Oh my word, beloved friends. It is my honor and privilege to share some things that have been sitting on my heart since this past December…
I want to just take a short moment (HA! For those of you who know me, you know that I am working on brevity so I WILL try to be short…) and share with you God’s amazing hand in the recent happenings in our family.
This week’s posts will focus on some seriously inspirational people, books, and happenstances that have fallen upon us in recent months that have enabled JJ and I to see that God is beating us over the head with a message it’s time to hear.
It will be too far long of a post to share it all in this one, so I am going to start with this little nugget that will simply knock your socks off should you choose to pick up this little nugget of goodness and transform your mind.
Once I piece this all together, you will be needing to scrape your jaw off of the floor in amazement of His wonder, but let’s start with the God-given opportunity I have been handed to review one incredible read by a woman shaking up the system a bit – One Million Arrows by Julie Ferwerda.
This little journey of mine started this past December when 1) I started blogging and 2) I read Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore. I’m going to chat some more about the latter tomorrow but let’s fast forward to my sweet friend at Sugar Tails who contacted me regarding an opportunity to review a book she thought sounded interesting to both of us entitled One Million Arrows. I read the trailer and thought it sounded precisely like what I was trying to do – to not just raise my children to simply be happy but to raise them to change the world and set it on fire. I contacted the author and told her that I would indeed love to participate in the blog tour and she quickly sent me a copy to review.
I read it. I was brought to my knees. It’s precisely in alignment with the crazy theme rocking my family’s world right now. More on that later.
Without further ado, please let me share with you One Million Arrows by Julie Ferwerda.
Will the world change our children…or will our children change the world? Time is short and lives are at stake. Right now, God is inviting our families to become part of a bigger story—a vision that will engage hearts to make a radical difference. One Million Arrows is an inspirational call to raise our kids to impact their culture, community, and world for Christ. If we want our kids to discover their purpose, if we want them to live with passion for the Kingdom, if we want our family to go down in His-Story, accept the mission…and leave a mark for eternity.
I chose to offer the shorter version of this summary because I know, beloveds, your time is so limited. Because really…I want you to gift yourself and watch this video – it’s three minutes long and please just stop and consider it to be your spiritual present for the day.
Just so you know, I read this book in six days. I have three children under five. I am tired. I do too many loads of laundry. I run my dishwasher twice a day at least. I run to and from preschool drop-offs and pick-ups. I live at the grocery store. It is possible to feed your soul with this and transform your mind.
Trust me. Your children will thank you.
Do you want to read the first chapter? Click here. Should you read it and decide you need to have it, click here to order. Otherwise, please. Please. I know you have about 25 things on your list to do today. I do, too. Watch this video. Please. I’m begging you.
Okay, I’m already hooked.
Can’t wait for your next post. And I want to get the book today.
An aside: Joe and I have been searching for a new church, which I think we have found. Lots of young couples like us with kids and a passion for Christ. Next week, the pastor is starting a new sermon series about this very topic! I’ll bet he’s read the book. He and his wife have four little boys, and they have a passion that is inspiring. I truly feel like God is speaking to me today, Natalie. I’m ready to listen.
.-= Heather´s last blog ..Blogtrot your way to Tennessee! =-.
Hey there Natalie, I have been reading your blog for quite a while now, ever since JJ posted it on his facebook…since Feb maybe? I watched the video and have put the book on “my list”. It looks amazing! I think I have a long way to go until I can teach my children to be arrows, but I sure will try.
I get entertained a lot by visiting your blog…thank you for the giggles.
.-= vicki´s last blog ..Gratitude #41 – #55 with photos from Brown County State Park =-.
this is exactly what i needed. i may be born and raised catholic, but i believe that we all want what is best for our children. this is an inspiring book. i would scour our local bookstores to find it :)
This cracked me up:
“Just so you know, I read this book in six days. I have three children under five. I am tired. I do too many loads of laundry. I run my dishwasher twice a day at least. I run to and from preschool drop-offs and pick-ups. I live at the grocery store. It is possible to feed your soul with this and transform your mind”
I too have been so challenged by this book. I am posting Tuesday – Thursday. It is refreshing to meet kindred hearts through the blog tour. I am now following you on Twitter!
Blessings,
Stacey
Few things – thanks for visiting me back. I can’t believe I went into your spam folder… what’s up with that?
I actually watched the YouTube video… you’re very convincing! I was actually thinking it was possibly about adoption at first…. but moving nonetheless! Your blog is so inspirational and makes me so desperately want to be more Christ-like as you are… I’m a WORK in progress.
And, yes… Garden Salsa Sunchips ARE crack (not that I know, but….).
I’ll be back! Hugs, Kat
.-= Kat @ TodaysCliche.com´s last blog ..“Not Me Mondays”: Inappropriate Church Clothes, Overindulgence, Missed Memes =-.
I’m glad you liked the book! It’s challenging and encouraging all at the same time. It definitely lights a fire. :)
I just read Same Kind of Different as Me and LOVED it! We’re going to read it for our second session of our women’s summer book club. It’s so touching.
.-= GlowinGirl´s last blog ..She Loves Women in Prostitution =-.
Three kids, two boys and a girl (although mine are a bit older).
So close in age, and only a state away.
Each of us with a dog named Ellie.
Both of us with a heart for God.
It’s wonderful to find such a kindred spirit! So glad to be your bloggy buddy!
.-= Heather´s last blog ..Blogtrot your way to Tennessee! =-.
I just read both posts about the books and will be sure to check them out. You are always so uplifting and right now I really need it.
Thanks!
Sadie at heyMamas
.-= heyMamas´s last blog ..Happy Birthday Lily =-.