Welcome Back, and thanks for the review - Jan. 3, 2008

Shared by Jodi-FL

I just read Lisa's interview in CWOnline yesterday about this book and was wondering what someone else who has used it would actually say. Since I'm teaching the high school class for BSF this year, I've been using (and encouraging other moms) to use homiletics as their approach to deeper Bible study, since it can be done in spurts, and doesn't take much thinking until the end. But, there's always that danger of Bible study becoming "one more thing on the to-do list" rather than time building my relationship with the One who matters, kwim? jodi

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Untitled Comment - Jan. 3, 2008

Shared by Life with Littles

This book sounds great. I don't think I would have ever considered it. I would have probably mocked it if I saw it on the shelf. It goes to show you, you can't judge a book by it's cover. www.lifewithlittles.com

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Untitled Comment - Jan. 3, 2008

Shared by Anonymous

This sounds very encouraging. I have struggled to find time for my own personal devotions and know that I am missing time with my Father. Thank you for the valuable resources that you share with us. Sarah deadwylers@netscape.net

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I know what you mean... - Jan. 3, 2008

Shared by PreschoolersandPeace

I would have normally snubbed such a book, but for some reason the Lord made me pick it up. If you are of a Reformed persuasion theologically as I am, you will want to know that Lisa is not. But she is focusing on Scripture passages and how to get the most of them, not on exegesis, so it doesn't matter. Jodi-- I am a huge fan of BSF, but this book and BSF materials are quite different in their focus. There are no specific leading questions about the text being considered as BSF provides. But if you at any time feel like you need a shot in the arm, a boost, or a new approach to Scripture study and memorization, you might like this book.

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Untitled Comment - Jan. 3, 2008

Shared by Anonymous

So you like it? :-) http://lifted-high.blogspot.com/

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Untitled Comment - Jan. 3, 2008

Shared by xanga.com/homekeepingheart

I have had this book, and others of hers, on my Paperback Swap wish list. Glad to hear you like it.

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Slightly off-topic, but... - Jan. 4, 2008

Shared by Pomaleedon

...I do really like the IKEA cabinets. I like that they are so versatile. I should update my IKEA blog to show off all the little adaptations we've made for a custom fit. I like that I understand them, so if we need to make repair or replace anything, we'll know exactly what we need to do. I think I could put one together in the dark now, so feel free to hire Paul and me as your installers! ;]

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When? - Jan. 4, 2008

Shared by Anonymous

Hi Kendra, I am a daily reader, but rare commenter. :) I am wondering when you sit down to do this study...uninterrupted?? Do you get up before everyone else? If so, what time is that? I am truly struggling to get up for a quiet time. I have a 2 3/4 year old and a 10 month old who still gets up once a night. To roll out of bed at 6:30 to get up with the baby and start my day is about the earliest I can manage. I *know* that my days would go so much better, easier, more joyful, ______, etc if I could just start my day with a fresh word from the Lord. How do you logistically make this happen when you're really tired to start with? I am looking for some concrete examples if you have any... Thanks for reading! And thanks for this wonderful blog. It is a true blessing and encouragement to me. -Lauren in NC

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Hi Lauren - Jan. 4, 2008

Shared by PreschoolersandPeace

Well, a couple of thoughts come to mind. First, you are at what I think is the hardest time. My seven are easier day to day than your two, two years apart. My first two were that, and I remember. It was taxing. So try to remember that the days will be long, but the years will fly by, or "this too shall pass". Or, it won't always be like this :) Secondly, I am a huge proponent of teaching babies to sleep through the night. You probably read my recent post on this, but I'll just say here that I couldn't have survived all these years sanely had I not gotten an adequate amount of sleep while having a baby every other year for 15 years. Or two years in a row, like this year. And my babies (except one with food allergies) have all been happy, contented, well-rested little souls. Can I give you a gentle nudge to start working with your 10mo on this? Lastly, I am not a morning person. And I don't mean that I don't want to be a morning person, or that I haven't tried. I'm hardly lazy. My body doesn't function well, and I don't even feel well many mornings. I don't drink caffeine except for an occasional cup of tea or rare soda, so it's not even a matter of "needing" my morning coffee. I function with far more energy and clarity of mind from the hours of 8 p.m.-midnight. So, that being the case, I don't have a morning "quiet time". I relish the hours when the whole house is quiet and no one will be getting up for another seven hours or so. I gather my Bible and other reading, prop myself in a cozy spot, and take in all I can. And I don't feel guilty about it anymore. I am one of a few in a small camp who don't believe that the only or most profitable time for Bible study and prayer is in the morning. I know it works for many, but it does not work for me, and that's the whole point. What works for you in this season of your life? God designed this time for you, so when do you think you could get some concentrated time alone with Him?

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Untitled Comment - Jan. 4, 2008

Shared by Anonymous

Kendra, I like you. :) Having just read your response to Lauren, I am just appreciative to you for the freedom you give here, through sharing your experience, for mothers- to choose the time that works best for them. I personally like the mornings best, but God has created us all uniquely and so of *course* there will be some for whom evenings (or afternoons) are best. :) ~Stacy www.withgreatjoy.blogspot.com

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...and... (one more thought) - Jan. 4, 2008

Shared by Anonymous

I am certain that God just loves it so much when we offer Him our time and attention at all (nevermind what time of the day it may be). If one of our kids were to tell Mark they wanted a "date" with him every afternoon, but not necessarily first thing in the morning because they were too groggy, his heart would be so full simply because they want that time with him. :) And now I'll stop rambling in your comments section. ~Stacy

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Untitled Comment - Jan. 4, 2008

Shared by amatthia

This book sounds really great!! I have been looking for something like this ...thanks for reviewing it..

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Book Review - Jan. 5, 2008

Shared by Anonymous

I have been looking for something like this and truthfully would have passed right by for two reasons: 1) I am used to more inductive type studies and 2) It was written by a former child actress...I know how bad is that?! I totally made a judgement on this woman simply because she was a child star?! Like she couldn't be a God-fearing Christian too or something! Wow, what a heart check!! I definately think I will look into this book. I get up roughly an hour before my children and would love to add some personal study time to my Bible reading and prayer time. I don't feel like I always get the most out of my Bible reading that early because I am still in "sleep" mode, but I just can't force myself to stay up past ten! I am much more a morning person. However, I really really appreciate what you said to Lauren about finding the time that is best for you. I also read at nap time. God is with us all day, not just in the wee hours of the morning! Anyhow, glad you are back from your break. I read all the time even though I rarely post. Happy New Year (a little late).

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Untitled Comment - Jan. 6, 2008

Shared by Jackie

Looks like my Amazon wishlist just got longer... www.jackie-happywife.blogspot.com

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Untitled Comment - Jan. 7, 2008

Shared by BlessingsFromAbove

Would you believe that I have been contemplating using this very book? I just went over to Amazon today (through your blog) and ordered it! It’s good to know that it has helped another mom. BTW—A long time ago, you recommended The New Best Recipe Cookbook. I bought it and made the blueberry muffin recipe today. They turned out great! Michele

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Great site! - Jan. 8, 2008

Shared by MandyMom.com

Hey gal I wanted to share the new homeschooling site. I'm sure you know some people there! http://heartofthematteronline.com

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Thanks for this... - Jan. 11, 2008

Shared by Anonymous

I have Lisa's book...I just need to use it... Thanks for the reminder that I have to be doing what I want my kiddos to do...

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Untitled Comment - Jan. 11, 2008

Shared by Anonymous

forgot to post who I am chrystalschronicles.blogspot.com

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Untitled Comment - Jan. 15, 2008

Shared by xanga.com/homekeepingheart

Writing this as I sit here wide awake and full of life at 12:15 at night :-) I am so thankful that you wrote about not being a morning person and having your quiet times at night. I am exactly the same way and have struggled so much over the years with feeling like a failure because of it. I find it VERY hard to wake up before 9 and when I do I feel terrible. I feel wonderful around 8pm and then sometime around 1 or 2am I finally start to feel tired and ready for bed. Another big problem is that my husband IS a morning person and he is usually fast asleep by 9pm. I just don't know how to work this out. I feel like he's sleeping during our only time we have to be together. Do you have this problem? And do you have any tips for helping a night owl to get up at a decent time in the yucky mornings?

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Untitled Comment - Jan. 25, 2008

Shared by Nan

Thanks Kendra. I really needed this reminder! This is a big area of struggle (well... if I'm being honest I've given up the struggle!) :^( Not good. This has been a bad week motivationally in many ways though... Monday we begin again though. Praying for strength and motivation to do what is right. nancypants @ http://www.shawnanigans.net

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