Batman and Tinkerbell

For the past few weeks we have had an ongoing discussion between a few of our four year old preschoolers about Batman and Tinkerbell.
During playtime:
Emma: Why won't you play Tinkerbell with me? I don't want to play batman!

Lane: Because batman is real and Tinkerbell isn't.

A Couple of weeks later during snack time:

Emma: Why don't you like Tinkerbell?

Lane: She is not real.

Tyler: Yeah, fairies are not real. Only the tooth fairy is real.

Emma: Batman is not real either!

Lane: Well maybe he is not real now, but someday he will be because when I grow up I'm going to be Batman.

Amazing Grace 2012

I remember hearing that John Newton, author of the hymn Amazing Grace, wrote and used that hymn as part of New Year's sermon in 1773. Knowing this does put this hymn in a new light. I've been reading over the lyrics and verses 3 and 4 stand out in particular:

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.


The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

I wish I could know what his text was for his sermon, but my guess from these verses would be one of these two verses.
Psalm 73:26 My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

Lamentations 3:24  The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.

They are both good verses to meditate on as we enter 2012.

Reviews of Love Wins

If you are not familiar with the controversy about Rob Bell's Love Wins and the criticism it has received from the likes of John Piper, Justin Taylor, and Kevin DeYoung, let me enlighten you a bit. Love Wins first created a stir with this video by Rob Bell promoting his new book.  It was then critiqued (or blasted depending on who listen to) by aforementioned people. They warned against the universalist teachings in Rob Bell's book. They were then critiqued/blasted by various members of Rob Bell's following.


I've read a few reviews on the actual book, and I'm here to tell you it ain't pretty.  Rather than repeat what others have said I will direct you to some good reviews on this book:

A review by Kevin DeYoung

God Is Still Holy and What You Learned in Sunday School Is Still True: A Review of “Love Wins”

Tim Spivey of TimSpivey.com writes his review in 3 parts. I really liked this. It makes it easier to read 3 shorter posts than one long post.
Another reason why I like Tim Spivey's review is because he actually liked Rob Bell's previous books, but he is bold enough to speak out against the message in Love Wins.

God Wins - A Review of Rob Bell's Love Wins, Part 1

God Wins - A Review of Rob Bell's Love Wins, Part 2 - The Good

God Wins - A Review of Rob Bell's Love Wins, Part 3 - Scripture and Atonement


Then finally purely for laughs My Review of Love Wins by Donald Miller, author of Blue Like Jazz. It won't be what you are expecting.

An update on my mamaw

 

My grandmother has finished her six months of chemo sessions. There is still a little cancer in her lungs, but the cancer is not in the adrenal glands and lymph nodes anymore.  She is feeling much better, and was able to return to part time work last week. This is a picture of her before she lost her hair.

Chrysler: the best car commercials

Kind of makes you want one. . .

Happy Birthday, Dad!

I went up to visit my parents this weekend for my dad's birthday. We had a great time, too bad I left my toothbrush there. Story of my life.

I also had a nightmare. I dreamed I went to visit my family on the weekend that I was supposed to keep the nursery. Thankfully it was only a dream, because it would be very bad for the assistant nursery director to skip town on the week she was supposed to take care of the kids.

27 years ago. . .

I became a big sister. I could not pronounce her name. I did not like being asked to throw away her dirty diapers, or to share her baby food (mom did these things on purpose to get my reaction). Still, I loved having a new little sister.

It was like having a live, round, cute, baby doll who grew up into one of my best friends.  Bethany was my opposite: talkative where I was quiet, bold and friendly when I was shy and timid. She loved animals, and I did not. I could go on but I won't. It seems that because of all our differences we've made a great pair of sisters/friends. We complement each other. Bethany, I love you and I hope you have a great day, and a wonderful year!