Fearless by Max lucado

I was able to get a copy of Max Lucado's new release a few weeks ago. I have several copies of Max Lucado books, but simply have not taken the time to read them. When I was able to read this book before it was even released, I was thrilled. So, the book came and I have to say it is what every says about Max Lucado's writing. It is an awesome book. I keep hearing about Lucado's writing style. I have two of his devotionals and enjoy them.

Fearless takes issues that are ever present today, and addresses them Biblically. For many it is the economy right now that is causing fear. That is at the forefront of everyone's mind. Chapter six and seven use Lamentations for Biblical reference, I have not studied that book much, but saw some familiar Bible verses from there. So it was nice to see those references.

Lucado takes everyone's everyday fears, and eloquently and gently shows you why you should't be afraid. He does this in a non threatening way. Everyone has fears, but the Bible is full of ways that we work through them, and become the person that God would have us be.

Weather you are a Max Lucado fan or not, this book is sure to please everyone. Simple, short chapters with a disscussion guide in the back...makes this a book for small groups, couples or even by yourself. Enjoy.

Book Reveiw

Christianity Today Study Series: Faith & Pop Culture

I currently homeschool one of my children. We have been talking about how the media plays in to what we think. We used the book Sex, Lies and the media. It was really eye opening to my teen and I. IT has made him think about what the media is really telling him.

So when I had the chance to review Christianity Today study series I thought it was the perfect tie in to our previous book. I dug right in to the study. There is a lot of good content, and thought provoking insites. I do think it would have been better if I had done this with a small group. The book consists of 8 chapters, and is set up in a format to let you decide on your answers through scripture research. that is where I think doing this with a small group would give you more insites. The book doesn't attempt to answer the questions for you in anyway.

The study did give me a different view of some things that I can pull the good out of, for instance art, movies, tv. With so much of what is on tv now a days, it is hard to pull the good. But I can use the so called "bad" things on tv and turn them into learning and thought provoking teaching moments for my children.

In the future I think I will use this book in a small group setting. I was able to use some of what I read, but I think I will get more out of the study by doing it with a small group. There is always better discussion and points brought out with a small group.

Goodsearch

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Hope for the Hopeless

Through a series of events, I ran into a caring bridge story that sort of breaks my heart. The story about Hope Blooms on July 21st, brought some interesting news. At first the feedback we were getting had alot to be desired. It actually gave me some doubts about what my intentions were/are. But as a dear friend reminds me, don't believe the lies. Well, anyway, my mom works in the St. Cloud area. She has had a few customers come in and let her know they saw the article. Well, one gentleman came in and told her about what his daughter has been doing. She started an organization called Kids Can. www.kidcanmn.org Her son has been battleing cancer. through chance, Mary, who started Kids Can, met a woman who's daughter was suffering cancer. Day after day this woman walked by a room with a little boy who also had cancer. He was in the foster care system, and no one hardly ever came to visit him. This family took on this little boy and later adopted him. So they are helping two children battle this ugly disease. Now isn't it time for something to be done about these children who are in need? How often does this occur? I am sure far more than any of us know. It is happening in our own back yard. God didn't call me to China to make a difference, he called me to Central Minnesota...now I just wish we had the funds to start! I need a rich uncle!~ Ü You can read a little about this story here
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/corinnewatters/mystory

Also, Mary from Kids Can put a little blurb about us on her son's caring bridge site. Every little bit helps. We are getting the word out, even though some are raining on our parade....some just don't understand ministry and trying to do good...

shan

support

Did you know that you could head over to our website, and take a 10 question quiz about things on our website, and win a prize? Head over there www.hopebloomsmn.org

Also, another way to support is going to cafe press and ordering some items.
http://www.cafepress.com/hopeblooms

More Press

We were just blessed to have another interview. This time with the SC Times. We still have to have the photographer come out and take a big family pic. After that we will find out when it will be in the paper. So looking forward to spreading the word some more about our ministry.

Coming up on Tuesday, we interview with Spirit 92.9 radio station in SC. I am not quite sure if it will be live or not. We meet there at 8am.

We have had some amazing press, and I feel God's prescence in taking care of the big things. I just so wish He would show us the way. I know His timing is perfect. It is so hard to wait, when the only thing holding us back is money.

We recently applied for a couple of grants. One large, and two smaller ones. We are planning for buying land, and building, but also smaller grants for our programming. If we don't recieve large funding, we plan to at least start the programming we want to do. Invite foster families and families that have adopted to some activities. We thought this would be a good place to start. But my heart really wants to accomplish our greater mission. My motto has recently been, if 1,000,000 people gave just 2$ we could start our MISSION! So, as always we are just trying to follow God's lead, and let Him take care of things we don't realize He is taking care of.

I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July! And are enjoying the rest of summer.

We are getting ready to plan a concert...if you want to help, let me know. If you know of a place to hold the concert, let me know. We are hoping to get local artists to donate their time, and a place to offer their building for free. Doesn't hurt to ask huh?

Until next time
Shan

Been MIA

I have been soooo busy with grants. I sent one out today, and two for tomorrow. Well, actually I should clarify...they are LOI or Letter of Inquiries. These usually go first, then if they like what they see, they will ask for a full proposal! so praying they like what they see. Two are smaller grants and one is a larger one. Time will tell. God's plans are not always mine...bummer! Ü But His way is perfect and mine is not!

Here's to hoping you all are enjoying the cooler weather, and have a wonderful 4th of July!

Shannon