Whidbey Presbyterian Church

Write-a-Review Wednesday: Finding the Calm in the Chaos

Are you looking for a devotional this year? 

"Finding the Calm in the Chaos" by Kathleen Long Bostrom is one I highly recommend!

This best-selling author offers this book to women to help creae calm in the chaos of their busy lives.  The book is comprises twenty-eight days of devotions for each month of the year, so that readers can begin using the book during any month. Each week’s devotions, prayers, quotations, and "Spirit Boosters" focus on one Bible passage, which is read each day of that week. Each week ends with a "Sabbath Celebration," a time for quiet prayer, reflection, and renewal. The "Spirit Boosters" for each week are divided into "Reaching In" and "Reaching Out" sections. They offer suggestions for ways to be kind to yourself and to others while nurturing your own faith.

But don't think of this devotional as a simple passage to read and prayer to pray.  Instead, the author will stretch you to apply your faith into everyday life.  You'll examine your life and focus on what really matters....Jesus.

Jump over here to amazon.com to find out more about this book.

I was not paid to review this product.  I simply own this book and absolutely love it!  ~Nicole

Write-a-Review Wednesday: Jesus' Birth Account by Mars Hill

Mars Hill Church in Seattle is currently doing a sermon series on the book of Luke.  Pastor Mark has been taking sections of the chapters and teaching on it.  In addition, he traveled to Israel this fall and has brought back some great footage of the historical places that Jesus had been.  In the video below, Pastor Mark talks about the birth of Jesus. 

You can currently get their podcast sermons on iTunes or on their website each week.  I highly recommend watching this entire series, it's been really interesting!

So grab a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy! 

Write-a-Review Wednesday: Hundred Dollar Holiday

Hundred Dollar Holiday
by Bill McKibben

The title of the book alone intrigued me.  Seriously?  Only spending a hundred dollars?  Think about how foreign of a concept that is to us nowadays!

This book is short, you can read it in one sitting.  And it's entertaining.  It starts out talking about the history of Christmas.  In fact Chapter One is titled, "Christmas never was Christmas." 

We all know that December 25th was chosen to celebrate Christmas.  Jesus wasn't born that day, in fact, we aren't sure when he was born. 

Anyways, Pagan rites became combined with Christianity and pretty soon, there was some partying going on!  Later on the years, the Puritans tried to stop this by placing a "ban", but soon the tradition of wassailing began.  It was a group of boys and young men that would walk into the halls of the rich to receive gifts of food, drink, and sometimes money!  Think of it like trick or treating if you would.  This usually got rowdy and became dangerous as the years went on. 

New Yorkers tried to change the holiday in the 1800's due to the dangers of these gangs.  Clement Clark Moore wanted to change the feel of the holiday and wrote "The Night Before Christmas."  This reintroduced St. Nick aka Santa Claus!

Soon Christmas was moved into the home instead of the streets.  And soon enough businesses saw the opportunity to make money off this holiday selling Christmas ornaments, cards, and the Christmas tree.

Sound familiar?

Later in the chapters, he talks about how your can reduce your spending and increase your family traditions to make Christmas more meaningful.  He goes on explain how we should view Christmas:

Christmas is not about us, it's about Jesus.  We should equate it to a child's birthday party.  We go to the party, have fun, eat cake, and get a treat bag to take home.  But that party was to celebrate the birthday child, not the guests of the party.  This is how we should view celebrating Christmas.  (This is my paraphrasing.)

I highly recommend checking this book out.  It's a short read, and it really makes you think about the way you celebrate Christmas with your family.  Bill McKibben doesn't say everyone should only spend $100 dollars, you may spend more or less depending on your family.  But as we celebrate Christmas, we should be focusing on the worship of our Lord.

You can find out more about Bill McKibbon here.

Write-a-Review Wednesday

I've already started to listen to Christmas music.  I know, it's early, but I seriously love this album....

Christmas music and Third Day just go together...what can I say?

Here is a listing of their songs:

O Come All Ye Faithful
Do You Hear What I Hear?
Born in Bethlehem
O Holy Night
Angels We Have Heard On High
Silent Night
Jesus, Light of the World
Joy to the World
What Child is This?
The First Noel
Christmas Like a Child
Away in a Manger
Merry Christmas

They've taken their Southern Rock charm and mixed it up with these traditional songs; sheer brilliance!  You'll be singing along in no time!

Here is a sampling of songs:

If you're looking for a good Christmas album, this is the one to get!

Write-a-Review Wednesday

Starting this Wednesday, we will be doing a series on reviewing books, movies, podcasts, and music.  I'd love for all of you to join in!  Please feel free to email me or leave a comment on this post on books, movies, podcasts, or music you have really enjoyed.  If you would like to contribute a review, please let me know!