August's Monthly Remix

Every month, we are pulling together some articles, music, videos, or whatever catches our fancy from around the web and putting them in a single post for your convenience.  We call it our Monthly Remix.  Let us know what you think!  Our August Remix:

Seeds Family Worship
We've recently started listening to the Seeds Family Worship series with Vera.  These are word-for-word scripture verses set to music.  There are a lot of resources out there like this, but we actually like listening to these songs compared to other "kid music."  This is our favorite that we've had stuck in our heads all week!



InterVarsity Press Daily Bible Studies
A friend recently showed us this awesome online resource for personal bible study.  IV Press has an online reading plan with thoughtful prompts for reflection. We've been loving it as a daily devotional.  It is great for small groups too.

Portion by Angie Smith
A great reminder if you have ever struggled with unanswered prayers or felt like God is holding out on you.  "Don’t assume He has withheld the best from you because it doesn’t look the way you thought it would."

JJ's House
This past month we participated in a campaign to raise funds for a foster home opening in the city of Detroit.  This couple is allowing God to use them to work mightily in the lives of children in need of love and family.  Over the past couple of years, we've been learning about how interconnected foster care is with other social issues like human trafficking and abortion. 

Indespensable by Wrestling with an Angel
A moving article about a young autistic man and his necessity to the body of Christ.  May we all view others with God's true vision of love without condition.

Should I Make My Child Apologize?
Parenting decisions are difficult.  We found ourselves talking about the question above and then came across this thoughtful response from Jen Wilkin.  What do you think?

A Letter to Kids Before School Starts
A great message to give your kids before they brave the first day of school this year.

July's Monthly Remix

Every month, we are pulling together some articles, music, videos, or whatever catches our fancy from around the web and putting them in a single post for your convenience.  We call it our Monthly Remix.  Let us know what you think about the links.  Here they are:

Judas & Jonah
Andy and the Pandys recorded their song "Judas & Jonah" as part of The Yellow Box Sessions.  The song honestly explores faith and doubt, regret and betrayal.  We love it.  Full disclosure: Andy is Kelly's brother.  We are not related to The Pandys.

What to Do When You May or May Not Be a Control Freak
A great reminder for those of us who struggle with trying to control life.  Or is it just us? ;)

Speak Loud
Steve Zank's new website/blog offers all kinds of great worship arts resources and ponderings, including original music like "Speak Loud".  More to come.  Bonus: If you browse long enough, you might even stumble upon John's rap cameo.

Jouer Drums
Brian Mulder makes drums you can sit on.  Also, they sound really good.  He is highlighted here as a top young entrepreneur.  Check out the time-lapse video of the creation of a Jouer Drum and you might even see Brian's beard growing.

How Do You Picture Detroit?
Having both grown up in Southeast Michigan, we've watched with sadness as the Motor City has become a punchline for the rest of the nation.  It's a pretty one-sided story that is told.  Being closer, we see the downturn and dereliction of Detroit, but we also see something else.

Make Me a Vessel
We are blessed to have friends like Katie who are honest with God and open-hearted to the way God speaks into their lives.  It is also humbling to us as parents to hear about the way God uses our little daughter to share His love.  If you've ever spent time with Vera, she's probably prayed for you.

Caring for the Right Thing at the Right Time
An inspiring article by songwriter Jason Gray, and a beautiful image of grace-filled family life.