Courage that is contagious...book reviews rock!

"Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do no do well, sin is crouching at the door; and it's desire is for you, but you must master it.." Genesis 4:6-7

"God wouldn't expect us to master our inner urges if He didn't first give us the ability to do it...(God) has placed courage deep within us. He wants us to cultivate it. That's why He said to Joshua, "Be strong and courageous." It was a command, not a request. God wouldn't expect Joshua to practice a quality He had not first placed within him. Once we exercise courage, God strengthens it." Tim Kimmel

Thought I would share another good book with you. Tim Kimmel wrote a very intriguing book called Home Grown Heroes based on the idea that taking eight God given principles and LIVING THEM, could help us establish a strong foundation for the next generation to live better than before. To truly believe great things of God and stop making excusing and start using their "internal muscle" of courage that God has planted in their souls.
One of my favorite chapters talks about the priest Eli and the mishandling of the apprenticeship of his sons. (You gotta read the book to get the details!) Good intentions will not complete the job, this book dares to say we must put those ideals into practice. "Courage is the natural result of internal disciplines".
This is a super fast read, full of real life stories of courage, Biblical examples and scriptures that will bless your heart as you pray for your families. Kimmel is also pretty witty, which always makes a good book better. Come borrow it, buy it, or check it out from the library. You won't be disappointed.

I really enjoyed this read years ago, and revisiting it with teenagers was a good reminder that my kids are my greatest disciples. If I want them to know and love their God with passion and courage, I better know and love MY God with passion and courage everyday. Spending the day at VBS and watching the personalities and gifts of all the kids- from crew leaders to preschoolers- my heart did somersaults for the potential there! What an impact our kids could make- should they believe God at His word to do amazing things through them. Oh, Father...let it be so, and let us live to see the day!

(Just had to introduce you to my new niece, Olivia Tuesday- in all her 4 pound, 10 ounce glory! The first picture is the only recent photo I have with my incredible kids, Jasmine is truly beautiful underneath all that hair...hehehehe why, oh why must the beach be so windy?)