Children's Book Review: The World of the Bible By Jill Rubalcaba

THE WORLD OF THE BIBLE
Biblical Stories and The Archaeology Behind Them

By: Jill Rubalcaba

Published: November 7, 2017

Publisher: National Geographic Children's Books

Non-Fiction/Religion/Reference

Are your children intimidated by reading the Bible, yet you still want them to know the stories and lessons from it? This book tells the important stories from the Bible like Noah and the Flood, Joseph's Robe, Jesus Walking on Water, and The Good Samaritan in a condensed version based on the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the Bible. Vivid and detailed illustrations and classical portraits fill the page along with the story to hold your child's attention. There are also "Did You Know" bubbles on the pages to share other historical facts that go along with the story. The pages also reflect which Book of the Bible and chapter/verse this story came from in case you want to dig deeper into the story.

These brief versions of the stories offer the main points and the lesson God was trying to teach us...as in Jonah's story (above) after disobeying God, his fellow sailors threw Jonah overboard to his death to stop the raging storm that God had created. Jonah was then swallowed by a whale just before he drowned. After three days, he was spat out onto dry land. The next time God asked Jonah to do something, he complied. This story from the book of Jonah can be found in Chapters 1-4. The "Did You Know" bubble offers factual information on Nineveh and the Hanging Gardens.

The other parts of the book share historical and archaeological finds related to stories from the Bible. Archaeologists in Israel found ancient beehives that uphold the truth of God commanding Moses to lead the Israelites to "the land of milk and honey". Honey was in high demand in ancient times because it was used for medicine and as a sweetener. I had no idea jars of honey were also placed in tombs as part of a ritual to feed the dead in the afterlife. Many of the other archaeological finds shared in this book are just as fascinating.

As a mom who frequently read her children stories from the Bible and also taught Sunday School, this book would have been a wonderful resource to add more layers to the story. All of the information in this book has been reviewed by biblical scholars to make sure all the facts and details are up-to-date and accurate. This book is a bit larger than normal and the pages are heavyweight paper. It is well-written and full of details, much like any other National Geographic quality book would be. It would make a great addition to a church or homeschool library.

To purchase a copy of THE WORLD OF THE BIBLE, click the photo below:

I will be linking up this review on Booking Mama's regular Saturday feature, Kid Konnection. This is a place for bloggers to share posts related to children's and YA books. You will find spotlights, reviews, and sometimes even giveaways by clicking HERE, every Saturday.


You may also like these posts:

Questions and Answers for Kids

The Great Carp Escape

National Geographic Kids Almanac 2018

National Geographic Kids Ultimate Dinopedia




Thanks to the publisher for providing copies of this book for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase the book through the above link, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase.

My Inspiration this Week from Reading the Bible in 90 Days - 2 Samuel 22:2-3

I've been reading the Bible in 90 days with Amy at MomsToolbox.com as well as many others. We started this journey on July 18 and I kept up until several crisis situations came up that took any and all free time I had. As soon as I would get one under control, another would come up. Seriously. I just had a lot going on and couldn't focus on much. Plus I had deadlines for my paying job that needed my attention. So, I got extremely far behind, which is why I haven't posted anything about my reading lately.

But, the key is I am STILL READING. I haven't given up even though that would be the easy thing to do. I'm still finding snippets of time to soak in the Word and learn from Him.

My latest verse that, as usual, hit me at the perfect time is from 2 Samuel. I've been doing lots of praying the last several weeks for various things going on in our lives. He has been my rock and kept me going through all of my life's struggles.

I hope this verse offers some comfort and support for you today as well.

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My Inspiration This Week from Reading the Bible in 90 Days - Joshua 1:5

Five years ago, I started the Bible in 90 Days Reading Plan, reading with over a thousand others across the world. At that time, I only made it to the Book of Jeremiah, about a month before the finish. I was disappointed in myself but knew I could try it again.

On July 18, 2016, I joined Amy at Moms Toolbox and many others to Read the Bible in 90 Days again. This week while reading I had a crisis come up and it railroaded my reading. I got behind and let other things get in the way. I didn't get all the way through, but I'm doubling up and will catch up this week. I noticed that when I was going through my highlighted verses on my phone, I had highlighted the same verses from my past reading in my Bible. It was comforting that God's words are still ringing true to me five or more years later. But, I did add some new verses to highlight also.

This week the verse that hit me at the perfect time with just the words I needed to hear brought me lots of comfort. When I didn't get time to read a chapter or an entire book, I scrolled back and read this verse and took comfort that God has got my back in this and will find me a way out of this mess.

No one will be able to stand against you

all the days of your life.

As I was with Moses,

so I will be with you.

I will never leave you nor forsake you.

Joshua 1:5

Even though this week I felt very alone, I knew someone was watching over me and that was just what I needed.

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My Inspiration this Week from Reading the Bible in 90 Days - Deuteronomy 5:33

Five years ago, I started the Bible in 90 Days Reading Plan, reading with over a thousand others across the world. At that time, I only made it to the Book of Jeremiah, about a month before the finish. I was disappointed in myself but knew I could try it again.

On July 18, 2016, I joined Amy at Moms Toolbox and many others to Read the Bible in 90 Days again. Many of these passages are coming back to me both from reading before as well as during my years of in depth Bible Study during Bible Study Fellowship (BSF). 

Last week's reading included Leviticus, Numbers and a good chunk of Deuteronomy. Much of it is tedious to read regarding laws, sacrifices, and family geneology. But, plowing through is important and there is a reason behind these teachings. Just be thankful that every time we sin, we don't have to sacrifice a lamb or bull. Although during my "monthly visit" I wouldn't mind a 7 day sabattacal! ;) All that aside, there were numerous important lessons from last week.  The one I would like to focus on really sums up the week and the reason why I am reading the Bible to begin with.

Walk in obedience 

to all that the Lord your God 

has commanded you,

so that you may live and prosper

 and prolong your days

in the land that you will possess.

Deuteronomy 5:33

By walking in obedience with Him, following His teachings, asking for His forgiveness, trusting His faith, and being thankful for His grace, we are allowed a life with Him forever.

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My Inspiration This Week from Reading the Bible in 90 Days - Exodus 14:14

Five years ago, I started the Bible in 90 Days Reading Plan, 

reading with over a thousand others across the world. 

At that time, I only made it to the Book of Jeremiah, about a month before the finish. 

I was disappointed in myself but knew I could try it again.

A few weeks ago, I came across my bookmark for the Bible in 90 Days 

and was thinking about starting the reading again on my own, without a scheduled group. 

I decided to pray about it and wait and see if this was really the right time to do it.

Then a week or so after that day, I received an email from one of the bloggers I follow and leader from the last Bible in 90 Days and guess what, she was starting another session that next week.

I felt like her email was meant for me and knew it was just the nudge I needed.

I commented right away, before I could change my mind, and said I would join her.

Amy at Mom's Toolbox is one busy lady. In fact, during the first week of the readings, she was traveling in Europe during most of that week. If she can find time to read, then I certainly can too.

So, last Monday (July 18) we started reading and the reading should be done October 15, 2016. 

Yes, I will have a lot going on in the coming weeks and will make it very tough for me to find the time, but over this last week, I realized it is very doable. During some down time, rather than going on social media, I would open my Bible app and read. 

I'm not pressuring myself like last time to journal and take notes. I'm just reading...mostly from the app on my phone. That makes the Bible available whenever and wherever I want to read it. Whether I have 5 minutes or an hour. I'm highlighting passages I want to remember, but nothing further. I am just reading and soaking it in.  That alone has made the reading so much easier.

I wanted to share one verse that impacted me last week.

 We read Genesis and Exodus last week and my verse comes from Exodus 14:14. 

"The Lord will fight for you;

you need only to be still."

Exodus 14:14

When I'm struggling with something, I am usually very agitated, always searching for answers, and worrying about my next move. 

This was a reminder I needed to just let God do all that. 

I just need to be patient and be still.

I'll try to share something each week from my reading that impacted me.

It isn't too late to join in the Bible in 90 Days reading. I'd love to read along with you. 

Check in HERE and get your daily reading assignments. 

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Book Review and GIVEAWAY: You're Already Amazing - Life Growth Guide By Holley Gerth

YOU'RE ALREADY AMAZING
Life Growth Guide
Embracing Who You Are, Becoming All God Created You to Be

By: Holley Gerth

Published: March 1, 2016

Publisher: Revell

Non-Fiction/Christian/Study Guide

Holley Gerth is well-known for her books that ask women to open their eyes to all God made them to be. With her previous books, she reminds women that they can survive the hardships, they can reach their goals, and they can still have those "God-Sized" dreams. Gerth inspires women with her faith in God and her easy-going, girlfriend approach to real-life situations of marriage, motherhood, and getting it all done. In her book, YOU'RE ALREADY AMAZING, she empowers women to "be all that God made them to be and pursue the purpose for their lives." With this study guide, she helps you break down each approach so that you can have an even greater experience.

This study guide or interactive workbook can be used as a Bible study in your church or women's group, in an online group, with friends over coffee, or as an individual study. Each chapter or session as it is called in the book covers a topic. For example, Session Five is God's Purpose in Our Lives. Each session builds on the previous session's notes and asks you to continue in the process of embracing who you are. There are personal questions to reflect on, questionnaires to answer, Bible verses to read, and space for you to journal. You can purchase the companion DVD or go online to watch each Session's video.

I think this study guide is a great way for women, who are in a season of change, to take some time to pray for what is ahead for them. This is an opportunity to find out what your personal strengths are, how you handle situations, what is important to you, and maybe what is no longer important. Finding out what truly makes you happy and then making that your purpose can give you a new energy you may have been missing.

Some of these themes in Gerth's workbook are ones I have seen before in other books related to creating balance and finding your purpose. But her approach is laid back and friendly and makes it approachable for women who aren't comfortable in the business world or who want to have meaningful conversations with other women in similar situations. Working through this study guide makes you feel like you are having a conversation with a friend. The pages offer lots of room for reflection and journaling and ask thought-provoking questions to get ideas flowing. Overall, if you are in the beginning stages of a life-change or looking for a new direction, I think Holley Gerth's book and companion workbook would be an excellent place to start.

Holley Gerth - source

Holley Gerth is a bestselling writer, certified life coach, and speaker. She loves connecting with the hearts of women through her popular blog and books like You're Already Amazing,You're Made for a God-Sized Dream, Opening the Door to Your God-Sized Dream, andYou're Going to Be Okay. She's also cofounder of (in)courage and a partner with DaySpring. Holley lives with her husband, Mark, in the South. Learn more at www.holleygerth.com. You can also find Holley on Twitter, HERE and Facebook, HERE. 

To see my review of Holley Gerth's book, WHAT YOUR HEART NEEDS FOR THE HARD DAYS, click HERE. 

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED!

 THANKS TO ALL WHO ENTERED! DARCY IS THE WINNER!

Now for the Giveaway details! You can win your own copy of the YOU'RE ALREADY AMAZING STUDY GUIDE. Just fill in your information below in the form. You must be a US Resident and have a valid email that you check regularly. It's that easy! 



If you can't wait to purchase these great books and companion materials from Holley Gerth, click the photos below:

YOU'RE ALREADY AMAZING Book


YOU'RE ALREADY AMAZING LIFEGROWTH GUIDE


YOU'RE ALREADY AMAZING DVD



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Thanks to the publisher for sending two copies of this book for a review and giveaway. This review is my honest opinion. I was not compensated in any way for this review. If you choose to purchase the books through the above links, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com. 

Catching You Up on Life Around Here

Even though I haven't been posting much on here, I have been keeping busy.

I finished this book last week:

I haven't told you about it yet, because I read it for the Cedar Rapids Gazette. The author is an Iowan, near where I grew up.  So, I am doing a feature on her and this book she wrote about her mom.  If you like Memoirs and WWII, this is a book for you! I'll be running my review in mid March after the Gazette runs my feature. I can assure you it is worth the read.  Pick up your copy, HERE.

I'm reading every chance I get.  Right now, on my Kindle I'm reading, The Settling Earth.

It's a collection of short stories and it's holding my interest.  It's a quick read and I hope to tell you about it next week.

I'm also reading Splinters of Light.

It comes out next week and I will have a review for you then as well.

Our boys are in the middle of show choir season, which means our weekends are full.  But, basketball is done, so we get our weeknights back...for a bit.  Until soccer begins.

I'm sick of this cold weather and as I type this, more snow is headed our way.  I know that technically, Spring is just a few weeks away, but it doesn't feel like it is going to get here anytime soon.

Blogging and sharing books I love with all of you brings me such joy. Especially when you share about a book I have told you about and how much you loved it.  That is why I started sharing my love of books with all of you.  But, as I have always said, this is my hobby and many other things come first in my life. So, if I am MIA for a few days or a week.  You'll know that I am just focusing of the other things in life.  But, know that I'll be back, just as soon as I can.

I am also spending time studying God's Word.  That has been my Lent goal and so far I have been sticking with it....7 days in. The truths have been eye-opening and I have been reading and rereading 

several scriptures. I'm reading the SHE READS TRUTH "Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross" plan and really like how everything is laid out for me.  I didn't realize how much I missed studying His Word. I used to attend a weekly Bible Study called Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) and have missed that daily connection.

These are some of the truths that have spoken to me in these first 7 days.  I'm sharing in case you need some encouragement or hope. If so, it can be found here. 

Romans 3:20 For no one will be justified in His sight by the works of the law, because the knowledge of sin comes through the law.

Joel 2:13 For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, rich in faithful love, and He relents from sending disaster.

2 Corinthians 5 - Really the whole chapter brought tears to my eyes. I don't know why it was so powerful to me at this time, but it has been one I have read every single day.

1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.

Mark 2:17 "Those who are well don't need a doctor, but the sick do need one. I didn't come to call the righteous, but sinners." 

Hebrews 12:5-6, 11 My son, do not take the Lord's discipline lightly or faint when you are reproved by Him, for the Lord disciplines the one He loves and punishes every son He receives. No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the fruit of peace and righteousness to those who have been trained by it. 

The Season of Lent Is Upon Us

 A couple weeks ago,

 I found out I was the lucky winner of the SHE READS TRUTH Lenten Study.

This was exactly what I needed to push me during Lent to make time for Jesus.

I won this beautiful SHE READS TRUTH Study Kit from Emilie at Flourish & Hope

and you should definitely check out her blog as well! 

This kit includes a beautiful book to use for your study 

along with three beautifully designed business-card-sized verses 

and two gorgeous 8x10 prints.

The book includes each of the 47 days 

with verses, prayers and spaces for journaling your thoughts. 

There are also several pages of hymns which I love 

because I could play them as part of my devotional time.

Music is a very important part of my time with Jesus.

When I am really stressed out, I will sit down at the piano

and play my favorite hymns. It always calms me

and fills me with a great peace.

The pages are beautiful and the words on the pages remind us of His great love for us.

Beginning tomorrow, I will be devoting time each day, for the next 47 days to this study of Jesus and his great gift of dying on the cross for us and His miracle resurrection.

I have my Bibles ready.

I have scheduled it into my days.

I have prayed about this study and how it can be help me grow in my faith.

If you would like to join me, you can also read along 

by getting the SHE READS TRUTH App on your device. 

Unfortunately, the study is all sold out. 

But, if you are interested in this type of kit/study,

you will want to stay tuned for their release of the next study. 

I am hoping to share often about what I am feeling and learning over the next days and weeks during Lent. But, I don't want to feel burdened by this study at all. I want to devote the time and energy necessary to study and pray without the pressure of sharing.

But, when I feel led to share with you, I will.

I won't be giving up anything for Lent, 

but I will be giving more of myself to Him.

Which, really, it what it is all about.

I can't wait to get started.

My Thoughts on Philippians Chapter 4

www.MomsToolbox.com

I'm joining up with MOMS TOOLBOX for a Four Week Study of Philippians.  Today, I am sharing my thoughts for Week 4 - Chapter 4.  For more on the study of Philippians and to read other thoughts, check out MOMS TOOLBOX.

My thoughts from Chapter 1 can be found HERE

My thoughts from Chapter 2 can be found HERE. 

My thoughts from Chapter 3 can be found HERE.

Chapter 4 is Paul's final appeal for us to know Jesus Christ even more.  Six out of the just 23 verses in Chapter 4 held so much meaning for me it was hard to narrow it down.  But, from those verses, I am reminded to be Thankful and be Content, and He will meet all my needs.  What a blessing that is!

S - Scripture
Philippians 4:6 NIV
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

O - Observation
Nothing can be done without God.  Without him life is chaotic, distressful, and without peace.  He is waiting for us to turn to Him with our worries, our hopes, our dreams, and our successes.  He will listen and give peace.

A - Application
There is no doubt this verse screamed at me with red flashing lights.  I have ALWAYS been a worrier, but lately, I have been more anxious about even little things.  I keeps me up at night, it turns my stomach, and adds unneeded stress to my already busy life.  I KNOW I need to go to Him in prayer and I do....sometimes, but other times (most times) my worry and anxiety consumes my mind and heart and I can't focus on anything else.  This verse was just the reminder I needed to hear and in going to him, I will be able to Let Go and Let God....wait....wasn't that my theme for this year????

P - Prayer
Dear God,
I know I am to go to you with my worries, my hopes, and my fears, but instead I let them fester and get bottled up inside me.  I want to think that I can handle things on my own but this reminded me today that it isn't possible.  If I truly want peace, calm, and contentment to enter my mind and heart, I need to remember to turn to you in prayer.  Thank you for that reminder today and thank you for loving me, even with all my faults.
Amen.

Thanks to MOMS TOOLBOX for offering this great Bible Study and helping me get back into the Word!  If you are just stopping by, take out your Bible today and read the short, but full Book of Philippians.  You will be richly blessed by Paul's words.

My Thoughts On Philippians Chapter 3

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I'm joining up with MOMS TOOLBOX for a Four Week Study of Philippians.  Today, I am sharing my thoughts for Week 2 - Chapter 2.  For more on the study of Philippians and to read other thoughts, check out MOMS TOOLBOX.

My thoughts from Chapter 1 can be found HERE

My thoughts from Chapter 2 can be found HERE. 

Paul's desire to know Christ and share His message becomes stronger in this chapter.  He wants to press on even more diligently in winning the prize, which is a life with Jesus. At just 21 verses, the message is clear that your destiny can either be destruction or glory, and it is your choice.

S - Scripture
Philippians 3:14 NIV
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:13-14 The Message
By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward - to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back.

O - Observation
Both of these versions tell me that I can't take my eyes off of my one main goal - to know Christ.  He already knows me.  He knew me before I was born. He knows each of the hairs on my head. He knows my mistakes, my faults, and my heart.  Now it is my job to know Him.

A - Application
By being in the Word more, I will begin to have a more personal relationship with Christ.  I need to make time for more conversational prayer time and more applying His Word to our life.  This is the only way I can attain the goal of knowing Him.

P - Prayer
Dear God, I am so grateful that you know me and my family.  I know that I have many distractions and I need to be stronger in avoiding them and making time for you.  Please help me follow Paul's example and guidance so that I can listen to your voice calling me to spend a moment with you.
Amen.

My Thoughts On Philippians Chapter 2

www.momstoolbox.com

I'm joining up with MOMS TOOLBOX for a Four Week Study of Philippians.  Today, I am sharing my thoughts for Week 2 - Chapter 2.  For more on the study of Philippians and to read other thoughts, check out MOMS TOOLBOX.

My thoughts from Chapter 1 can be found HERE.

Again, another 30 verses that are so full of lessons.  There were several I could have focused on, but again, from a parenting perspective, the following are the verses that stood out to me.  This time I chose to use version from The Message Bible.

S-Scripture
Philippians 2:14-16 The Message
Do everything readily and cheerfully - no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night so I'll have good cause to be proud of you on the day that Christ returns. You'll be living proof that I didn't go to all this work for nothing.

O-Observation
Daily we are met with societal pressures that lead us away from our faith and our values.  TV Shows, commercials, friends, family, etc can all encourage us to turn away from God.  We need to stand out from all of that and be leaders. 

A-Application
These verses remind me to stand my ground, especially with our children.  They don't always like that they are different.  Their other friends may not have "rules" or "expectations" but we do and we expect them to lead by example and stand tall, readily and cheerfully.  We expect them to be bold and stand up for "the right thing" when necessary.  And, as teenagers, that can be a tough choice.  By modeling this behavior myself and encouraging, praising, and teaching our children to be the light in this polluted society, there will be praise and living proof that it was all worth it!  What a day that will be!

P-Prayer
Dear God,
Thank you for our children who continue to believe in your Word and know that everything you say is TRUE.  We know there will be temptations ahead for all of us, but reminding us through your Word that we can face them and transform ourselves into a witness of your love is such a powerful thing, Lord.  Thank you for your unconditional love and grace and may the lessons I learned today stay with me in times of trial and temptation.
Amen.

My Thoughts on Phillipians Chapter 1

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This post is part of a four week Bible study of the Book of Philippians.  Each week I will be sharing my thoughts on one chapter and linking up with others who are also studying with me.  This Bible study is hosted by Mom's Toolbox.  If you are also reading along, please share how these verses spoke to you as well.

I will be using the SOAP method to write my thoughts about Philippians.  To learn more about the SOAP method, click HERE.  SOAP stand for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer.

Philippians

The author of the Book of Philippians is Paul.  He wrote this as a thank you letter to the Christians of Philippi while he was in prison.  It was also a letter of encouragement to them for their faith.

First of all, just the fact that Paul wrote this as an encouragement to his fellow Christians while he was in prison is a surprise.  You would think he would be the one needing encouragement.  But, instead Paul is more worried about them losing faith and all his work spreading God's word to not continue to be shared.  

Chapter one is such a short chapter, only 30 verses, but those verses say so much.  It was hard for me to focus on just one verse, but there was one that stood out to me and relates to my life right now.

S- Scripture
Philippians 1:10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ. NIV

O-Observation
What stood out to me was discern what is best - what is right and what is wrong. Making choices that will make Jesus proud.  This is something that I talk to our children about almost daily.  I am constantly saying, "Make sure you are always kind." "Be helpful." "Do unto others as you would want them to do for you." Am I giving myself the same lesson?  Are MY choices making Jesus proud? 

A- Application
 I don't expect our kids to be perfect.  I know I am not.  I know there are going to be some right and wrong choices in the future, but I pray there is more right ones.  I don't expect to be "blameless" but I know that I will be forgiven.  I know that someone believes in me and knows that eventually I will get it right.  I know there is someone cheering for me and wants me to make the right choices.  And, I want to make sure our children know that too.  There is one right choice they can make right now and that is to follow Him; striving each day to discern what is best and make Jesus proud.  By continuing to discuss with the kids about situations they are facing and how to best handle them will be helpful in them choosing the best path to take.  

P-Prayer
Dear God,
We are so grateful to have amazing children who are so loving and readily offer help to others.  I humbly ask you to guide my husband and I as we raise our children to make the right choices in life.  Helps us to weed out the bad stuff and replace it with the good.  Don't give up on us when we make the wrong choices, but continue to believe in us and show us that the only right way is on your path.  Thank you for loving us unconditionally and providing us with your grace as we continue on.  May our faith in you grow each time we are faced with a decision. 
Amen.