It's Monday! Depression and Anxiety

This past week I finished a book that I've been reading for quite a long time but has never shown up in my It's Monday posts and it took me awhile to even put it on Goodreads. Why? Cause I was a little ashamed... though I shouldn't have been. The book is Depression: Looking up From the Stubborn Darkness and as is obvious from the title it deals with depression though it also deals with anxiety. I started reading it two years ago with my mentor... it's taken us a long time (she's a much slower reader than I am) but I've finally finished it! Back when I started it I was in the midst of nursing school. With my grandma's stroke and then my grandpa's failing health I had begun to deal some with anxiety and depression but nursing school dramatically increased them both... especially my anxiety. Anxiety and Depression were not something really talked about growing up and unwittingly I became under the impression they were something we didn't talk about. That's not my parents fault at all and I do have a very open relationship with them both. Thanks to my mentor as well as my parents my anxiety and depression never got too bad. This book was a huge encouraging influence on me as well and was incredibly helpful. It didn't read like one of those self help books... it was practical and biblical wisdom with real stories from real people who had dealt with these issues. I cannot recommend it enough whether you are struggling with anxiety and depression or are a friend or family member of someone dealing with anxiety or depression.
Now I'm not saying that I'm "cured" or that I ever will be. But I'm in a much better place than I used to be. Yes I get anxious sometimes though I really don't get depressed too much anymore. I'm equipped now to deal with those issues when they come. Will I always respond perfectly? No! But by God's grace I'll respond well at least most of the time.
Final thoughts before I get to my normal It's Monday business... If you are dealing with anxiety and depression know that you are not alone and do not be afraid to get help. :)

Finished this Week

• Depression: Looking up From the Stubborn Darkness by Edward T. Welch
• Gilead by Marilynn Robinson 

Currently Reading

• Catching Foxes by John Henderson
• In Freedom's Cause by G.A. Henty (audiobook) (re-read)
• Total Truth by Nancy Pearcey

Coming Soon

• Home by Marilynn Robinson 

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Book Review: The Institutes of the Christian Religion

For the non-fiction reading challenge I read John Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion. I know I mentioned it before on here but I ended up reading an abridged version. I started out reading an unabridged version but it was just too much so after some debating I went ahead and got an abridged version that my cousin recommended and I loved it. It is edited by Tony Lane and Hilary Osborne.

In this book, Calvin lays out a beautiful overlay of Christianity: A systematic theology. I took extensive notes while reading it. Copying out my favorite parts in a notebook. I actually didn't have too much room left in the notebook when I finished the book. Even in the abridged version there were definitely things that went over my head and sometimes I'd have to re-read a paragraph multiple times to try and get what Calvin was saying. This is a heady book but absolutely worth it if you're passionate about understanding God's Word at a deeper level.

I want to share a few of my favorite quotes with you. I have a whole notebook full, as you know, but don't worry, I won't include all of them. Some of them are kind of long but they are worth the read.

"Thus from the feeling of our own ignorance, vanity, power, infirmity, and-what is more- depravity and corruption, we recognize that the true light of wisdom, sound virtue, full abidance of every good, and purity of righteousness rests in the Lord alone. To this extent we are prompted by our own ills to contemplate the good things of God; and we cannot seriously aspire to Him before we begin to become displeased with ourselves. The knowledge of ourselves not only arouses us to seek God, but also, as it were, leads us by the hand to find Him." 

"What in us seems perfection itself corresponds ill to the purity of God."

"Man is never significantly touched and affected by the awareness of his lowly state until he has compared himself with Gods's majesty."

"Although our mind cannot apprehend God without rendering some honor to Him, it will not suffice simply to hold that there is one whom all ought to honor and adore, unless we are also persuaded that He is the foundation of every good, and that we must seek nothing elsewhere than in Him. This I take to mean that not only does He sustain this universe by His boundless might, regulate it by His wisdom, preserve it by His goodness and especially rule making by His righteousness and judgment, bear with in His mercy, watch over it by His protection; but also that no drop will be found either of wisdom and light or of righteousness or power or recited or of genuine truth, which does not flow from Him and of which He is not the cause." 

"They do not therefore apprehend God as He offers himself, but imagine Him as they have fashioned Him in their own presupposition. They think that any zeal for religion, however preposterous is sufficient. They do not realize that true religion ought to be conformed to God's will as to a universal rule; that God ever remains like Himself and is not a specter or phantasm to be transformed according to anybody's whim. They are not so restrained by that pretend fear of God from wallowing blithely in their own sins and flattering themselves and preferring to indulge their fleshly intemperance rather than restrain it by the bridle of the Holy Spirit. For where they ought to have remained consistently obedient throughout life, they boldly rebel against Him in almost all their deeds, and are zealous to placate Him merely with a few platy sacrifices. Where they ought to serve Him in sanity of life and integrity of heart, they trump up frivolous trifles and worthless little observances with which to win His favor. With greater license they sluggishly lie in their own filth because they are confident that they can preform their duty toward Him by ridiculous acts of expiation. Then while their trust ought to have been placed in Him, they neglect Him and rely upon themselves."  

"We ought not to rack our brains about God; but rather, we should contemplate Him in His works. We are called to a knowledge of God; not that knowledge which, content with empty speculation, merely flits in the brain, but that which will be sound and fruitful if we duly perceive it, and if it takes root in the heart." 

"Scripture has its authority from God, not from the church. While the church receives and gives its seals of approval to the scriptures, it does not thereby render authentic what is otherwise doubtful or controversial. We should not acquiesce in mere opinion, but should rely on sure and firm truth. As God alone is a fit witness of Himself in His Word, so also the Word will not find acceptance in men's hearts before it is sealed by the inward testimony of the spirit." 

"The Holy Spirit is recognized in His agreement with scripture."

"The scripture invites us first to fear God and then to trust Him."

 "Surely God's infinity ought to make us afraid to try to measure Him by our own senses. Indeed, His spiritual nature forbids our imagining anything earthly or carnal of Him." 

"Let us not take it in our hearts either to seek out God anywhere else than in His sacred Word, or to think anything about Him that is not prompted by His Word, or to speak anything that is not taken from that Word."

"The depravity and malice both of man and of the devil, or that sins that arise therefrom do not spring from nature, but rather from the corruption of nature."  

"We ought to hold to one rule of modesty and sobriety: not to speak or guess, or even to seek to know, concerning obscure matters anything except what has been imparted to us by Gods' word. Furthermore, in the reading of scripture we ought ceaselessly to endeavor to seek out and meditate upon those things which make for edification. Let us not indulge in curiosity or in the investigation of unprofitable things. Because the Lord walled to instructs us, not in fruitless questions, but in sound godliness, in the far of His name in true trust and in the duty of holiness, let us be satisfied with this knowledge." 

"The theologians task is not to divert the ears with chatter, but to strengthen consciences by teaching things true, sure and profitable." 

"Recognize that God has destined all things for our good and salvation but at the same time feel His power and grace in ourselves and in the great benefits He has conferred upon us and so to bestir ourselves to trust, invoke, praise and love Him."

"No necessity was imposed upon God of giving man other than a mediocre and even transitory will, that from mans' fall He might gather occasion for His own glory."

"There is a great difference between what is fitting for a man to will and what is fitting for God, and to what end the will of each is directed, so that it be either approved or disapproved. For through the bad wills of evil men God fulfills what He righteously wills."

 "There is a general belief in the mistaken idea that man has everything he needs for a good and happy life. Teaching man to rely on himself can be no more that sweet seduction, because everyone who is deluded by it will be ruined. We are merely persisting in rushing headlong to destructing when we trust in our own ability. If we listen to teachers who get us to dwell on our good qualities, then far from making progress in self-knowledge, we will be sunk in the most disastrous ignorance. The person who assesses himself by the standard of divine justice finds no grounds for confidence and so, the more thorough his self examination, the greater his despair." 

"In considering man's self-knowledge, it seems right to think about it like this. First, he should think about the purpose for which he was made ,and the splendid qualities he was given, to spur him on to meditate on worship of God and the future life. Second he should consider the faculties he has not go, so that when he is aware of this, all his confidence will evaporate and he will be ashamed. The effect of the first is to teach a person what his duty is, and of the second to make him realize how far he can fulfill it." 

"When the will is ensnared by sin, it cannot start to be good, let alone maintain good ways."

"Everything good in the will is entirely the result of grace. All the good qualities which believes possess are due to God."

"It is only our weakness and depravity that prevent us from enjoying the happiness which the law offers. So divine grace is made even sweeter, God's march even lovier because it proclaims that He is never weary of doing good and showering us with His gifts." 

 "We must never measure God's glory by our ability. Whatever he may be He remains the same, the friend of righteousness and the enemy of unrighteousness."

"We assess our powers and see that they are not only inadequate for fulfilling the law, but good for nothing."

 "There is not a syllable in the law which gives a ruling as to what a man must do or not do for the advantage of his own carnal nature." 

"The gospel has not succeeded the law in such a way as to usher in a different plan of salvation. On the contrary, it confirms the law and proves that everything it promised is fulfilled."  

"Those who rob Christ of divinity or humanity either detract from His glory or obscure His goodness."  

"It is important for us to remember that He has taken our place, so that we may not spend all our lives in trepidation and anxiety, as if the punishment we deserve, but which the Son of God took to Himself, was still hanging over us." 

"As he became victories over death by rising again, so the victory of our faith is because of His resurrection. By His death sin was taken away and by His resurrection righteousness was restored." 

"Take away the Word and there will be no faith. Faith includes not merely the knowledge that God exists, but especially a realization of his will toward us. We need to know not only what He is in Himself, but also the character He choses to reveal to us. Faith is the knowledge of the divine will toward us, discard from His word. Its prerequisite is a conviction of the turret of God. It is not enough to believe that God is true and cannot lie or deceive, unless you feel firmly convinced that every word proceeds from Him is sacred, absolute truth."

"Faith is a firm and sure knowledge of God's favor toward us, based on the turret of a free promise in Christ, revelaed to our minds and sealed on our hearts by the Holy Spirit." 

"Repentance not only follows faith but is produced by it."

"A man cannot honesty know about repentance unless he knows he belongs to God. But no one is really convinced He is of God until He has accepted His offer of love. No one will ever honor God if he does not believe that God forgives him. No one will every willingly obey the law, if he is not convinced that his efforts are pleasing to God." 

"Repentance is a true conversion of our life to God, spraining from real and stolen fear of God; it consists also in putting to death our flesh and the quickening of the Spirit."

"Sin no longer reigns, but it still remains."

"Doctrine is not a matter of talk but of life."

 "By service, I do not mean simply verbal obedience, but the state of mind which, stripped of carnal desires, implicitly obeys the call of God's spirit." 

"The Chrsitian ought to be disciplined to think that throughout his life he is dealign with God." 

"It is possible to carry out every good deed, as far as the external act goes, but to do it in the wrong way."

"Everyone should think that he owes himself to his neighbors, and that the only limit to his generosity is the end of his resources."

"Unless you understand first of all what your position is before God, and the judgement He has to pass on you, you have no foundation on which salvation can be built or on which true godliness can flourish."

"The distinction between the law and the gospel is obvious: The former gives justification to works whereas the latter bestows it freely without any help from works."   

 "We must meditate on God as He is portrayed in scripture, not in our puny little minds." 

"We may think ourselves superior to, or equal with, other men, but this means nothing to God and it is His judgment alone which counts." 

"The object of righteousness is the service of God: nothing else will do. The ungodly may preform acts that seem good but their motives are evil because they are not seeking to see God. So their beds are sinful."

"Since perfection is altogether unattainable as long as we are in the flesh, the law pronounces death and judgment on all who have not attained perfect righteousness, there will always be good reason to accuse and convict us unless God intervenes in His mercy." 

"We are justified not without, and yet not by, works."

"If they try to measure it (salvation) by their good works they will wallow in uncertainty."

"Anyone who imagines that he can obtain justification by works in any way has an endless task, because he is a debtor to the whole law."

"If we know God as the sovereign giver of all good, who invites us to pass on our requests, and yet we don't bother to come to Him; it won't help one bit."  

 "We should only ask what God allows." 

"God's decision about het elect is based on His free mercy with no reference to human deserving. Equally, those whom He dooms to destruction are shut off from eternal life by His perfect, but incomprehensible judgment."  

"Doctrinal matters are not all of equal importance. Some are essential to truth faith and there are other matters, which can be controversial, but do not destroy the unity of faith. Matters non-essential should not be the basis of arguments among Chrsitains. Of course it is good to have complete agreement, but as no one has perfect knowledge, we must either have no church at all or forgive errors in things which do not destroy the basis of salvation. I'm not condoning error, however trivial, nor trying to encourage it."

"Of course we do not excuse shallow Chrsitian living: it is far too common and the Lord has to correct it, especially if weaker consciences are offended. But it is also a sin to be unloving and unnecessarily severe." 

"Forgiveness of sins is not only the basis on which we first enter the church; it is also the basis upon which the Lord keeps us there. There would not be much point in receiving a pardon which has no further value. God's mercy would be futile and false if it was only I given once." 

I could not more highly recommend this book. Even if you are not reformed in theology I think you find in it a wealth of wisdom.

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Book Review- The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert

For the non-fiction reading challenge and the Mount TBR pile reading challenge I'll be reviewing Rosaria Champagne Butterfield's book The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert.

Synopsis from Goodreads: Rosaria, by the standards of many, was living a very good life. She had a tenured position at a large university in a field for which she cared deeply. She owned two homes with her partner, in which they provided hospitality to students and activists that were looking to make a difference in the world. There, her partner rehabilitated abandoned and abused dogs. In the community, Rosaria was involved in volunteer work. At the university, she was a respected advisor of students and her department’s curriculum. And then, in her late 30s, Rosaria encountered something that turned her world upside down—the idea that Christianity, a religion that she had regarded as problematic and sometimes downright damaging, might be right about who God was, an idea that flew in the face of the people and causes that she most loved. What follows is a story of what she describes as a “train wreck” at the hand of the supernatural. These are her secret thoughts about those events, written as only a reflective English professor could.

I've been meaning to read this book for a couple years now and thankfully I've finally gotten around to it. I've got to say first off this is one of the best books I have ever read. It surprised me by not being just about homosexuality but also about marriage, adoption and what it is like to be a Christian. It's one of those books I think every Christian should read but definitely one that I wouldn't just hand to my teenager.  It's mature but not unnecessarily so. It's very real. After reading it you feel like you know Rosaria. She lays out her life, the ups and downs the struggles she went through. Struggles I think anyone can relate to. That's what makes this book so amazing. You may not be a recovering lesbian but you can relate to the struggles Rosaria goes through and learn. Sin is sin.

There's so much to say about this book but really the bottom line is to read it. I'll just close with a few of my favorite quotes.

"I think that too many young Christians fornicators plan that marriage will redeem their sin. Too many young Christians masturbators will redeem their patterns. Too many young Christian internet pornographers think that having legitimate sex will take away the desire to have illicit sex. They're wrong. And the marriages that result from this line of thinking are dangerous places. I know, I told my audience why over 50% of Christian marriages end in divorce; because Christians act as though marriage redeems sin. Marriage does not redeem sin. Only Jesus himself can do that." 

"How do we put Christ at the center? By intentionally holding all things captive to Christ, each moment of each day. By never daring to do anteing without fervent prayer, seeking the Lord's wisdom, counsel, blessing and life-sustaining breath. I learned during those years that the idea that one is ever too busy to pray is delusion of the most dangerous variety." 

"Rahab the Harlot, Mary Magdalene. We love those women between the pages of our Bible, but we don't want to sit at the Lord's Table with them-with people like me-drinking from the a common cup. That's the real ringer: the common cup- that is, our common origin in depravity. We are only righteous in Christ and in Him alone. But that's a hard pill to swallow, especially if you give yourself kudos for good choices." 

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Top Ten Books Every Christian Should Read

The theme for this week's Top Ten Tuesday is Top Ten Books Every X Should Read. I decided to replace that X with Christian.

So these are my top ten books every Christian should read. These are in no particular order and taking the Bible for granted here goes.

1. The Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin- No I haven't quite finished it yet but I will stand by it and say it is one of the most comprehensive and well written books about Christianity available. The actual original version is two huge volumes each the size of LOTR so I would recommend reading an abridged version. I started reading the huge volumes and changed my mind eventually and switched to an abridged version, which was a good decision in my mind though I don't normally recommend abridged books. 
2. The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer- I read this three or so years ago. It is a really excellent book and I loved how straightforward Tozer was in it. He says it like it is, pushing you on in the pursuit of God. Beautifully written. 
3. Chosen by God by R.C. Sproul- A book that made a huge impact in my life at the time. R.C. Sproul is excellent about explaining complicated theology succinctly and this book was no exception. 
4. The Valley of Vision by various Puritans- I read this last year and it is the most beautiful book of prayers. Each one challenged me in my faith and pushed me to ponder God's Word and to worship Him. This is an absolute must read! 
5. The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert by Rosaria Champagne Butterfield- I just finished it last week but I know that I will re-read it over and over again in the future. It's about homosexuality, yes, but it's also about so much more: marriage, adoption, and what it means to be a Christian. This was a book that really challenged me to think about my faith, what it means to me and how I can grow in it. 
6. The Westminster Confession of Faith- Sort of like Calvin's Institutes in how comprehensive it is and actually I think maybe more comprehensive. I think I preferred the Institutes though. 
7. Trusting God: Even When Life Hurts by Jerry Bridges- A book about trusting God simply put. One of the best theological books I've read and very meaningful to me as trusting God is definitely something that I've had to struggle with when I my uncle passed away to cancer, or when my Grandma had her stroke or when both of my Grandpas passed away. Trusting God is crucial to a Christina's walk. If you can't trust God... who can you trust? 
8. Christian Love by Hugh Binning- A little book recommend to me by my brother that overturned what I thought about love and how I should be carrying it out. It may have been written by a Puritan hundreds of years ago but it is absolutely relevant in this present day. 
9. What Does the Bible Really Teach about Homosexuality by Kevin DeYoung- I read this one this year as well and loved it. It's concise and full of Biblical wisdom. In this present day I think it is so important that Christians can answer this question and this book does a great job. 
10. The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis- When I read this several years ago it scared me. The realness scared me. At that point in my life Satan started to scare me and I realized the realness of sin and the constant temptation we are under and that every day, every moment Satan is trying to pry us away from God. This book made me want to cling closer to God but it also made me more aware of the temptations that I face every day. 

There are so many theology books I want to read in the future... My list just for the ones I want to get to this year is already long. I'm sure this list will change in the future as I read more books but for now these are the top ten books I think are must reads for Christians. 

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The Get to Know Me Tag

I've seen this tag on a couple different blogs and I decided to steal it cause that's what I do. :)

Vital Stats

Name- Lois :)
Nicknames- Lo-lo sometimes if my family is feeling obnoxious. Peppernut (big backstory there). Lego-lois (like Legolas... get it... it's hilarious... especially if you say it a million times). Lois Lane from my patients because they think it's absolutely hilarious and that I've never heard that one before. I have... too many times thank you!
Place of Birth- Kansas!

Firsts

Award- I'm not sure. Probably something from 4-H.
Sport- Ha! I did gymnastics when I was a kid but never played a sport otherwise except at home.
Real Holiday- I think the first memories I have of holidays would be Christmas but the first one I would have experienced would have been Easter.
Concert- Well there's a special story for this one but I don't actually remember it as I was just a wee lass but I've just heard it many times. Anyways, the local orchestra was preforming and my family was there and we were sitting in bleachers and I guess me, being the bouncy youngster that I was, was hopping between my dad's legs during it and I managed to fall through the bleachers. I hit the cross bar on the way down and my screams upon hitting the ground stopped the concert. I've been a show stopper ever since. ;) Anyways I survived with just a bump on my head and a great story. :)

Favorites

Film- Pride and Prejudice (1995) which is technically a miniseries but if I had to chose an actually movie that was a favorite I couldn't! A few of my favorites that I could watch over and over again though are McLintock, Charade, National Treasure and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.
TV Show- Doctor Who
Color- Blue and all of it's variations
Song- Currently I think Celtic Woman's "When You Go". It's addictively catchy. Listen to it!

Restaurant- I don't go out to eat much but I do love Panera. For a real nice restaurant I always loved Macaroni Grill but they got rid of the one close to me some years back. :(
Books- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

Currently

Feeling- Tired. :(
Single or Taken- Single
Eating- I had a salad... for breakfast... which was kind of weird but I was craving one.
Watching- Chocolat with my mom.
Wearing- My pajamas. The costume of queens!

Future

Want children? Very much so. But as the old saying goes... First comes love, then comes marriage THEN comes a baby in a baby carriage.
Want to be married- Very much so.
Careers in mind- Well I am currently a nurse and the only reason I see to ever change that is if I become a wife and mother. I always wanted to be a writer but I don't think that will ever happen. :)
Where you want to live- I love where I live. Kansas is a great state. :) Now England, Scotland or Ireland would be lovely too.

Do You Believe In...

God- Yes
Miracles- Yes
Love at first sight- Really? No.
Ghosts- No
Aliens- No
Heaven- Yes
Hell- Yes
Yourself- I believe that I can do nothing except through Christ so I guess no. I believe in God and his ability to work through even me. :)

Want to do this tag? Be a Lois.... steal it! ;)

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Book Review- What Does the Bible Really Teach about Homosexuality

For the non-fiction reading challenge and the mount TBR reading challenge I read Kevin DeJong's book What Does the Bible Really Teach about Homosexuality.

Synopsis from Goodreads: In this timely book, award-winning author Kevin DeYoung challenges each of us--the skeptic and the seeker, the certain and the confused--to take a humble look at God's Word regarding the issue of homosexuality.After examining key biblical passages in both the Old and New Testaments and the Bible's overarching teaching regarding sexuality, DeYoung responds to popular objections raised by Christians and non-Christians alike, making this an indispensable resource for thinking through one of the most pressing issues of our day.

I absolutely loved this book. Kevin DeYoung does an incredible job laying the information out in a clear and concise manner. This is a Christian book and it addresses the issue of homosexuality from a biblical viewpoint but as the author himself points out it is applicable to read for anyone who wants to learn more about this issue.
First it addresses all of the Bible verses having directly to do with homosexuality and the arguments that people will use to disagree with it and then he refutes those disagreements and points how those verses are still applicable and relevant. Next he discusses the most common arguments people use for homosexuality still being okay. These include arguments about God being a God of love, being on the wrong side of history and what about gluttony and divorce? These are all carefully looked into and discussed. I was very impressed at how thorough DeYoung was. It was obvious he had exhaustively researched the subject but then had meticulously combed through all the information and condensed it into this book. At the end of the book he has a list of other great books to go to if you want to learn more as well. One of the great things about this book is that while yes it is looking at homosexuality specifically it is also looking at Christianity overall.
I entirely enjoyed this book and no matter where you are with your view on homosexuality I highly recommend this book but I especially recommend it to Christians wanting to further understand this issue from a biblical viewpoint.
To close here are a few of my favorite quotes.

"Agree to disagree," sounds like a humble "meet you in the middle" compromise, but it is a subtle way of telling conservative Christians that homosexuality is not a make-or-break issue and we are wrong to make it so. No one would think of proposing a third way if the sin were racism or human trafficking. To countenance such a move would be a sign of moral bankruptcy. Faithfulness to the Word of God compel us to view sexual immorality with the same seriousness. Living an ungodly life is contrary to the sound teaching that defines the Christian. 

When we tolerate the doctrine which affirms homosexual behavior, we are tolerating a doctrine which leads people further from GOd. This is not he mission Jesus gave his disciples when he told them to teach the nations everything he commanded. The biblical teaching is consistent and unambiguous: homosexual activity is not God's will for his people. Silence in the face of such clarity is not prudence, and hesitation in light of such frequency is not patience. The Bible says more than enough about homosexual practice for us to say something too.

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Book Review- The Valley of Vision

So I realized last week that though I finished The Valley of Vision a couple months ago I never actually wrote a review of it! So here we go!

Synopsis from Goodreads: The strength of Puritan character and life lay in prayer and meditation. In this practice the spirit of prayer was regarded as of first importance and the best form of prayer, for living prayer is the characteristic of genuine spirituality. Yet prayer is also vocal and may therefore on occasions be written. Consequently in the Puritan tradition there are many written prayers and meditations which constitute an important corpus of inspiring devotional literature. Too often ex tempore prayer lacks variety, order and definiteness. The reason for this lies partly in a neglect of due preparation. It is here that the care and scriptural thoroughness which others found necessary in their approach to God may be of help. This book has been prepared not to 'supply' prayers but to prompt and encourage the Christian as he treads the path on which others have gone before.

The Valley of Vision is a beautiful collection of Puritan prayers. Now Puritans get an unfairly ascribed bad rap nowadays so please don't let that turn you off! This book is one of the greatest books I've ever read. It held beautifully true to scripture and sacrilegious as this sounds sometimes when I read it I felt like I was reading scripture!
There were so many good quotes (aka prayers) so I can't include them all here but I'll include some of my very favorites.

"Let me find thy light in my darkness, 

thy life in my death,

thy joy in my sorrow, 

thy grace in my sin

thy riches in my poverty, 

thy glory in my valley." 

"Let thy unexampled love constrain me into holy obedience, and render my duty my delight. 

If others deem my faith folly, my meekness infirmity, my zeal madness, my hope delusion, my actions hypocrisy, may I rejoice to suffer for thy name." 

"I am guilty, but pardoned,

lost, but saved,

wandering, but found,

sinning but cleansed."

"How little have I illustrated my principles and improved my privileges!

How seldom I served my generation!

How often have I injured and not recommended my Redeemer."  

“Work in me more profound and abiding repentance; 

Give me the fullness of godly grief, that trembles and fears, yet ever trust and loves, which is ever powerful, and ever confident; 

Grant through the tears of repentance I may see more clearly the brightness and glories of the saving cross.” 

“​Oh God, it is amazing that men can talk so much about man's creaturely power and goodness, when, if thou didst not hold us back every moment, we should be devils incar​​nate.” 

“I fall short of thy glory every day by spending hours unprofitably, by thinking that the things I do are good, when they are not done to thy end, nor spring from the rules of thy Word.

So many great quotes and not enough space! You should read this! I would say few books have really changed my life... the Bible being the main one.... but this one would definitely be on that list.
I can't recommend it more highly.

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Book Review- Trusting God

As I said on Goodreads (and if you aren't my friend on Goodreads where have you been?), I think Jerry Bridges book Trusting God: Even When Life Hurts is one of the best books I have ever read and is a vital read for all Christians no matter what stage of life they are in. Since my grandfather passed away this last December, I have really been wanting to read this book. God's sovereignty was not something I was doubting, but I wanted that reassurance. One of my favorite parts of Trusting God was how heavily it referenced scripture throughout.
Throughout this review, I'm heavily going to quote the book, because Jerry Bridges says it better than I ever could. :)
The crux of the book is this question that Bridges poses: Does God actually control the circumstances of our lives, or do "bad" things just happen to us because we live in a sin-cursed world? If God really does control the circumstances of our lives, why did He allow my friend to get cancer? Can I really trust when the going gets tough in different areas of my life? 
I love the purpose of the book that he lays out: The purpose of this book is twofold: First, I desire to glorify God by acknowledging His sovereignty and His goodness. Second, I desire to encourage God's people by demonstrating from scripture that God is in control of their lives, that He does indeed love them, and that He works out all the circumstances of their lives for their ultimate good. 
So that kind of lays out the basis of the book. Now I'll speak to some of it's content.
I love one portion of it when it talks about how sometimes it is easier to obey God than trust God because obeying God is often straight forward in that we know the laws that God has set out for us but the instances in which we trust God oftentimes don't make sense to us. I found that very relatable. And then there is this beautiful and thought-provoking quote; When we disobey God we defy His authority and despise His holiness. But when we fail to trust God we doubt His sovereignty and question His goodness.
Next, Bridges talks about the truths that we must adhere to if we are to trust God during the bad times. The are:

• God is completely sovereign 
• God is infinite in wisdom
• God is perfect in love

Bridges quote a verse from Lamentations that I unfortunately don't recall ever having heard before but I thought was absolutely excellent, revenant and reassuring. 

Who can speak and have it happen if the Lord has not decreed it? It is not from the mouth of the Most High that both calamities and good things come?- Lamentations 3:37-38

He also references Romans 11, saying that; We must learn to trust what we do not understand. 
Another quote I love is; Our first priority in times of adversity is to honor and glorify God by trusting Him.
There are so many other great points and quotes from this book but I think my review will go on for forever if I keep going so I'll just leave you with the charge to read this book!

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Book Review- Here I Stand

For my TBR Pile Challenge and my non-fiction reading challenge I read Roland Bainton's book Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther, which, as you may guess, is about the life of Martin Luther.

Here's the synopsis from Goodreads: Here is an authoritative, unforgettable biography of Martin Luther, the great religious leader, who entered a monastery as a youth and who, as a man, shattered the structure of the medieval church. Luther spoke out against the corrupt religious practices that then existed. His demanded that the authority for doctrine and practice be Scriptures, rather than Popes or Councils, echoed around the world and ignited the Great Reformation. Accused of heresy and threatened with excommunication and death, Luther maintained his bold stand and refused to recant. In his crusade to eliminate religious abuses, he did more than any other man to establish the Protestant faith. 

This is one of the best non-fiction books I have ever read and I must say was extremely well written for being history, which can, in the wrong hands, come off as hard to read. Bainton does an excellent job of portraying the life of Martin Luther without whitewashing it but giving the plain and simple facts. There were things that Luther did that we may squirm to admit but Bainton still included them.
With this book I felt like I was better able to understand the exact theology that was being debated by Martin Luther and the Catholic church during that time. I loved that Bainton included long passages of quotes from Luther and others, especially from Luther's writings and sermons.  Luther was a fascinating man and I could not imagine being in his position during this time. His trust in God and bravery were inspiring.
Here are a couple quotes from the book that I liked. The whole book was so great that I actually only photographed two quotes from it because I didn't know where to start!

"I have no use for cranks who despise music, because it is a gift from God."

After his daughter dies- "How strange it is to know that she is at peace and all is well and yet to be so sorrowful!" I loved this quote as it really summed up my feelings with my grandfather passing away.  

There's not much more I could say about this but to read it! :)

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Book Review- Prayer

For my non-fiction reading challenge and my clouds of witnesses reading challenge, and also just for general improvement I read John Bunyan's book Prayer.

Goodreads Synopsis: Two works on prayer are here brought together. In Praying in the Spirit Bunyan defines what it means to pray with the spirit and with the understanding, and deals with difficulties in prayer. In The Throne of Grace, he explains how to approach God's throne in prayer and opens up the blessings God's people receive from the high priestly ministry of Jesus Christ.

I really enjoyed the first half of the book but then in the second half I got a little bogged down. However, I would still say that this is an excellent book and I'm glad I read it. There are several quotes from it that I loved that I want to share here with you. I tend to take pictures of quotes I like in a book.

Unfortunately with this one, which is one of my favorites and one probably had me thinking the most,  I didn't take a picture of quite the whole quote. :( You get the general idea though.

This is also another great one. I love what he has to say about grace and sin. 

These mercy and grace definitions and distinctions are great.  

God's power over sin and His amazing love for us. 

There are a lot of other good quotes but I'd just encourage you to read it yourself. While it did drag for me at the end, the first part made it worth it. :) Also, the quotes were from both sections so please don't skip the end because it some great words of wisdom. 

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Book Review: Christianity and Liberalism

For my Clouds of Witnesses reading challenge and my Non-fiction reading challenge I read J. Gresham Machem's book Christianity and Liberalism. This was an absolutely excellent book, so deep that I could probably re-read it tomorrow and find plenty that I missed.

Here's the synopsis from Goodreads: Machen's classic defense of orthodox Christianity establishes the importance of scripural doctrine and contrasts the teachings of liberalism and orthodoxy on God and man, the Bbible, Christ, salvation, and the church. Though originally published nearly seventy years ago, the book maintains its relevance today.

Machen lays out the liberal turn that modern Christianity has taken (even more obvious now than it was then) and looks at what scripture has to say about the changes that are being made by these liberal modern Christians. I will always appreciate someone who turns to scripture about these issues and looks deeply into them. He expressed many things that I have ranted about before... public schools, government, ect. as well as other issues. He speaks to how modern Christianity has become more allowing of certain sins in an effort to appear tolerant. He starts, with the basics though. Defining God, the church and our faith. There is so much more he goes into so I would highly recommend you read it instead of relying on my memory. ;) This book is definitely worthy of many re-reads as I feel there is always something I could be learning from it.

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Book Review- Christian Love

For my Non-fiction reading challenge and my Clouds of Witnesses reading challenge I read Hugh Binnings book Christian Love.

Goodreads synopsis: In this Treatise of Christian Love, the Scottish Covenanting minister Hugh Binning movingly presents the need for Christians to show by their love for one another that they belong to Christ. Basing his remarks on John 13:35, By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another, he argues, 'This badge that Christ left to his disciples: if we cast this away on every disagreement, we disown our Master, and disclaim his token and badge.' Binning describes the excellence of Christian love, demonstrating its nature from 1 Corinthians 13. he gives strong reasons why Christians should love one another, and shows that love is rooted in Christian humility and meekness, after the pattern of Christ himself. Also included in this edition are three sermons from Binning's work The Sinner's Sanctuary, an exposition of Romans 8:1-15.

First off, I've got to say that I am incredibly impressed that Binning was 25 years old when he died so whenever he wrote this, he must have been quite young... and yet already so theologically astute! Binning had a lot to say about love and how Christian love is different than secular love. He also spoke quite a bit to Christ's love for us and how that should be our standard for loving others. 
Here is in amazing quote from the book to highlight, far better than my words ever could, the wisdom and insight of this book. 

“Self-love is the greatest enemy to true Christian love, and pride is the fountain of self-love” “He whose sins are covered by God’s free love cannot think it hard to spread the garment of his love over his brother’s sins” “Humility makes a man compare himself with the best that he may find how bad he himself is, but pride measures by the worst, that it may hide a man from his own imperfections”

I couldn't recommend this book highly enough! Yes, it is sometimes difficult to read but oftentimes that just means it is even more worth the read. :) 

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Book Review: Don't Waste Your Life

For the non-fiction reading challenge, I am writing a review of John Piper's Don't Waste your Life.

Goodread synopsis: John Piper writes, "I will tell you what a tragedy is. I will show you how to waste your life. Consider this story from the February 1998 Reader's Digest: A couple 'took early retirement from their jobs in the Northeast five years ago when he was 59 and she was 51. Now they live in Punta Gorda, Florida, where they cruise on their 30-foot trawler, play softball and collect shells. . . .' Picture them before Christ at the great day of judgment: 'Look, Lord. See my shells.' That is a tragedy.
"God created us to live with a single passion to joyfully display his supreme excellence in all the spheres of life. The wasted life is the life without this passion. God calls us to pray and think and dream and plan and work not to be made much of, but to make much of him in every part of our lives."
Most people slip by in life without a passion for God, spending their lives on trivial diversions, living for comfort and pleasure, and perhaps trying to avoid sin. This book will warn you not to get caught up in a life that counts for nothing. It will challenge you to live and die boasting in the cross of Christ and making the glory of God your singular passion. If you believe that to live is Christ and to die is gain, read this book, learn to live for Christ, and don't waste your life!

I really enjoyed this book. In some ways it was "revolutionary" for me and in others it wasn't.  As someone who has been a Christian for as long as they can remember, I feel there wasn't as much I could pull out of it. HOWEVER, there is always something more you can be learning about the Christian's life and I did learn from it quite a bit. 
Overall it gave me some great food for thought and I would recommend it to every Christian no matter what stage of their faith they are in.

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Prayer App

As you may remember, praying daily was one of my goals this month and has been my goal for the last few months actually. This month I've finally gotten into the swing of praying every night as I fall asleep. At first I downloaded a couple prayer apps that were so-so but limited (i.e. they were free ones and they wanted me to pay for the upgrade after a certain amount of time and I don't pay for apps). However, a few days ago I came across a new one that is free and really great called "prayer prompter". It works really well for me. Not only can I enter in the different prayer requests but it has different bible verses and quotes about different topics such as fear, trust, anger, ect. as well as bible verse prompts to guide you through the A.C.T.S. prayer guide if you so wish. It also has some great prayer quotes. One of my favorites that I've found on there is from The Valley of Vision and I'll close with it.

"Holy Lord, I have sinned times without number, and been guilty of pride and unbelief; of failure to find Your mind of Your Word; and of neglect to seek You in my daily life. 

My transgressions and short-comings present me with a list of accusations. 

But I bless You, that they will not stand against me, for all have been laid on Christ. 

Go on to subdue my corruptions, and grant me grace to live above them. 

Do not let the passions of the flesh nor the luts of the mind bring my spirit into subjection; 

but rule over me in liberty and power. 

Amen."

Lois Johnson, avid writer, tea drinker, and reader but first and foremost, avid Christian.

Eight Must Read Books

Today I am linking up again with Mama Kat to talk about eight books that I believe everyone should read in their lifetime. Before I list them, this is just my opinion, there are a lot of books I haven't read, so take it as it is. Some of them, I list one book, but I like all the books by that author so kind of think of it as a set of books. :) Please comment and let me know what books you would put on your list of must reads!

The Bible

As a Christian I obviously consider this to be a must read. It is the word of God and it shows us His will for our lives. I am given to understand, that even non-Christians consider it to be a "good book". 

Pride and Prejudice

Of course… y'all know it's my favorite book. I think all of Jane Austen's books have a lot to teach about human nature. Some of my favorite aspects of her books are how she shows who people really are by what they say, the relationships that she creates between people (not necessarily romantic but also familial) and her strong sense of right and wrong. In Pride and Prejudice, I especially love the witty lines and how it portrays the relationship between Elizabeth and her father. I love all of Austen's other books but especially Northanger Abbey and Persuasion. 

The Lord of the Rings

Another of my very favorites. In this book Tolkien created an incredible whole new world that is breathtakingly beautiful from the majesty of Minias Tirith to the simpleness of the Shire. I also enjoyed The Hobbit, and The Silmarillion. 

David Copperfield

Dickens is considered one of the greatest authors in history. His characters and stories are timeless. David Copperfield isn't my favorite Dickens but I do think it is probably his best. I also enjoy Bleak House, Nicholas Nickleby and Dombey and Son. I know Great Expectations is also considered very great but I watched the movie when I was young and Miss Havishman freaked me out so I couldn't enjoy the book as much after that. 

To Kill a Mockingbird

To be honest, I've only read this once, and I don't very clearly remember the book… though I do remember liking it. However, I very vividly remember the movie as one of my favorite movies ever. This is a great story that goes deeply into issues that still face the world today. 

The Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechism

This made a big impact in my life when I read it during high school as it helped me understand a lot more about what I believe and why it is true. I believe it to be a great tool to help Christians understand what the Bible says… though definitely not a substitute for the Bible.

Killer Angels

I thought I should include something historical as well and I consider this to be one of my very favorite historical novels. It concerns the War between the States. One of my favorite aspects of it is how it shows both sides of the war, allowing you to see and sympathize with the various historical figures. 

The Taming of the Shrew

Okay… this probably isn't Shakespeare's best or most famous… but it's my favorite of his works and I thought some Shakespeare should be included on this list because, well, he is kind of an famous and impactful author. I enjoy his other writings as well… especially Much Ado about Nothing. 

This was an incredibly hard list to make. I had to not think only of what my favorite books are, but what are books that I think important to read. Obviously this isn't an exhaustive list, as there are so many other great books out there that I would highly encourage people to read, but I think this is a good start with a mix of fun and humorous to serious and thought provoking. Again, please comment and let me know what you would consider the the top eight books everyone should read in their lifetime.

Lois Johnson, avid writer, tea drinker, and reader but first and foremost, avid Christian.

The Meaning of My Name

Today I’m linking up with Mama Kat to tell you about the meaning of my name and whether or not if fits my personality. First off, a little history about my name. I was NOT named after Lois Lane and you do not get bonus points for referencing Lois Lane with me… you get negative points. I’ve just heard it a few times too many. I WAS named after the Lois from the bible. 2 Timothy 1:5 is the only place my name is in the bible. It reads, “For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure it is in you as well.” So really we don’t know much about Lois except that she had a sincere faith… which is really what is important anyways. ☺ So what does Lois mean? Battle Maiden! When I was younger and a very ardent tomboy I milked that meaning for all it was worth. I’ve kind of grown past that stage now, don’t worry. Now, though, looking at that meaning at first glance I would say “no, definitely not me.” However, I believe if you look deeper into the meaning, you can take something else away from it then swords, knights, and war in the traditional sense. Now, I look at the meaning and know that Lois means Battle Maiden, and realize that I am a battle maiden, fighting for God’s truth daily with my mind and my words. This also really fits well with the little we know of the Lois in the bible that I was named after. So I am Lois, Battle Maiden of the Lord. ☺
Lois Johnson, avid writer, tea drinker, and reader but first and foremost, avid Christian.

Book Review- The Pursuit of God

Recently I read A.W. Tozer's The Pursuit of God. I downloaded it on my Kindle last spring and then never looked at it again. However, when I finished up The History of the Lord of the Rings I suddenly found myself at school with no book on hand to read (well technically I guess I did because I was in a library but that's beside the point). So I looked through what I had on my Kindle and saw The Pursuit of God and decided to read it. I really didn't know anything about it before I read it. I had just heard the title recommended before and it was a free download so I thought why not?

First off, I really, really enjoyed the book. It is quite short, but is packed with as much wisdom and truth as books twice its length. The great thing about it was that despite being quite theologically deep, it was still easy to read. I am glad I read it on my phone as I do not as a rule mark up books. However, with reading it on my phone I could highlight to my heart's content… and I did. Unfortunately, my not very tech savvy self didn't figure out to highlight until halfway through the book so I'll have to re-read it to make sure I highlight all I wanted to… oh rats! ;) Since, I did highlight so much, I am providing you with some great quotes from it. I hope they inspire you to read it and that you will enjoy it as much as I did. If you've read it before you'll know that there are many great quotes that I left out… some because they needed a whole lot more context to understand what they're saying and others because, there were just too many!

"Promoting self under the guise of promoting Christ is currently so common as to excite little notice."
""In the beginning God."Not matter, for matter is not self-causing. It requires an antecedent cause, and God is that cause. In the beginning God, the uncaused Cause of matter, mind and law. There we must begin."

"Important as it is that we recognize God working in us, I would yet warn against a too great preoccupation with the thought. It is a sure road to sterile passivity. God will not hold us responsible to understand the mysteries of election, predestination and the divine sovereignty. The best and safest way to deal with these truths is to raise our eyes to God and in deepest reverence say, "O Lord, Thou Knowest." Those things belong to the deep and mysterious Profound of God's omniscience. Prying into them may make theologians but it will never make saints." 

"God never made salvation depend upon new moons nor holy days or sabbaths. A man is not nearer to Christ on Easter Sunday than he is, say, on Saturday, August 3, or Monday October 4. As long as Christ sits on the mediatorial throne every day is a good day and all day are days of salvation." 

"Let us practice the fine art of making every work a priestly ministration. Let us believe that God is in all our simple deeds and learn to find him there."

"Let every man abide in the calling wherein he is called and his work will be as sacred as the work of the ministry." 

Such great quotes! If for any reason you are confused by what they say… sometimes you need context but I tried to only continue the ones that didn't... then contact me and I can try and explain them to you. If you are confused by them theologically, well I can try and explain them to you then too. Final point…. read the book! :)

Lois Johnson, avid writer, tea drinker, and reader but first and foremost, avid Christian.

Happy and Hopeful

I was thinking about writing a negative post about all of the things wrong with the world right now... not just my little world but the world in general... you know what I mean. However, I figured since there was enough negativity going around without me contributing I'd post something happy and hopeful. :) So since I normally like to think about the negative things in life, I'm going to counter that by posting five positive things going on in my life right now (besides the "still alive", "have a great family", ect. ones). Comment on what is positive in your life right now!

1. I have a really great prayer group that meets weekly that has not only helped me with prayer but also just support and friendship. After our hour or so of prayer we will talk afterwards, catch up on how we're all doing, talk about books, movies, ect. and I absolutely love it! It's a really great time to just wind down as I spend some time with God and then some time with my fellow Christians. 
2. I didn't fail my return demonstrations (have to do it in front of a teacher) for NG tube insertion and catheter insertion. For me that's a big deal as I always think I'm going to fail everything. 
3. I can now drink my coffee black. For me that's positive as I never used to and I would dump a heart attack's worth of sugar and creamer in it. No more! That's what being an nursing student does to you... I want every spare centimeter of my cup to be full of pure black coffee.
4. I have an electric blanket to snuggle up in at night. Since I'm always cold this is very important to me as it is absolutely frigid in my house every night.
5. And finally but certainly not lastly I JUST STARTED WATCHING DOCTOR WHO AND IT'S ABSOLUTELY AMAZING AND EVERYONE NEEDS TO WATCH IT!!!!!!! :)

Lois Johnson, avid writer, tea drinker, and reader but first and foremost, avid Christian.

VBS Next Week!!!

As I mentioned in my monthly resolution post, July is ridiculously busy... it always has been ever since my family started 4-H and had the County Fair to prepare for. THIS year, I am also throwing in VBS! I know, I'm such a genius for adding to the business. However, I am really excited about helping out as my church hasn't done a VBS in several years. Thankfully my position is a guide, which doesn't really require any planning. All I will really do is get my group of kids (3rd and 4th grade) to each activity and do their workbooks with them. There is also this confusing point system thing that I am pretty positive I am going to delegate to my assistant guide. That's the nice thing about being the guide versus the assistant guide... delegation!
I also get to decorate my classroom, which has been really fun! We are doing a backpacking/camping theme.  Unfortunately I severely lack artistic skill so I keep stealing ideas from my brother's classroom. :) So far I have a big tent set up in my room and some cloth draped over some furniture to look like a waterfall. I also want to make a "fire" with some logs and red and orange tissue paper. Some animal prints cut out on construction paper would also be a cute addition I think. I started on it yesterday and I'll finish up Saturday. Then next week VBS begins! I'll have to post some picture on here when its over of how my decorations turned out.
On Tuesday we had our last meeting before it began and I got my list of children I was teaching. In addition to my own little hyper brother I am pretty sure I got every other hyper little boy in the congregation. It's going to be A LOT of fun.
Is anyone else doing VBS this year or have you already done it? How did it go?

Lois Johnson, avid writer, tea drinker, and reader but first and foremost, avid Christian.

Monthly Resolutions- June 2013

So another month begins and resolutions must be made. I want to try some fun and different ones this month... to change it up a bit. I keep doing the same ones and it becomes too easy. Not to say I am getting a total revamp... but some new ones are required.

Re-occuring Goals... Though all tweaked a little bit

Read or Re-Read at least 10 books

That's right ten! I think I can do it and if I can't shame on me!  I want at least three of these to be theological/non-fiction. Speaking of which, at the homeschool convention this weekend I obtained several new books, which I am super excited about. I am now the proud owner of ALL of Jane Austen's books including, Sandition and The Watsons, which came in the copy of Northanger Abbey I bought. I can't wait to read those as I have always wanted to. I also loaded up on some Dickens, Tolkien, and Agatha Christie. 

Exercise in some form for at least fifteen minutes EVERY day

That's not asking for too much and already that is pretty much what I have been doing so this shouldn't be too hard for me. All I am asking for is fifteen minutes. 

Stick to my diet

I want to have less "cheat days". I have kept with once a week, and I really feel like I should have less then that. I am not trying to entirely restrict myself so sometimes I will indulge but I probably don't need to do that once a week. So I think for part of this goal I will try to limit myself to only three cheat days for the month of June.

Cut down on my electronics time

Computer and iPhone... though it would really be better if I used my computer more than I use my iPhone... if that makes any sense. 

Write at least FIVE more blog posts this month

I'm upping it this month! I have several drafts that I have let rot for far too long. They mostly involve movie reviews that I feel too lazy to think about writing. 

New Goals!!!

Read through and study the book of Romans

Romans is I think the most theologically heavy book in the Bible... though don't quote me on that... please. It seems to have all of those nuggets of truth though that people whip out at opportune moments. It has been awhile since I read it but I would really like to go back through it and spend some time studying it. 

Work on my writing

So I write in spurts... lame little spurts. I have the novel that I have been writing for forever, and the two that I randomly got inspired to write a few paragraphs on last month that I need to work on. I got a book from the library called First Draft in 30 Days, which really is more about writing a really detailed outline in 30 days. Anyways, so far it has been excellent and I want to make that kind of outline for everything I have going right now. That, and do some actual writing... that would be nice too. :)

Memorize some scripture

I memorized scripture back when I went to Sunday School and I more or less remember it. I am pretty good at paraphrasing a verse but definitely not knowing it word for word or where in the bible it comes from. So I really want to work on this. I am not sure quite yet what my plan is. I don't want to be too ambitious and I'll probably be starting small. Hopefully this can be a long term and ongoing goal.

Try at least three new recipes

Sometimes I get on spurts where I just start baking and baking. I love those moments... but my diet doesn't. Anyways, I digress. Though I did make a really good chocolate cake with chocolate peanut butter frosting recently.... recipe coming soon. So I want to find three new recipes and try them out. I have a ton that I have found over the last year or so on the internet that I just put into Evernote and forget about. I need to try them out!!!! What is the use of finding recipes if I never use them? Exactly. 

So old and new and hopefully plenty of fun for this month. I definitely wanted to add the goals about spending more time in God's word because eat the homeschool convention this weekend one speaker said something rather convicting. He was talking about how much time people spend watching TV, which I don't watch TV but I waste plenty of time on other stuff (cough, iPhone, cough) and he said that the average Christian is going to spend more time watching TV (or other stuff in my case) then going to church, Sunday school, spending time in the word of God. That kind of gave me a jolt about what my priorities are. 

If you missed it, I got accepted into the nursing program for my school for this coming Fall semester and I am SUPER excited. It's kind of crazy to think that it is finally going to happen. 

So make sure to check out Kelli's blog, which I am linking up with and have a great month! 

Lois Johnson, avid writer, tea drinker, and reader but first and foremost, avid Christian.