Do you ever find yourself conflicted when reading books--does your faith ever stand in the way of you 'enjoying' other books--secular books? Do you try to read only Christian books? Do you read 'secular' books regularly? Have you ever enjoyed a book but hesitated to share it with your Christian friends? Do you think you should judge a book critically looking through the lens of faith...or do you think that fiction is fiction and that it's just a story? When does entertainment become dangerous?

My answer:

To a point, yes, I have found some books that I just can't enjoy the way I used to. I absolutely love a mystery. but I've stopped reading a few of my favorites because of the language used in the books. As a child raised by a man whom dedicated twenty years to military service, I've heard more than my share of foul language. (and, trust me, said my share of the same words. This is still one area I struggle with when I'm angry, one I'm NOT proud of) So, I personally choose to avoid reading (and hearing in the media) as much of it as I can.

As far as story lines go, characters, etc., those do not bother me. I believe the Good Lord gave us all brains, and expects us to use them. I often find story lines and characters can lead to a great object lesson.

Do I read only Christian books? No, I don't. I admit my favorite author is a Christian, Brandilyn Collins. But, I also enjoy Lilian Jackson Braun (The Cat Who... Series), Nora Roberts, Sue Grafton, and John Grisham for examples. So, yes, I read secular books, and yes, regularly. I am usually reading two to three books in addition to my regular Bible readings. I keep one in my backpack I take to work to read during my lunch and one book on my coffee table for my down time. I'm also reading "Church History in Plain Language" by Bruce L Shelley.

Have I ever read a book I would hesitate to share with my Christian friends? Probably, but couldn't name one right now. If talking about a "secular" author, I would probably explain the plot or warn of any language or sexual nature ahead of time though. I personally believe we all have something that we struggle with and should steer clear of. For me, it's foul language. For others, it may be something else. I do not read a lot of romance novels because I think they can give a woman unrealistic expectations for a relationship. But, this is just my opinion. Others may not find it a problem.

Do you think you should judge a book critically looking through the lens of faith...or do you think that fiction is fiction and that it's just a story? When does entertainment become dangerous? Honestly, I think it's impossible to not react to certain situations as a Believer. My faith is a part of who I am, therefore, something will offend me or may cause me to stumble. That said, I'm sure there are others that are stronger than I that may not react the same way. I think "entertainment" can be dangerous, if a person loses site of the fact that it is just that, entertainment, not reality. And, the best way to stay grounded is to spend time in The Word each day and in prayer with our Heavenly Father.

Very good questions this week, and great conversations!
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Prayers Needed

Another family needs our prayers.
Please click here to read Mia's post, thanks!

Then Sings My Soul - Who Am I

I've probably posted this before, but this song fits how I feel today. Casting Crowns is my absolute favorite group, and this is the first song of theirs I heard. I was hooked at once!

Today's Question
While books and bookstores in general are suffering, Christian bookstores are suffering even more in this economy. Do you have a Christian bookstore that you shop at? Why don't you tell us about your local Christian bookstore and the benefits that if offers. If you don't shop at a Christian bookstore, then please tell us where you get your books, music, and other Christian gift items.

My Answer

Unfortunately, our only Christian bookstore closed last summer. I shopped there for my Sunday School class as well as Christian gifts. Most of the time, their books were too high for me unless they were on the sale table. I can still find a small amount of books through Hastings or Borders here in town, but I lost a great place to find local Sunday School resources when they closed. Now I shop mostly online at CBD.com for gifts and a good portion of my books I get through PaperbackSwap.com.

Prayer Request

I received this in my email today from a long-time online friend, please pray for Deanna and her family, thanks!


For those of you who don't know,our twin daughters, Lexi and Laci, are in the University Children's Hospital. They are closely monitoring their hearts. They have a condition called Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) but they are not sure what is causing it. Our 2 year old, Courtney, will need to have her heart checked out as well as Troy and I. As of right now we are not sure how long we will be here at the hospital, but the girls are stable and are holding their own. We are asking that everyone keep us in your prayers and feel free to add us to any and all prayer chains you may have.

I will post updates as I receive them.

Thankful Thursday

What a week we have had!
First, we had four, yes four!, Sunday School classes going this past Sunday. This is an absolute miracle. For years, we've been lucky to have two classes- one adult and one kids. This week we had the adult, kids, teenagers, and new believers, plus two babies in the nursery.

There were two alter calls this past Sunday, and three accepted Jesus as their Savior!

Five adults came forward and committed to stop smoking!

After church my oldest son called me. He and his girlfriend are coming up to see me! Wow, none of my family has been up to see me since I broke my ankle in 2004. I'm SO excited. I know it may sound strange to some, but I miss my kids SO much. Even though he is 25 years old, Matt is my "baby". My first born. I almost lost him that very day. (and several times over the years). By the grace of God he is still with us.

So, as you can see, our God is ALIVE and working miracles every day.
Hallelu Yah!

Have you ever watched Veggie Tales? If yes, do you have a favorite episode? a favorite character? a favorite song? Do you think it's good biblical fun? Or do you think its just silly and more a waste of time?






My answer:
I love Veggie Tales, I do! : ) My husband rolls his eyes at me, but this is the side of me that relates to children so well. I actually own four Veggie Tale DVDs. "Lord of the Beans", "Dave and the Giant Pickle", "King George and the Ducky", and "Sing Alongs: Dance of the Cucumber". I had four others, but gave those away at Christmas time to my Sunday School Students.

I'm not sure I have a favorite episode, but agree with Becky that "An Easter Carol" has a strong message. I find Veggie Tales a lot of fun, with a good message behind them. I use them often in my classes for clips or just fun. Since the ages of my students can range from three to eleven, I need something simple, yet expandable.

Nor do I have a favorite song or character. I find all of them fun.
Below is "The Easter Carol Song" I pray you enjoy it!