It's Our 1st Birthday, and We're Giving Away the Jesus Storybook Bible Deluxe Edition!

It's our 1st birthday!

As I'm writing this, it's mid-February, and it was just about this time last year Like a Bubbling Brook was born.  We are still in the beginning stages, but are very excited that we've made it to the one year mark... and that has happened mostly because of the precious mamas who visit here who have encouraged us with kind words, thoughtful comments, and sweet emails.  You all have been such a blessing!

To celebrate, we are giving away the award-winning Jesus Storybook Bible Deluxe Edition to one of you -  yes, the edition that includes the storybook AND the audio CDs, pefect for listening to at home or on the road.  It's written by the very talented Sally Lloyd-Jones, beautifully illustrated by Jago, and narrated on audio by David Suchet.  It has won both the Moonbeam Award Gold Medal and the Mom's Choice Award.

Here's what people are saying about the Jesus Storybook Bible:

"I would urge not just families with young children to get this book, but every Christian--from pew warmers, to ministry leaders, seminarians and even theologians!" - Dr. Tim Keller, NY

"The Jesus Storybook Bible is unlike any other storybook. True, that's to be expected when you combine the mesmerizing illustrations of Jago and the award-winning writing of Sally Lloyd-Jones, a Brit with an uncanny knack for storytelling. Not only is each story as vividly illustrated as it is portrayed, but also each tale is telling one Big Story---the Story of Jesus." - More to Life Magazine

It would make a special gift for your children or for a child dear to your heart.

To enter to win one deluxe edition, which includes the storybook, full audio CD set, and carrying case, leave a comment in the comment section below.

For additional entries, subscribe to LABB via email (and confirm the follow-up email), follow via Facebook, follow via our NEW twitter page, or share this giveaway on your Facebook page, Twitter, or your blog (each counts as 2 entries, leave 2 comments for each).  Be sure to leave an email or a way for me to contact you if you win!

*Open to U.S. participants only. Giveaway ends this Friday at midnight.  Winner will be announced Saturday and will have three days to respond.

Thank you for sharing our birthday celebration with us!  We're so glad you are here!

        Much thanks,





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Moments that are Holy

[scroll to the bottom of this page and pause the music player first, and if you cannot view the video, please click here]

Moments. 

What are you doing with your microscopic, fleeting moments?

Moments that are holy.

"This is how you spend your one life well..." she says.

If you watch nothing else today, please watch this, dear mamas, and embrace your precious little ones a moment longer, sweeter, closer.  I know I did.


            Warmly,




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Personal Reading Goals For The First Quarter Of 2011



[photo credit]

When I was a child, much of our quiet time in the evenings was spent playing family games or reading books.  I remember spending countless hours sitting on my bedroom floor, my back flat against the sideboards of my old and very high wooden bed, with my knees drawn up and a book propped on them.  Nothing was too long or too difficult for me back then; I loved to read, and was good at it. 

As a mama, I still appreciate a well-written book, but now I find myself searching out ones that will help me grow and will ultimately add value to my family or spiritual life.  And, although I read quite often, this year I desire to be accountable, scheduled, and more intentional with my reading. 

I'm hoping to read a minimum of two books per month in 2011, with the exception of this first quarter since I am reading my Bible through and it is requiring a significant time commitment. 


My Reading Goals for 1st Quarter of 2011:

*Read through the entire Bible - I'm using my ESV Bible along with the 90 day reading plan that I shared in this post.

*Read Created to be His Help Meet by Debi Pearl - I began this one already and am really looking forward to getting further along in it!

*Read What Did You Expect: Redeeming the Realities of Marriage by Paul Tripp - My husband is reading this book now and has really been enjoying it.  We'll be going through this one together.

*Read Honey for a Child's Heart by Gladys Hunt - I'm hoping for some inspiring words regarding the process of learning and possibly tools for homeschooling in this one.  I love the subtitle of the book: "The Imaginative Use of Books in Family Life."  Doesn't it sound like a wonderful resource?  Have you read this one already?

And, if I finish ahead of schedule, I may begin Making Children Mind Without Losing Yours or perhaps Organizing Your Day and attempt to get a head start on the second quarter :)

For some of my absolutely favorite books of all time, be sure to visit the Bubbling Brook store.

What books are you reading this year, ladies?  Do you have any recommendations for me?

            Warmly,


*Shared at {Titus2}sdays and Domestically Divine


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Advice About Life From An Old Widowed Woman

William Law's book A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life is one that I've had for many years, one that I often find myself going back through for inspiration.  My husband and I read it together when we were dating, so it has a soft spot in my heart.  My maiden name is penned inside the front cover.

I've had it pulled out the last few weeks, and keep going back to it, savoring a paragraph or two here and there.  Today, I was struck by a passage in the book where Mr. Law recounts the wise words of a widow he once knew, named Eusebia, who had raised five daughters on her own:

"All of us are like two beings who have, as it were, two hearts within us; with the one we see, taste, and admire reason, purity, and holiness; with the other we incline toward pride, vanity, and sensual delights.  This internal war we always feel more or less.  If you would know the one thing necessary, it is this: to preserve and protect all that is rational, holy, and divine in our nature, and to mortify, remove, and destroy all that is vain, prideful, and sensual in our nature."

A page later, Mr. Law quotes Eusebia again:

"Never allow yourselves to despise those who do not follow your rules of life, but force your hearts to love and pray for them.  Let humility be always whispering into your ears that you yourselves would fall from those rules tomorrow if God should leave you to your own strength and wisdom."

This is what convicts my heart today, dear ones; those very words, from an old widowed woman, shared in a book written by a devout theologian back in 1728.  Powerful words that still speak.

My heart is listening and soaking in their wisdom.

            Warmly,




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Commit to Bible Reading in 2011, and Five Tips to Help You Begin

"The Bible was written not to be studied, but to change our lives."

- Dr. Howard Hendricks

On Monday, I shared my heart about the importance of reading the Bible, and I asked if you'd join me in making an increased commitment to Bible reading in 2011.

Today, I'd like to share something with you that made reading the Bible from cover to cover much easier for my husband and I, and that is the 90 Day Bible:

 One year it took me four months to complete this Bible, and another year it took me six months.  Some actually do complete it in the advertised 90 days, but sometimes being a mama means that days aren't perfectly planned out. By reading only twelve pages a day, it is possible complete this entire Bible in 90 days.  Most days, I can read the twelve pages in about 45 minutes time.  I usually do it in the morning, but you can break it up and do six pages in the morning and six pages at night, or whatever works for you. If you don't want to purchase the Bible, you can find a similar reading plan available here and here, and you can simply print it from your computer (for free) and use it with your own Bible. The objective is to read the Bible. Some will complain that reading it through this quickly doesn't give you a chance to really study it, absorb it, meditate on it.  I know.  I've heard the arguments, and I beg to differ.  I enjoy the "big picture" aspect of reading it through this way, and then pausing to study in more detail when I come across an intriguing passage. Reading the Bible through, whether you're reading it in 90 days, one year, or five years, will change you.  Period. You will learn and you will grow; you will become a student of the Word and not merely a spectator.  You will be a participant in the Word and no longer a passive observer.  You will discover firsthand the truths that He has revealed in His Word.  Your spiritual life will grow and mature.  You will begin to crave that special time in the Word each morning! Five Tips To Help You Begin: 1.  Choose a reading plan, and then set a time aside each day to read.  Do not say that you will read here and there as you can find the time.... the time will never come.   2. Commit to waking 45 minutes earlier each morning, and set your alarm.  3.  Get the coffee or tea ready the night before so it's easier to grab a cup and stumble over to the armchair.   4.  Do not do a "quick" check of your email before you complete your day's reading, and don't open Facebook, either.  Stay focused!  No computer time until you are done! 5.  If you are unable to finish your reading goal that morning (perhaps the children awoke earlier than normal), then commit to finishing the reading during naptime or just before bed.  Don't put it off until the next day; it will quickly become overwhelming. In twenty years, will you still be wishing you had done it?  Or will you make this year the year? I'm praying for you - I know you can do it!  Warmly, 

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When Your Bible Is Dusty



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"Dusty bibles lead to dirty lives."

I've heard this - read this - a dozen times or more.  To me, it's one of those thoughtful, impacting little nuggets that makes reading a whole book just to stumble upon it, well... worth it.

Sometimes the book I'm reading may not be spectacular, but there's one thought in it that changes the way I think, and this is one of those thoughts.  It convicts me.

Is your Bible dusty?  Is is reflected in the way you live?  In your relationship with Him?  With others?

Ouch.

As my dear husband and I begin planning next year's Bible reading, I stumble upon this, from Dr. Hendrick's book Living by the Book: The Art and Science of Reading the Bible:

"You see, a lot of people nowadays are making all kinds of claims about what the Bible supposedly teaches - claims that are simply not true.  A closer inspection of Scripture reveals that the Bible doesn't, in fact, teach what they say it does.  Likewise, there are a lot of things that the Bible does teach that many people don't even know about, because the truths are deemphasized or ignored altogether."

Dear friend, beautiful mama, do you know what the Bible teaches?  Have you read it for yourself?  Studied it?  Poured over it? 

Have you felt His love, His story in it?

Have your tears ever washed over its pages?

It is for you.

Many of us want a word from God, but not the Word of God.  We may own a Bible, but the Bible does not own us, it's not in us, not in our hearts and minds.

If you were without face-to-face communications with your husband for many years, and he carefully wrote you a book out of His  tremendous love for you, and you longed to be reunited with him again someday, wouldn't you read that book over and over again, savoring every sentence? 

Surely you would.  How could you not?

"Like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the Word, that by it you may grow in respect to salvation." - 1 Peter 2:2

Later this week, I'll share some tips and a tool that we use in reading our Bible through, cover to cover.  We've done it in years past, and plan to do it again this upcoming year. 

Would you prayerfully consider reading the Bible through with us in 2011?  Or perhaps at least one testament? 

It will change you.


   In Passionate Pursuit,



{You can read part two of this post here.}



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This post is also shared at WFMW, Gratituesday, Domestically Divine, and:

This Little House On a Blustery Day

It's been a blustery day. 

There's a north wind blowing fiercely, roaring against our snug home, and we've a warning of nearly two feet of snow possible by morning.  Church was cancelled this evening, so we've been cozy and enjoying some measure of solitude before our normal schedule ensues tomorrow.

Weather like this always brings about a craving for good, hearty comfort food, so I baked a special treat for my three men: a savory chicken pot pie, with a cheese and parsley garnished crust, packed full with diced grilled chicken, winter vegetables, and a creamy, well-seasoned sauce.  One of my secrets?  A little thyme sprinkled inside ~

We enjoyed a very classic game or two of Old Maid, read through a chapter of Little House On the Prairie, and tried a different kind of devotional tonight; this one was based upon the beginning pages of The Story of the Bible. 

The children are in bed now, sleeping soundly, and I've just finished getting my flours soaking for tomorrow's breads.  I'll be baking my Cinnamon Walnut Raisin Bread this week, as well as a good, hearty loaf of wheat sandwich bread.  Our new bag of grain - organic hard white wheat - came in a couple of days ago, so I also took some time tonight to separate it into freezer bags and take it out to our extra freezer in the garage.  I think it keeps much better that way, if there's room in the freezer.  Ours is nearly full right now, but I managed to fit the grain in with a gentle push.

I'm terribly aware of the wind howling outside tonight, and my windows are rattling and icy, but I can't help but to think that just yesterday morning we had taken these ~

I pray you are warm and snug with your families tonight, enjoying His goodness and savoring each moment.  Time passes all too quickly, especially with little ones pattering around and all else that comes with managing and stewarding your precious home.  Your role, your work there is sacred and invaluable.

And for the new readers here, welcome; I'm so glad you've stayed awhile.  It was sweet of Crystal to share my easy Christmas cookie recipe, and I truly enjoy hearing from you, so thank you for subscribing  ~

           Warmly,


Shared at Making Your Home Sing, Raising Homemakers, and Gratituesday




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Spending Mornings With The One Who Made Them

We are an active family.

We love to be outdoors enjoying God's beautiful creations, and that works well for us, because my little men have quite a bit of energy.

But, lately I have been feeling a bit pricked in my heart about how my little ones spend their wee hours of the morning.  With all of their energy, they want to just get up and GO.  Busy play and much to-do, right from the start.

Although we have devotional time together as a family in the evenings, perhaps now is the time to inspire our six-year-old to pause in the mornings and pray, to read the Word, to spend quiet time with THE Creator of all these beautiful places we enjoy.

So this morning, when my sleepy-eyed little man bounded into the living room just shy of 6 a.m., this mama prompted him to sit with his children's bible and peruse.  As his reading improves, we'll become more disciplined in blocks of time for specific passage readings and study.

Are your children spending morning-time in prayer and the Word?  At what age did you begin to encourage it?  I'd love to hear from you in the comments section.


           Warmly,


{Also shared at Finer Things Friday}

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An Update on Learning to Read

I'm very pleased with the progress Gentry's made in reading so far this year.  Last school year ended well, with much emphasis on three letter words, and this year we've been enjoying Rod & Staff's reader series "We Learn About God."  Some of the words he's learned have been rather difficult, such as "everything" and "said" and "light," and he's been a real soldier, learning them all.  We're also still progressing through Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons.

And yes, we "do" homeschool at the formal dining table, with the table pad in place to protect my tabletop... lol :)

(Remember to scroll to the very bottom of this page and pause the music first)

           Warmly,



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A Gift from my Mother and an Heirloom for my Children: My RL Allan Bible

Over the summer, my sweet mama ordered the most beautiful bible as a birthday gift for me, one that I have admired for quite some time ~ it looks slightly antiqued; Victorian, perhaps ~ and is bound with a fantastic goatskin leather ~

It has been on back-order ever since she placed the order, finally arriving last week.  I jumped and twirled in sheer joy when my father brought it over that day!  Yes, I was quite a sight, I am sure :)

It is my intent to use this as my "carry around" bible, to church and bible study, etc ~

Made in Scotland by a small family owned company (and distributed by Evangelical Bible in the USA), R.L. Allan pays superior attention to detail, crafting bibles that easily become heirlooms within families.  This particular bible was printed at Oxford University Press, on India paper ~

This is my second R.L. Allen bible (my other, the Reader's ESV, I use for morning reading) and it will be a joy to pass these on to my children one day, well-marked and tenderly worn, with all the richness and care than a mama can possibly pass down a bible with ~

I especially love the full yapp that my bible has; not only is the full yapp especially elegant, it also serves to protect the gilded pages inside.

This bible will be treasured for years to come; not only because it is the inspired word of my loving Lord, not only because of its enduring elegance and craftsmanship, but because it was a thoughtful gift from my precious mother.

Do you have a bible that you intend to make a family heirloom?

            Warmly,



{Linked with Finer Things Friday}

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The Divine Plan For Bringing Up A Family

Where every day the Bible is read in a home in the ears of children, and its lessons simply and prayerfully taught, the effect is incalculable.  It was thus that God himself commanded his ancient people to do - to teach the truths of his word diligently to their children when they sat in the house and when they walked by the way, when they rose up and when they lay down. (Deut. ver. 6-9)  This was the divine plan for bringing up a family - not a lesson now and then, but the incessant, uninterrupted, and continuous teaching of the Holy Scriptures in the ears of the children.  Such teaching unconsciously assimilates the character to divine likeness.

~ JR Miller, 19th Century Preacher

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Glorifying God in Our Daily Life

"We talk a lot about being filled with the Holy Spirit, so it's fascinating to see what areas of our lives we tend to apply that concept- and what areas we consistently avoid.

Allow me to get personal.  Is your money under control?  Most Christian financial counselors will tell you firsthand we're out to lunch in this area.  Did you know that 80% of all Americans owe more than their net worth?  And yet an incredible amount of money passes through our hands.  American Christians will have a lot to give account for when they get to the judgement seat of Christ, because to whom much has been given, much will be required.

What about your material possessions?  My wife Jeanne and I once dined with a rich man from a blue blood Boston family, and I asked him, "How in the world did you grow up in the midst of such wealth and not be consumed by materialism?"

His answer: "My parents taught us that everything in our home was either an idol or a tool."

So how do you view your possessions?

How does being a Christian relate to your thought life?  Both at seminary and as I travel I find young men and women who've filled their minds with garbage, and then they ask me, "How come I'm not holy?"

How about your diet?  If I scheduled a seminar at your church and then walked in drunk, you'd dismiss me immediately.  But if I walked in fifty pounds overweight, you'd feed me more, right?  Sure, after all, you really can't have a Christian gathering without food... But maybe this is too convicting.  On to something else.

How about exercise?  Dr. Kenneth Cooper told an audience of about three to four hundred students at our seminary that by a regular, systemic exercise program, they could each add five to fifteen years to their ministry.  Think of the implications!"

~ Dr. Howard Hendricks, from his book Teaching to Change Lives (one of my favorite books!)


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Aren't These So Beautiful?

Breezy and Emily Rose Brookshire of Noble Rose Press have created the most beautiful coloring book I've ever set eyes on...

It's 48 pages and features coloring pages related to life in a Christian family.

And, if you order now, there's a special introductory price!  For more details, click here.

I'm planning to purchase a couple of these myself; wouldn't they make a great gift, too?

            Warmly,




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