A Review in Percpective

I always welcome an opportunity to review good Christian literature... at least as time allows.  Most recently I have been hearing many reputable speakers and preachers quoting C.S. Lewis so I thought it might be nice to learn more about the life of the man behind the Chronicles of Narnia.  So when a chance to read "From the Library of C.S. Lewis; Selections from Writers Who Influenced His Spiritual Journey" I snatched it up!

I must admit, I was a bit disappointed.  Probably because I am a busy mom with only snit-bits of time... but I thought this book would be perfect with its excerpts and snapshots of men (and women) Lewis read (and knew).  Yet, most of the time I felt like I was entering mid-way through a conversation between a meeting of the minds.  Many of the book's entries were difficult to follow and left me either lost or, if I could catch hold of the conversation, wanting to know more about the topic in its full context.

I will concede, however, if one has the mental capacity and time to truly focus on the intellectual contents of this book (or take time to cross reference and review the source in full), it may prove to be quite resourceful.  It is divided by topics (very helpful) and a bio of each contributing author is provided at the end of their respective excerpt.  My favorite was probably Lewis' wife on the topic of God's Love:

"The choice before us today is just what it always was- whether to be worldly or otherworldly; whether to live for the unloving self or to live for the love of God." 
 - Joy Davidman

As far as an ability to focus on the text and really soak it all in, my already busy mind prefers the quicker and more concise reference, "The Quotable Lewis".

To sum-up: From the Library of C.S. Lewis is not leisurely reading - which is what I typically look for.  However, if you are looking for some meaty content, the thought-provoking narratives have value.  This book would make a wonderful reference for those in ministry or seeking deeper discovery into the influential voices of C.S. Lewis.  For the astute intellectual who doesn't mind picking up halfway into a conversation!

Blessings,

"From the Library of C.S. Lewis; Selections from Writers Who Influenced His Spiritual Journey" was provided by BloggingforBooks.com in exchange for my honest review.

Announcement 412

And here it is!  Well, it isn't completely done... but it is finally functioning.  Group 412 was a vision God laid passionately on my heart a year ago in May while I was on a private retreat.  Our KOG Missions site had reached a point and a need for something bigger... something deeper.  And God gave us Group 412 as that next step.

Through all the work, meetings, work, sharing, and did I mention work?  It is finally coming together.

Group = as in it isn't just about us, it is about the body of Christ coming together to help each other in their walk with Christ

and

412 = for Ephesians 4:12 which states, "to prepare [equip,perfect] God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up" (NIV)

Together, the name symbolizes the dream of providing resources and encouragement to help Christians grow in their walk with Christ.  From brand-spankin'-new members of the faith Family to old-more-experienced vets... the hope is that we might all work together to encourage and disciple one another in faith.

This will come by way of helpful articles, devotions, and weekly Bible study lessons.  Articles will include topics on just about every topic a Christian might need answers on, though admittedly, the full spectrum will not be covered right away!

You can visit the site, though all sections are not fully functioning yet, we are getting it there!  One of the things that did go live this week was the devotional section which I pray to update each week.

Faithful Homeschool will be taking on a new look as well: praying to begin writing more personally on wifery, motherhood, and (of course) homeschooling!  It has been a difficult road to travel, discerning what to lay down and what to pick up.  However, through prayer, God  has given me peace in this transition.

Be sure to check out the new site!  And keep checking back each week as we work towards full completion.  Also, if you like, grab a button (on right hand side of this page) so you can help us promote the message!

Blessings!

The Measure of Life

You hear about those "viral" videos and emails... the ones EVERYONE seems to be viewing.  I think this needs to be one of those:

My husband and I watched it yesterday.  We have been battling the attitude bug lately.  We know it is ramped up spiritual warefare because of the coming trip... but knowing and battling are two seperate things.

Watching Francis Chan describe the measure of our life and the affect of our cares here compared to the measure of an eternal destination... well, lets just say, knowing is half the battle.

Everytime I start to throw out a whip or a remark... every time I start to get offended or pump up on worry and concern over non-essential matters, I picture Francis Chan walking the stage with the rest of that loooooong white rope.  I think of that tiny red tape... and I stop.

It isn't that we shouldn't care about now... it is that the only tomorrow we need to worry about is our eternal one.  Do I hold my breath now because of fear of ridicule on earth.... or do I speak Truth so I won't fear rejection in eternity.

When you look at it on that scale... it seems obvious.  And the now?  Only one thing seems to matter now.

Something to think on ♥

Blessings,

If you agree, would you join me?  Can we make this thing go VIRAL?  Share this video on your facebook, twitter, email... everywhere you can think of.  Lets get some of that Kingdom focus going on in a world that tends to focus too much on itself!

Linking up today with

Intentional Me, Women Living Well, Seeds of Faith, Internet Cafe

Transforming Times

It is one of those transforming times in life... the kind when "planners" like me think they have it all lined up and everything is ready to happen in A...B...C... order.  Just-like-that. 

Yet, what you expect is then transformed... even exceeded in some ways.  The apostle Paul called it a "renewing of our minds"... something we should be continually doing in Christ Jesus - until the day we die.

The yard sale: beyond expectation and more than we could have hoped for.  Not only did we reach our first-level goal of gas to Birmingham... what we didn't expect were the wonderful conversations and opportunities to witness in other peoples lives.  To allow God to work through us to bless the down-trodden... and then receive God's blessings as he worked through others to encourage us.

Our pending travels: sooner than we thought but instead of feeling stressed... we feel excited and ready for the challenge of a 4-week packing and preparing time frame vs. the original 8 weeks we thought we had ahead!

And as a result, God's messages; biblically and interpersonally, have done that "transforming" thing on deep levels.  Levels that make us want to dive deeper-and-deeper.

Not all of life feels like this.  It is like those moments: your wedding day, the birth of a child, the celebration of life, a beautiful-long-awaited-for vacation.... it is wonderful.  But life ultimately ensues on the in-between.

We must admit, though, life does not resume the same.  There is still that essence... the imprint... of what we experienced: the transformation.  It alters our view, deepens our understandings and enriches our being beyond explanation.

I love living in these transforming moments.  I also love and look forward to the moments beyond when these times will continue to deepen my Walk and help me to encourage others.

I pray, for you, to be imprinted with heart-warming-deeply transforming moments in and out of every day of your life.

Blessings,

Linking up today with

Intentional Me, Women Living Well, Seeds of Faith, Internet Cafe 

 

 

Remembering

It hangs in the air - like a mist - the small hand in mine - the growing arms reaching for a hug - the tea parties and dancing and adventures - always adventures.

Moments in time linger in my mind like snapshots and video clips.  I still have a hard time looking through pregnancy magazines.  All that was and can never be again - a swelling,  wiggling belly - a soft bundle in my arms.

But when I sit and share on life's heart moments - anticipating the future of my college student, prep for high school with my daughter, sign-up for volunteer work for my missional 12 year old and listen to the sweet chatter of my 9 year old... the pain dulls and the heart swells.

Lord- let me never forget the sweet fragrance of these years too.  Yesterdays may be gone, but memories live on.  Today is here and must be lived while I'm in it ♥

 Many Blessings,

Linking up today with

Intentional Me, Women Living Well, Seeds of Faith, Internet Cafe and A Holy Experience.

On "E"?

Driving and talking, on the way to the library, just dropped Brooke off for a week at Bible camp.... and then, "Oh no!" we coast to the curb just before the stop sign.

"What's wrong?"... out of gas.  Ok, no problem, I brought cash... lets walk the 1 block (thank you Lord, we were in the center of 'town') and get some.

Gas in.

No start.

Let's flag down a jumper.

No start.

Multiple attempts and much time passed we grabbed our gear and began the 1.5 mile walk home.  Talking of mechanics and tow trucks and all the what-ifs an event like this brings about.

Thanking God, even in our walk, we were not too far away.

All this after a whirl-wind morning, long lines while in a hurry, forgetting needed information for Brooke's trip.

But somehow.... somehow.... God worked it all out.

It is remarkable, after an AMAZING weekend with our fundraiser and really seeing some wonderful blessings and progress in the fund bucket for our trip in September, we would flip over to so much trial and near devastation today.

And for a split second I started to worry.  But I couldn't.

I couldn't, because, I thought back to weeks past, not just this weekend.  I thought back to years past, not just this year.  I thought of all the trials.... and all of the wonderful ways God took care of us.  I thought of doing without... until God gave us what we needed.  I thought of the times I have worried... even when God told me not to and my worry truly was for not.

I couldn't worry.

I couldn't fret.

I could only look to the whole situation with joy and just know, HE had a plan for his glory.  Even if it meant a tow truck and repair shop!

It has been a rough day.  But I know God has been in it.  All the taps of frustration were met with help: a kind person letting me go ahead after a long line... a sales associate who knows me, having change ready when I rushed in for a service... breaking down right next door to a Napa auto store and only one block from a gas station.

It is the silver lining... the trust... the joy.... even in the dismal situations where God shines bright and shows us the way out of enemy fire.

Do not let loyalty and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and of people. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

- Proverbs 3:3-6 (NRSV)

Thank you, Father, for showing us the way out today.

btw... Van is working, mechanic friend gave us a tip to jolt it into action!  What could have been a $300+ fix... was FREE!

Sometimes the tank seems to be on empty, but God has a way to jolt things into action.  Be strong in His Word, be ready in prayer, and trust.... TRUST... even in the rough spots God has a plan and as long as you follow him, he won't let you down!

Many blessings for much joy and peace in Him who guides us!

Steady My Heart

I know I don't normally blog on Mondays but something powerful and beautiful has been on my heart lately, and I felt inspired to share today. 

It is one of those repeated messages:  Trust ME 

So much is whirling around right now.  Both the good and the bad.  Challenges where we live.  Challenges from the liar in our lives who tells us we "can't" even when God is saying we CAN.  And as we step it up yet another notch; fundraising month for the BIG trip, the Spirit says I am with you while the liar says "give up before you start - you will fail".

I don't want to be discouraged... no more than I want to be OVER-zealous.  I want to be steady and I choose to TRUST God is planning to do big things... impossible things. 

God has called us to BIG and impossible things... he is going to reveal himself in BIG and impossible ways and when I turn a deaf ear to the liar... all that is left is to only hear encouragement and TRUTH from the One who holds my life in His hands.

The preacher talked about this in church yesterday.  About Joshua, and his bold public prayer for impossible things...

On the day when the Lord gave the Amorites over to the Israelites, Joshua spoke to the Lord; and he said in the sight of Israel, "Sun, stand still at Gibeon, and Moon, in the valley of Aijalon." And the sun stood still, and the moon stopped

- Joshua 10:12-13b (NRSV) 

Trust is often easier said then done.  Trust in the impossible often makes us look crazy!  But Trusting God for the impossible is the only hope worth living for.

Steady Hearts aren't easy either... but they are possible when we place our hearts in His mighty and capable hands.

The road ahead is a bit scary... I won't lie!  I don't pretend to know how it will all work out.  But I know and TRUST the one who works ALL things out for His Glory.  And so I know I can look forward to all the praise reports HE will give me to share because I trust HIM... and not that mean liar. 

I pray continually that He steadies my heart and strengthens my focus... may He steady your heart too.

Blessings,

Joining Michelle today at: