Parents: Not your ordinary bedtime read:

Each of us battle the bounds of the small box that our world can become.  Even in our own community we go to the same stores, buy at the same coffee shop, engage the same people in our own circles. The danger is we can view anyone who is different as out of our world.  Jesus in His famous Great Commission worlds commanded His leaders "To make Disciples of all Nations" in Matthew 28:19.  The small circle of their reach, as well as their vision was challenged.  Apostolic doctrine changed from The people to All people, The temple to You are the Temple and The Holy Land to change All Lands!

The fact is if you grow up in America and if you make $10,000 a year you are better off than 90% of the world's population. If you have kids you have probably noticed when they want things in a store (over and over and over again) or they may take for granted the things that they have.  We are super blessed! I believe we are blessed to be a blessing.  Proverbs 11:25 says A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.  

I wanted to find a tool to not only give my kids a global perspective but also help them understand that they have it pretty good.  At first my wife thought this book may be too intense for our kids but I have had a blast reading, each night about a different nation.  There are facts and pictures and even my 3 year old has been moderately interested as we sit and read about a new nation each night and say prayers for people who are not like us and far less fortunate.  

Book Description

http://www.amazon.com/Window-World-Prayer-Atlas-All/dp/1932805915

Well loved by young and old - a book that will inform and inspire the whole family, this beautifully presented, yet practical book, is the ideal accompaniment to Operation World. Stunning photographic visuals complement this A to Z of countries and people groups providing an exciting learning experience and guide for prayer. Short stories about featured countries or people groups help relate foreign lands and people to children in the West. Each page includes a small map putting the country into perspective with neighboring countries, a fact box with essential country, and people information and prayer points that children can ask God for as well as thank God for.This invaluable resource develops cultural, political, and geographical awareness through a Christian lens. Families, churches, and schools will all benefit from this book and in turn be able to pray more effectively for their world.Winner of the 2002 Gold Medallion for Elementary Age Children.  

Some Great Books-

I wanted to recommend some great books that I have read over the last month or two.  The first two books would appeal to anyone looking for a great read.  The last books have to do with spirituality and faith, particularly in the Christian Church.

Undaunted Courage by Stephen Ambrose is a fantastic read about the Lewis and Clark expedition.  The beginning was a bit slow for me as plans and preparations for the expedition were underway.  This may have just been a window into my own impatient personality as I wanted to get them on the journey.  However once I got into the latter chapters I could not put this book down.  Incredible True story that takes place in our part of the world!

Bonhoeffer, Wow!  I am just a third of the way through this book about a fantastic pastor and author who wound up leading a plot to assassinate Hitler!   http://www.ericmetaxas.com/books/bonhoeffer-pastor-martyr-prophet-spy-a-righteous-gentile-vs-the-third-reich/

We just had the privilege of hosting this author and his wife at our church last Sunday. Terry Virgo is one of the best bible teachers of our time.  Not only do Terry and Wendy have an amazing resume and have shared their gifts with the church- they are so down to earth and personable.  If you would like to see a picture of what a Follower of Jesus and the Church of Jesus should look like,  pick this one up.  You also may watch this interview with Terry Virgo and Mark Driscoll at Mars Hill Church about this book.  http://theresurgence.com/2011/09/23/the-spirit-filled-church

A fantastic book by David Devenish about apostolic doctrine and Church life.  A must read for any Church leader.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RuLiGddaHo  (to learn more)

Real Time Connections is about linking your Job with God's Global work.  This is a fantastic book for anyone missionaly hungry to see their life make a difference in the world.  This will challenge you to get out of your comfort zone and push the borders of your reach as a leader.