girltalk Blog
2013 at 10:24 am | by Nicole Whitacre
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Fun Stuff Friday Funnies Series Resource Recommendations
Today we have a giveaway for moms (or grandmas, aunts, teachers or friends) of young boys and girls. Thanks to our friends at Moody Publishers, I have two copies of a wonderful looking new children’s book by Susan Hunt and her son Richie Hunt called “Cassie & Caleb: Discover God’s Wonderful Design.”
This is a unique book that uses colorful pictures and interesting stories to teach children about the gospel, and about how they are called to bring glory to their Creator. As the authors state in the preface, “We must intentionally teach the magnificence of God’s gender design or by default our children will absorb the lie of the enemy of our—and their—souls.” Susan and Richie Hunt have set the entire book in the context of the gospel, and they have made it attractive and appealing for young children.
I have only had a chance to skim this book but I was excited by what I read and eager to go through this with my children. This book fills a much needed gap, using relatable stories to help children both delight in God’s design, to love the gospel, and to encourage them to obey.
So, here’s what we’re thinking. We haven’t done Friday Funnies in a while. So SEND US a funny story about your son or daughter (or a kid you know!) and we’ll choose two winners to receive a free copy of this new book. Deadline to enter is tomorrow (Friday night) at midnight.
2013 at 10:36 am | by Nicole Whitacre
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Series Resource Recommendations
With warmer weather on the way I start anticipating one of my favorite outdoor activities—reading. On summer evenings, Steve and I love to sit in our old and uncomfortable deck chairs on our little back porch and read together for an hour or so while the sun sets. I can hardly wait for those days to come and I’m already thinking about what books I want to read this summer. Here are two new books that I highly recommend you put on your summer reading list, from two great friends and outstanding authors:
I have already read most of this book and love it! Easy to read, insightful, and just plain helpful. Not only does Jamieson help us think rightly about doctrine but shows us how it works out in the life of our local church.
“Scripture is for sound doctrine, sound doctrine is for real life, and real life is for real church growth. So says Jamieson, and he hits the nail on the head brilliantly every time.”
—J. I. Packer, Board of Governors’ Professor of Theology, Regent College
“Think doctrine is at least impractical—at worst, loveless? Give this author a few minutes to help you reconsider this. Well-written, precise, provocative, and practical—Jamieson has produced a jewel.”
—Mark Dever, Senior Pastor, Capitol Hill Baptist Church, Washington DC; President, 9Marks
No one I’ve ever read brings biblical stories to life with such beauty and accuracy. I love to read what Jon Bloom writes each Friday at Desiring God and I save and reread his articles often. Eager to slowly make my way through this book.
“Forgetfulness and familiarity. Faith is often plagued by these twin faults. We easily forget what we know about who God is and what he’s done for us in Jesus Christ. When we turn to Scripture for help, our familiarity dulls the wonder in the splendid story of God’s mercy to mere men. We need to be reminded of the old stories of Scripture, that they might irrigate our parched souls and ignite our faith. In Not By Sight, my friend Jon Bloom shatters our familiarity with the Bible by helping us see afresh how the drama of Scripture unfolds in the gritty reality of human experience and how those stores are infused with grace as they fit into the greatest story: God’s plan to save sinners by his Son. Do you need to be reminded of what you already know? Do you need to be shaken from your familiarity? Jon’s fresh tellings of the old tales will help you recover surprise and delight in the stories of Scripture.”
—C.J. Mahaney, Sovereign Grace Church of Louisville
2013 at 8:32 am | by Janelle Bradshaw
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Series Resource Recommendations
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” Philippians 4:4
“Before you existed, God decided to set His affection upon you. Jesus lived a life of moral perfection before a holy God that is credited to us as a gift.
Jesus took upon Himself on the cross every ounce of real, honest-to-goodness judgment you deserve. Every wrong you have done God punished in Jesus. God caused us to be born again, gave us new eyes to see, granted us the gift of repentance of faith.
He’s given us the Holy Spirit as a down payment of the ultimate inheritance we will certainly receive when Jesus returns, when we are actually transformed to be like Him.
If all of that occupies your mind and informs your perspective on life, what can you do but rejoice? This is why joy can be commanded of the Christian.”
~Jeff Purswell (listen to yesterday’s outstanding sermon at SGCL on Phil. 4:4-7)
(HT: Brittany Kauflin)
2013 at 12:46 pm | by Nicole Whitacre
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Homemaking Holidays and Seasons Series Resource Recommendations
Speaking of pastors, the men who serve our church, Sovereign Grace Church of Louisville, have provided us with some wonderful encouragement and resources to prepare our hearts for Easter. We hope these resources serve you as well:
If you take a survey among Christians and Non-Christians on what is the most important holiday for the Christian, the majority will affirm that it is Easter. But have you ever had the feeling that you just didn’t properly celebrate Easter because you let it sneak up on you? In more liturgical traditions, this hasn’t always been the case. For the last 1700 years many parts of the church have given attention to what’s called “Holy Week”. This is the week dedicated to remembering the last week of Jesus’ life, from Palm Sunday to Maunday Thursday to Good Friday to Resurrection Sunday.
We want to encourage you to not let Easter sneak up on you this year. To that end, here are some suggestions for Holy Week, along with a few resources to assist you:
Read the events of Holy Week in the gospels.
The most important way to prepare ourselves for Easter is through reading and meditating on Scripture. lists the events of Jesus’ final week along with the gospel texts that record them. This is ideal for helping one read through the relevant gospel passages during Holy Week.
Read the entire post…
2013 at 9:26 am | by Nicole Whitacre
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Series Resource Recommendations
Back in December, at a gathering of moms from our church, I was talking with another mom about our love for reading and swapping book recommendations (one of my favorite things to do!). She told me about this book she had recently read in one sitting—The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert by Rosaria Champagne Butterfield.
Of course I had to read it and sure enough it was as unique and beautifully written as she had promised. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever read such a compelling account of God drawing someone to himself or such a personal, beautiful description of how the gospel changes and transforms every corner of a person’s life.
Rosaria Champagne Butterfield was a liberal, lesbian professor who was drawn by the grace of God through the friendship and hospitality of a pastor and his wife. Today she is a pastor’s wife, and an adoptive and homeschool mom.
There are two things in particular that I love about this book. First of all, her description of the work of God’s grace in her life is the most powerful I have ever read. Not primarily because her conversion was “dramatic” or “unlikely” but because she captures (as much as anyone can!) the sweet and irresistible grace of God that draws a person to himself and reveals the truth of the cross. To read this book is to be freshly amazed and grateful at the mercy and grace of God in Rosaria’s life and in your own.
Secondly, Rosaria is a godly example for women. She has rigorously studied the Scriptures in order to understand what God requires, and then she has sought to live by God’s commands. This woman has a firm grasp on the ethical implications of the gospel—how it works out in every day trust, service, and sacrifice, what it means for marriage, motherhood, church life, and evangelism. Rosaria’s thoughtful and intensive study of Scripture is not mere “head knowledge” but infuses every moment of her days as she cleans carpet stains, converses with neighbors, helps her pastor- husband, and teaches her children at the kitchen table. The gospel has turned her life upside down and it continues to do so, every single day.
So read this book, marvel at the gospel, and be mentored by Rosaria.
2013 at 9:20 am | by Kristin Chesemore
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Homemaking Family Time Series Resource Recommendations
All the boys in our family have recently spent hours listening to the action-packed Jonathan Park radio drama adventures. From the website: The adventures follow Jonathan Park, son of paleontologist, Dr. Kendall Park. While running from a storm, Jonathan and his father collide with the Brenan family as they seek shelter in a hidden cave. After discovering a massive dinosaur graveyard that shows evidence for a worldwide flood, these two families have combined forces to build a new museum, open the fossil discovery, and the hidden cave to spread the message of the Creator!
Updated from the Picture Bible my sisters and I grew up with, the Action Bible now includes dramatized audio. A wonderful way to introduce kids to the drama of Scripture and it has already sparked many a spiritual discussion amongst the cousins.
As soon as the boys get out of school on Monday afternoon, they ask: “Is the podcast ready, yet?” They can’t wait to listen to Pop-Pop and Uncle Chad talk sports and as a mom I love that they are learning about sports from a biblical perspective.
2012 at 3:20 pm | by Carolyn Mahaney
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Homemaking Family Time Motherhood Teenagers Series Resource Recommendations
One of my favorite parts of our morning routine is when CJ and I grab our coffee and sit for ten minutes on our tiny enclosed patio, listening to Albert Mohler’s podcast “The Briefing.” Each morning, Dr. Mohler provides biblical commentary on the latest news in politics and culture. I don’t know of another commentator who daily offers such an insightful, prescient, theological perspective on current events. The Briefing is informative and enlightening and equips me to think, pray about, and talk to others—especially non-Christians—about current events in a winsome and biblical manner. If I had teenagers at home The Briefing would be a mandatory part of their day—although Dr. Mohler is so engaging and interesting I doubt I would need to require it! Today Dr. Mohler provided 7 suggestions for watching the Presidential Debate, and I look forward to catching his program tomorrow to benefit from his biblical analysis.
Here at girltalk we are always excited to pass along great resources, and this is one of the best. I hope all the girltalk readers and their families will make The Briefing a part of their morning routine.
2010 at 5:56 pm | by Janelle Bradshaw
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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!
2009 at 4:56 pm | by Nicole Whitacre
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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
2009 at 8:53 am | by Nicole Whitacre
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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
2009 at 7:03 am | by Nicole Whitacre
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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
2009 at 9:10 am | by Janelle Bradshaw
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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”)
2009 at 1:09 pm | 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!
2009 at 9:31 am | by Kristin Chesemore
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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.
2009 at 9:14 am | by Janelle Bradshaw
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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
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