• Home
  • About
    • Our Family
    • Our Purpose
    • Our Beliefs
    • Our Christmas Letters
    • Other FAQ’s
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Shop
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Flanders Family Homelife

Living, Loving, & Learning Together

  • Home
  • Love
    • Respect your Husband
    • Love your Wife
    • Keep the Peace
    • Get Along with In-laws
    • Find Time for Intimacy
    • More on Marriage
  • Learn
    • Why Home School?
    • Occupying Toddlers
    • Kindergarten Plan
    • Choosing Curriculum
    • Report Cards
    • High School Transcripts
    • CLEP/ Dual Credit
    • High School Diplomas
  • Parent
    • Tips on Potty Training
    • Wipe Out Whining
    • Stop Sibling Squabbles
    • Chore Assignments
    • Computer TIme
    • Adult Children at Home
  • Eat
    • Breakfasts
    • Breads
    • Salads
    • Soups
    • Sides
    • Main DIshes
    • Desserts
  • Celebrate
    • New Year’s
    • Valentine’s Day
    • Easter
    • Summer Vacation
    • Independence Day
    • Back to School
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
  • Save
    • Kids Eat Free
    • Budgeting Tips
    • Secrets to Garage Saling Success
    • Earn Cash Back w/Ebates
  • Read
    • Recent Reads
    • Books We’ve Authored
    • Reading Rewards
    • Free Books!!
  • Travel
    • Vacation Planning
    • We Flew FREE to Europe
    • Sample Itineraries
  • Organize
    • General Tips
    • Goal Setting
    • Mom’s Notebook
    • Kitchen
    • Bedrooms
    • Toys
    • Garage
  • Print
    • Calendars
    • Chore Charts
    • Coloring Pages
    • Math Drills
    • Prayer Guides
    • View All >
You are here: Home / Books / The Struggle Bus (& More Oct. Reads)

in Books

The Struggle Bus (& More Oct. Reads)

The Struggle Bus and Other October Reads

October brought us some gorgeous weather this year. Our family spent a full week tent camping, much of which time I spent lounging by the campfire with a book in my lap. I finished both The Struggle Bus and Coronavirus and Christ that week, then completed three more books before the month was out. Read on for my impressions of each.

  • The Power of Praying for Your Adult Children by Stormie Omartian

    Praying for Your Adult ChildrenAnybody who has known me long knows I’m a firm believer in the power of prayer. And anyone who’s ever downloaded one of my free printable prayer guides knows I love lifting my prayers straight from the pages of Scripture.

    Imagine, then, how pleased I was to find The Power of Praying for Your Adult Children so infused with the Word of God. Stormie Omartian is a woman after my own heart. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this thoughtfully written and thorough book. And, since I am myself the mother of many grown children, immediately put it into practice.

  • Coronavirus and Christ by John Piper

    Coronavirus and ChristPiper reminds us that God’s ways are higher than our ways. His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. And His purposes encompass far more than meets the eye.

    Such is undoubtedly the case with COVID 19. This coronavirus did not take our God by surprise. Nor is it beyond His power to use it for good.

    Piper details several positive developments that have come as a result of the unexpected hardships 2020 ushered in. Not the least of which is realigning our hearts with the incomparable worth and all-sufficiency of Christ and providing opportunities for us to serve as His hands and feet to a hurting world

    The Coronavirus and Christ is a reassuring and Biblical apologetic for God’s sovereignty over all — including global pandemics.

  • The Struggle Bus by Josh Wood

    The Struggle BusI spotted an e-blast ad for this book in a mailing I received from one of the homeschool support group’s I belong to. And did they ever target the right demographic for that bit of marketing!

    As a homeschooling mother of many who’s been driving a van full of children around for several decades now– and as one who’s owned her fair share of clunkers during the days my husband and I were both students — I found Joh Wood’s The Struggle Bus supremely relatable.

    The book is based on a hilariously candid Craig’s List ad that went when the Woods family tried to sell their van a few years back. In this clever expansion, the author uses his van as a metaphor for life, milking that concept for all its worth. He also shares a ton of interesting family anecdotes along the way. The results are laugh-out-loud funny.

  • From Sea to Shining Sea by Peter Marshall and David Manuel

    The Struggle Bus From Sea to Shining SeaThe children’s versions of Marshall and Manuel’s books offer the perfect scope and scale for teaching younger children about important events in American history. This volume covers the first fifty year’s of US independence.

    From Sea to Shining Sea tracks the young nation’s expansion west and recounts God’s hand of providence in America’s growth.

    But it simultaneously examines how the blight of slavery threatened to destroy our country, setting the stage for the bloodiest war the US has ever known.

    Our family has read these books aloud together multiple times over the years. But this is the first time my grandchildren have listened in, as well. With this title now under our belt, I’ve already begun reading grandkids the next title in the series.

  • The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare

    The Bronze BowThis book was assigned reading for two of my boys’ literature class and co-op. So we ended up reading it all together. That way, by 10-year old daughter could enjoy it, too.

    Set in the first century AD, the book centers on an orphan named Daniel. Daniel lives for a single purpose: to avenge the death of his parents by driving the Romans out of his homeland. To that end, he has joined a band of zealots who live in the mountains, preying on unsuspecting travelers that happen their way.

    But when Daniel’s grandmother dies, he alone is left to care for a sister Leah. Leah, who has been tormented by demons for years. Leah, who will not survive without his help. But when he moves back to town, his perspective shifts. He hears the teaching of a carpenter who shows him the only way to conquer hate is with love. It is a powerful story and well-worth the read.

That finishes my reading list for October. To read my other book reviews, follow this link: Recent Flanders Family Reads In the meantime, if you’ve read a good book lately, I’d love for you to tell me about it in the comment section below.

The Struggle Bus and Other October Reads

Leave a Comment

« Sleep in Peace Coloring Page
Our Soul Has Escaped Coloring Page »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

meet the parents

Doug & Jennifer Flanders - www.flandersfamily.info

We love Jesus, love each other, love our 12 children, and love the life God's given us. We started this blog as a way to share resources with others who want strong marriages, happy families, & healthy homes.

Read more

looking for something?

freebies in your inbox

Subscribe for immediate access to our library of 350+ free printable resources.

connect with us

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

most popular posts this week

  • Number Writing Practice Sheet
  • 2021 Calendars for Advanced Planning
  • Printable Weekly Planners for Home or School
  • Free Printing Practice Sheets
  • Free Chart for Keeping Track of Medications
  • Tracking Progress on Daily Goals
  • Armor of God Coloring Page
  • Free Editable High School Transcript Template
  • Scripture Chain: Countdown through Lent to Easter
  • Best 2020 Reading Rewards Programs for Kids

unleash your child’s creativity

kiwi crate membership program

free starter set

free starter set from Grove

Readers' Favorites

Name that Line - Christmas Movie Game

Name that Line Christmas Quiz

Shares: 22972

How Well Do You Know Your Christmas Carols

How Well Do You Know Your Christmas Carols?

Shares: 26316

Age-Appropriate Children's Chore Chart - IG

Age-Appropriate Chores for Children

Shares: 92518

Make Every Month More Meaningful

Make Every Month More Memorable

Shares: 50664

start your day right

make over your mornings

If your mornings don't run as smoothly as you'd like, this course can help. Good for night owls & early birds alike!

join the conversation

  • Jennifer Flanders on Happy Birthday, George Washington!
  • Cheryl Dancak on Happy Birthday, George Washington!
  • Jennifer Flanders on Scripture Chain: Countdown through Lent to Easter
  • Jennifer Flanders on Scripture Chain: Countdown through Lent to Easter
  • Beth on Scripture Chain: Countdown through Lent to Easter
  • Tiffany on Scripture Chain: Countdown through Lent to Easter
  • Jennifer Flanders on Encouraging Mozart: Musical Note Flashcards
  • Jennifer Flanders on Thomas Jefferson Quote: Matters of Principle

earn free books and bibles

Tyndale Rewards Club

This is a great program, and it's FREE! Bonus: when you sign up through this link, you get 25 points (& I get 10 -- so, thanks!).

Christian Family Blogs
  • Home
  • Faith
  • Family
  • Food
  • Fun
  • Freebies

visit jennifer’s blog

Jennifer Flanders' Blog: Loving Life At Home Loving Life at Home

visit doug’s blog

Doug Flanders' Blog: All Truth Is God's Truth All Truth is God's Truth

privacy policy | disclosure statement

shop our books

25 Ways to Communicate Respect to Your Husband 25 Ways to Show Love to Your Wife
Sit Down & Eat Get Up & Go

thanks for dropping by

Thank you for visiting our website Let's Get Social
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

looking for something?

recommended resources

as seen on:

America Tonight ABC Australia BBC Tyler Morning Telegraph

Can you guess what the theme was for yesterday’s Can you guess what the theme was for yesterday’s  costume contest at our homeschool co-op?  #dressupday #cottagegarden
Baby, it’s COLD outside! (It’ll be cold inside Baby, it’s COLD outside! (It’ll be cold inside, too, if the power doesn’t come back on soon. We’re thanking God for our gas powered range and fireplace!)  #brrrr
I’m a list-maker by nature, and I’ve tried to I’m a list-maker by nature, and I’ve tried to teach my kids the value of making lists, as well.  For instance, sometimes when they’ve continued to squabble or butt heads even after I’ve called them down, I’ll send them to opposite corners of the house with a list-making assignment:  ✅ “Describe 3 better ways you could’ve responded in that situation than the one you chose.”  ✅ “Write down 5 things you love and appreciate about your sister. “  ✅ “List 10 ways you could show kindness to your brother. “  With that last one, I’d follow up by telling them to choose a different idea off their list every day for the next 10 days and do it.  Gradually, over time, those kind, loving deeds became their default behavior. And as a bonus, the kids not only learned to be kind to one another, but showed similar courtesies to friends, other family members, and strangers, alike.  Want to be more loving to the people God has placed in your life? Brainstorm ways to show kindness to them. Because love is kind.  #happyvalentinesday #bekind
They’re still building and making design improve They’re still building and making design improvements.
The only love that will never fail, fade, or falte The only love that will never fail, fade, or falter? The love of God.“ Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever.“ (Psalm 107:1)  #amazinglove #howcanitbe #thatthoumygodshouldstdieforme
Building with Lincoln Logs on Lincoln’s birthday Building with Lincoln Logs on Lincoln’s birthday. Some traditions never grow old.  #familyfun #classictoys
What does patient love look like? It takes time to What does patient love look like? It takes time to listen. It doesn’t tap its toes, drum its  fingers, check its watch, or roll its eyes.  It doesn’t act irritated or annoyed when the object of its love needs time or attention. Patient love is selfless and long suffering — just as God is with us.  As Christians, this is the kind of love God calls us to demonstrate to our spouse, our children, our neighbors, and even our enemies — a constant, unruffled love that bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. A love that would be quite impossible apart from the endless grace and indwelling power of God.  #goals #radicallove
Hot soup on a cold day = all kinds of satisfying. Hot soup on a cold day = all kinds of satisfying. We’re enjoying sweet potato chili. Freezer to table in 30 minutes, thanks to Instapot.  #freezercooking #thriftythursday
Jesus bids us, “ Continue in my love.” (John 1 Jesus bids us, “ Continue in my love.” (John 15:9) And what exactly does Christ’s kind of love look like?  He sums it up for us in Luke 6:27-28: “Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who despitefully use you.”  The good news is, we don’t have to look far for an opportunity to put this command into practice. Nor must we do any of this in our own strength.  God’s empowering grace enables us to forgive offenders, to extend kindness in response to rudeness, to show mercy to the unmerciful, and to point  unbelievers to a Savor who sees them, knows them, and loves them enough to die for them.  #jesuslovesme #thisiknow #forthebibletellsmeso 
#welovebecausehefirstlovedus
Recently, I walked into my bedroom to talk to my h Recently, I walked into my bedroom to talk to my husband while my kids and grandkids were finishing up their kitchen chores. After a while, the house grew noticeably quiet, so I went to investigate.  Know what I found them doing? They’d all gathered on our back porch to have an impromptu Bible study. Daniel would read a few verses out of Proverbs, then they’d pause to discuss before moving on. ❤️❤️❤️  “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” (3 John 1:4)

Copyright © 2021 · Market theme by Restored 316