All in 2 Night

By Lynne Burgess. Printed by EBP.

Reviewed This 140 page book is designed with activities for Christian families.

So why am I reviewing it? I’m retired and have a small cottage with my wife Mary. We are however grandparents! Therefore such a book can be a useful resource for when the children visit or stay for an extended period.

Also, I cheated a little! I gave it to my Daughter–in –Law. Rachelle and Craig have six children. Rachelle told me she appreciated this one even better than the first one (which I haven’t read). She found one or two sections very helpful.

For me I appreciated the first chapter. It was a simple and frank sharing of the author’s heart and the motivation for developing a program for her children. (This has since spread and been used by a wide cross section of people and a school program).

Chapter two is an honest account of her life’s journey. I found it both sad and reassuring. Sad because of her experiences which far, far too many have experienced. Encouraging because it put before the reader the grace and faithfulness of Jesus Christ along the rugged road!  I’m sure that many will be blessed by just reading  ‘The Importance of Breaking the Generational Cycle.’

Lynne is unapologetic as she encourages stay at home mums to be comfortable with their calling. She does add however ‘I would encourage any stay at home mums of babies or preschoolers to have other interests in their lives.’ Lynne then offers some ways by which this can be achieved. (Page 17)

I liked the following quote: ‘Jesus collects all the pieces of our lives and makes sure nothing is wasted. It is like looking at a stained glass window. It’s just a bunch of fragmented pieces of glass but,  when viewed through the sunlight, it becomes an amazing tapestry of colour and beauty. God wants to take the broken fragmented pieces of our life and create something beautiful with each of us.’ (page 19)

For those with young families this book will be a fine resource. There are suggestions for 40 weeks, one ‘time out’ per week. However, it isn’t a book of magical prescriptions. To make it work will require more than good intentions. A husband and wife must agree to share in it and persevere for many it will be new territory. However the outcomes hold much family enjoyment, memories and gratitude from the children as they grow in a family nurtured by love, faith and fun.

Ray Hawkins author of ‘Children –God’s Special Interest; From Eden with Love (on Marriage). http://rayhawkinsauthor.blogspot.com.au

15 - 19 July

Australian Christian Readers Blog Alliance

is Introducing

All in 2 Night

(Even Before Publishing March 2013)

by

Lynne Burgess

available at Light the dark

About the Author

Lynne and Chris have raised five children who are now adults. Lynne's practical experience comes from the quality time spent with her own children. She successfully implemented her All-In Night for over 16 years using simple yet productive activities that included the whole family. She now shares these ideas at speaking events and through her book.

About the book
All-In Night is a family routine. For one night of the week everyone stays home. By spending ten to twenty minutes together, you can learn and talk about the things that matter. Following on from Lynne's original book this set of new activities is designed especially with Christian families in mind. An activity or discussion point each week. The book includes 40 weeks of activities, designed as 1 per week of the school year.Activities include love languages, listening for God, self-esteem, the fruits of the spirit and many more. These fun and simple family activities provide an opportunity to grow values, goals, hopes, feelings and the foundation for a Christ led life. All-in Night works with two kids or ten. Let it become the heart of your family's life.

The Dark Side of God #3

Woe to you

‘Gentle Jesus meek and mild’ is a nice warm fuzzy prayer taught to children. Nice sentiment. Tells only a fraction of the truth! As we mature we need to add some deeper wiser insights to that prayer. Only then will we save ourselves from sliding into spiritual apathy and Biblical ignorance. There are those who imagine they can play with the Devil and when they cross Death’s divide they’ll feast in God’s heaven. The Bible has news for them as summed up in ‘Woe to you!’ Three passages outline this aspect of God’s nature.

In Matthew 11:20-24 Jesus present a frightening assessment on cities who saw and heard Him yet scorned His teaching, miracles and essential being. Jesus said to Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum they were in for a severer judgement than three other well known cities. Why? Because if such places as Tyre, Sidon and Sodom had seen what the other three cities had seen they would have repented! If those Old Testament cities had been overthrown because of their unbelief what was in store for Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum? Greater knowledge of who Jesus is and more verifiable testimony to what He has achieved offers great blessing of if rejected, terrible judgement.

Children have a special interest to God. (See my Devotional ‘Children – God’s Special Interest’– in all good Christian bookshops).  Abuse them, exploit them or destroy them is to place oneself in eternal jeopardy. Jesus said in Matthew 18:6 ‘If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you it a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea. Jesus was revealing His dark–side. In other words, don’t corrupt or destroy the life and destiny of children.  As I read the papers, watch the news I tremble for those especially in religious garb who will find a millstone more inviting than God’s wrath.

Some of the strongest opponents to the ministry of Jesus were the religious orders of the day. They put on a great show and ritual for being outwardly spiritual. Jesus however could see their hearts and read their minds. In Matthew 23 you will read the Lord’s assessment of their inner workings. It is chilling. The moral and spiritual descendants of these play actors are with us now. Jesus would say the same thing to them.  ‘Woe to you Scribes, Pharisees, hypocrites!’

Across the Scriptures comes the warning it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the Living God. How then can any of us escape from falling under the Dark side of God? How can we cross over into His realm of Light?

The key word is ‘repent’. Don’t make excuses. Don’t downplay the things perpetrated. Don’t try and bluff the Lord God by promises to be a better person. Confess the horror of your deeds; repent, which means asking God to help you change your ways as they now make you sick; and believe what Jesus Christ has done for you at the Cross and through His resurrection. It is only by a personal conviction and act of faith in Jesus that you will be carried by Him out of God the Father’s dark side and into the light of His glory. Then fear is transformed in forgiveness and acceptance.

Maybe then we could add to our childlike prayer: ‘Almighty Jesus, fearsome in wrath and true in judgement look on me through your grace and cross. I admit my dishonourable inner and outer behaviour but plead for your mercy and forgiveness to save me from your dark side and bring me into your life and light. Through Jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour.  Amen.

Ray (dwelling now in the Light) Hawkins