Resource Recommendations

In Time for Easter

2010 at 2:56 pm   |   by Janelle Bradshaw
Filed under Series Resource Recommendations

This informative post comes to you courtesy of my daughter MJ, who stayed in Children’s Ministry this past Sunday for the entire service! Miracles still happen.

As I was sitting in the service (all by myself!) our pastors recommended two books just in time for Easter.

The first one, which we reviewed last year, is for adults: Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross by Nancy Guthrie. It’s a collection of twenty-five short readings with contributors such as Martin Lloyd-Jones, J.C. Ryle, R.C. Sproul and more. This is one to re-read every year.

They also recommended a book for kiddos: The Very First Easter by Paul Maier. I hope to order a copy for Caly by the end of the day.

And while we are on the topic of Sunday (did I mention that I got to sit through the whole meeting?), one of my favorite preachers gave the message. Yep, my dad was speaking! In a series leading up to Easter Sunday, he preached a powerful sermon on Gethsemane. You can listen to his message here.

Thanks, MJ!

A Christmas Story for Adults

2009 at 1:56 pm   |   by Nicole Whitacre
Filed under Homemaking Holidays and Seasons Series Resource Recommendations

I’ve never outgrown my love for a good Christmas story. Problem is, good Christmas stories for adults are much harder to find.
 
But this year, we can happily recommend a new book for your personal Christmas story time. The Unfinished Gift is a new novel by author Dan Walsh—who also happens to be a Sovereign Grace Ministries pastor in Daytona Beach, FL.
 
Despite the author’s balmy writing weather, this book has the authentic feel of a bitterly cold winter in 1943. Patrick, the seven-year-old main character, faces sudden grief and an uncertain future with his crotchety grandfather (who, most notably to me, never keeps the house warm enough!).
 
Old judgments and bitterness linger long in this family, and the evil of prejudice still infects the community. But the brave charity of strangers comes to Patrick’s rescue. And the kindness, long-suffering, and forgiveness of two women who loved their family bring restoration, long after they are gone.
 
This book’s redemptive and godly themes stand out against the cynical and raunchy holiday fare peddled for adults. Not only can you read this book without feeling yucky or depressed, you’ll find hope that springs eternal, grace in unexpected kindness, and a harvest of righteousness for peacemakers who sow in peace.
 
So, treat yourself to The Unfinished Gift this Christmas season. I dare you to read it through without crying

The Girls’ Christmas Picks

2009 at 5:53 am   |   by Nicole Whitacre
Filed under Homemaking Holidays and Seasons Series Resource Recommendations

This Christmas, why not give the gift of “sitting and listening” to a mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, or friend? (Attention husbands who read girltalk but are too manly to admit it: if your wife has small children, we recommend this gift come with the promise of a few hours of alone time.)
 
Here’s our “Five Days of Sitting Out Christmas” gift list. Choose one from each category. Tie with a pretty ribbon. Slip in a babysitting coupon or a Starbucks card. Give the “one thing” they need the most this year.
 

On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…
 
FIVE GOOD BOOKS

1. "Preaching the Gospel to Yourself"

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Gospel Primer

by Milton Vincent

2. Commentaries

 

 

 

 

 

 

Esther and Ruth

by Iain Duguid

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proverbs

by John Kitchen

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basics for Believers

by D.A. Carson

3. Prayer

 

 

 

 

 

 

Praying the Lord's Prayer

by JI Packer

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Valley of Vision

by Arthur Bennet

4. Short Daliy Readings

 

 

 

 

 

 

I Exalt You O God

by Jerry Bridges

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pierced by the Word

by John Piper

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beside Still Waters

by Charles Spurgeon

5. Bible Survey

 

 

 

 

 

The Message of the Old Testament

by Mark Dever

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Message of the New Testament

by Mark Dever

FOUR CD's

1. Hope Rising by Fee

 

 

 

 

 

2. Sons & Daughters by Sovereign Grace Music

 

 

 

 

 

3. We Shall Not Be Shaken by Matt Redman

 

 

 

 

 

4. Glorious by Paul Baloche

 

 

 

 

 

THREE JOURNALS

1. Magnet Black

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Small Purple Flowers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Vetro Stamped Brown

 

 

 

 

 

TWO PRETTY PENS

1. Parker Pen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Retro Pen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AND ONE VERY LOVELY BIBLE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ESV Thinline Sky Blue

Kids’ Christmas Picks

2009 at 4:04 am   |   by Nicole Whitacre
Filed under Homemaking Holidays and Seasons Series Resource Recommendations

If our kids could share their favorite Christmas gift ideas, the list would look something like this:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jesus Storybook Bible Deluxe Edition

This favorite of all our children now includes a three cd narration by David Suchet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fool Moon Rising

You already know how much we like this new book.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To Be Like Jesus

Few things so sweet as hearing your kids sing at the top of their lungs: "I want to be like Jesus!"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Prince's Poison Cup and The Prince's Poison Cup - Animatic DVD

Watch the trailer for this new book and companion dvd.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Lightlings and The Lightlings - Animatic DVD

Another video

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Squire and the Scroll

With a knight and a dragon, the boys are sure to love this one

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sir Bernard The Good Knight!

Tori listens to "Wittle Dog" almost every day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Practise being Godly

The cd includes the Aussie author reading and singing songs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How God Used A Snowdrift (Building on the Rock Series)

Andrew really enjoys this series

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Pilgrim's Progress: From This World to That Which Is to Come

This new edition has color illustrations and edited text for ease of reading

Womanly Dominion.The Gospel.Our Children.

2009 at 6:10 am   |   by Janelle Bradshaw
Filed under Motherhood Young Children Series Girltalk Book Club Resource Recommendations

Your mission, dear mother, is not to make your children happy, but to prepare them for eternity…You must relentlessly evangelize their never-dying souls.” (Womanly Dominion p. 127-128)

In chapter eight of Womanly Dominion, Mark Chanski highlights the most important job we have as mothers: to preach the gospel to our children. This passion should infuse every part of our daily lives, whether in word or action. God has graciously provided many tools to help us evangelize our children. Here are a few age appropriate ideas:

For Parents:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your Child's Profession of Faith

Newborn (and up):

"The Gospel Song" (I sing this as a lullaby to my two girlies every night)

Toddlers (and up):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name

Children:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Gospel for Children: A Simple, Yet Complete Guide to Help Parents Teach Their Children the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Of course we can’t save our children or force them to turn to Christ: “Salvation belongs to the Lord!” (Jonah 2:9). But we must intercede for their never-dying souls, and daily, passionately, tell them the good news:

Holy God in love became

Perfect man to bear my blame

On the cross he took my sin

By his death I live again

("The Gospel Song")

Fool Moon Rising

2009 at 10:09 am   |   by Kristin Chesemore
Filed under Motherhood Young Children Series Resource Recommendations

On Thursday we received a special new book from Pop-Pop: Fool Moon Rising by Kristi Fluharty and T. Lively Fluharty; so I took a break from school to read to my two younger boys.

The amazing illustrations captured the boys’ attention right away; they listened closely as I read. Fool Moon Rising is a short and simple story that is beautifully told and rich in content: One proud little moon learns a much-needed lesson in humility.

Warning (as in our case): Mom may experience more conviction than child. How much I am like that proud little moon!

After reading, I asked my son Liam: “What is one way you are tempted to boast?”

“That I run fast!” he replied

Then he paused, smiled, and with a little more authority repeated: “I run fast!”

Hardly the picture of conviction. I think we’ll have to read the book again. Many times. But how grateful I am for this story that exposes his pride and encourages him to glory in the Savior.

I can’t improve on Dad’s endorsement:

As a grandpa, I treasure books I can share with my grandchildren, books that are both theologically informed and beautifully illustrated. Unfortunately, these can be scarce. Fool Moon Rising is a rare find: a children's book that describes how understanding the greatness of God transforms proud hearts into humble ones--something that can happen only in the shadow of the cross. I'm looking forward to reading it with my grandkids.

Thanks so much, Dad, for this little treasure!

Fruit of the Spirit…Pie

2009 at 6:31 am   |   by Kristin Chesemore
Filed under Fun Stuff Girltalkers Series Resource Recommendations

Last week was Summer Celebration (morning kid’s camp) here at Covenant Life Church. Mike and Janelle—Mr. and Mrs. B to the kids—and our cousin Brett (aka Douglas Doogleberry) along with countless servants, taught the kids about the fruits of the Spirit in a gospel-saturated program.

They led the kids in worship with brand-new songs from the latest Sovereign Grace kids album. Here’s a description from their website:

To Be Like Jesus contains twelve worship songs that teach the fruit of the Spirit in a creative and memorable way. Through these songs kids will learn that Jesus is our perfect example of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. More than that, they’ll discover that we can’t be like Jesus unless we trust in the power of his cross to forgive us and the power of his Spirit to change us.

My boys walk around the house singing: “I want to be like Jesus.” Words like that (even when they’re sung loudly and off key) are music to a mom’s ears. But I highly recommend that everyone buy this new cd. Even if you don’t have kids, you’ll enjoy the music and be inspired to grow in godliness.

Also, we thought you might be interested in a few pictures from Summer Celebration. Every day, as part of the program, Janelle (Mrs. B) bakes a “Fruit of the Spirit Pie” that gets thrown in Mr. B’s face at the end of the day. It's the highlight of the morning.

Well, on Tuesday, Brett (Douglas Doogleberry) accidentally gave Mrs. B a face full of “Joy Pie.” Really, this wasn’t part of the script. Neither was Mrs. B’s response. She decided to give Douglas some “Joy” as well and all three had a good laugh. So did the kids.

 

Ideas for Father’s Day

2009 at 6:14 am   |   by Janelle Bradshaw
Filed under Homemaking Holidays and Seasons Series Resource Recommendations

It’s almost here—Father’s Day, that is. My sisters, Chad, and I are faced with our yearly dilemma: What on earth do we get Dad? I mean you can only give so many Barnes and Noble gift cards before that gets really old. But what else is there?

My dad is a man with a few, clear passions that don’t make gift buying easy. He loves the gospel, my mom, his family, the church, reading, sports, raspberries and lobster, in that order. (Although maybe lobster comes before raspberries…I’ll have to ask).

So what about raspberries or lobster? Done that. Lots of times. Remember, this is all we have to work with for his birthday and Christmas too. And you thought your dad was tough to buy for!

So, when Abby emailed us to request that we ask our dad for a few Father’s Day book ideas for your dad, we took pity on her, and all of you. We got a book list from Dad, and we’ve posted his ideas below. We figured that since we weren’t making any progress with our gift giving, we may as well try to help someone else.
 
Seriously, we hope one of these books will be the perfect gift for your dad. Wish him a Happy Father’s Day for us.

P.S. And if any creative gift ideas for our dad just happen to pop into your mind, please feel obligated to email us.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A. Lincoln: A Biography

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Killing Hitler: The Plots, The Assassins, and the Dictator Who Cheated Death

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Juicing the Game: Drugs, Power, and the Fight for the Soul of Major League Baseball

 

 

 

 

 

 

Breaking the Slump: How Great Players Survived Their Darkest Moments in Golf--and What You Can Learn from Them

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gilead: A Novel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distracted: The Erosion of Attention and the Coming Dark Age

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sports Illustrated: The Basketball Book

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sports Illustrated: The College Football Book

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Across the Line: Profiles in Basketball Courage: Tales of the First Black Players in the ACC and SEC

Vote for Psalms

2008 at 9:16 am   |   by Carolyn Mahaney
Filed under Series Resource Recommendations

Last week our good friend Bob Kaulfin posted the following on his blog. Please check it out and vote for the Psalms CD:

We just learned that Worship Leader magazine has included our Psalms CD as one of six choices for the “Best Worship Compilation CD” for 2008. Boy, were we surprised. There in the midst of Passion, CeCe Winans, and WOW Gospel, is Sovereign Grace Ministries.

Now I’d never want you to do something you wouldn’t do otherwise. But you might consider visiting the Worship Leader site and checking out the choices. There are some good ones there. But if you think the Psalms CD is the best one out of the six, you can vote for it. Your vote could help make more people aware of our music.

In any case, we’re grateful for the opportunity to produce music that serves the church and magnifies the greatness of our Savior.

Advent Joy

2008 at 11:00 am   |   by Nicole Whitacre
Filed under Homemaking Holidays and Seasons Series Resource Recommendations

Opening the door of our Advent calendar each day is one of Jack’s greatest delights of the Christmas season. His enthusiasm—“Mom, it’s only nine more days until Christmas!”—epitomizes children's radiant anticipation for the holiday.

Sure, the Baby Ruth or Starburst behind the little door might have something to do with his eagerness (you think?). But he is also excited to read the next installment of the Christmas story and the verse that goes along with it (as he chews on his candy).

I have my own Advent pleasure this year, which I look forward to each morning as much as Jack does. It’s Nancy Guthrie’s compilation of Advent readings: Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus: Experiencing the Peace and Promise of Christmas (HT: Justin Taylor)

My apologies—I know it’s a little late to be recommending an advent book. But buy it as an early Christmas 2009 Christmas present for yourself (oh yes, and friends and family too).

This is one of those books I've been waiting for all my life. It’s a collection of readings from almost all of my favorite authors (long dead and now living) on various passages related to the incarnation and birth of Jesus. John Calvin, Jonathan Edwards, Charles Spurgeon, Martyn Lloyd-Jones, JI Packer, John Piper…need I go on?

Despite the busyness of the Christmas season (and it seems to get crazier every year) I have been able to meditate on the deep and glorious truths of what it all means. The wonder of the incarnation, the humility of Christ, the glorious plan of the gospel, it's application for me today. My joy is deeper this Christmas as my thoughts are drawn past the presents and parties to Jesus, the “joy of every longing heart.”

“Open the cover,” it urges on the back of the book, “and rediscover what Christmas was meant to be.”

Complementarian Hip-Hop

2008 at 6:33 pm   |   by Nicole Whitacre
Filed under Series Resource Recommendations

In one of the more unlikely honors of her life, Mom has been featured on a new album by reformed rapper Shai Linne. A talented hip-hop artist of a most unusual sort, Shai Linne’s life and music are infused with a passion for God’s Word, reformed theology, and complementarian convictions. Track nine of his new album Storiez entitled “Work It Out” celebrates femininity and mentions Mom. Here's a snippet.

Still looking for the perfect gift for that young (or not so young) person on your list? Check out all of Shai Linne’s cd’s: Storiez, The Atonement, or The Solus Christus Project.

Gift for Sports Fans

2008 at 11:26 am   |   by Janelle Bradshaw
Filed under Series Resource Recommendations

Christmas is in the air. My local grocery store already has all their ugly decorations hanging from the lamp posts. Mike gave me a new Christmas CD the other day, and to top things off we girls had our annual shopping trip recently.

I’m already thinking through my gift list for this year and I bet many of you are too. So I have a tip to get you started. Living with not one but three sports fans (my husband, brother, and father) I have the perfect recommendation for any sports fan in your life--Game Day for the Glory of God: A Guide for Athletes, Fans, and Wannabes. My dad had the honor of writing the foreword for this book which we have included here. So go ahead and get some early Christmas shopping done today.

Foreword to Game Day for the Glory of God
by CJ Mahaney

This is the book I needed way back when.

I grew up passionate about sports. I played baseball, basketball, and football, and I swam competitively. And when I wasn’t playing sports, I was watching sports. Sadly, I think it was all a waste.

Yep, all of it. I wasted my sports because I didn’t play for the glory of God. I played for the glory of C.J. Like I said, I wish I had this book years ago. (Being a Christian would have helped as well!)

I wasted years of playing sports. But it can be different for you. And it will be, if you will read and apply the content of this unique book. My friend Stephen Altrogge has given us a book we desperately need, on a topic rarely addressed. He applies the gospel, not just to our behavior, but to our hearts. He is theologically informed, reminding us that sports are a gift from God and a potential means to grow in godliness. Whether it’s a real sport like basketball, soccer, and golf, or a bogus sport like croquet, Stephen wants us to glorify God when we play. (And if you think croquet is actually a sport, we need to talk.)

So whether you are an athlete (like me), a wannabe (like my friends), a parent, a coach, or simply a fan, Game Day for the Glory of God will provide you with a biblical perspective on sports. In the light of the gospel, you will see game day—and yes, even practice—as a moment of eternal significance, whether you win or lose.

C.J. Mahaney
Sovereign Grace Ministries

Radical Womanhood on the Radio

2008 at 9:00 am   |   by Nicole Whitacre
Filed under Series Resource Recommendations

With all the election coverage, we didn't want you to miss an important interview on The Albert Mohler Program. Two weeks ago, Carolyn McCulley joined guest host Dr. Russell Moore to discuss "Radical Womanhood and the Local Church." Be sure to take time and listen this weekend.

Shopping for Time Questions

2008 at 3:25 pm   |   by Nicole Whitacre
Filed under Biblical Womanhood Living Intentionally Series Resource Recommendations

We finished writing our most recent book, Shopping for Time, about a week before Tori was born last year. Ironically, we ran out of time to include questions for group discussion and personal application in the printed addition.

But thanks to the family life team at Covenant Life Church, headed by our esteemed brother-in-law, Brian Chesemore (affectionately known as “Pastor B” to the fam), we can now make questions available to you.

These questions were written to assist women who lead a small group discussion with the book; however, they could be useful for two women reading the book together, or even someone studying on her own. We hope they will help you consider how to make the best use of your time.

 

Shopping for Time Questions Chapter One

Shopping for Time Questions Chapter Two

Shopping for Time Questions Chapter Three

Shopping for Time Questions Chapter Four

Shopping for Time Questions Chapter Five

Shopping for Time Questions Chapter Six

Shopping for Time Questions Conclusion

the Jesus Storybook Bible

2007 at 12:32 pm   |   by Nicole Whitacre
Filed under Series Resource Recommendations

Recently, my husband came in from putting Jack to bed and he was all excited. He had just been reading our son a new children’s Bible storybook and he was delighted with it's Christ-centered approach. So, because we like to keep you up-to-date on the resources we are benefiting from, here is Steve's endorsement of the Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name by Sally Lloyd-Jones and illustrated by Jago:

I love this Bible because it does what few other children’s Bibles have done: it keeps Christ at the center of every story.  From the very beginning, every page includes some connection to the person and work of Jesus Christ.  The pictures are fabulous, and the story is told at a level that even our four-year-old Jack can understand.  He gets it: Who is the Rescuer?  Jesus!  What is God’s Secret Rescue Plan?  The gospel!  He is learning about the Never Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love.  Even his toddling intellect is beginning to grasp that the whole story of the Bible points to a Savior.  And we’re only at Jacob and Rachel!  I highly recommend this Bible as the primary reading Bible for toddlers and younger school-aged kids.