Thankful Thursday: A Dose of Heaven?

When a man has found something which he prefers to life, he then for the first time begins to live. 

~ G.K. Chesterton

I don't want to waste more than a few minutes sitting at the computer today because it's gorgeous outside; the wind is calling and the warm air is beckoning.  There are soccer balls to be kicked and kites to be flown.

But I did want to pass on a few thoughts of thankfulness while my little guy naps.  Several times over the past two weeks I've been impressed by the fact that this world is not my home.  I get so overly attached to my life sometimes and I know my focus is all out of whack.  I've wondered if even my mommy exhaustion is a reminder that my life is transient; my body is inadequate.  Is my fatigue a reminder of my need for help--and yes, even a way to focus on heaven.  

Do we ...grow weary in our present bodies, and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing? (2 Corinthians 5:2)  

I'm so thankful for the many joys we've experience in the past week:

Sweet Babies born to dear friends

Flip Flops in February

Joyful Jumps on a Trampoline

Superman Footy Pajamas

Slobbery Morning Kisses

Last week we finished reading The Jesus Storybook Bible through for the second time with our kids.   I love the way Sally Lloyd-Jones finishes the story of Revelation, reminding us that the story is not over, that John didn't write "The End" but instead said, "Come quickly, Jesus!"  Her paraphrase of John 1:12-13 is great for little ears (and big ears) as well:

For anyone who says yes to Jesus

For anyone who believes what Jesus said

For anyone who will just reach out to take it

Then God will give them this wonderful gift:

To be born into

A whole new Life

To be who they really are

Who God always made them to be--

Their own true selves--

God's dear

child.

I want to make the most of these moments and these days with my children.  I want to be here now in the midst of their fleeting childhood.  I want to be a part of their memory-making and work hard to love and nurture them.  And I want to keep in mind that when I am tired, it is because this life is not THE END, after all.

I have come home at last! This is my real country! I belong here. This is the land I have been looking for all my life, though I never knew it till now...Come further up, come further in!  ~C.S. Lewis 

A Book Recommendation: The Jesus Storybook Bible.

In our quest to make the most of every day with our kids, I'm going to make a quick Bible Story Book recommendation.  The Jesus Storybook Bible is great for anyone who is looking for a great collection of Bible Stories to read with your little ones.  Many of you have already read through The Jesus Storybook Bible, but just in case you haven't, I'm going to give you a few reasons why we love it!  And if you want to read more about The JSB, there are many great reviews and all kinds of information online and on Facebook.

This is a wonderful book to add to your collection, especially if you have young children 8 and under. However, this is one Bible Story book that I truly loved (and benefited from!) while reading with our kids.

The difference with The JSB is that the author, Sally Lloyd-Jones, explains why all Bible stories, in the Old and New Testament, point to our need for a Savior. We found this especially beneficial while reading and discussing the Old Testament stories.

Here are a few quick reviews:

“The Jesus Storybook Bible tells the story beneath all the stories in the Bible. At the center of the story is a baby, the child upon whom everything will depend. Every story whispers his name. From Noah to Moses to the great King David--every story points to him. He is like the missing piece in a puzzle--the piece that makes all the other pieces fit together. From the Old Testament through the New Testament, as the story unfolds, children will pick up the clues and piece together the puzzle. A Bible like no other, this book invites children to join in the greatest of all adventures, to discover for themselves that Jesus is at the center of God's great story of salvation--and at the center of their story too. Recommended for ages 4 to 8.” ~Christianbooktoday

“Complete with 44 Bible stories, The Jesus Storybook Bible paints a beautiful portrait of Jesus and invites children to see that he is not only at the center of God’s great story of redemption—he is at the center of their story too. Children and adults alike will be captivated by the beautifully written narrative and the original and unique illustrations by accomplished artist Jago “

The Art in this book is also amazing. Your kids will love it and you will, too!

I am anxious to read through this book with our kids again soon.  I love the way it makes us rethink the intent of so many Old Testament stories, and how ultimately every single word in the Bible points to our need for a Savior.

**Have you read the Jesus Storybook Bible? What do you like most about it (or dislike?)