Daughters by Design

Daughters by Design
by Paula Jarot
hardback; 201 pages
2010

I first read Daughters by Design as a printed out manuscript with a pen in hand, in a hotel room in Laos while we were there for a high-school soccer tournament for Isaiah.  Paula Jarot, a talented teacher and good friend, taught Isaiah in elementary school and when she and Paul came to Russell and I asking for prayer over a big decision, I selfishly told her I would not pray if it meant they would leave Thailand.  She assured me that that was not the case, and so began the praying for what became an incredible gift from God, not just for their family, but for the whole community. 

As I re-read Daughters by Design, a decade later, again I'm so thankful for all God put into place as trust increased and prayer was answered.  This true story of the adoption of two Cambodian girls is sure to inspire.  Paula shares fears, hopes, trust, love and dedicated walking by faith as she and Paul say "yes" to God's leading each step of the way.  The journey did not end with adoption for they continue to live by faith, raising and giving guidance to two beautiful young ladies.  The cross-cultural experiences shared by Paula give a keen insight into the lives of those in Cambodia, a country filled with great hurt, yet filled with people of great strength.  Sivy and Sopeak are two of these.  They with tensity for life, did not give up when life was hard in Cambodia or when the challenges of learning English at a school much different from what they could ever picture became their reality. If you would like an heart-felt story of a journey with God, this book is one I would recommend.  Thank you Paula for your dedicated life, for your godly example, and for your willingness to share your experiences with others through your story.  Chapter 24 is especially good.

Goodnight Houston

Goodnight Houston
by Jennifer and Kyle Solak
Illustrated by Paul Dolan
30 page picture book


Goodnight Houston, a delightfully illustrated children's book was our gift from Sophie this Christmas (2013).  I love it! Written by two parents and dedicated to their sons, the rhyming pages share many of the good aspects of living life in Houston.  It was a joy to think back on all of what we have experienced since we have moved to Houston as H-town becomes home to us.  Sophie's enthusiasm for the city remains contagious and I look forward to further explores and contributions for our family in this great city.
Thank you Sophie for such a thoughtful gift.

Jesus Calling

Jesus Calling
by Sarah Young
382 pages
2004

I had never heard of the unique daily devotional Jesus Calling until a friend gave me a leather copy for Christmas 2012.  I began reading it the first day of January 2013 and it took me about a month to get used to the point of view of Jesus talking to me, as the reader, in each of the daily entries.  For a while I was reading out of discipline and I did not write in the book, as i did not know if i would really like it and maybe if not i might pass it along.  Somewhere in the year, it happened where I so looked forward to each of the days readings and as my prayer time with Jesus increased over the areas He was addressing through scripture, I knew it would be a journal I would read again and again.

This year as I read I underline the bits that are personal to me, and like last year I look the recorded scripture verses up in my Bible for further context, but this year I underline them in my NLT with purple and excited to see all the places where Jesus really cares for me!   Through the year, I have heard of more and more ladies share with me how this book has affected them for good too (some even have it on their i-phone).  I fully recommend it and so thankful for having my own copy and will not be giving this one away, but may purchase other ones to give as gifts.  :)  Thank you Sarah Young for being still to hear from Jesus and I pray for  that desire to grow within me as well.  Thank You Jesus for Your Presence, Your wisdom and Your continual loving care.