You may not have liked it, but I did!

Last year when I started this blog, I noticed a lot of people talking about the book The Shack.  I had never heard of it before but was surprised with the controversy surrounding the book.  Shortly after a friend from church shared that she really enjoyed reading it for her book club.  So I went out and bought it.  It’s been sitting on my shelf for months.  Until my evening bible study gal pals suggested reading it for our June assignment.  Last night we met and we all loved it!  Here are some reasons why…

 

• The main character in the book Mack asks God the Father why He left His son, Jesus on the cross.  Mack quotes Jesus’ words “my God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”  God the Father comforts Mack by saying He never left Jesus and asks Mack to “consider this: when all you can see is your pain, perhaps then you lose sight of me.”  He also reminds Mack that the story doesn’t end with Jesus’ suffering.

 

• God the Father tries to correct Mack’s understanding regarding the essence of God.  “You see pain and death as ultimate evils and God as the ultimate betrayer… [and] untrustworthy… The real underlying flaw in your life is that you don’t think I am good.”

 

• Jesus explains the power of releasing our pain to Mack by saying “The darkness hides the true size of fears and lies and regrets.  The truth is they are more shadow than reality, so they seem bigger in the dark.  When the light shines into the places where they live inside you, you start to see them for what they are.”

 

• One of my very favorite parts occurs when the Holy Spirit tells Mack “my very essence is a verb.  I am more attuned to verbs than nouns.  Verbs like …living, loving, responding, growing… Humans, on the other hand, have a knack for taking a verb that is alive and full of grace and turning it into a dead noun or principle that reeks of rules….”  (Read more about “I Am”)

 

• I love how Jesus explains to Mack that God doesn’t want to be on our priority list instead God wants “to be at the center of everything.  When I live in you, then together we can live through everything that happens to you.”

 

As any work of fiction, we have to keep in mind this book is the work of an author – not holy inspired truth!  However, the book ultimately brought my relationship with God to a whole new level.  And that, I believe, is the art of a successful book.

Have you read the book?  What insights did you gain?  If you didn’t like the book why?  Did you find any controversy in the book that led you away from the truth?

Thanks again bible study gal pals!

Do you have a book that has changed the way you look at God?  Is there a book that has inspired you to write?  Have you read something that you couldn’t put down or just had to talk about it with someone?  Come back on Tuesday 6/30/09 for What’s on Your Mind and share your thoughts!

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Do I look good in this?

First of all, we have a NEW winner!  Comment number 17 – Sue – is the winner for the book “The Noticer”.  Sue, please use the contact button above to send me your address or reply to my email sent last night.

 

 

“Do I look good in this?”

 

How many times have you uttered those words before leaving the house?

 

The fashion and beauty industry is huge!  In fact, it’s almost recession proof.  It’s a well known fact that a woman will splurge on cosmetics (even if she doesn’t have any money) just to make herself feel good.  It’s true!

 

Think about the popular TV shows today.  Shows like “The Biggest Loser”.  Yes, it’s a great show – I love it.  But after watching it one night with my 8 yr old, she looked at herself in the mirror and asked, “Do you think I need to lose weight Mom?”  YIKES!

 

Then there’s “American Idol”, “What Not to Wear” and “America’s Next Top Model”, just to name a few.  It’s all about who’s best, who’s prettiest and who’s following all the right rules.  Personally, I may enjoy the shows, but what values are being planted in my heart?

 

Thankfully God doesn’t play by our rules.  Our God fashioned us in His perfect image.  This holy Creator completely adores us the way we are, even though we don’t always live up to His image.  Yet, God delights in you.  When you find yourself in not so pretty situations, God still loves you unconditionally.  In fact, He says in Isaiah 61 that He will

bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair

 

I’m excited to share my thoughts on beauty in Christ to a Mom and Daughter group this weekend.  Wanna help?  When you think about these two countering views of beauty what images come to mind?  Do you think about certain public personas, Barbie, or TV shows?  Then, what has God laid on your heart about His true perfect image fashioned in you?

 

Thanks for helping!  Happy Friday!

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Mom’s Day plus a little direction

I’m feeling the need for a little direction today.  How about you?  Over the weekend I visited my home church in Michigan while staying with my parents.  The pastor joked about using his GPS all the time and the desire to have a spiritual global positioning system.  Wouldn’t that be great?  Head on over to Exemplify for more on direction.

 

One of my favorite professional bloggers is Katherine Stone.  She writes on postpartum mood disorders, which includes postpartum depression, the ailment I was smacked with 8 years ago with the birth of my daughter.  To honor Mother’s Day Katherine is hosting a very special event which I think you will enjoy.  Check it out.

 

Also, don’t forget about the Mom’s Day giveaway continuing at 5 Minutes for Mom!

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Living on the Edge

God is great.

God is good.

Let us thank Him

for our food.  Amen

 

Have you prayed that sweet child-like prayer before? 

 

It might be sweet and we might teach it to children, but this prayer is beyond our understanding.

 

“Let us thank God for our food.”  Do you know where your dinner last night came from?  You probably purchased it at the grocery store, or at a local eatery… 

 

My dinner - lasagna.  Bought ingredients at store.  Money came from odd and end jobs, not the normal monthly income (we ran out of that money yesterday).

 

My point?  I know where my food came from… I didn’t have to pray that God would feed my family tonight.  But, yet, we thank God in prayer each night AS IF He supplied our need.

 

Ultimately, I KNOW that God provides.  He blesses our family with jobs which pay the bills (most of the time).  And I do believe that God is truly in control.  However, I don’t truly rely on Him like I should.

 

Why do I tell you this? 

 

Last weekend I had to rely on God more than ever.  I led a retreat with all new material.  I planned and researched with plenty of time to prepare… but things didn’t come together as normal.

 

So as the days got closer my stomach felt sicker and my nerves grew thinner.  I knew I was doing every “right”.  I knew God would come through.  But I’ve never been so close to the edge with just prayer to hold on to.  I was scared and exhilarated all at the same time.

 

It was amazing to watch how God orchestrated every detail. 

• worship songs
• testimonies
• bible verses
• introductions

Every detail was perfectly arranged.  And NONE of us could say we planned it that way.  It was ALL Him.  And I love that!  I love living under His wing.  And I want to learn how to live like that each and every day!

 

 

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What’s on Your Mind ~ God’s Call

Today, I’d like to do a “reverse” blog post.  Instead of writing my heart’s passion and allow you to comment… I’d like YOU to do all the sharing.  Then throughout the week we’ll discuss more. 

 

Your topic: What area of ministry is God calling you to serve?

 

First, the ground rules.  There are no right or wrong answers!  God has uniquely equipped you for His ultimate purpose.  (Psalm 139)

 

Secondly, finding the area where God is calling you to serve may be obvious, for others it may take some time.  Feel free to share where you are at in this spectrum.

 

Finally, life is full of seasons.  You may find yourself in a “public” season where you are able to serve in your local or global church.  At other times God may call you to serve “privately” for the church within your own heart or within your own home.

 

If you still need a little guidance take a look at one pastor’s thoughts on this topic. 

 

So, go ahead and blog away!  Write a post and link it here… anytime this week is great!  Or, take a second to fill out a comment below (you may need to click on the word comments found under the title above).

 

Looking forward to hearing how God is moving in your life.

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What’s on Your Mind ‘09 – is God in control?

If God is in control of all things, what is my role?

I was terrified this morning when my dog (that we recently adopted) ran across the street right in front of a moving car.  Thankfully the car saw her and was coming to a stop anyway.  I am also thankful that the driver kept her eyes on my dog as she darted back toward home – again - in front of the car!

My dog, Buttercup, was totally oblivious to the danger.  In fact, when we got into the house she sat attentively right in front of the treats, asking me to reward her for her outdoor behavior!  My initial instinct was to punish her.  But, instead, I handed her a treat, thankful that she was safe.

I wonder how many times my day-to-day actions horrify my Father in heaven.  Many of which, probably pass right by my mind without a second thought.

Romans 12:2: Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.

My role as a follower of Christ is to continually seek God.  To renew my soul through His life-giving Word.  It’s a daily sacrifice of breaking my sinful nature, laying down my own agenda (even if just for a moment), and seek Him.

Last night I was reading in a new devotional that I just picked up over the holiday called He is My Freedom by Debbie Alsdorf.  She reminded me of the awesome truths found in Isaiah 9:6:

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

The truth is that God holds authority for ALL THINGS on His shoulders.  Which includes my life – everything about me.  Debbie asks readers “How does that truth help you today?”  After my thankful reply I wrote, “I wonder… why do I allow myself to stray away, to not seek Him daily.”  I mean, why wouldn’t I want to put my life in Jesus’ hands?  Look at the 4 phrases listed in Isaiah 9:6.

• He is the best listener and gives perfect advise. 
• He is mighty, strong, all powerful. 
• He is always there and constant source of every need. 
• God is just, and grants peace.

He is everything I need and more.  God promises to work all things for good, Romans 8:28, even my mistakes. 

Just as I have promised to care for my new adoptee in the house, I need to take time to seek MY owner.  I must check in for my daily training and guidance.  I will sit as His feet, in spirit and truth, learning to lean on Him and less of me.

Looking forward to hearing What’s on Your Mind!  It’s YOUR turn.  Post your thoughts on God and control and link it here.  Also, please mention Heart Reflections on your post so others can join in.  If you don’t have a blog, plug in your conversation through the comments! 

(I’m sorry that you can’t see the links without clicking on Mr Linky.  I’m working on changing that.  At this point, wordpress (the free version) doesn’t allow JavaScript which is what I need to display all the links.  But, go ahead and click!  It’s fun!)

Click on What’s on Your Mind ‘09 for next week’s theme and host home! 

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Links for Living!

Happy first Monday of 2009!  Today, I offer you three great links for better living!

1. God and Control!  While researching our What’s on Your Mind subject for tomorrow, I came across a great illustration that demonstrates how we are still responsible while our great God remains in control.  I hope you participate in our blog carnival this Tuesday with your own post or comments!
2. The Wild Goose!  My preacher/hubby-man delivered a great sermon this weekend based on the book by Mark Batterson.  If you are a reader, get your hands on a copy of this book.  If you’d like a taste, without reading, follow the first link to my home church where you can listen to the sermon!
3. Organize by Design (for writers only):  Click on this link to learn about an interesting and cheap workshop for writers designed to organize your writing.  It’s a four week course (online) for $25.  Join me! 

I’m looking forward to our first official What’s on Your Mind ‘09 blog carnival tomorrow – Tuesday!  Don’t miss out on all the fun!

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A Memory in School Pictures

As a Mom I look forward to school pictures.  I love seeing my children in a picture that will forever chronicle that school year in history.  When I was a teacher, I deeply disliked school pictures.  Let’s take a trip down memory lane and find out why!

How’s your love life?

If you are interested in winning a free premade blog template by Doodlebug Design make sure you enter the giveaway!

 

We continue the journey of 3:16 The Numbers of Hope by talking about LOVE.  (See these posts for more information about this journey.)

 

How’s your love life?

Red Sea Moments

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on. Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground.