dry wit and clear outlook on what a larger part of the publishing world is about. Take, for instance, this catalog blurb before their list of VBS curriculum: "Do you have a Holiday Bible Club (VBS) coming up but don't want to go down the whole Hollywood ballyhoo that so many expensive programmes involve? Here are some alternatives." Hmm. I can think of some VBS programs that fit the "Hollywood ballyhoo" bill.

What a providential encounter! I'm so glad to work where I do on days like these. If Christian Focus is new to you, please check out some of their outstanding titles!

Pastor Daddy

I have on my desk a darling new book published by a terrific church here in Louisville: Sojourn Community Church.
I'm excited because I've been asked to review the book on my blog, as well as consider carrying it in the children's department at our bookstore!

The children's ministry at Sojourn is outstanding. Their children's pastors have given me some of the resources they put together for their families, including book recommendations & family worship guides. The ministry's aim and focus is on the home as the primary source for instilling Christian values, beliefs and practices. It is in this vein that they have published this great little book, Pastor Daddy by Lindsey Blair and Bobby Gilles (members of Sojourn).

Pastor Daddy shows children how both their churches and their homes engage and instruct them in Christian worship: praising, praying, reading Scripture, etc., by showing them side by side on pages facing one another. For instance:

"A church the pastor reads to us -- the Bible in his hands/ We learn about God's love for us and all of his commands"

then opposite

"My daddy reads the Bible, too. I listen to obey. I'm learning how to walk with God and follow in his ways."

The book is written in an appealing rhythmic rhyme, which makes this profound theological concept seem simple and child-appropriate (which it is!). The text is accompanied by a simlilarly simple illustrations -- mostly of children at church and at home. The pictures are simple and childish without trying to be overly cute. I appreciate the simplicity. Many Christian artists seem to think that complex, ornate artwork is the only fitting way to represent big Christian truths, but Tessa Janes (Pastor Daddy illustrator) shows that this is not so. The book reads easily, which is the biggest test (in my opinion) for read aloud.

What a great book for preschoolers! You can pre-order this book from Sojourn, or here. Hey, maybe before too long, you can stop by and see me at the campus bookstore and get a copy there!

The Mystery of Christ and His Church

Yesterday was Josh's littlest sister's wedding. It was fun, of course, and precious to be a part of. All day, I reflected on the beautiful mystery of marriage -- this amazing institution that God designed to be a picture to us of Christ and His church.

Laura was a beautiful bride. She spent a good deal of time making herself and everything at the wedding beautiful. She wanted to be beautiful as she presented herself to her groom. That is a natural desire, of course. However, my mind was overwhelmed with the idea that Christ presents his bride to himself. He chooses her. He purifies and washes her. She does not make herself acceptable to Him, He makes her so.

Jake is a great guy -- and I'm thrilled to have him for a new brother-in-law. He loves Laura, of course. He wants to lead her and care for her. He wants to do her all the kindnesses he is capable of in his finite being. He is just a shadow, a glimpse of the Great Bridegroom who leads and cares for His bride, buying her with a high price, giving himself for her.

Jake's love for Laura is understandable, to a great degree. She is lovable. She is lovely. For the most part, she makes it easy for him to love her. Not so with Christ and His bride. This Kinsman-Redeemer chose a bride for Himself that did not love Him, did not seek Him and was an enemy, deserving the wrath of the Father. Christ showed His selfless love for the church by laying His life down and dying a gruesome death.

What a glorious picture! How marvelous that God has given us this earthly picture of the heavenly mystery. How could Christ love the Church? That the glory of his love might be made manifest. Meditate on these things, dear church. Think of your bridegroom, and recall how you do not deserve the love he gives.

ESV Illustrated Family Bible looks to be a classic

Crossway has hit another home run with the ESV Illustrated Family Bible, illustrated by Zbigniew Freus. I was immediately taken with the idea of this niche Bible -- to provide families a Bible to share with their non-reading, or early-reading children. I love some of the great story Bibles out there, but obviously, they are Bible stories, not Scripture. How to jump your toddler from storybook Bible to full-length Bible? Most publishers have focused on the attractiveness of the Bible to the child, formatting them to resemble a fairy-princess purse, a treasure chest or a toy of some sort, rather than focusing on how to make the Scripture itself most accessible to young readers. Crossway has come up with a way to do just that.

The Illustrated Family Bible contains 270 carefully-selected passages of Scripture -- from Genesis to Revelation, focusing heavily on the life and death of Christ. The passages are presented in a stunning format with full-page color illustrations, which excellently accent the given passage. I love the prophetic praise song of Hannah of I Samuel 1-2 illustrated with a beautiful young Hannah and her young child. About half of the book is the New Testament, largely depicting the life of Jesus. Freus does a masterful job depicting the Christ. The passion account is woven together from all 4 gospels, one right after the other, in one seamless storyline. It's outstanding. As an adult who has read these passages many times, I was gripped by both the text and pictures, compelled to read on.

The book concludes with John 20 "Now Jesus did many other signs. . . which are not written in this book", which seems to me a most fitting conclusion for a Bible of this sort. Our hope in reading Bible stories, and selected passages to our children is that a hunger will be created in them for more of Christ! I highly recommend this outstanding Bible to all Christians -- reading it will build your love for the Word.

American Girl Movie

Any little girl age 4-14 knows that I love American Girl stuff: reading and discussing the books, taking trips to the store, fixing the dolls' hair, etc. I've also enjoyed the American Girl movies, which so far have been made only for television, but were excellent at capturing the heart of what I love about American Girls. The Samantha and Felicity movies never cease to be tearjerkers for me, though the Molly movie, done by Disney Channel, left quite a bit to be desired, at least for true fans who know the stories well (but I digress). At any rate, I have high hopes for the upcoming Kit movie, which is the first AG film to debut in theatres!

World Magazine got in on the AG action by offering a review of the Kit movie in an article titled "Beauty in Hardship" by Megan Basham, and I was encouraged to read what this conservative Christian magazine had to say about the movie I have high hopes for. The link I put here won't let you read the entire article, but what stood out to me was the emphasis the film puts on hardship in life (Kit lives during the Great Depression). Basham contrasts the glittering wealth-focused world of "Hannah Montana" (a popular Disney Channel show about a rich young rock star) with the make-do mentality of Kit's world, and points out how helpful that mentality will be for girls living today. Isn't it true that so much of what we see on television and in the movies makes us discontent and prone to greed? I'm thrilled to hear that the American Girl movie will be doing what it can to help our girls (and us) fight that sin!

That said, who wants to make a movie trip on July 2nd?

George MacDonald

After a bit of an absence, I'm ready to write again -- about books! I've been meaning to post a review for a while now, about a book recommended to me by a girl in our youth group, Beth Bloom. The book, The Marquis' Secret, is the sequel to The Fisherman's Lady, so I found both of these out of print books on Book Mooch, and took Beth up on her recommendation.

Originally, these books were published under the titles Malcolm and The Marquis of Lossie, but have since been reissued and edited by Michael Phillips, who updated the Scottish-speak that might be difficult to maneuver through for the modern American reader. I've heard that the originals are quite worth it, but someone who has read them will have to speak up on that point, because I've only read these modernized versions. The books have not lost their classic Gothic feel through all the editing. You may still shiver at the wicked Barbara Catanach, who is the local midwife (or is she a witch?), thoroughly endear yourself to Duncan MacPhail, the blind piper who wakes the village each morning by the clock he keeps in his head with the loud wail of his bagpipes, and become smitten with Malcolm, the main character of both books.

Malcolm is really the wonderful part of these books. MacDonald makes his hero so honest, so true, so steadfast, that he is not really real, but better than real -- ideal. I have often said that I love a book where at least one character is set forth as truly good and noble, because our hearts long for true goodness just as we long for Christ, and his true goodness. Malcolm is truly good -- not that MacDonald is writing an analogy with Malcolm as the Christ character -- but a worthy hero nonetheless.

I do not know what MacDonald believed about Reformed theology, but in a couple accounts, it seems to indicate that he saw the old "Calvanists" to be narrow-minded and unloving (perhaps that can be true too often!). Malcolm has a dear friend, Alexander Graham, who is an ex-preacher, and now teaches school. It is not entirely clear why Graham has been forced to quit his parish, but it seems to be because he had theological differences with the strict parishioners. Graham is Malcolm's truest companion and guiding force, and seems to speak for the author in matters of faith.

C.S. Lewis says "I never wrote a book in which I did not quote George MacDonald." Try out these old Gothic romances and see for yourself why Lewis loved him so! Great recommendations, Beth!

VBS Time!

So this week, I'm anticipating being rather absent from the blogosphere. We have VBS at church this week, and I'm the co-director. Josh is leading a tribe, so preparing lessons and so forth. I am running the opening and closing gatherings, helping with songs, etc. We are pretty much just going to work and then living, eating, breathing and sleeping VBS. I'm so stoked! This was one of the best weeks of my summer last year. We've sort of gone with a "Build your own" VBS. Here's what we're doing:

Theme: Group's Galilee by the Sea (okay, yes, we bought last year's curriculum off e-bay to save money!)
Lessons: Our gifted members at Clifton wrote lessons to use that are gospel-centered and Jesus-focused. We are focusing on the life and ministry of Jesus (hence, Galilee -- last year was Bethlehem and next year will be Jerusalem).
Music: Getty music's "Songs Jesus Said". These kid songs are upbeat and fun, but all written based on a passage of Scripture. Lots of fun.
Outreach: We send a van to a nearby low-income neighborhood that we've heavily advertised in, and shuttle kiddos by the dozens down to the church. We're anticipating 100-120 kids total.

So, that's what we're doing. Maybe at some point this week, I'll have a spare moment to post some photos, but until then, let me know what you're doing for VBS this summer at your church! What is your theme, your role in the program? Do you do week-long VBS or stretch it all summer on Wednesday nights? How does your church focus on reaching the community with VBS? Has your church found they can work with what is out there, or do you "build your own" as well?

Let's talk VBS on Gret-Reads-247 this week!

***Edit: The Lord gave us 128 kids on our opening night! WOW! What a blessing!

*** Edit #2: I think we've topped out at 148 kids, I can't really imagine where else we could put more. We've been so blessed with faithful volunteers who show up night after night to love those kids for Jesus' sake! I've only got 1 picture so far, but these 2 girls were so adorable. We've been packing them in on the vans, so we had to overhaul the "van plan" if you will. We now have 6 pick up vehicles, 12 leaders, 250 color coded wristbands and a lot of energy by a lot of kind people. Praise the Lord!

Reading Roundabout

I came across this splendid idea of a "Reading Roundabout" on Elaine's MummyMac blog. This North Ireland woman loves books and reading, and puts that love to work by encouraging the women in her church in a practical way. A reading roundabout is a new twist on a book club, and I can see how it works better with books that spur on our growth in Christ. Elaine chooses only theological works, solid devotional books or Christian biographies for the ladies in the roundabout to read. She is very intentional about her choices.

Why not put together a roundabout for your church, or a group of your friends? Elaine advises buying one book per member of the roundabout, (12 ladies, 12 books, 12 months is the simplest, obviously, but any would do) and mixing the books up so you won't get 2 of the same genre 2 months in a row. Elaine says "We don't put any pressure on the ladies to show that they have read all the books. Not every lady reads every book but they do receive one each month and generally all are read. The Roundabout is a tool to help others not only to read, but to read a wider range of books than they may choose to read themselves. We discuss the book during private conversation and also informally during our ladies nights at church."

Include in each book a list of guidelines, such as: pass the book on at the end of the month, even if you have not completed it, use the roundabout as a tool for edifying conversation with the other women, give the books back to the leader at the end so she can donate them to the church library. I really liked the idea that you are to use what you are reading as a source for edifying conversation with the women in your group. This could truly become a source of growth and Christian encouragement for you! Consider putting together a reading roundabout using some of the books I recommend here, or something from the suggestions Elaine has accumulated over on her blog.

Don't you love her clever idea?

Chrissy's Reading List

Another one of my dear Junior highers asked for a summer reading list. Chrissy tells me that she mostly enjoys reading stories, so I gave her a variety of fiction and biography. Sorry it took me so long, Chrissy! I know you're getting ready to go on vacation, so I hope this helps you, little sister. We'll miss you during VBS, but take some books along on your trip.



1. The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald (this is on my summer reading list, too!)



2. The Princess and Curdy by George MacDonald (the sequel)



3. The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom (if you haven't already read it)



4. Tramp for the Lord by Corrie Ten Boom (such an inspiring sequel)



5. The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall (I gave this one to Caitlin, too!)



6. Each Little Bird that Sings by Deborah Wiles (I promise you will CRY, but you will LOVE it! -- this is one of the best summer reading books ever, in my opinion)

7. The Cross-Centered Life by C.J. Mahaney (this book has changed my life, and it's really short, so it's the only non-STORY I gave you!)

The Titus 2 Need

I have been getting quite a bit of feedback from young women who are saying how much they wish they could have a Titus 2 relationship with an older woman in their life. Perhaps they are discouraged because the older women in their church gossip instead of teach, and or some candidates cannot be trusted. Others have admitted that they are selfishly hesitant to accept input from the older women they know, perhaps because they feel like they don't have anything to teach them, or that perhaps hearing what they will say is too hard to hear.

We need to work through this mindset. It may very well be true that godly, theologically informed older women are few and far between. Gretchen Wrights don't grow on trees. But we certainly don't all have to have the wife of a seminary professor to guide us in our walk with Christ (as nice as that would be!). Allow me to make some suggestions that might help us, as younger women, to do what we can to fill that Titus 2 need.


1. Initiate. Open your eyes and look around and prayerfully consider the older women in your local church. How well do you know them? Have you ever initiated a friendship with them? Have you invited them to tea, or dropped by with hands to help and an ear to listen? Consider how the Lord would use you to bless another woman's life and then ask Him to guide you to a special woman who you can glean wisdom from. And don't be discouraged or give up if those plans don't seem to come to fruition. It's certainly not a mistake to bless others even if they don't respond in kind. Perhaps you may sort of mentor them, in some ways, by encouraging their walk with Christ, and their growing in grace through your conversations. You might certainly learn practical wisdom that comes with years lived out, and trials endured. I heard a speaker remark that in her church there were so many godly young women who had sort of co-mentoring relationships with the older women they knew. The younger women had the theological training and the passion to give, and the older women had experience and wisdom to pass on. You may very well unearth a gold mine. Who can tell?

2. Band together. What friends spur you on the most? Plan time with them! Is there a younger woman in your church that seems to desire to walk with Christ? Seek her out, and engage her in conversation. A younger friend, or someone close to your age can serve as a sort of mentor, walking together with you. You may not have all the answers for one another, but you can listen, and pray. You may not have the life experience to advise the best plan of action, but you can search the Scriptures together. Such friends can be God's tools for your sanctification no matter what their age.

3. Read. Honestly, dear friends, we are shutting ourselves away from wonderful godly wisdom, truth and encouragement if we do not read good books by faithful women. Choose a woman whose writings have influenced you, or that you have enjoyed the most, and read everything she has written. I am reading everything by Elisabeth Elliot, Helen Roseveare, Corrie Ten Boom and Carolyn Mahaney. How much their words have guided me through the years, I cannot begin to say! Be discerning about your reading choices. Of course I support reading just for pleasure, but be sure to consider authors who can be spiritual mothers to you. What a blessing those women can be!

Finally, older sisters: I know you're out there. You are serving in your church, your families, your ministries or your work. Perhaps you may feel the pull from every direction, and it seems there simply is no time left to invest in your younger sisters. Perhaps you humbly feel there is nothing you are equipped to teach, so you have avoided those sort of relationships. Can I encourage you to seek the Lord in prayer and ask Him to guide you to young women with whom you can share your life? Often just spending time together, life upon life, is the best teaching tool there is! Do you have a free afternoon? Ask a younger girl to come over for coffee. I promise she won't mind the laundry sitting in the basket -- maybe she'll even help you fold it!

7 Years!

This is a few days late, but better late than never!

Grow old with me!

The best is yet to be
The last of life, for which the first was made.
Our times are in his hand.

~Robert Browning