Adrianne “A.C.” Babbitt's Blog, page 7
December 25, 2019
The Long Walk Home by Matt Carter
The Long Walk Home: Discovering the Fullness of Life in the love of the Father, by Matt Carter, was a refreshing new perspective of the biblical account, the prodigal son.
[image error]
Content
This analysis includes a good balance of biblical exegesis, anecdote, historical and cultural examples and weaves them together smoothly.
[image error]
In addition to Carter’s touching personal testimony, woven with strong biblical teaching and application, the author mentions other well-known pastors and speakers, such as Dr. John Piper and Louie Giglio.
[image error]
Recommendation
I would highly recommend this book for anyone who is struggling with their past, but desire a renewed future in Christ.
[image error]
About the Author
[image error]author, Matt Carter
Matt Carter serves as the Pastor of Preaching and Vision at the Austin Stone Community Church in Austin, Texas, which has grown from a core team of fifteen to more than eight-thousand attending each Sunday since he planted it in 2002.
Matt has co-authored multiple books including a commentary on the Gospel of John in The Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary series and two group studies, Creation Unraveled and Creation Restored, which traced the gospel message through the book of Genesis.
He holds an M.Div. from Southwestern Seminary and a Doctorate in Expositional Preaching from Southeastern Seminary. He and his wife Jennifer have been married for more than twenty years, and they have three children, John Daniel, Annie, and Samuel.
The post The Long Walk Home by Matt Carter appeared first on The Haven.
December 15, 2019
The Society of Extraordinary Raccoon Society on Boasting by Randall Goodgame
The Society of Extraordinary Raccoon Society on Boasting, by Randall Goodgame, comes from one of my new favorite Christian, children’s books series!
The title may seem quite strange, but the more I read these books, the more I fall in love with the characters and the messages.
[image error]
Content
The illustrations are colorful, eye-catching, and detailed. The story is rhyme-based, making the words have a song-like rhythm.
I like how the author walks the reader through the process. For example, he walks the two raccoons through their struggle with boasting, to what they learn and how they apply it.
[image error]
Recommendation
I would recommend this book to any family wanting to teach their kids key lessons like this one. I say Randall Goodgame is the new Christian Dr. Seuss.
About the Author
Randall Goodgame is a singer/songwriter and the creative force behind the family music brand Slugs & Bugs. He has recorded eight solo albums and contributed to numerous others. He has written songs for VeggieTales, Caedmon’s Call, Andrew Peterson, Jason Gray, Jill Phillips, and Eric Peters. Randall and his family call Nashville home, but he also began touring in 2010 to bring Slugs & Bugs to families nationwide.
Award-winning Slugs & Bugs creator Randall Goodgame releases two more kids books
A SLUGS & BUGS Story: Are We Still Friends?
[image error]
The post The Society of Extraordinary Raccoon Society on Boasting by Randall Goodgame appeared first on The Haven.
Which Shape Should I Be? by Pamela Kennedy
Which Shape Should I Be? by Pamela Kennedy, is a great kids book!
[image error]
Content
Not only does it teach your child shapes, but also reinforces the idea that we are the shape, and the way God made us to be. The book includes colorful and fun illustrations.
Recommendation
I wish it would have focused more on the being wonderfully made by God, a bit more, but overall is wonderful book for kids. I know my kids love it!
More Books by the Author
“Great & Small Prayers for Babies”
The post Which Shape Should I Be? by Pamela Kennedy appeared first on The Haven.
New Every Morning by Phil Barfoot
New Every Morning, by Phil Barfoot, is a 365 day devotional, specifically focused on the aspect of worship.
[image error]
Content
Each devotion is written by a different worship pastor, from across the country.
While the devotionals are insightful and very interesting to read, the font was so small, it hurt my eyes, and I had to stop reading it.
Recommendation
My recommendation to the publisher is to increase the font size, so people can enjoy this well written devotional.
[image error]
About the Author
[image error]Phil Barfoot
Dr. Phil Barfoot is an internationally known composer, author, and music ministry professional. He has written and created more than 40 major choral collections and musicals, including High Praises, which won a Dove Award for choral collection of the year.
He is also the author of The Ultimate Idea Book for Music Ministry, used by more than 7,000 churches and universities in the U. S. and Canada.
Phil has created and composed some of the best-selling choral music in Christian music.
He is currently the CEO and President of Celebration Concert Tours International, a Franklin, TN based choir company. He is also the CEO and President of CCT Music, a Christian Music Publishing Company. He and his wife, Sheri, have three grown children, Amy, Aaron and Adam. They reside in Franklin, TN.
The post New Every Morning by Phil Barfoot appeared first on The Haven.
The Insanity of Sacrifice by Nik Ripken
The Insanity of Sacrifice, by Nik Ripken, was both challenging and inspiring.
This 90-day devotional is uniquely written by experienced missionaries with persecution and sacrificial experience.
[image error]
Content
I like how the author shares their journey to learn lessons of sacrifice and challenging the reader to consider the same principles.
The devotions are just the right length, begin with a scripture, and end with a prayer.
Recommendation
I would recommend this book to anyone desiring to grow in their walk with Christ seriously and earnestly.
About the Author
Nik Ripken is the world’s leading expert on the persecuted church in Muslim contexts. He is a missions veteran of 30 years, having served primarily in North Africa and the Middle East.
He is the author of The Insanity of God and the new book The Insanity of Obedience. He and his wife have done extensive research on the persecuted church, and on Muslim background believers, in approximately 72 countries.
The post The Insanity of Sacrifice by Nik Ripken appeared first on The Haven.
December 7, 2019
Book Release Party ~ Reflections
Hooray! My first ever book release party is in the books!
[image error]Thank you Erin for helping me set up my display!! It looked great!!
Thank You
First, I want to give a special thank you and shout out to Eric and Kristen Meeter, owners of Pressed Studio + Store in downtown Spencer. You both were an amazing couple to work with, and am so thankful for your wisdom, guidance, and hospitality.
[image error]
Second, I want to thank Bri Schubert, owner of Bri Lifestyle Photography, for capturing the evening on film. Those pictures to come later, but so thankful for her willingness to be a part of the night.
[image error]with Bri Schubert
Last but not least, I want to thank my friends and family, as well as everyone else who was in attendance. As the author, I was so blessed to see the faces of those who the book will be impacting and I pray it is a blessing to each and everyone who reads it.
Reflection
As I reflect on the events of last night’s book release party, I find myself both joyous and thankful, as well as resistant and distant to God. Let me explain why.
The Due Date
As some of you know, yesterday was not only the book release party, but it was also my son’s due date, three years ago. Some asked if I did this on purpose, but I myself didn’t realize it until after the event had been scheduled.
When I realized the common date, I felt this sense of awe and deep sadness. What a better way to honor his memory, on his due date anniversary, than to share his story, our story, to those who need it most.
As a grieving mom, I am so thankful for the growth and healing that has taken place since then.
Vulnerable to Resentment
Yet, there is still part of me that is vulnerable, angry, and resentful. Just because I published a book about my experience, does not mean I stopped struggling with these feelings.
No matter how much I’ve already written about our miscarriage, it still stings. No matter how many times I’ve poured my heart and soul out, sharing with someone, there is still a somberness that remains. Can anybody relate?
Have in Common
As I was talking to several women and couples at the signing, I began to see a pattern among their experiences.
[image error]
Not so Comforting Words
First, words from others can be more hurtful than helpful. If you haven’t been through it, don’t pretend to understand. Don’t try to fix it – because let’s face it, you’re not God – and you can’t.
Never assume it’s anyone’s fault but Satan, the deviser of evil, destruction, death, and despair. Who are you to know the true reason a baby dies? Who are you to yoke someone in despair, with an impossibly heavy burden?
Husbands
From many women I’ve talked to, several have made comments about their husbands or significant other’s reaction to the miscarriage.
Sadly, many say their husband dismisses it and disregards the wife’s feelings about the loss of their child.
After talking to my husband on several occasions, I have some compassion for these dads. My husband explained he didn’t get a chance to bond with our son. As such, his grieving looked much different than mine, and lasted much less time.
However, I urge husbands to have compassion on your wives. Don’t push her away because you are afraid to be vulnerable with her, or to seem weak. She needs to see you are hurting, so she knows she isn’t alone. You are the father, you are the only one she can truly share this baby with, and the loss of them.
A Success
To be honest, I have struggled for weeks with anxiety and worrying about this release party. Not because of anything circumstantial, but simply because of my inner struggle.
Yesterday, I was finally about to put that to rest. Those who attending the party blessed me with their stories and support. I am truly thankful for the treasure God produced out of our tragedy.
*I dedicate the party and this post to our son. We love you Sweetheart!*
The post Book Release Party ~ Reflections appeared first on The Haven.
December 2, 2019
The Miscarriage Project is on tour!
For those of you who’ve been following my publishing journey, the book is out and we are having a party!
First, I will be holding the Book Release Party at Pressed Store + Studio in Spencer, IA. I am so blessed to be partnering with them.
There will be treats, giveaways, book signing, and special offers! Hope to see you there!
[image error]
Second on the book tour, I will be doing an Author Talk at the Ericson Public Library in Boone, IA. At this event, I will be going more in detail about myself and how the book came to be published.
[image error]
Even if you can’t make either of these two events, you can still order the book on Amazon, westbowpress.com, or right here on my blog site.
In addition, I looking for more speaking engagements and book signings, so if you are interested in having me come to your church or event, please contact me at boldandbeautifulblogger@gmail.com.
The post The Miscarriage Project is on tour! appeared first on The Haven.
November 10, 2019
Challenge to Live by Faith
Too many times, we are running away in fear, when we have just the sword in our hand we need to claim victory over sin, death, and the Devil. Stand firm in your faith in Jesus Christ, and don’t look back.
[image error]Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com
When looking at your life, how many unproductive things are in it that are fear based? How many truly stem from a firm faith and boldness in Jesus Christ?
Not This Way
[image error]Photo by Andrey Grushnikov on Pexels.com
Don’t be deceived – busyness, stress, fear, sin slavery, and striving all of the time, isn’t what God wants for you.
BOLD & Beautiful
Don’t let the enemy deceive you into thinking you are doing “good” things and that’s enough.
God commands rest for a reason. We aren’t our best selves if we don’t rest, but resting in Him and His Holy Word.
Rebellion
What is God commanding you to change, but you refuse?
What is God begging you to give up, but you won’t?
Who is God showing you to impact, that you are ignoring?
What is God giving you that you have rejected?
Who are you?
Everything was made by and for Jesus Christ, for His holy glory – not yours.
BOLD & Beautiful
[image error]Photo by Jonathan Borba on Pexels.com
When we refuse to obey God, we are rebelling.
We are acting as enemies of God, who have no inheritance or part in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
Who are you to ignore the God of the universe?
Who are you to pretend you have control over your life?
Today, I challenge you to let go, and let God.
Let go of the passions and sins that enslave us, and cling to Jesus, who frees us from it all.
The post Challenge to Live by Faith appeared first on The Haven.
November 9, 2019
The Promises of God Bible Storybook
The Promises of God Bible Storybook revolutionizes the concept of a children’s Bible.
Content
[image error]
Not only does author, Jennifer Lyell, tell well-known biblical content and stories, but she also includes very important parts of Scripture not often included in children’s material.
Additionally, this Bible Storybook differs from others on the market.
It specifically focuses on the promises God makes throughout the entirety of Scripture, connecting the dots across biblical history.
I highly admire and value these sentiments.
Illustrations
Not only is this storybook filled with quality, biblical content, but incredible illustrations as well. The detail and the rare scenes of the Bible illustrated are quite remarkable and in a realistic style.
Recommendation
As an author, blogger, and parent myself, I highly recommend this book for families. Parents desiring to teach your children the promises of God, and teaching then the continuity of Scripture throughout.
This is one of the only children’s Bibles to include books of the Bible, such as Job, Isaiah, Galatians, and Revelation (to name a few).
About the Author
Jennifer Lyell has taught hundreds of children the Bible over the course of many years and finds her joy in those end-of- the-year Sunday School classes when the children teach it back to her.
Granted, teaching kiddos might be her passion, but it’s not her day job. For that she serves as Director of Book Publishing and Merchandising at LifeWay Christian Resources.
The hundreds of titles that the books business team has acquired, developed, or managed under Jennifer’s leadership include more than a dozen New York Times bestsellers, as well as multiple Christianity Today Book of the Year winners. Jennifer is an often off-the-path hiker who is happiest when adventuring (just like a child!).
The post The Promises of God Bible Storybook appeared first on The Haven.
A SLUGS & BUGS Story: Are We Still Friends?
[image error]
When I saw this book as an option for review, I couldn’t resist. Between the name of the series and the colorful illustrations, I was hooked.
Content
[image error]
Are We Still Friends? by Randall Goodgame, is a fun, playful story about friendship.
The friends, Sparky and Slug are getting ready for a picnic with the rest of their friends. But when Slug sees the delicious pizza flavored chips Sparky brought, he couldn’t resist trying just one.
I won’t give away the rest of the story, but this book teaches a great lesson about telling the truth and the importance in trust, especially in friendship.
Illustrations
[image error]
As I said in the beginning, the colorful and playful illustrations caught my eye right away.
The illustrations are detailed, yet simple; colorful, yet blends well together; and creative, yet straightforward.
I love the way the illustrator made the characters so memorable and unique.
Recommendation
[image error]
I (and my kids) highly recommend this book. Not only for the content and the illustrations, but for the strong, godly message to tell the truth, and to love and forgive our friends.
Forgiveness and trust are key to any successful relationship.
Meet the Author
[image error]
Randall Goodgame is a singer/songwriter and the creative force behind the family music brand Slugs & Bugs. He has recorded eight solo albums and contributed to numerous others.
He has written songs for VeggieTales, Caedmon’s Call, Andrew Peterson, Jason Gray, Jill Phillips, and Eric Peters. Randall and his family call Nashville home, but he also began touring in 2010 to bring Slugs & Bugs to families nationwide.
The post A SLUGS & BUGS Story: Are We Still Friends? appeared first on The Haven.
