The Duggars: 20 and Counting / Do Hard Things

Getting back to my book reviews. I finished up two this week.

First, Crystal and I read The Duggars: 20 and Counting, authored by Jim-Bob & Michelle Duggar (whom you've probably seen on TV). Since they have 18 children we hoped to glean some tips and tricks for managing a large family. While the book contained plenty of this sort of advice in the end that wasn't what drew my attention. The underlying theme of the book (and the Duggar family) is trusting God to direct every decision you make. The Duggars go into detail about their past and the decisions which they made both with and apart from God's guidance - and the results that followed. It is evident that God has richly blessed their family both financially and fertily (is that a word?) for seeking his will. Even if you don't have a bunch of kids this book is well worth the read simply to see God at work in their lives.

Second, I read Do Hard Things by Alex & Brett Harris. This book is written by teenagers for teenagers, but it speaks a number of truths that I found quite relevant as an adult. The Harris twins challenge teens to step beyond the world's low expectations of them and truly do something extraordinary. Scattered thoughout the book are dozens of examples of teens who put down the game controller and TV remote and made something of their life - prior to turning 21. Even for me at age 28 this book served as a real challenge to move beyond what is expected and tackle what is truly challenging. Beyond the message of the book I appreciated that the authors included a chapter on practical steps of acting on what you learned (again with examples). So many books will try to sell an idea but in the end leave the reader with no direction for how to achieve that idea. I wish I would have read Do Hard Things as a teen - I'm suspect the challenge within may have motivated me to waste far less time during that period of my life. This is going to be mandatory reading for my kids once they're a bit older.

2009 Christian Family Conference

We recently returned from the 2009 Christian Family Conference in Denver, sponsored by Christian Home Educators of Colorado (CHEC). The conference served as encouragement a chance for Crystal and I to re-focus on our commitment to develop in our children a passion to follow Jesus in every aspect of their life. As a parent, I can not see any other goal that is more critical to us at this stage in life.

To be honest, I'm finding it to be a big challenge. I realize the only way we can instill those values in our children is if they first see them modeled in us...and that just isn't as easy as it sounds. I recently had to face up to this firsthand when Crystal brought to my attention that I was allowing addiction to my computer to frequently usurp my quality time with her and the kids. I was resistant to give it up, but agreed to leave my computer at work over the weekend and instead focus on my task as a dad and husband. In hindsight, I'm really glad I did - but believe me it wasn't easy at the time.

The conference trip also doubled as our anniversary getaway. Mom and Kate kept the kids, except for Emery who wen't with Grandpa "Wiggy" to California to work on airplanes (both their favorite!). It was nice to have some quality time to spend together without the kids....we don't get it very often. Our friends Brian & Jenny Jarrett were able to escape for four days too, and we had an enjoyable time discussing what we were learning at the conference over meals with them. Brian will be blogging about some of his observations on their family blog if you're interested in taking a look.

I'm hoping to do some more blogging here myself over the course of the next few months. Things have been far to bare around here for a while.

Homeschooling goes boom in America

Homeschooling goes boom in America

The Second Reformation

I just finished reading The Second Reformation by William A. Beckham. This is an older book that has been sitting on my shelf for a number of years (since the late 90s when we first started doing cell/simple church). It primarily focuses on the practical mechanics of what the author terms the "Two-Winged Church". One that includes both corporate large-gathering worship and smaller cell units.

The book appears to be aimed toward leadership staff of traditional churches who are attempting to transition their churches into cell groups. As a result there was much of it I didn't find to be applicable to our situation here in Parachute. However the author does discuss the requirements for founding a cell/house church based upon Christ's model: An initiating set of 2-3 people, a core group of 12 people, a critical mass of 120, and from there a fulfillment of vision including thousands.

The Greatest Mission Trip You'll Ever Take: Resource Friday - The Pineapple Story

The Greatest Mission Trip You'll Ever Take: Resource Friday - The Pineapple Story.

Follow the above link and read about then listen to the Pineapple Story. The author is very entertaining and there is a really great message behind it all.

Do Hard Things

I bought a copy but I haven't had the chance to read it yet. However, I have heard nothing but good about Alex & Brett Harris' book Do Hard Things. Here's an interesting interview with the authors.

The Uneducated Public

Well, here it is folks. What in the world could cause conservative evangelical Dr. Voddie Baucham to feature a Howard Stern piece on his blog? Check it out here and see.

Antioch Community Church - Parents, kids should worship together

Antioch Community Church - Parents, kids should worship together

Great Commission Family

Steve Nelson, a contributing blogger at Great Commission Family has just finished his 40 day quest to share the gospel each day. While I personally believe the best way to share the gospel is by first developing relationships Steve's experiences in evangelizing "cold-turkey" are worth the read. If you have a few hours to spare, take a look at the Chicken Day posts.

Family Driven Faith

I recently finished Family Driven Faith by Voddie Baucham. This book is like a punch to the gut of modern American Christianity. If you have ever heard of Voddie Baucham before I'm sure you are aware of his ability to "tell it like it is". This book is pretty controversial, but a lot of exposure of Biblical Truth goes on within its pages.

Voddie challenges fathers to step up and take their roles as leader of their households. More than just "taking charge", fathers should be spiritual leaders that disciple their children well, lead their families in worship, and teach their families and others to approach life with a Biblical worldview.

I recommend this book to all professing Christians (it is not written just to men), though be prepared to be challenged far beyond the norm. In the words of Voddie: "If you can't say Amen, you ought to say ouch!"

These are the Generations of...: Foundations to Build On: Dominion

Scott Head over at These are the Generations of... has wrote a good article on the Dominion Mandate: Foundations to Build On: Dominion. I'm linking this here as he makes several mentions of Christian Biblical Worldview as it relates to having children. Something to think about...

If Only He Knew

I recently finished If Only He Knew by Gary Smalley who specializes in helping Christians develop stronger relationships. This book is written to husbands who wish to better understand and relate to their wives. To be honest, there is a lot of great stuff in this book that really helped me to better grasp my wife's thought processes and reasons for doing things. This is one book I'll be keeping around to re-read from time to time, just so I have a constant reminder of the way I should be treating my beloved wife!

I recommend this book to all married and soon to be married men, and for the ladies out there I recommend the companion book For Better or Best.

Peace Like a River

I just finished the novel Peace Like a River by Leif Enger on the plane to California on Wednesday (heading out for an overnight business trip). The setting is 1960's northern mid-west US. I must admit, my preferred fiction reading is sci-fi, but I found this book to be rather enjoyable. It's written from the perspective of an eleven year old boy as he watches his brother get into trouble with the law and become a fugitive. The book is rather pro-christian and while it does deal with several adult themes it avoids objectionable content. The author does a good job of capturing a child's perspective of living in an adult world.

Organic Church

I just finished Organic Church by Neil Cole. It describes what he believes to be the basis behind spontaneous church multiplication. Neil is one of the 'leaders' of Awakening Chapels in Los Angeles, a network of house churches that have exploded in the past few years.

One of the most interesting things I took away from this book was the concept of DNA. According to Neil, the body of Christ (both individually and as a whole) must possess these three things in order to multiply effectively:

D - Divine Truth
N - Nurturing Relationships
A - Apostolic Mission

We can't compromise God's truth for the sake of reaching new converts. After all, it is the truth that sets us free (John 8:32). However, the truth without love is near worthless* (1 Cor. 13). We must develop meaningful relationships with others (both Christians and non-Christians). It is only within the context of these relationships that the life-changing power of God's truth can be seen clearly...changing lives and causing spiritual growth. Finally, we must have the mission to 'go', leaving our comfort zone and carrying the truth to those in need.

This book also contains a number of stories of ordinary people who were willing to grant God control of their lives and as a result reached their family and friends for Christ. In my opinion it is worth reading.



* God's word is potent no matter how or where it is used, and God can certainly work miracles in any situation. However, having the truth of God unloving thrust upon them is often one of the main reasons the unsaved want nothing to do with Christianity.

Classic Christianity

I recently finished Classic Christianity by Bob George. I was amazed at how well the author manages to get at the root of the spiritual problems most modern American Christians face...the bonds that seem to hold us in the cesspit of mediocre living. Through stories and simple explanations Bob George does an excellent job exposing the simple Biblical truths that have the power to set us free, as God intended (note here that is the God's truth from the Bible that sets us free, not the words of Bob George...the author simply presents those truths in his book).

I recommend this book to Christians who seem stuck in the dreary day-to-day, and want to have their lives totally and radically transformed by the power of Christ.

Just finished....Family Integrated Church

When I finish a book I'll post it here along with a brief review. I just finished reading Family Integrated Church by J. Mark Fox. The book chronicles the history of Antioch Community Church a family-integrated church in North Carolina.

As one seeking to start a church based around families I found this book to be well worth the read. Mark Fox covers many of the challenges such a church faces using stories from Antioch's history. Pastor Fox especially covers proper Biblical authority and the role each believer plays within the church.

These are the Generations...

Occasionally I may post links to other blogs of other people who are of a similar mind in church practice. Today's blog is These are the Generations... by Scott and Angie Head. It's worth the read.