by Sally Matheny
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Review of Angus Buchan's book
Living a Mighty Faith |
The bestselling author of Faith Like Potatoes. Angus Buchan has penned a book of 365 devotions. He offers “practical encouragement and amazing stories of how God used a simple potato farmer to help change a nation.”
This book did not have a foreword or an introduction of any kind. I like reading forewords in books—as long as they’re brief. They give me a feel for who the author is and why he wrote the book. So, I was a bit disappointed there wasn’t one here.
However, I was not disappointed in the content of the book. In fact, once I began reading, I did learn more about Buchan. He ties many of the devotions to his own life experiences as a farmer, an evangelist, a husband and a dad.
Not all of the devotions contain a story from Buchan’s life. But all of them are based on true events and real people. Additional interesting notes at the back of the book revealed the sources for the devotions. I almost wish the notes were listed immediately following each devotion because they enrich them so.
Every page begins with one or two scriptures from the NIV Bible, tie-in devotion, and ends with a short written prayer. Dates are listed but no year, so it can be used again.
I liked the book and it gave me much to reflect upon. While both genders will benefit from reading the book, I think men would especially enjoy it. The tone and content would definitely hold their interest.
This beautiful, hardbound book would make a great graduation or Father’s Day gift.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
by Sally Matheny
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| Preparing for Graduation |
Graduation time snuck up on me. I’m late sending my congratulations and selecting gifts. Giving money is practical but often I like to include a book with that. Unless the graduate is an avid reader, they may not read it. But as we grow older, we come to understand the power and wisdom words impart. Perhaps, the graduate will realize the book’s value one day.
Nonetheless, in order to find the best selection, I should have started earlier preparing for graduation.
A few gift books for graduates still line the shelves. Many appear boring. However, I notice a little, red book titled, “1001 Things Every Teen Should Know Before They Leave Home (Or Else They’ll Come Back).” Now, that sounds intriguing!
Harry H. Harrison, Jr. wrote a list of 1001 things.
Some practical:
“They should remember the first job is just that.”
Some witty:
“They should know how to not look stupid because people will notice and they’ll have to move home.”
“They should know that talking like a rapper will scare people.”
And many from a Christian perspective:
“They should know God has a plan for them. And it is most likely different from their plan.”
The blurb on the back of the books stated that every year millions of teens graduate and leave home. It also states that “50 percent of them will move back home in five or six years.”
Whoa. While I didn’t agree with all 1001 items Mr. Harrison thinks our teens need to know, it does make a parent think.
Have I taught my teen everything they need to know? Probably not.
Are they prepared to handle their new level of independence?
Let’s hope so.
One key to preparing your child to successfully live an independent life—one that is full and abundant in Christ, is simple. Do not wait to begin teaching them until right before graduation. When you want the best, start early.
That being said, if for whatever reason, you think you’ve blown your parenting opportunities, don’t give up. Parenting with a Christian worldview is definitely an uphill climb most of the way. But it’s worth every step. do not allow Satan to tell you it is too late. The Bible is the truth and it tells us “nothing is impossible with God.”
If your desire is to become a better parent based on a Biblical standard, here are a few things to remember.
Pray and ask for God’s help. Seek His wisdom on parenting in the Holy Bible. Ask Him to help you apply it to your life. Keep praying for your child every day, until death do you part.
Christian parents daily seek God’s forgiveness for the times they mess up—with their lives, and the lives of their kids. Letting go of pride opens up room for growth.
Become active in a Bible believing church. The Christian parents there aren’t perfect. They struggle too, but it helps to pray for and encourage one another as we’re learning together.
Check out some of the strong, Christian websites, such as Focus on the Family, for helpful parenting advice.
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| Prepare for graduation by starting early. |
It’s best to guide and train up a child in the way he should go at the earliest possible age. In the blink of an eye, you’ll be preparing for his graduation so start early and never give up. Your child may not realize it now, but as he grows wiser, one day he'll appreciate it's value.
