Where is God?

/
That's Where God IsWhere is God?

That’s what the little boy in That’s Where God Is asks his grandpa and explores throughout the book. What’s the answer? For starters, the boy decided God is at the zoo with all the animals He created. And at the ice cream parlor where his sister shares her treat with him. And in storms and all of nature. And in forgiveness for mistakes like breaking his mommy’s vase. And in prayers of thanksgiving for a meal. And on the playground when friends help each other.

Yep, he discovers that God is everywhere. And when he tells his grandpa, his grandpa asks if he would like God to be in his heart to, and he prays for that.

It’s sweet. It’s even sweeter when you read the note at the end from Lee Strobel, father of one of the authors Ali Morrow (who co-authored this book with her husband Dan. Though I think it would be cooler if his name was Tom.). Strobel writes that this book is precious to him because he didn’t direct his daughter or son to God when she was little because he and his wife were an atheist and agnostic at that time. He writes, “So today, Leslie and I can pull our little granddaughters onto our laps and read them this story of finding God in the nooks and crannies of daily life – and explain how they, too, can find eternal life through Him.”

My only critique is that salvation is presented in the flowery language of inviting God into your heart. The cross? Not mentioned. The resurrection? Nope. Acknowledgment of sin and the need for a Savior? Not there. The prayer the little boy prays? “Dear God, I am glad that You are all around me. I want You to be with me wherever I go. Come into my heart, and help me to be more like Jesus.” I could express more of my discontent with this type of prayer, but Dr. Mohler does a better job here.

I would recommend this for homes where parents understand salvation and are teaching the Bible, thus teaching about the act of and reason for Christ’s death and resurrection. As an outreach gift to those who aren’t teaching that in their homes, I would find something that teaches the Gospel without using ambitious euphemisms.




If you're still interested in this, check this out:



Many thanks to Audra Jennings and The B&B Media Group, Inc. for providing this review copy for my review. Neither she nor David C. Cook publishers asked for anything other than an honest review.

Random thoughts

/
After I finish my graduation degree, I’m thinking about learning Arabic. And writing children’s books, most likely in English.

And Lee and I are praying for a group of six siblings, ages one to nine, in California who are in need of adoption and who have captured our hearts. If our home had enough room for six kids right now, we’d be starting the process to adopt them. That’s not an option right now, so we’re praying.

Our desire to adopt this group of six has made us realize that while our house might have room for that many if we finish the third floor and add a wall to make the playroom into a bedroom (right now, it wouldn’t work since you have to go through the playroom to get to the third floor), our common space might be cramped for a family that large. We’re beginning to think that we might start looking for larger house closer to church and closer to Lee’s office. Not right away, probably not for a couple years. But this is a big change from our original plan to stay here and pay off our mortgage before Jocelyn graduates from high school.

I really like this whole book reviewing thing I’ve got going.

When Robbie nods, he nods with his whole body. Head bob, check. Knee bounce, check. Bend at the waist, check. Up-and-down motion with arms, check. At least we never have to wonder if the answer is yes or not.

Jocelyn just told me that her best friend is Brella the ant and asked if we could go to her house sometime to play with her and her mommy.

Jocelyn will be a Cubbie in AWANA next week. Oh, my. So exciting!

I go back to the doc on Tuesday to have my liver panel redone. I’m hoping it’s improving.

And I’m hoping that returning to the gym won’t be too much of a trial, because I have only been twice in the past month because nonfunctional liver + working out = awful, awful feeling. Trust me on that. The first time I experienced it was the day before we discovered that my liver ain’t doing so great. I didn’t think much of it until I returned a few days later. And felt like I was going to die.

I defend my thesis proposal in front of my committee a week from Thursday. And then the research begins!

I’m trying to decide whether I want to re-match the botched can of paint that was supposed to match our green walls downstairs or scrap that color in favor of something new. Don’t worry, I’m not adding painting to my to-do list until after I graduate.

I’ve settled into a plan for our preschool homeschool for this year. And maybe next year too. But that’s a whole ‘nother post.

As soon as I get around to scheduling an appointment, I’m chopping my hair short. I get bored with long hair on me, and I’m ready for it to be gone.

In the past three weeks, we’ve had HFM, croup, colds, and stomach bugs. As I write this, my throat is sore.

Lee and I are now coordinating special needs ministry at our church, and we’re excited about what God is doing!

Pumpkin spice lattes are back at Starbucks. For that, I am thankful.

And that’s it for now. I’m impressed you read this far. Thanks!