Author: Grace Mally

Abraham Lincoln, February 9, 1864, Washington, D.C. Anthony Berger Photograph

As you may know, today many people are celebrating “Darwin Day” –Darwin’s 200 birthday. Coincidentally, today is also Abraham Lincoln’s 200 birthday. Who’s birth do you think we should celebrate — he who freed the slaves or he who degraded blacks by his racist writings?

In Darwin’s book The Descent of Man, he called those with dark skin “degraded,” and wrote that he would rather be descended from a monkey than such a “savage.” In contrast, Lincoln wrote that all men are created equal and should be treated equally before the law and God.

Some of you may remember the story in our book (chapter 5, page 109) about when I got a fish hook stuck in my foot. Today we recieved the following e-mail:

Hi,
Just wanted to share how your book helped us in a practical way today. I have been working through “Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends” with my kids….
…Our favorite part are the stories you all share to relate your lessons. Well, thanks to one such story we were able to avoid tragedy here in the George home today. My little ones were playing and fishing out back in the lake when I heard some crying and went to see what was happening. My 1 year old had a fishing hook stuck through his mouth. Literally like you would catch a fish. All the way through! Well, your story immediately came to mind and thanks to that I knew NOT to pull the hook out because there is a barb on the end of the hook. We called 911 and waited on the fire rescue who came and cut the ends of the hook off and then were able to slide the rest out. He is doing great and sleeping peacefully as I type. I have thanked the Lord repeatedly for His care and for bringing your story to mind.

-Mother from Miami

Also note:
We just learned that this family has a 9-year-old boy, CJ, who was diagnosed with cancer last September and is preparing to go into a heavy, 7-week treatment beginning one week from today. Please keep this family in your prayers! Click here to visit their blog.

I’ve been suprised and encouraged by how many people have told me they are doing the Bible reading plan! (And I’m optimistically assuming there are many more who haven’t told me.)

Just tonight I was talking with a friend of mine who told me of her little sister’s excitement about doing this Bible reading plan knowing that so many others are doing it too.

Here are a few responses I’ve received over e-mail:

“I am really enjoying the beginning of Genesis. Are you? As I have focused on only three to four chapters a day I have really picked up on a lot of interesting things! It is kind of cool to know someone who is reading in the same places you are!”

“The real reason that I’m writing…is to thank you for posting about reading through the Bible chronologically. I’ve decided to do it, too! I was just praying the other day and asking the Lord to give me ideas of what to do next in my Bible study time, and then I read your post. It was perfect timing. So, thanks.”

“…about reading the Bible. The holidays get pretty hectic. Anyway, I’m going to do it. It sounds like a lot of fun and I’ve always wanted to. I discussed it with my mom and she’s going to do it with me!”

“I was actually searching and searching for a chronological Bible reading plan this whole month and I couldnt find one just written out! That is perfectO, and I will definitely be reading with it, along with one or 2 other girls from my church. Thanks a lot!!”