Wednesday, December 4, 2013

From My Library " Not Alone"

When I started blogging, I was so new and unsure about what it was all about.  I found a wonderful blog and got to know two ladies-Lynn Donovan and Dineen Miller; we became fast friends and developed a bond that has seen us through the years.  I reviewed their first book,  Winning Him Without  Words, when it was first released.  I can tell you that both Lynn and Dineen live an authentic faith filled life.
There insight and faith will inspire any woman who finds herself alone in her walk of faith, be it a single mom, widow or someone who doesn't share their faith with their spouse.  This book is just as encouraging as their first book; scripture is weaved throughout, as well as stories from their lives.  There is a study guide in the back, for individual or group study.  I've shared info about the book below.


Ordinary Moms ~ The Legacy Makers

Ordinary Moms ~ The Legacy MakersPassing Faith To The Next Generation

A deer in headlights.
Train Up a ChildI’m sure that’s what my face looked like as I stared across the breakfast table at my husband who finished our conversation by stating flatly, “Our daughter will be attending public school.” His intense reply to my suggestion of a faith-based education caught me off guard, and that was the moment I began to fear my husband’s agnostic beliefs might impact my daughter’s faith walk. 
That moment was years ago, and I’ve been raising my daughter ever since in a spiritually mismatched home. And I’m not alone. There are many of us who are living to honor our Lord and our spouse in our marriage. Right behind our prayers and concerns for our husband’s salvation, we fret and worry about our children’s faith. A lot!
Through the years of raising my daughter with my unbelieving spouse, I have discovered a few key principals which have impacted my child’s faith. Combine these truths with intentional effort and prayer and our children can grow into a mature and lasting faith.
First, model a vibrant love for Jesus in front of your kids. Allow your kids to discover you praying and reading the Bible. For example, my daughter would shuffle out of her room in the early morning, and find me on the couch where she curled up next to me while I read my Bible. She knew this morning time with Jesus was the most important time of my day. She waited patiently while I read and wrote prayers in my journal. I found my time with God had a great impact on her faith and I didn’t speak a word.
Kids learn that Jesus is important, because we make time for Him every day. It’s an amazing privilege to share Jesus with our children in this way.
Second, love Jesus “out-loud.” When you love Christ with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength that passion flows out of you. As God’s love is lavished upon you, it flows out of you and into your child’s life. This kind of love, sprinkled with kindness, laughter, joy, fathomless forgiveness and adventure, speaks louder than any amount of words. Kids are perceptive, and they recognize when mom is authentic. Share your love for Jesus at home, in the car and in every day, ordinary living. It’s irresistible over time.
Third, capture teachable moments. These profound moments when a child asks a question or offers you his or her full attention to talk about faith arrive sporadically and often at the least convenient time. They are fleeting moments of impact as attention spans wane quickly. So, when your child asks a question or you have an opportunity to share with your child about some aspect of living in faith, stop what you are doing, get down to their level and talk plainly. Reply to their questions with truth and with age appropriate answers. Your child has an open heart in these moments, and they will carry these truths with them into adulthood.
Pouring faith into our little ones is a life-long journey, but I’m convinced that if we do our part and love God with all of our heart, pray for our kids and model our love, God is absolutely faithful and He will relentlessly pursue our children.
Years ago I sat at my kitchen table fearing over my daughter’s faith as a young mother. And today after the many years of public school, my daughter is a believer. Earlier this year, I drove my daughter to college. And as I think back over her 18 years of living in a spiritually mismatched home, I fall to my knees with thanks because God has proven faithful. My daughter chose to attend a Christian college, BIOLA University and…… It was her choice.
As I ponder this journey of parenting in a spiritual mismatch, I marvel at how God honors a mother’s prayers. He encourages us through the years of being a spiritual leader, and He allows us to become Legacy Makers. Mom, you do your part and trust God to do His.  ~Lynn Donovan
Note Alone Cover ArtIn Not Alone, you’ll find encouragement and inspiration from Scripture and true-life stories from other spiritually mismatched moms. Plus, find practical tips for capturing teachable moments with eternity in mind, and discovery questions to help you grow as a parent.
This is a parenting book, but it’s much more. It’s a love letter to all mothers—a message that changes our homes, our kids and our lives. It’s about the Father’s love that impacts those around us and changes ordinary moms into women of extraordinary grace, beauty and wisdom.
You may sometimes feel you’re on your own when it comes to godly parenting, but Jesus promised to be with you always. You’re not alone!



Profile for TypepadLynn Donovan is a women’s ministry leader, a retreat/conference speaker and an ordinary mom and wife who shares with audiences her everyday adventures of living in the Presence of God. Her delight is igniting women’s hearts with Holy Spirit fire. And to encourage women to step fully into their high and holy calling of marriage and motherhood with joy, laughter and God’s favor. She has been featured guest on The Miracle Channel, 700 Club Interactive, Focus on the Family, Dr. James Dobson’s FamilyTalk and FamilyLife Today. She is the coauthor of the award winning book, Winning Him Without Words and her newest parenting book title is, Not Alone. Lynn lives with her husband in Temecula, California and they have two adult children, daughter-in-law and a granddaughter. Visit Lynn online at mismatchedandthriving.com.

I would highly recommend this book for your own bookshelf or church library. It is a privilege to know these gals; I count them close friends.  Lynn has offered to give away a personally signed copy to one of my readers; if you are interested let me know and I'll pic a winner. I will notify the winner so that I can get an address for Lynn.
Thank you Lynn and Dineen for all you do in this ministry; you are such dear sisters and I'm honored to know you.

Have a blessed day dear friends!
Noreen

5 comments:

  1. They both sound lovely. I have missed so many blog posts!! I am so busy right now. More on that later.
    I missed Hunter's birthday!!! Happy Birthday Mr. Hunter!!!!
    Hugs,
    Kris

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  2. Good morning! I have read Lynn's blog over the years but did not know she had written books. I love her writing and her wisdom and her humor! I would love to win the book. And she lives soo near me. We travel through Temecula on our way to San Diego every week. It's also where Melody got married...such a beautiful spot! Enjoy your day Noreen

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  3. Sounds like very good books! Mom says she hasn't read in too long. I don't know why she just doesn't start reading. She can read with her eyes and throw my ball with her hands!

    Your Pals,

    Murphy & Stanley

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  4. Hi Noreen, such a lovely post with beautiful blessings. Happy holidays to you and a happy birthday to Hunter.

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  5. Hi its me Tweedles- I came to read your words today;
    love
    tweedles

    ReplyDelete

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