To Have & To Hold

Recently, I have been reading more historical romance fiction novels by Christian authors. The latest book I've read is by Tracie Peterson with Judith Miller entitled To Have and To Hold. I want to tell you why I love it!

The setting for this series is in the south on a set of fictional islands near Georgia. I love the reference to many things southern as I am a southern girl myself. The time period is a generation past the civil war.

The focus throughout the book on faith was wonderful. The authors specifically quoted scriptures (a lot from Proverbs). And, the Bible and prayer was a source of guidance for the characters throughout! I loved how the authors demonstrated that freedom in Christ from bondage such as alcoholism is possible. They also gave several examples of how God speaks to us through that 'still small voice'. So, two thumbs up for that. I also loved the purity of the main character, Audrey. She had never been kissed before Marshall. So, I feel very comfortable allowing my teen to read it.

The plot is engaging also. There's financial dilemma, death, suspense, mild violence, sorrow, joy, humor, love---all rolled into one wonderful read!! I'm sure this series will be a favorite for historical romance readers. I didn't want it to end!

I received a free copy from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my unbiased review.

God is Good!!

I wanted to post an update today about why there haven't been any posts on this blog since May of last year!! I began the blog in May 2010 and on May 31, my brother (in another state) had a four-wheeler accident resulting in traumatic brain injury. Our entire last Summer was spent on his recovery and by the Grace of God, he is recovering one day at a time!! Praising God for that!! He almost died several times and is still in a critical stage as a seizure could set him back in a big way. He has blindness in one eye and partial loss of vision in the other.

As a result of the tragedy my family has faced over the last year, I've begun to read a book called IF GOD, WHY EVIL? by Dr. Normal L. Geisler. It is a thought-provoking read and one which I will post a review for soon on this blog! Please check back for that soon. And, please be in prayer for how God would use this blog to help other families. He is moving in my heart to bring focus to the Biblical role of parenting. So, more on that issue soon as well!

Have a Jesus-Filled week!!

Rewarding Children

Matthew 25:23...His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'

We serve a God of rewards, thankfully! Rewards of a fruitful and thriving life are the reason for God's commands. The Bible describes spiritual fruit as love, joy, peace, goodness, thankfulness, etc. For example, if children obey their parents, there is joy in their relationship. In the example of the Holy Father, we should reward our children...for doing chores without being told, for memorizing that list of Bible verses, for reading the Bible without being prompted, for being kind to their brother. Just like Jehovah God, rewards show how much we love them.

One reward idea I really love is a trophy. For some reason, our girls LOVE trophies. Trophies are inexpensive, starting at usually $5, and act as a reminder of good things accomplished. Our girls express a great sense of accomplishment when showing them to others. Kids these days receive them for being a good ball player or making that perfect tumble. Why not give them one as a reminder of godly behavior? It serves as a great conversation starter about God's rewards, the fruit of the Spirit. Check out John 15 and Galatians 5. And, you never know what friend of theirs might be impacted when they see it!! Isn't that how spiritual fruit works? It multiplies!

Weekend to Remember

OK...1st recommendation...drum roll please............We LOVE the Weekend to Remember marriage conferences hosted by Family Life Ministries!! We love them and their purpose so much that we became group coordinators. I think I would become a missionary for this purpose with Family Life if James would agree!! It is not for now, so this blog will suffice! :) We attended one a couple of weeks ago in Jackson, MS...it was classy, funny, full of godly wisdom, and very informative about how to improve your walk with God, your marriage, and your family life! We highly recommend them to anyone wanting to take their marriage to the next level. If you want more information, feel free to email me for group discounted rates!! They are held all over the world and especially the U.S. My email is jkturnage@aol.com. Be sure and put Weekend to Remember in the subject line!

A New Journey

I am really excited about this blog being a resource for marriages and family. James & I feel marriage and family should be a primary responsibility of the body of Christ & have decided to provide a peek into some of the resources we use to keep Christ the focus in our home. Our prayer is that God will receive the glory and that marriages and families will be equipped to stand strong against the 'enemy, the ruler of this dark world' who seeks to destroy all God meant for good! May you be blessed by our recommendations as much as we have! Kim