Along The Way

Book Review: A Year with Jesus by R. P. Nettelhorst

2011-11-15T17:10:00.000-05:00

The subtitle of this book is “Daily Reflections and Readings on Jesus’ Own Words” and this 1-year devotional book is just that. A Year with Jesus focuses on the words of Jesus: his sermons, parables, miracles, and interactions with his disciples and Second Temple Jewish leadership. The text is divided into 365 daily devotionals; each one takes about 5 minutes to read. The first half of each devotional is a scripture passage taken from a different translation (i.e, NIV, NKJV) or paraphrase (The Message). The second half of each devo includes a personal reflection or application. Nettelhorst divides the year’s readings into 10 groups to allow readers to contemplate Jesus’ teachings on the following topics: Love and Hate, Truth and Lies, Arrogance and Humility, Friends and Enemies, Belief and Disbelief, Patience and Impatience, Deserved and Undeserved, Good and Evil, Fidelity and Treachery, and Life and Death.

What struck me most about these devotions is their attention to the Jewish roots of Christianity. Nettelhorst places some readings in the context of Jewish holidays and reminds readers of the Messianic expectations of Jesus’ time. I did a little research and discovered that the author not only spent time in Israel (working on a kibbutz) he also did graduate work in Semitic languages. A Year with Jesus is not “scholarly’--it’s very readable and accessible--but it is intelligent, which gives it a plus in my book.

Since I’m reviewing this close to Christmas, I think this would make a great gift for a family member, friend, or Bible study teacher. It’s a little big to be completely portable and won’t fit into a purse or glove compartment (if you’re looking for that sort of book) But I’m thankful that Thomas Nelson valued content over size for this volume.

Highly recommended.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book through Thomas Nelson’s BookSneeze program.

Book Review: The Peace That God Promises

2011-10-26T21:24:00.000-04:00

Book jacket photo from Amazon.com

It's not easy to classify Ann Spangler's book "The Peace That God Promises". It's not a how-to book, though the author shares practical advice. It's not a self-help book, though it provides counsel on living well. It's not a Bible study, though it's filled with insights and verses from Scripture.

What Spangler has written is an insightful and intelligent guide to be read, highlighted, discussed, and read again.

Spangler opens the book with two concepts culled from her own personal study, namely that the stories we tell ourselves have an effect on the peace we experience in our lives and how we choose to remember our lives--and whether we're truthful with ourselves-- has an impact on our sense of peace.

If our lives are filled with falsehood, we have difficulty finding and experiencing peace. Each chapter addresses one aspect of finding peace and Spangler encourages the reader to develop and nurture a peace-filled life through many avenues:
* Forgiving enemies
* Following Christ
* Repentance
* Learning to live in community with others
* Practicing simplicity
* Eliminating hurry
* Observing a day of rest
* Cultivating a life of prayer
* Being mindful of what we say and how we say it

This would be an excellent book for individual or group study. It would also make an appropriate gift for a friend or family member struggling with anxiety. Contains questions to use for individual journaling or discussion in a reading group.

I received a free copy of this book to review through the Amazon Vine program.

Book Review: Smack-Dab in the Middle of God’s Love

2011-08-29T11:09:00.001-04:00

Authors Brennan Manning and John Blase welcome children to learn what it’s like to be Smack-Dab in the Middle of God’s Love. This is a gentle story of a couple “smack-dab in the middle of their years”. Willie Juan and Ana have no children of their own, but all the children in town gravitate toward them because of their easy nature, their open hearts, and Ana’s honey-wonderful sopapillas.

One evening Willie Juan asks the children, “Little friends, someday, when you are in heaven, what do you think Abba will ask you?” (Willie Juan uses the familiar Hebrew, Abba, just as Jesus did) From this question comes a discussion about what it means to be smack-dab in the middle of God’s love.

This is a lovely book. Nicole Tadgell’s illustrations are vibrant and lively with bold yellows and pinks and a rainbow of skin colors. The characters' faces are kindly and the book gently addresses some childhood fears when confronted with a God who is both overwhelmingly big and intimately loving.

Despite it’s good qualities, this book did not bear up to a 2nd reading in my household. It’s a wonderful book for grownups to read, but not very exciting for kids drawn to more action based books. It is quite wordy and repetitive in a way that repeats the message rather than repeats a refrain, as do many books for young children. It wasn’t always very clear what the story was about from page to page. My own children respected this book, but did not enjoy it. Your mileage may vary.

I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson.

Book Review: Managing God's Money by Randy Alcorn

2011-08-07T20:50:00.000-04:00

Does God care how we spend money? How can we apply Biblical teaching to our current financial situation?

Randy Alcorn’s latest book, Managing God’s Money: A Biblical Guide, is a fairly comprehensive overview of Biblical teaching on stewardship. Alcorn’s book is not a “how-to” guide to financial planning. Rather, the first half focuses on developing a scriptural attitude toward money, while the second half provides general guidance on making decisions about handling money in light of the Bible’s teaching.

Alcorn allocates chapters to getting out of debt, teaching children to be good stewards of money and the difference between “grace giving” and tithing. A substantial portion of his book addresses materialism and how it’s gotten Western society into the financial mess we find ourselves in today.

The question and answer format of each chapter made the text easy to follow and the table of contents is handy for browsing through topics of interest. Alcorn’s style is friendly, yet direct and uncompromising, as a good advisor should be. It’s filled with Scripture references and would make an excellent small group or family study.

Recommended for pastors, newlyweds, parents, college students and recent graduates, and those looking to understand the Biblical worldview on handling money.

Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a complementary copy of this book.

Book Review: Money Secrets of the Amish by Lorilee Craker

2011-06-23T22:25:00.000-04:00

I usually review books in this blog, but my latest review is over at my other blog, Frugal Family Friend. The book is called Money Secrets of the Amish: Finding True Abundance in Simplicity, Sharing, and Saving.

I haven't been too impressed with the latest "frugal living" books that have appeared in the bookstores. (Woman discovers coupons!) However, I'm pretty enthusaistic about this one, mostly because it's packed with plenty of practical tips, some of which I'll be sharing on my own frugal living blog.

I'm also hoping to give away this book (reluctantly, because I love it so) at Frugal Family Friend once I'm done taking notes. If you haven't seen my new blog, come on over for a visit.

Shalom, y'all.

Book Review: The Happiness of Pursuit

2011-06-14T15:23:00.000-04:00

The Tour de France is just around the corner and, in my household, the month of July means three solid weeks of cycling on TV. That's why I jumped at the chance to review Davis Phinney's new book, The Happiness of Pursuit, for Amazon Vine.

I'm posting my review here as well. While Phinney's story is not the usual Christian-themed book I typically review on this blog, I found his story to be inspiring and admire the co-writers for "bleeping out" any foul language. I feel pretty secure recommending this to the high school athletes I know.

*****************

The Joy is in the Journey

The Happiness of Pursuit is a multi-layered story. It’s the story of Davis Phinney’s cycling career. It’s the story of his relationship with father, Damon Phinney. It’s the story of his love of family and of getting to see son Taylor compete in the Beijing Olympics. It’s the story of Phinney’s experiences with early onset Parkinson’s Disease. Above all, this book is a collection of stories that reflect Phinney’s never-give-up attitude, which served him well as a cyclist and which he relies on in his battle with Parkinson’s.

Readers looking for a “tell-all” cycling memoir this summer should look elsewhere. Phinney and co-writer Austin Murphy have given us a glimpse into the difficult work and choices that cyclists make in their career. But the point of the story is not the prize at the end nor fame nor fortune, but about celebrating life’s everyday victories whether they be barely hanging on to compete another day of racing or merely getting oneself out of bed.

Though some of the people mentioned in this book will be unfamiliar to those who don't follow professional cycling, even non-fans will find Phinney's story inspirational and engaging. A terrific fathers and sons story that will appeal to older teens and adults alike.

Royal Wedding

2011-04-29T08:30:00.001-04:00

Videotaped the ceremony. Didn't want to wake the kids up. I'm sure glad the ceremony went a little better than this. Very funny.

Book Review: Max on Life by Max Lucado

2011-04-18T05:00:00.008-04:00

Readers have questions and Max has answers. Max on Life is a collection of questions that Lucado has fielded as a pastor, a husband, a father, and an author. The book files questions under categories of Hope, Hurt, Help, Him/Her, Home, Haves/Have-Nots, and Hereafter.

More specifically Max Lucado tackles 172 questions that involve prayer life, discerning God’s calling, dating, disagreements, sex, money, heaven and more. I’ll admit to thumbing through the book looking for answers to the “big questions” and Max does address some, but the book is aimed more at practical advice for Christians, not the theological puzzles that won’t be answered this side of heaven.

Sample questions:
#14: How can I get free of the fear that God might not forgive me?
#64: I’ve asked God to heal me from cancer. He healed my friend from cancer, but so far he hasn’t helped me. My friend says I should pray with more faith. Is she right?
#144: I was born to worry. What advice do you have for us fretters?
#170: ...”How could a loving God send people to Hell?”...Can you help me answer my friend’s question?

Max on Life is a collection of gleanings from Lucado’s years in the ministry and some of his books. Lucado’s answers are brief and pithy, supported by Scripture, and salted with experience. I’d recommend this book to Lucado’s fans, seminarians, pastors, counselors, or anyone involved in a church ministry. Somehow, somewhere, many of these questions are going to crop up.

Max may not have all the answers, but he knows the One who does.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Half the Church by Carolyn Custis James: Book Review

2011-04-06T15:57:00.000-04:00

Carolyn Custis James is concerned about women. While God intends women to “thrive, mature, gain wisdom, hone their gifts, and contribute to his vast purposes in our world” (p. 76), other voices relegate women to, at best, a soft ghetto of second class status, or worse, outright dismissal and horrific abuse.

James has become the voice of a generation of women who desire authentic Christian living that moves beyond platitudes into meaningful action, in which women (and men) live up to their role as God’s image bearers. Half the Church for women to roll up their sleeves and get to work on behalf of the Kingdom.

Have Western interpretations made the gospel message relevant only to white, middle class, married women with children? Or do Jesus’ words and actions have meaning for every woman: the unmarried woman, the widow, the childless, the woman forced into sex trafficking, the Third World child-bride? James’s answer in Half the Church is a resounding yes--and she has both the Scripture and the skills to back it up.

Half the Church will challenge, inspire, possibly provoke, but it will not leave you feeling unmoved. Discussion questions follow each chapter. Note and citations at the end of the book.

I will definitely be passing this one around to friends.

Half the Church: Recapturing God's Global Vision for Women
Carolyn Custis James
Zondervan
2010

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book free from Amazon.com as part of the Amazon Vine program.

Time with God for Mothers by Jack Countryman: Book Review

2011-03-27T21:38:00.000-04:00

Time with God for Mothers by Jack Countryman is a collection of some 90 brief devotions based on verses from the New King James Version. Sprinkled throughout the text are jeweled flowers and butterflies as if to equate Mother with a precious jewel. The devotions are in no particular order or grouping and apply to all mothers, whether they be newly minted moms hauling a diaper bag, or the matriarch of a grown family.

Devotion titles include:

Encouragement Changes Everything
The Joy of a Mother’s Faith
What is Your God-Given Talent?

Appendices include:

Mother’s Prayers in the Bible (think Hannah, Naomi, Mary)
Index to verses about the responsibilities of motherhood (compassion, discipline)
Index to verses about the promises of motherhood (fruitfulness, grace)
A place for notes

I’ve reviewed books by Countryman before and am impressed at how he writes so tenderly for women. The primary mood of these devotions is encouragement and these words of encouragement could easily have come from a son reflecting on what a godly mother taught him. This is a lovely volume containing powerful Scripture and easy to read devotions that would make a great gift for your own Mom, a new mom, or a friend who’s a mom.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Eat Your Peas for Mom: Book Review

2011-03-15T22:07:00.000-04:00

Today’s mail packet contained a small volume that’s part of the “Eat Your Peas” series of books by Cheryl Karpen. Eat Your Peas for Mom is subtitled Simple Truths and Happy Insights. The “eat your peas” part comes from Karpen’s own mother’s advice and this book contains something the author calls “nutrients for your heart.”

I love the cover design, but as I began flipping through the pages of this book I thought, “Oh dear. This one’s going to be glurgy.” Call me a cynical child of the 1980‘s, but I’m not a fan of overly sentimental collections of phrases and this one does have a few. [Maybe I’ve had one too many sappy emails in my in-box?]

Yet, when I sat down and went through the pages in order I could see a beautiful progression of sentiments that seemed to capture a woman’s thoughts about mother that range from:

You reassured me as a child
You put up with me as a teen and young adult
The things you did now start to make sense to me
I am who I am because of you
I’ll always need you--but right now I want you to get out there and do the things you put off when you had children

Part apology, part head-smacking “why didn’t I appreciate you sooner,” there are some lovely thoughts expressed here that'll warm mom's heart. But if this book really captures your feelings toward mom, use some of the ample white space on the left-side pages and write her a personal note. Otherwise, it’s just a book.

So, I'm of mixed feelings about this book. It's definitely a "gift book" and it really depends on the giver and receiver as to whether or not this will make a good gift. The spring release of Eat Your Peas for Mom is just in time to order for Mother’s Day on May 8th.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Renew Your Strength

2011-03-04T19:17:00.000-05:00

The inspiration for this week's Jesus Boat Blog post came from a Scripture verse I saw at my son's Tae Kwon Do class. Master Perri and instructor Karen both have Zech. 4:6 on their black belts. (and that is so cool)

So, of course I had to look it up:

So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty. Zechariah 4:6 NIV

I thought that a post talking about Tae Kwon Do might sound strange coming from a blog out of Israel (I could be wrong) so I changed the sport to weightlifting.

Here's this week's post:

Renew Your Strength

The man plants his feet on the mat and steadies his legs. He bends his knees and grips a steel bar firmly with both hands. His face twists into a grimace as he straightens his legs and hoists the weighted barbell high above his head. He releases the weight and raises muscled arms in triumph: a new world record.

Athletes who perform feats of amazing strength are easy to identify by their muscular arms and legs. Less obvious to the eye are the ordinary strongmen around us: those who shoulder heavy burdens and endure uncommon difficulties. From where do they get their strength? How do we gain that strength?

Read the rest at The Jesus Boat Blog

A Path Through the Legos--Monday Manna

2011-02-28T06:08:00.002-05:00

Today I’m joining in Monday Manna over at Vonnie Blake’s blog, My Back Door. The purpose of Monday Manna is to get to know God’s word a little better by meditating on a selected verse, then writing about it and linking up with fellow bloggers.

This week’s verse is Psalm 18:36 --
“Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip.” (KJV)

Living in a house inhabited by boys, the first image that sprang to mind was of carefully navigating the minefield of Legos, Hot Wheels, and Star Wars figurines that emerges in our living room every day after school. You don't step on the Legos (ouch); you stick to the uncluttered path (wherever that might be).

The smooth path is the better way.

The NIV gives a different translation, “You provide a broad path for my feet, so that my ankles do not give way.” The HCSB translates the verse, “You widen [a place] beneath me for my steps, and my ankles do not give way.”

One of my favorite classes in seminary was the “maps class”: Historical Geography of the Bible. For an entire semester we traced the paths the Israelites took as they traveled to and through the Promised Land. The Psalmist was quite familiar with the difference between the wide and narrow paths. The best roads to travel were between mountains and across the wide, flat plains. These became the highways that merchants, kings, and armies used. It’s possible to travel over the mountains, but you need nimble feet and steady ankles.

The smooth path is the better way.

The New Century Version translates, “You give me a better way to live, so I live as you want me to.”

You have to navigate through life's problems and dangers, they come to the believer as well as the unbeliever. Walk in the way of the world (be this thin, buy this car, earn this much, you can do it--just think positive) and you're likely to wind up with a foot full of Legos. Walk in The Way of Jesus and he will enlarge your steps: “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matt. 11:30)

Let Jesus be your guide. His smooth path is the better way.

You clear the way for me, and now I won't stumble. (CEV)

Quiet Time - Monday Manna

2011-02-21T05:17:00.002-05:00

I’m participating in Monday Manna today over at Joanne Sher’s blog, “An Open Book”. The purpose of Monday Manna is to get to know God’s word a little better by meditating on a selected verse, then writing about it and linking up with fellow bloggers. It’s interesting to see how each verse impacts us since our lives and locations are different.

Today’s verse is Psalm 27:8 from the New Living Translation (NLT) “My heart has heard you say, ‘Come and talk with me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.”

As a stay-at-home-mom with two active boys and an erratic schedule, I struggle with finding...

Quiet Time

Dear Lord,
I hear you call
and I’m coming
Then I hear a crash and a child wails and a voice cries, “Mom” and
there’s milk all over the kitchen floor.

Dear Lord,
I hear you call
and my heart is warmed
Then the cat throws up and the children shriek and
are we out of paper towels again?

Dear Lord,
I hear you call
as I tiptoe out of my dawn-lit room
Then a child walks in, yawns “You woke me up” and
sits on the open Bible in my lap.

Dear Lord,
I hear you call
but my heart is torn
‘Cause it’s finally quiet and I can talk
in complete sentences
with the man that I married
before I forget his first name isn’t “Daddy.”

Dear Lord,
I hear you call
and I want to choose the better part
Then one voice whines, another cries, and someone needs
(was that a meow?)
and Martha is pulled back to her kitchen.

Dear Lord,

Photo: Geri-Jean Blanchard

I hear you call
in a quiet oasis when
I’m early for car line with ten silent minutes
alone
Just the two of us

And my heart cries, “Lord, I am here!”

What are we waiting for?

2011-02-18T13:31:00.000-05:00

Here's the weekly Jesus Boat Blog post. I've had waiting on my mind lately...I'm not always a very patient person.

What are we waiting for?

Instant coffee. Instant messaging. Instant replay. We live at speeds unimaginable to earlier generations. Ours is the era of fast forward, our Internet-fueled lifestyle feeding our desire for instant gratification. And the faster we move, the more we need the words of Scripture to teach us to slow down...and wait.

We don’t like to wait. But, then again, neither did Abraham and Sarah, nor the disciples praying with Jesus in the Garden, nor the Israelites on their way to the Promised Land.

But our Lord knows that it is good for us to wait, to learn how to wait well, and to learn how to live our lives in the in-between times.

Through Scripture we learn:
  It is good to wait quietly (Lamentations 3:26)
  Wait patiently (Psalm 40:1)
  With courage (Psalm 27:14)
  And in his word put our hope (Psalm 130:5)

As believers in Christ, we are not passively waiting, but active as we learn:
  From the widow, to pray with persistence (Luke 18:1-8)
  From the bridesmaids to keep ourselves ready (Matt. 25:1-13)
  From Paul to depend on the Lord for strength (1 Cor. 1:7-8)
  From James to refrain from grumbling (James 5:7)

There are times, however, when we’re told not to wait...

To read the rest, visit The Jesus Boat Blog.

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-13T20:43:00.000-05:00

Since I'll probably be pretty busy on Monday (school holiday), I thought I'd post an early Valentine tonight. Here's a love-themed post that I wrote for the Jesus Boat Blog. This one sprang from an idea I had while waiting for my kids at church and was fascinating to finally put together.

Enjoy!
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Without Love, I Gain Nothing

The most thrilling words ever written about love are not found within the pages of a romance novel or the inside of a greeting card. They’re found in the cherished stories, the powerful declarations, and selfless acts of fidelity woven throughout Scripture.

Scripture contains examples of, not only God’s great and abiding love for us, but love expressed between husband and wife, father and son, mother and daughter-in-law, and close friends.

Today we’ll allow the men and women of the Bible speak to us as we reflect on the timeless principles Paul shared with the Corinthians two centuries ago.

Love is patient
So Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her. (Gen. 29:20)

Love is kind
But to Hannah he gave a double portion because he loved her, and the LORD had closed her womb. (1 Sam. 1:5)

Love does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor.” (Ruth 2:2)

...Read the rest of this post at the Jesus Boat Blog

CAST your cares upon the Lord

2011-02-08T20:58:00.001-05:00

I wrote this post a couple of weeks ago for the Jesus Boat Blog. This post originated in my desire to read more about how not to worry. I guess I'm not the only one concerned with worry....this post had the highest number of views, "likes," and comments since I started writing for JBB last year.

Hope this blesses you as well!

Shalom y'all. --Karen
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CAST your cares upon the Lord

Bad news in the papers. Dire warnings on television and the Internet. We live in uncertain times. But when have times ever not been “uncertain”? Since the fall from Eden, our world has been plagued by crime, illness, division, natural disasters, and other ills.

Even when life is free from catastrophic disasters, there are still everyday epics. Will I find a job? Can we afford a house? Should we let our children play outside?

We know that Jesus tells us, “Do not worry.” We know that our Father cares about us. We know this in our heads, but do we feel it in our hearts?

Visit the Jesus Boat Blog to read the rest...

Jesus is no Jedi

2011-01-24T13:55:00.001-05:00

Today I'm linking up with Joanne Sher's blog "An Open Book" to talk about today's verse. I think I took a different tack on this, but the question of why bad things happen has been on my mind...

Today's Monday Manna verse is:

“And (Jesus) did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.” --- Matthew 13:58

Growing up in the Star Wars era, I was fascinated by the saga of Luke Skywalker What kid wouldn’t want to be able to use the Force to defeat bullies and get a few chores done?

Then there’s that verse in the Bible where Jesus says, “...if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matt. 17:20)

Whoa. Talk about a Jedi moment. I envisioned moving mountains, like Yoda raising Luke’s X-Wing fighter from the swamps of Dagobah. All it took was a little faith...

Well, not really. I knew better than that.

But I think we can get a bit confused about the connection between faith and miracles. We’re tempted to believe that if we only have a little more faith something incredible will happen. But what if the miracle doesn’t come: people die, storms ravage, cancer comes back Does that necessarily imply a lack of faith?

Is God saying to us when life slips away, as Darth Vader did, “I find your lack of faith disturbing.”

No, absolutely not.

Throughout his earthly ministry Jesus performed many miracles, giving credit to faith:

“Take heart, daughter. Your faith has healed you,” (Matt. 9:22)
When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” (Mark 2:5)
“Receive your sight, your faith has healed you.” (Luke 18:42)

However, Scripture also tells us that Paul prayed for a “thorn” to be removed and it wasn’t. (2 Cor. 12) No one would accuse Paul of having little faith.

Give thanks for miracles. They display God’s glory. They uplift the believer. They astound the unbeliever. And no doubt about it--the story from which today’s verse was taken is a cautionary tale. We should guard and grow our faith through prayer and study. But we should keep in mind that there’s no mystical, “force” of faith that we need to learn to manipulate to bring about miracles.

With God, nothing is impossible. But Jesus is no Jedi. Thank God for that.

New Year, New Beginning

2011-01-16T21:46:00.000-05:00

This one didn't quite show up on The Jesus Boat Blog with all my formatting. But I love these verses, so I'm posting it here.

New Year New Beginning

Happy New Year friends and readers! Did you begin 2011 with any New Year’s resolutions?

Perhaps this year you’ve decided to read through the entire Bible in a year--or elected to read it through once more...
Perhaps this year you resolved to choose a spiritual discipline, such as prayer or fasting, and make it a greater part of your life...
Perhaps this year you’ll quiet yourself and listen for God’s particular calling for your life...
Perhaps this is the year that you’ll visit the Holy Land or begin planning and saving for a future trip!

Whether you elected to make a list of New Year’s resolutions or treated January 1st as a day like any other, rejoice that our God is the God of new beginnings. He welcomes the sinner who repents. (Luke 15:7) He upholds the righteous. (Ps 37:17). Through Christ, we are a new creation. (2 Cor 5:17) And, as believers, we need not fear what may happen in the coming year, for through Christ we have overcome the world. (1 John 5:4)

Whatever you do in 2011, commit yourself (and your resolutions) to the Lord. Here are some verses to start the year:

Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. (Prov. 16:3)
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps. (Prov. 16:9)
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 3:13-14)
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jer 29:11)

Thank you for following Along the Way (and The Jesus Boat Blog, if you do). Shalom and may God bless you this year.

Clearing out the Clutter

2011-01-12T20:42:00.000-05:00

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal... (Matt. 6:19)

(Not my closet, but you get the picture)
Photo by Chris Scott @ stock.xchng

Well, I’m not sure about “treasures on earth”, but one of our biggest household problems is clutter. The problem with clutter is that it’s hard to find the good stuff amid all the other stuff.

One of the things we used to do annually in the library was weed the collection. Studies have shown that discarding books that aren’t circulating (or are out of date) helps improve the use of the rest of the collection. Who knew?

During the past couple of months I’ve been weeding our house. Not only have I cleared out some stuff we’re not using, I’ve found some things that we needed: a padded laptop case, winter accessories, CD storage cases. Now, my house is cleaner and I didn’t need to repurchase these items at the store.

Here are some of our family tips for what we’ve been weeding so far:

Toys: I start right after school begins in the fall (while the kids are at school). I pull out the toys that don’t get played with and separate them into piles for consignment, donation, trash. Last fall I made some cash for Christmas shopping by consigning toys and DVDs that they’ve outgrown. I gave educational toys to the preschool. So far, nobody has missed anything and between birthdays and Christmas, they have new stuff anyway.

Clothes: Kids clothes are easy. Once they’ve been outgrown, handed-down, and outgrown again, most of them are ready for the trash bin. Good condition children’s clothes go to charity. I’d already given ours away to Goodwill when I heard about Clothes To Kids and their need for warm clothes this winter.

Likewise, my husband gathered up some good condition sweaters for the Red Cross warm clothing drive. Clothes in poor condition went into the trash. I did a serious weeding of my closet last year, but it’s time once again. Good stuff to charity; bad stuff to the trashbin.

Documents: Since I don’t like to use my shredder when the kids are around (3 guesses why), I haven’t shredded tax documents and personal papers in many years. Good Housekeeping recommends keeping 3 years of personal or 6 years of supporting business documents for tax returns. The IRS has an interesting article on how long to keep tax returns. This Bankrate.com article provides a list of what basic records to keep.

Here are a couple good clutter-clearing websites:

25 Ideas from Good Housekeeping
http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/organizing/clean-out-clutter

Organized Home
http://organizedhome.com/articles/cut-clutter

Cleaning up in 2011

2011-01-10T11:25:00.000-05:00

"This is the year," I keep telling myself, "This is the year we'll get it together."

What's the "it"? Our house and garage.

After 6 years of survival cleaning and just making do--since the birth of our older son--we finally have a little more time to get ourselves organized.

We're talking:

6 years of shoving stuff under the bed and in the closet
6 years of throwing stuff into the garage
6 years of tucking papers into file cabinets, folders, and boxes
6 years of things just wandering around the house: scattering to corners, collecting in piles, languishing in drawers

Since our house is on the smallish side, 6 years of "stuff", can really add up and cramp our living space. But this is the year to tackle some of our big organizational problems. It's 2011 and here we go.

The first step? Getting rid of stuff.

More on that later....

Shalom y'all!

Karen

Are we any different because of Christmas?

2011-01-04T21:37:00.000-05:00

Had the new year on my mind for last week's Jesus Boat Blog post. This was inspired by a question asked during one of the sermons of Advent and Christmas at First United Methodist St. Petersburg. (Thanks, Pastor David)

I hope to be blogging here a little more in 2011--but I will keep posting links to my Jesus Boat Blog posts as they're published.

Shalom, y'all!

Because of Christmas

This Christmas we remembered the blessed birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. On Christmas Eve, worshippers celebrated in festive family services, joyful praise and worship, or quiet candlelight contemplation. We gathered with family and friends or spent time serving strangers. Now the gifts are unwrapped and the leftovers are picked over. Some have already taken down their decorations. Many are glad the holiday is finally over. But a question remains to be asked:

Are we any different because of Christmas?

You'll find the rest of this post at http://www.jesusboatmuseum.com/blog/?p=873

Book Review: Nelson's Biblical Cyclopedic Index

2010-12-27T22:30:00.001-05:00

My copy of Nelson's Biblical Cyclopedic Index (BCI) bills itself as the "Best Bible Subject Index Ever". I'm not sure I'm qualified to evaluate that claim, but I will say that this little volume came in mighty handy this evening as I prepared to write my weekly blog post at another site. I needed verses to go with the theme of "changed lives" and while I did not find those exact terms, I did find plenty under "repent" and "repentance" with a pointer to "conversion". A search on "birth" led to "new birth" and "born again" and finally to the perfect verse in Titus to round out my column.

The BCI includes a collection of word studies from the Old and New Testaments: covenant, forgive, grace, etc. Most headings, unless a proper name or simple concept, contain a list of subheadings which make it useful for developing a Bible study or talk. For example: "Faith" is subdivided into topics such as "Nature of", "Obtained from", "Kinds of", "Described as", and "Examples of" in both the Old and New Testaments. After each reference is a scripture reference that fits the topic.

Want to know all about the Moabites? You'll find "History of", "Characteristics of", "Prophecies concerning their...." Curious about the Jewish calendar? There's a scriptural reference for every month. Want some basics on the life of Paul? You'll find 2 pages of references.

It's not perfect. There's a really cool list of measurements not found under "measurement" but under "Jewish measures". So you'll want to do some browsing, highlighting, and tabbing of interesting pages. But I'm sure I'll use this reference as a go-to source for whatever topic I'm writing on each week.

The BCI is easy to use and small enough to slip into a tote bag and bring to Bible study (though I will need my glasses). Highly recommended for personal use or as a gift for a Bible teacher or friend.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Ready for Christmas?

2010-12-22T00:14:00.000-05:00

Suddenly it's December 21st and we're well into the 4th week of Advent and it feels as though the pressure is on. How do I not lose Christ at Christmas? Here's my latest post over at the Jesus Boat Blog.

**********************

Ready for Christmas

Are you ready for Christmas?

The question hangs in the air as you review an internal checklist: gifts purchased? cards sent? menu planned? travel plans confirmed?

While the house may be clean and decorated to celebrate with friends and family, how have you prepared your heart to celebrate the birth of our Savior?

Christmas Day is preceded by the season of Advent, or “coming”: four weeks of preparation and waiting marked by reminders of our need for a savior and punctuated by joy that God has indeed redeemed us through his son, Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us.

To read the rest, visit http://www.jesusboatmuseum.com/blog/?p=844

Shalom, y'all!
Karen

Waiting for Christmas

2010-12-16T22:35:00.000-05:00

I've been blogging this year over at The Jesus Boat Blog (affiliated with the Jesus Boat Museum in Israel). The Advent season has me struggling, as always, with keeping my focus on Christ at Christmastime. Having 2 young children has made me long for the days when the only distractions were work and school.

Here's an except from my latest post. I've found that writing during Advent is a wonderful way to keep my focus where it should be.

Waiting for Christmas
They never heard him give a sermon, never listened to him tell a parable, never saw him perform a miracle. Long before his words and deeds would bring many to revere him and others to condemn him, two witnesses proclaimed Jesus as the long awaited Messiah.

“Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.” (Luke 2:25-26)

When the Sprit led Simeon to the infant Jesus, he found the fulfillment of God’s promise and peace filled his soul. For, to see Jesus was to behold salvation.

To read the rest, visit http://www.jesusboatmuseum.com/blog/

Monday Manna: Live as Free People

2010-11-15T06:00:00.001-05:00

Americans cherish our freedoms. We can do anything we want. Really. There are so many choices right now in America that, given enough income, we can live almost any lifestyle we care to pursue. As they say, "It's a free country."

Thursday morning's news broadcast included an outrageous story about a man who had published a sort of "self-help guide" aimed at pedophiles. The book was temporarily available at Amazon for the Kindle platform until enough angry Amazon users insisted that it be removed from the inventory. The author, when interviewed, was unapologetic.

The scary thing is that a surprising number of people would object to Amazon's actions as censorship. I even know a few former colleagues who would probably agree. Freedom of expression and the freedom to read trumps pretty much anything else in their minds. For them, there is no such thing as evil, unless it is the suppression of freedom.

Such is the lure of evil.

This is an extreme example, but believers can easily forget that freedom does not mean license.

There are no church authorities checking up on me every week. No lighting will strike me when I sin. I'm fairly free to make choices regarding my time and my money without much fear of earthly consequences.

That's why Peter's challenge is particularly apt. I have freedom, but with that freedom comes responsibility. I am "God's special possession", a "foreigner and exile", "called out of darkness." My actions have consequences. When I do good, it exposes (and silences) the "ignorant talk of foolish people." Good deeds, done in Christ's name, can cause even the pagans to praise God. (1 Peter 2)

It's a free country. I can do anything I want. I choose to live as God's servant.

Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves.
1 Peter 2:16 NIV

Book Review: On This Day in Christian History by Robert J. Morgan

2010-11-11T11:26:00.001-05:00

On This Day in Christian History: 365 Amazing and Inspiring Stories About Saints, Martyrs, and Heroes by Robert J. Morgan

Although subtitled "saints, martyrs, and heroes", Morgan's brief glimpses into the history of Christianity also include rogues, cheats, and scoundrels who used Christ's name for their own gain. Morgan's daily stories include the full panoply (good and bad) of Christian history. November's entries include: Dietrich Bonhoeffer (pastor and martyr), Augustus Toplady (author of Rock of Ages), the Council of Constance (which reunited a divided papacy), John Bunyan (author of The Pilgrim's Progress) and James and Emily Gilmore (missionaries to China).

There's a story or profile for each day of the year, but Morgan does not present history sequentially, or even thematically. Instead, each story has a link to a particular date: June 17, the day Dwight Moody arrived in England for a fateful series of crusades; April 9, the beginning of the Azusa Street Revival; October 22, a day in 1844 when a large number of New Englanders believed the world would end. You'll find stories about outrageously bad popes, selfless missionaries, quarreling reformers, unlikely hymn writers, and ordinary people whose lives and witness influenced our history.

I admire Morgan's book for the breadth of history he attempts to cover. Sometimes there's only enough of the story to pique the reader's interest, but for history lovers or even the mildly curious On This Day provides food for thought and an accompanying Bible verse for meditation. Readers will definitely learn something new within these pages.

I recommend this book as a gift for Christian history lovers, pastors (sermon illustrations galore), or even yourself.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: God's Promises for Women of Faith

2010-10-07T20:02:00.001-04:00

The latest book I received from Thomas Nelson's BookSneeze program certainly looked promising. No pun intended. The blurb promised that it would contain "promises of God specifically targeting women". The verses are actually good for everyone..but the design and formatting definitely has a feminine flair.

This little book (196 pages) is divided into sections with titles such as "God's Plan for Women is to..." and "God Comforts Women as they Learn to...." Each section contains several subsections supported by scripture. For example:

God Gives Freely to Women....
Power to Defeat Fear
"Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us...." Romans 8:37-39

The pages have a nice feel to them and the font face is easy on the eyes. This book is small enough to slip into a purse, backpack, or diaper bag, but has a sturdy and attractive hardcover.

This would make an excellent gift book for women of any age: friends, Bible study leaders, church staff, neighbors, shut-ins, new moms. It lends itself well to devotional or quiet time reading and provides inspiration for finding just the right scripture for a situation--for you or for a friend or loved one.

And it's just right for helping you meditate on scripture during the day: car line, waiting for appointments, coffee break. Recommended.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this DVD free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

DVD Review: Who is in Charge Anyway?

2010-06-29T14:51:00.003-04:00

"Who is in Charge Anyway?" is the latest in Max Lucado's Hermie and Friends series which follows the adventures of the insects who live in Max's garden.

When Freddie the Flea comes to fix the ladybugs' television set, he overhears little Hailey and Bailey ask their mother, "What's so special about fleas?" Freddie wonders the same thing and, in Hermie and Friends fashion, talks to God about it. Through a series of flashbacks into previous episodes, God reminds Freddie that each of the insects had to learn an important lesson before they found their special talents.

The moral of the story...and one that it not just for kids...is that God created each one of us for a purpose, and sometimes it takes awhile to find out what that purpose is.

The Hermie and Friends videos are quiet stories, suitable for preschool children and their families. The humor is low key and subtle, with the comforting voices of Tim Conway, Sam Mercurio, Vicki Lawrence, Melissa Disney and others. This episode is different from the other Hermie videos since it consists of a series of flashbacks. However, the message, based on Psalm 90:16*, is a powerful one for the entire family. God has a plan for everyone, no matter how small.

*"Show your servants the wonderful things you do; show your greatness to their children. " Psalm 90:16 (from the DVD cover)

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this DVD free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Savings grace

2010-06-11T21:17:00.000-04:00

What shall it profit a woman to save $1.50 and lose her soul?

I've been following several couponing blogs recently and came upon an interesting discussion about whether or not it was ethical to "stack" two different types of coupons in order to save more money. The combination in question is specifically a buy-one-get-one (B1G1) coupon and a 2nd manufacturer's coupon for money off the same item.

Stephanie, the blogger at Couponing101.com, gave the two sides of the issue and took the stand that, no, it wasn't right to combine the two and that she would no longer provide instructions combining those particular coupons in her blog. Then she quoted Titus 2:7 "Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity."

There's been quite a bit of debate among commenters, but I admire her decision to let her faith influence her practice. It doesn't matter that we tell ourselves we're saving money for our family, or to be able to give more to the church or charity. If the Spirit moves our hearts to say, "this is wrong", then no amount of justifying can make an action acceptable.

The temptation is out there to grab all you can, if the register rings it up (and you get away with it), it's OK. After all, the manufacturers and stores overcharge us all anyway, right?

I pray that, as I stretch my budget further this summer, I'm not tempted to cheat a little just to save a few pennies. If Jesus is Lord of my life, then I need to act as a child of His Kingdom, even when it comes to little slips of paper in the store.

Shalom y'all.

Book Review: God's Promises for Boys

2010-05-23T22:35:00.003-04:00

Jack Countryman and Amy Parker present a small volume of verses in one of the latest entries in the "God's Promises" series: God's Promises for Boys.

The formula is simple: create a list of scenarios that a boy might encounter, add relevant Bible verses, sprinkle with whimsical illustrations to attract the eye and speak to the heart. The result is a charming book that makes a nice gift for an older preschool or young elementary-aged boy.

Each 2-page spread focuses on a different topic. For example:

God's promises when you are happy, when you are worried, when you are angry

God's promises about the man you'll grow up to be, about being a good brother, about being a better friend

I shared this book with my own preschool-aged boys, who looked at the pictures while I read selected verses that I thought they might grasp. Whether they understood or not, they sat thoughtfully looking at the pictures as we talked about God's promises when you're afraid and when you need to be a good sport. I like that this book celebrates and uplifts boys (God Needs Boys, Stay Strong, Wear His Armor) while teaching Biblical truths that apply as much to parents as to children.

I plan to leave this on their bookshelf: to pick up when we need a discussion starter or an encouraging verse to help them navigate the sometimes rough seas of childhood.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

My experience with Examiner.com...so far

2010-05-08T08:55:00.000-04:00

My blog has been a bit empty lately, except for book reviews, for one reason. I started writing a column (now 2) at Examiner.com. I'm now the "St. Petersburg Frugal Family Examiner" and the "St. Petersburg Frugal Living Examiner."

I have no plans to get rich doing this. The pay is roughly $1 per article, if the article has a local focus (not too difficult to do). Examiner is a little vague about how all the page usage translates into payment, but it appears that it's roughly a penny a page view (assuming the viewer lingers on the page long enough to read part of it, and isn't just passing through).

I'm enjoying the writing aspect of this: figuring out the best way to communicate to a web audience, crafting headlines that are search engine friendly, planning what stories to cover and when. It keeps me in the discipline of writing, which has made writing articles for submission to other publications easier. I love the research aspect: finding press releases, clipping items from the newspaper, rediscovering all the places where information is posted on the web. I feel like I'm back at the reference desk.

But the most rewarding aspect has been saving my family money--which is why I picked the "frugal" topics over the others. I've discovered new ways to stretch our budget. I've visited some new resale shops in our town. I've enjoyed talking with local shop owners, bankers, clerks, and other moms. I'm doing what we moms do anyway--figure out how to get the best deal on anything. Only now I'm sharing it with the world. Well, my little Internet corner of the world.

How's it going? So far so good.

Book Review: Divannomics

2010-05-03T15:44:00.000-04:00

The subtitle of this latest book by Michelle McKinney Hammond is "How to Still be Fabulous When You're Broke" and she is pretty fabulous. But girlfriend, I have mixed feelings about this book.

Michelle McKinney Hammond has written an overview of how to live large on a small budget. She gives some sound advice: shop at discount stores, separate your wants from your needs, clip coupons, don't buy more than you can afford. She encourages women to focus on their relationship with God over their relationship with credit cards.

More autobiography than advice, some of her tips are definitely big city, single gal: make dinner out of cocktail hour snacks in hotel lobbies. This won't work for the mom schlepping it out in the suburbs. Never having had the lifestyle Ms. Hammond once enjoyed, I found my self thinking "I already knew that" through most of the book.

However, she has an incredibly warm and engaging style that makes me want to read more of her writing or hear her speak at a conference. I'd recommend this book for Divas whose fortunes have fallen with the stock market. For the rest of us middle class folks, I say "Girlfriend, we're way ahead of you."

Divanomics: How to still be fabulous when you're broke, by Michelle McKinney Hammond, Tyndale House Publishers, 2010.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: If I Could Ask God Anything

2010-04-27T21:25:00.001-04:00

What is heaven like?

How do we know the Bible is true?

If God loves people, why do bad things happen?

Kathryn Slattery’s book, If I Could Ask God Anything: Awesome Bible Answers for Curious Kids, does not try to come up with the definitive answer to these (and other) questions, but attempts to be a resource guide for parents and Sunday School teachers. She divided the questions into categories: God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the Bible, Christianity, Prayer, the Church, Christian seasons & holidays, Christian life--and afterlife, and “the Big Questions.”

Since this book is geared toward elementary aged children the answers are brief and uncomplicated. This won’t satisfy teens or adults, but is a good starting point for kids. A few of the questions were probably gleaned from Slattery’s years as a teacher and parent, “What did Jesus look like?” and “What do I do when the church service is boring?” A few are softballs: “Is it OK for me to invite a friend to visit my church?” and “What’s a good bedtime prayer?” However some questions invite thoughtful dialogue and encourage children (and adults) to delve further into their Bibles: “How does the Holy Spirit help me?” and “Does God stop loving me when I sin?”

Because the author created this book to be non-denominational, some parents and kids may want to read this together and talk about how their particular church observes baptism and communion. However, the book is orthodox all the way, funny at times, and a good addition to a home library if you do not already have a similar title.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Line Between Frugal and Cheap

2010-03-31T09:57:00.002-04:00

As we walked the aisles of our local grocery store yesterday, my 3-year-old happily chirped “Buy one, get one free.” It appears I’ve passed my spending habits on to my sons.

I like to think of myself as frugal. I combine BOGO deals with coupons. I squeeze every last drop out of a toothpaste tube. When a local department store went out of business, I bought so much discounted shampoo and conditioner that I didn’t have to purchase any more for a year.

But I struggle with cheap. There’s a fine line between frugal and cheap.

Sometimes my husband or children will want something, and it’s a reasonable request. My first reaction is “No.” No reason. Just no, I don’t want to spend money. I can really be a party pooper.

I did a little research: What is the difference between frugal and cheap?

According to my online dictionary frugal means “economical in use or expenditure; prudently saving or sparing; not wasteful”

I like that.

Cheap means “costing very little; relatively low in price; inexpensive” That sounded good until I read a little farther: “of little account; of small value; mean; shoddy: stingy; miserly”

So the Cratchits are frugal; Scrooge is cheap. Got it.

It appears that the difference between frugal and cheap comes down to a matter of the heart. Frugal people care about others while saving money and resources. Cheap people care only about money, even at the expense of others.

We’re cautioned against loving money: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” (1 Tim. 6:10 NIV) We’re counseled toward generosity: “He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done.” (Prov. 19:17)

I’ll never give up my penny pinching ways, but I hope that I’ll have enough sense to save generously.

Shalom y’all.

For more “frugal vs. cheap”:

"Crossing the Line: When Does Frugal Become Cheap" at BeingFrugal.net
"Frugal vs. Cheap" at Bluntmoney.com
"What is Frugality and Are We Frugal?" at GatherLittleByLittle.com

A Pretty Sorry Lot

2010-03-30T17:53:00.000-04:00

“If all we get out of Christ is a little inspiration for a few short years, we're a pretty sorry lot.” 1 Cor. 14:19 The Message

What do you do when you’re a pastor who no longer believes in God? Tufts University’s Center for Cognitive Studies confidentially interviewed five ministers who no longer believe in God. An article, featuring the results of two interviews, appeared in our local newspaper last Sunday.

When I read the first interview, I thought, “Mister, you need to resign. Quit posing and quit the pulpit.”

I sought out researcher Daniel C. Dennett’s website and read the rest of the study. Each interviewee was able to perform great feats of mental gymnastics that allow him to feel that he is a “believer,” although he doesn’t believe in anything but himself.

I’m not shocked, just saddened, and outraged. Years ago, while attending a conference, I encountered this sort comfortable pluralism in a pastor my age. I was surprised at how quickly he abandoned the truth of the gospel once a minor celebrity at the conference scoffed at the notion of a God who will, one day, pronounce judgement. [Yep, Jesus was pretty clear in Matthew 25] I saw, that day, the infant “tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.” (Eph. 4:14)

I was stunned then. I’m not stunned anymore.

But I’m still outraged. As I read through the study I was ready to reach for some sackcloth and ashes. “Repent,” I thought, heartbroken for their souls, “Or at least have the integrity to resign and do something else.”

Do they themselves have doubts about continuing in ministry. Yes, but why abandon the paycheck? And why give up that good feeling you get when you’re helping others.

But helping others to what?

At least one man questioned his own motives early on, but quickly found his conscience soothed when he asked, “Am I posing? Am I being less than authentic; less than honest?”

Yes, you are posing. You are not “caught in a trap, cunningly designed” as the study declared. And you’re not “brave” as the study proclaimed you to be. You're lost. Terribly lost.

Yet, there is still hope for the lost. I know. I was once lost too.

Bye Bye Birdy?

2010-03-26T20:52:00.001-04:00

The bird has flown.

For sometime now, I've had a bright, chirpy bird at the banner head of this blog. I'd looked at several free template sites, but never found anything to convince me to update. Every time I found an image I liked, the color contrast between text and background were poor. That goes against everything I ever learned about web design. Text must be readable. No matter where I looked for templates, I never found anything I liked as well as my "bird".

Until today.

Blogger announced a new series of template designs and I just had to take a look. When I looked at the first design under "picture window", I fell in love. Here are all the elements I was looking for: a picture indicating travel, excellent contrast between type and background, a nice font. Well, I guess you can see all that for yourself.

So here I am, updated. I hope you like it.

It's Spring. Time to Rake the Leaves

2010-03-23T20:18:00.001-04:00

It happened last Saturday around 1:30 p.m.: the vernal equinox (or March equinox, if you will), the day when the Sun crosses directly over Earth's equator. It's finally Spring.

My northern friends are beginning to wax poetic about snow melting and trees budding, daffodils blooming and birds chirping.

How do we know it's Spring in Florida? The leaves finally fall off the trees. No kidding.

I helped a neighbor rake a few leaves this past weekend. I'm not that skilled in botany, but I'm assuming that our oaks have to shake off the rest of their dead leaves so that they can spout a full head of pollen. It's literally dripping from the trees right now, bringing on allergies and car washes.

Florida doesn't have seasonal changes in the same way that our northern neighbors do, but we sure know our own signs of Spring. As the leaves fall gently into our yards and swimming pools, we look for these other heralds of the season:

Spring break: participants recognizable by their bright red skin
Northern migration: observe the mass of multicolored license plates and RVs in northbound lanes of I-75 and I-95
Lawn watering restrictions and talk of "the drought"
Hurricane season preparation guides and maps begin appearing
Two words: Spring training
Festival time: Strawberry Festival, Mainsail Arts Festival, Springtime Tallahassee, school carnivals, parades, and outdoor concerts galore

Spring is here. Rake up the leaves and enjoy!

Did Jonah Have a Six-Pack?

2010-03-18T20:29:00.002-04:00

I was browsing the children's department at my local Christian bookstore when I saw something that took me by surprise. It was Jonah, clearly visible through the plastic shield of a boxed set, which included both a big fish and a tiny boat. But it wasn't Jonah that surprised me, it was the size of his bulging biceps.

That's not all. I found Noah, looking all buff and very young. David appeared clad in a purple jumpsuit that showed off his bulging muscles. Moses sported an Egyptian headdress, sword and shield. Samson, with his mane of blond hair, looked like Thor, the Norse God of Thunder.

"What's going on here?" I wondered.

Turns out, the "Almighty Heroes" are the brainchild of Don Levine, the creator of G. I. Joe. He developed them a few years ago with the hope that children would develop an interest in the characters and message of scripture.

I'm all for that. It's admirable that this toy making legend would put so much work into a toy that brings scripture to life. And little boys do like to play heroes. However, I'm bothered by the visual message that the muscles make the man. Didn't our heroes, of all ages and (I assume) body types, draw their strength from the Lord?

Sure gives new meaning to Deuteronomy 6:5:
Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

Shalom y'all.

God Among the Dishes

2010-03-11T20:35:00.000-05:00

Martha and Mary. Mary listens; Martha is busy in the kitchen. When Martha complains to him, Jesus tells her that Mary has chosen the better portion. [Luke 10:38-42]

My busy-mom mind plays a coda to this story.

Martha settles down to listen to Jesus. She has completely forgotten about her preparations. Sometime later, the disciples wander into the dining room, exclaiming, “Dinner’s not ready?” Martha looks at Jesus and says, “See. I told you so.”

The Lenten season is a busy time in our household, but this season has been unusually hectic. Take one round-the clock mom job, add the pleasures of potty training, mix in some soccer coaching, and a dash of part-time teaching and you have a recipe for chaos. Lent is supposed to be a time for reflection and devotion, a time of meditation and listening to the Holy Spirit. Oh, that I could retreat to a quiet place and just sit at Jesus’ feet all day.

But who’s going to fix dinner?

A few years ago our women’s Bible study read The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence. This 17th century Carmelite lay brother was in charge of the monastery kitchen, working full time so that the monks would be free to study, pray, teach, and copy manuscripts. He spent his days endlessly cooking and cleaning. At first he detested his menial job. Who wouldn’t? Then he had a breakthrough.

Brother Lawrence discovered that he was spending too much time worrying about himself, that he needed to get back to loving God. He found that he could do this just as well in the kitchen as in the chapel. He began to seek--to practice--the presence of God in each of his duties. He used his time in the kitchen to focus his thoughts on God. After all, somebody had to get dinner on the table.

The most excellent method of going to God is that of doing our common business without any view of pleasing people but purely for the love of God. (Brother Lawrence)

We ought not to grow tired of doing little things for the love of God, who regards not the greatness of the work, but the love with which it is performed. (Brother Lawrence)

Jesus didn’t chide Martha for preparing dinner or tell her to forgo her responsibilities. Luke 10 is not a denunciation of housework any more than Mark 7 advises against hand washing. Jesus reminded Martha (and us) not to get so worked up about what needs to be done, but to seek and listen to Him, not the worries of a distracted mind.

Perhaps Martha looked back at her kitchen, thinking a cold buffet supper would be just fine and sat down to listen. After all, Jesus was an expert at feeding crowds without much fuss and preparation. Later, as she washed the dishes, she reflected on his words. I’m guessing that no meal at her house was ever the same.

Lent is our time to practice the presence of God in order to carry on that practice throughout the year. I am challenged to do this. There’s a time to sit and listen, but the dishes won’t wash themselves. God is everywhere. And when I seek Him, I will find Him, even among the dishes.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. (Col 3:23-24)

Bibleman: Combating the Commandant of Confusion [Review]

2010-03-08T16:44:00.005-05:00

When I first saw Bibleman, I wasn’t sure what to make of a purple and yellow superhero battling evil with a lightsaber. That was before I had boys. My 5-year-old watched one of his friend’s videos and was hooked.

We’re briefly introduced to Bibleman as young Josh Carpenter. After giving his life to Jesus and studying scripture Josh grew in Biblical knowledge and strength until he became Bibleman. Accompanied by Biblegirl, Cypher, and Melody, Bibleman battles the evil forces that attack us. (forces, not people, we're reminded) Their chief weapon? The word of God.

This video captures a live Bibleman show where our heroes battle the Commandant of Confusion and sidekick, Chaos who attempt to steal, and detonate, “the most powerful weapon known to man.” The audience participates as members of the Bible Adventure Training Academy. By the end of the adventure we’ve learned that God is not a god of confusion, but of peace.

The production is a bit campy and the live action show format, with its entrances and exits offstage, was a little confusing for my son (“When is it going to start?”). But it has all the Bibleman essentials: action, scripture cited with chapter and verse, prayer, and God as source of strength for our heroes to combat evil. Bonus features include a song about putting on the full armor of God and an explanation of some of the sword fighting techniques the actors use in the production.

So many Christian children’s books cast Biblical heroes in soft, rounded, even feminine forms. Bibleman shows us that muscular guys can serve God too.

Appropriate for ages 5-10. My 3-year-old found some of the swordplay a “little scary”.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Palm Tree Epiphany

2010-03-01T07:00:00.007-05:00

The palm tree is like an epiphany...

I wish I could remember where I first saw this analogy, wish I had noted the author, the text, anything. Google search? Nothing. Nada. Zip. But I like this analogy.

The palm tree is like an epiphany. Its bare, brown trunk rises toward the sky, fairly plain of texture and pattern. Then, suddenly, it erupts with a flourish at the top. A-ha!

I love palm trees. They’re the predominant tree in our Florida yard. The streets I drive to school and church are lined with palms of different sorts. Each type seems to have its own personality. Queens have long, languid fronds that wave elegantly. Chinese fan palms look like dancers. On a windy day, oaks and maples wave their branches at different levels, while palms are confined to waving their arms above their heads, so to speak.

Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted,"Hosanna!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" Mark 11:9 NIV

I first saw today’s verse right before I went to exercise at the Y. As I warmed up on the treadmill I looked at the trees planted outside the fitness center: palms waving briskly in the morning breeze. They’re trimmed so neatly that their rigid fronds seem to be shouting, “Hey! Look over here!” I imagined long avenues of palms welcoming Jesus as he rode triumphantly into Jerusalem, their trunks and fronds aimed toward heaven. I imagined the crowds cutting and gathering stately palm fronds to line the road leading into Jerusalem, while shouting “Hosanna!”

In a few weeks we’ll be celebrating Palm Sunday, when the people proclaimed Jesus as Messiah, shouting words that one was only supposed to use when announcing the Messiah:

"Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"

"Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!"

"Hosanna in the highest!"

But that’s not the only mention of palms in scripture. Psalm 92 proclaims that “The righteous will flourish like a palm tree” (92:12). Like the palm, the righteous grow strong and take root in the courts of God, proclaiming the goodness of the Lord.

As we approach Palm Sunday and Easter, be like a palm tree. Stand tall and upright, looking toward heaven, bearing witness to the righteousness of our Lord, our Rock, and our Redeemer.

Shalom y’all.

Book Review: The Vertical Self by Mark Sayers

2010-02-26T20:52:00.002-05:00

Mark Sayers has written an engaging study of the way modern people struggle with the question of identity. And when I say “engaging, I mean I couldn’t put it down. We live in the age of the “horizontal self”, pressured to create public personas based on the images around us. We brand ourselves in order to become socially acceptable and relevant. We compartmentalize our lives to fit in with different groups. Our horizontal selves worry about what others think, about status, about achievement, about today.

Whether we realize it or not, we’ve lost our “vertical selves.” The vertical self is concerned with character, holiness, contribution, eternity. Even believers and churches fall prey to the trap of the horizontal self: we want to be Christian and cool too. We’ve chosen self over soul.

What is the answer? Discipleship and accountability. We must rediscover what it means to be holy.

I found the history of how we arrived here fascinating: when did it become cool to be cool, how the definition of “sexy” has changed, how we’ve traded spiritual holiness for secular holiness. I will never look at another advertisement, movie, or staged political event the same way. I highly recommend this book for everyone, Christian or not, because Western society is playing us for fools. And we’re playing along.

Giving Up

2010-02-24T12:00:00.000-05:00

“What are you giving up for Lent?”

I haven’t heard that question as much this year as in years past. The practice of giving something up, of fasting, is what most people associate with Lent. It’s a practice that I grapple with each year. Should I fast from something? What would it mean spiritually? Would I fast alone--since it’s not a communal practice in any of the churches I’ve attended?

I never want to fast for the sake of fasting. To do that would put fasting into the same category as New Year’s resolutions: easily made, easily broken. I don’t want a fast to become just a Lenten diet--abstaining from sweets and hoping to lose a pound or two. I don’t have a good background in the spiritual discipline of fasting, so I’m unsure of how to fast so that it helps me grow closer to God.

So I did a little research.

Fasting is grounded in the scriptures that are read during Lent. In liturgical churches, the verses read on the first Sunday of Lent are all from the story of Christ’s temptation. After his baptism, Jesus fasted for 40 days and nights. (Matt 4:2) Jesus experienced deprivation, hunger, and temptation. We identify with Christ’s suffering through fasting.

Food fasts are the most common type. My Catholic friends don’t eat meat on Fridays and some parishes hold a “fish fry” fellowship on Friday nights. Believers who fast from food--sweets, snacks, or entire meals--often donate the money they would have spent to charity.

A second type of fast is to abstain from something that is done purely for pleasure, such as watching TV or clothes shopping. Unlike food fasts there’s no physical reminder of the fast, which practitioners use to help them grow spiritually. Therefore the choice of fast needs to have meaning. Would I fast from TV to see if I could do it--to develop self-discipline? Or would I just record the shows on my DVR to watch after Easter? What’s tricky here is that Lent shouldn’t be something that causes Jesus to become the spoilsport or believers to grumble like a kid on 40-day restriction. The idea behind this type of fast is to eliminate some of the clutter from the schedule--to allow more space for the Sprit to move.

The most important component to fasting, and one that can be overlooked, is to find out what has power and authority in our lives, what causes us to sin. A mom and local blogger has declared a fast from yelling at her kids. Some bishops have advocated giving up texting, social networks, and online gaming--getting out of the virtual world and reconnecting with the self, with God, and with those physically present in our lives. The concept here is to identify, confess, and root out sin in our lives so that the Lenten fast will continue past Easter and become part of our Christ-filled lives.

So what am I giving up for Lent? I’m taking aim at one of my gluttonous habits. I’m a habitual evening snacker, eating for no reason other than the pleasure of eating. So I’m giving up my post-dinner handfuls of whatever I can root out of the pantry. When I get the urge to chew I’m reminded to be thankful for ways that God has blessed me and conscious of those who have little to eat. I read my Bible. I even write about fasting. And hopefully, I won’t give up giving up when Lent is over. The next step in this process is to decide how to turn my fast into a blessing for someone else, perhaps a donation to our local food pantry or Salvation Army.

So how about you? Are you ready to give up?

Ash Wednesday Reflections

2010-02-18T14:52:00.001-05:00

When I was single, my friends and I would attend Ash Wednesday services at church, then go out for something to eat. [Clearly, I did not belong to a church that emphasized fasting.] As we sat around the table at Village Inn, we’d remark that perhaps we shouldn’t be sitting here, with our ash-marked foreheads, eating pie. Ash Wednesday seemed to call for something more somber. But there we were, marked for Christ, yet celebrating.

But that is what Ash Wednesday is all about.

Ash Wednesday services are sobering. The ashes remind us of both our mortality and our sin. Play time is over. It’s time to sit up and pay attention. We’re taken back to the Garden of Eden--to man’s fall. “From dust you are and to dust you will return,” Genesis 3:19 reminds us. With bluntness, scripture tells us that our earthly life is finite.

Ash Wednesday services are honest. “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” cried John the Baptist in the wilderness of Judea. (Matt 3:2) Jesus preached this very same message throughout his earthly ministry. (Matt 4:17) The ashes we wear are an echo of the sackcloth and ashes worn in repentance. (Job 42:6, Matt 11:21) Ash Wednesday causes us to be honest with ourselves, to face our sinful nature and admit our need for a Savior. With the imposition of ashes on our foreheads, we publicly proclaim this fact.

Ash Wednesday services are hopeful. In her book The Liturgical Year, Joan Chittister writes, “Clearly, the voice of Lent is not a dour one. It is a call to remember who we are and where we have come from and why. The voice of Lent is the cry to become new again, to live on newly no matter what our life has been like until now and to live fully.” While we have sinned, we are not without hope. As believers we are saved through Jesus, who forgives our sins and redeems us through his death and resurrection. At the end of the service, everyone in the sanctuary bears the mark of hope, the ashen cross on our brows.

Ash Wednesday services are joyful. Because of Christ’s death on the cross, we have new life in Him. Scripture remind us that God remembers His people, that he will forgive our wickedness and remember our sins no more. (Heb 8:12) Ash Wednesday causes us to confess, to turn away from sin. We hear the good news. We wear the cross. Easter is coming.

We silently exit the sanctuary, foreheads cross-marked for Christ, hearts sweet with celebration.

Lent: Spring Training for the Soul

2010-02-15T20:14:00.001-05:00

Lent--the very name conjures up images of self-denial, of giving up chocolate or television. Perhaps it evokes memories of fish sticks served in the school cafeteria on Friday. Perhaps it means nothing at all.

What is Lent? Who celebrates? Where did it originate? And does it hold any relevance at all for Protestant Evangelicals?

Lent--the 40-weekday period preceding Easter--begins on Ash Wednesday. Catholics traditionally celebrate Lent as a time of penance and fasting, a time of self-examination and recommitment. Protestants, on the other hand, are mixed in their observance of Lent. Some attend Ash Wednesday services and observe Maundy Thursday with communion. For others, it’s merely a passing reference to the days before Easter.

There’s no scriptural command to observe Lent. It developed from three traditions. Early Christians observed a brief fast in the days before Easter, a fast that lengthened over time to 40 days. The second tradition included a period of intense preparation that new converts underwent before baptism on Easter Sunday. The third tradition involved welcoming back penitent sinners who had fallen away and wished to rededicate themselves to Christ. Lent, therefore, became a time of dedication, of self-scrutiny, and of bringing oneself under the Lordship of Jesus Christ once again.

Evangelicals are mixed in our feelings toward Lent. Scripture tells us that we don’t need to observe special days or seasons. (Gal. 4:10) Yet Paul allows that some may consider one day more sacred and regard that day as special to the Lord, while another considers each day alike, but still gives thanks to God. (Rom 14:5-7) There is room for the work of the Holy Spirit in each heart.

So why should we care about Lent?

Perhaps the best analogy I’ve heard this year is that Lent is a Christian’s “Spring Training.” Each spring professional baseball players come together to practice as a team, to work out the problems of last season, and get themselves into shape. Everybody’s supposed to report-- eager, young rookies, seasoned players, out-of-shape nobodies and sleek superstars. Everyone needs to prepare for the regular season.

Likewise we can use Lent to get ourselves into spiritual shape. We come together as a community of faith--from the weakest sinner to the prayer warrior. We examine ourselves and strengthen our souls through Bible study, prayer, and worship. We pray for the Holy Sprit’s guidance. We renew our commitment to Christ.

Lent commences on February 17, 2010 with Ash Wednesday. Interestingly enough, this year it’s the same day that pitchers and catchers begin reporting for Spring Training.

Are you ready to report?

Book Review: Mom's Bible--God's Wisdom for Mothers

2010-02-09T20:43:00.001-05:00

Just in time for Mother’s Day, Thomas Nelson has released the Mom’s Bible: God’s Wisdom for Mothers. The Biblical text is the New Century Version (NCV), a more sophisticated revision of the International Children’s Bible. Although adults might balk at a Bible with a 5th grade reading level, the NCV is a solid translation based on Hebrew and Greek manuscripts, assembled by an experienced team of scholars. What this translation loses in the poetry of the 23rd Psalm and other beloved verses, it makes up for with direct language which makes more obscure verses a bit clearer.

Notes by Bobbie Wolgemuth and others set this Bible apart specifically for moms. You’ll find what you’d expect here--profiles of Biblical moms and lessons on Godly character. A section entitled, “Answers to Questions Kids Ask” is worth the read. The topical index is really just an index to the various groups of notes: "Our God is . . .", "Walking In . . .", etc.

There’s nothing particularly new in the notes that I read. However, in the center of the cyclone that is motherhood, it helps to be reminded of what’s true and encouraged in my walk. And the Mom’s Bible does just that. I found that, while I enjoyed the notes, the real appeal was the translation. The smoothness of its natural language appeals to the storyteller in me.

If you’re going to buy mom a Bible this year, why not make it one that she can read with her children?

Bible translations and reading level: a quick comparison

Pig Wig and the Pleasure of Reading

2010-02-01T18:48:00.001-05:00

My 5-year-old is learning to read. We're still a long way from War and Peace, but as a parent, teacher, and librarian, I'm thrilled to watch this process unfold. I studied reading methodology in college: learning the language, memorizing books, the "a-ha" moment when the brain decodes a word in an unfamiliar context. It's much more fascinating in person.

I remember when he'd sit down with a book and "read" it to himself, using the same inflection that I used on each page. I wish I could have recorded some of these moments, but he would have stopped if he knew I was watching.

Last summer we discovered a series of books by Yukiko Kido and Harriet Ziefert. He's read Pig Wig and Stop Pop. They're simple--3 sections of word families, 1 word on a page, and short sentences at the end of each section. Today I found Snow Bow at the downtown library. It was waiting in his car seat when I picked him up from school. I love hearing him sound out the letters and puzzle through the complexities of consonant blends. Each word read is a little victory; a sentence like "Feet meet on the street," a triumph.

He already knows the pleasure of listening to a good story being read or told. Someday he'll have the pleasure of getting lost in a really good book. His journey is just beginning.

What to Do When You Don’t Know What to Do

2010-01-25T20:33:00.001-05:00

What to Do When You Don’t Know What to Do: 8 Principles for Finding God’s Way

by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend

Every once in awhile I come across a book that I purchase just to give away. This is just such a book.

Feeling lost? Battling addiction or depression? Experiencing a difficult relationship or medical condition? Overwhelmed by the condition of the world or the condition of your soul?

In this brief volume, Drs. Cloud and Townsend provide a guidebook for finding your way back onto the path of spiritual and emotional wholeness. Begin your journey with faith and trust in God. Then take steps to seek supportive relationships and wisdom, forgive, take responsibility, accept that problems can help you grow, and learn to love God. Three final chapters specifically address depression, addiction, and problems with sex and intimacy.

This book is a deceptively quick read, only 134 pages, but it’s loaded with practical advice gleaned from years of experience as clinical psychologists. Cloud and Townsend emphasize God’s grace, but insist that the journey is a two-step process involving ‘a step of faith in God” followed by “a step of action.” I like the authors’ conversational tone and the hopeful message. You are not alone. God will make a way.

I’m giving my review copy to my pastor, for use in counseling or in Celebrate Recovery. Then I’m buying another copy--to give away.

Frozen Floridians

2010-01-13T21:10:00.000-05:00

Cold. Colder. Coldest. That about describes January so far in the Sunshine State. Here in the Bay Area we've set new records for longest number of days below 60 degrees and coldest overnight temperatures. I've found frozen lizards in our backyard and ice on the kids' picnic table.

Baby, it's cold outside.

We've finally reached the end of this two week cold snap and our daytime highs should return to the normal range of upper 60's to low 70's. Finally, a proper Florida winter.

I had to pull out my heavy blue jacket, the one from Land's End with the Polartec lining. I only get it once or twice a year, but it became my constant companion for a few days, even serving as a blanket over my legs while sitting in church last Sunday.

It's the jacket I bought several years ago for an early spring trip to Greece and Turkey.

We were following in the footsteps of Paul, traveling to Athens, Corinth, Thessoloniki, and Ephesus. That area of the Mediterranean is cold in March, enough so that we needed heavy jackets, hats, scarves, and gloves. I'd read about the hardships that Paul suffered on his journeys: shipwreck, illness, prison. But I wasn't prepared for bitter cold. No wonder Paul asks Timothy to bring him his cloak and to hurry before winter sets in. (Rome must have been similarly cold.)

I don't think I would have made it through that trip without my windproof, lined, winter jacket. How much more do I appreciate Paul and the early missionaries for braving the cold to bring the warmth of the gospel to the world.

Shalom y'all

Review of The Liturgical Year by Joan Chittister

2009-12-27T22:05:00.001-05:00

Joan Chittister’s book is her love letter to the liturgical year. The first few chapters engage the reader in the beauty of spiritual development, guiding us toward a more meaningful relationship with God. Subsequent chapters outline the various seasons of the liturgical year: Advent, Christmas, Ordinary Time, Lent, and Easter. She finishes with an overview of why saints days and Marian feasts are observed.

I’m a bit lukewarm on this selection. The first 30 pages, explaining the role of the liturgical year, seem repetitive. I wanted her to come to the point and get on with observing the seasons.

The book appears to be searching for an audience. The author, a Benedictine nun, is careful to make the book less Roman Catholic centered and more inclusive of Protestant and Orthodox traditions, but ends up being somewhat vague and apologetic.

I did find some gems and kept my highlighter handy as I read. I found myself quoting her chapters on Advent and Christmas and I’m sure I’ll reread the sections on Lent and Easter next spring.

I’d recommend this as a supplemental academic work, but not as an introduction for someone not already familiar with the liturgical year.

I am a member of Thomas Nelson's Book Review Blogger program.

Advent Adventures: Seek Him

2009-12-20T22:24:00.002-05:00

“If you seek this

baby Jesus,

seek the Lord

with all your might,

you will find him

as the shepherds did

as they searched for him

one starry night.”

--Luke Gambill “One Starry Night”

I have a confession to make: I’m a bit of a Christmas crier. Every time the people of Bedford Falls unite to help George Bailey at the end of It’s a Wonderful Life, I reach for the tissues. When Linus cues the lights and recites Luke 2:8-14 to the Peanuts gang, hand me a Kleenex. The Grinch realizes that Christmas isn’t about presents and feasting? White Christmas’s Wallace and Davis surprise General Waverly with his old unit singing “We’ll Follow the Old Man”? Start the waterworks.

A couple of weeks ago I subbed in one of the pre-Kindergarden classes while the children rehearsed their song for the musical One Starry Night. I sat behind the class as those cherubic voices sang about seeking and finding Jesus. I was in big trouble. It was either pull myself together or use the only absorbent surface available, my sleeve.

These simple, yet profound lyrics sum up what we’ve been doing this Advent season, seeking Jesus with all our might. Our search is not in vain, as scripture reminds us:

But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul. (Deuteronomy 4:29)

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13)

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. (Matthew 7:7)

I’m astounded at the simplicity of this message. God does not demand that we pass a test, or pay a fee, or make ourselves worthy before entering into a relationship with Him. There’s no fine print, no levels we must reach first. He assures us that He will be found if we seek Him with our heart and soul...with all our might.

Have you found Him this Christmas? He’s not hidden away--but ever present. When the shepherds heard the angels’ proclamation they went to Bethlehem as fast as they could to see for themselves what God had revealed to them. Seek Him this week, as the shepherds did and see for yourself.

“For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:8)

Shalom y'all

Advent Adventures: Joy

2009-12-13T22:33:00.003-05:00

Poor little pink candle. Every Advent season she stands alone among the purple candles, ready for this particular Sunday, in which we celebrate the joy of Christ’s coming. We should be joyful all season--but especially on this day, the third Sunday of Advent. The candle waits, but every year she’s passed over.

Evangelical churches, in my experience, don’t know what to make of the pink candle. For many years running I’ve watched believers approach the church’s Advent wreath with hesitation. They light the first two purple candles--but nobody wants to touch the pink one. Better to keep doing what we’ve been doing so far--lighting purple candles. So a third purple candle is lit and the pink one is left for last, not by design but by default.

It’s not the fault of the candle lighters. Contemporary worship tends to shun tradition--and the lighting of the pink candle on the third Sunday is an old tradition. We simply don’t understand and miss out on an important symbol of the season. It’s too bad. With our emphasis on praise and worship and the Advent Conspiracy movement, this is a tradition Evangelicals could really embrace.

The third Sunday of Advent is about joy. Not the “joy of toys” or the “big joy” of “lower prices” that the sales circular promised today. No, this is the time in Advent in which we celebrate our Lord’s coming and our redemption. This Sunday is Gaudete Sunday--gaudete being Latin for “rejoice”. It takes its name from the first word of the traditional worship introit, which is taken from Philippians 4:4-6:

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice; let your forbearance be known to all, for the Lord is near at hand; have no anxiety about anything, but in all things, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God.

Have no anxiety? Pray with thanksgiving? Throw off the shackles of holiday materialism and let others witness your joy in the real Hope of Christmas? Sign me up! What a wonderful kick in the pants as deadlines loom and chores pile high. We need the bright pink candle to remind us, once again, that Christmas is all about the birth of our Savior.

Just as it’s easy to pass over the pink candle on this third Sunday, it’s easy to miss the joy of Advent by doing what we’ve been doing so far. No matter the deadlines, no matter your circumstances, stop what you're doing and just rejoice:

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)

Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me. (Psalm 51:12)

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds (James 1:2)

Rejoice in the Lord always; I will say it again : Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4)

Shalom y'all

Advent Adventures: Praising

2009-12-06T20:52:00.000-05:00

Today begins week 2 of our family’s journey through Advent. The first Sunday in December is a busy one in our church. The Christmas Cantata is a big production: adult, children, and college choirs, musicians, pipe organ, and handbells (that’s us). The sanctuary glows with white lights and greenery. Already we’d had 3 morning services of traditional and contemporary praise and worship with carols and communion.

It was a wonderful, worshipful time, but I knew we’d all be tired by the evening. It was tempting to shorten our family night--or even move it--but what a loss that would have been.

Tonight’s theme was “concern for others” and our activity was to make cards for people with whom we want to share the joy and love of Jesus during this Advent season. My 2-year-old son wanted to make a card for a friend at school. He scribbled a picture, stuck on some stickers, signed his name, and danced around with his card--singing his friend’s name. My 5-year-old made his best friend “the best card he’s ever seen.” Bruce and I chose family members who are facing tough illnesses.

The most beautiful part of the evening was the time when we shared when each of us felt close to God this week. I wasn’t sure that the boys would understand the question, but DW got very excited. He called out, “We feel close to Jesus when we praise him!”

I reflected on the joy I’d felt this morning as the choir and congregation sang carols and songs of praise--telling and retelling the Christmas story and offering praise to God for the gift of salvation. Each song was like a present held out to Jesus--”Master, open this one!” At the time I’d wished I could bottle up that closeness to save for later. My son reminded me that I don’t have to. Just praising brings me close to my Lord all over again.

I pray this week that I will have a child-like heart, that I will offer praise to Jesus with the full assurance that he is close. Emmanuel. God with us.

Shalom y'all.

Journey Through Advent--The Cypress Times

2009-12-04T21:30:00.000-05:00

Speaking of Advent.....

The following article is featured on the front page of The Cypress Times today.

Journey Through Advent: Our Family's Adventure

I'm hoping to continue the series this season.

Advent Adventures: Waiting

2009-12-03T14:37:00.001-05:00

Can it really be Thursday already? We celebrated the first Sunday of Advent 4 days ago and the week is almost over. Feels like I’m in one of those old movies that shows the passing of time by the flipping (and flying) of pages from a daily calendar. I’m compiling lists and checking things off; making plans and filling my schedule. Are there enough days to get everything done before Christmas?

On the other hand, my children feel that time is moving too slowly. Christmas will never get here.

I want time to slow down and wait. My boys are tired of waiting.

Advent is a season waiting: not the secular-Xmas waiting in line for Black Friday sales and Santa Claus, but of learning to live in the post-Resurrection time of waiting by revisiting those who anticipated Jesus’ birth. We read Messianic prophecies in the Old Testament. We remember the stories of Zechariah and Elizabeth, waiting years to conceive a child. We tell the story of Mary and Joseph, waiting for the fulfillment of the angel’s promise. We recall the story of Simeon and Anna, who waited for decades in the temple courts for the promised redeemer.

Yet, they weren’t characters in a Christmas pageant, waiting offstage for their cues. They were full flesh-and-blood participants in the life around them: doing laundry, sewing clothes, preparing meals, shopping, repairing, visiting, consoling. They went about their daily tasks, season by season, anticipating the fulfillment of a promise. Their hands were busy, but their hearts and minds were focused.

In her book, The Liturgical Year, Joan Chittister says, “the function of Advent is to remind us what we’re waiting for as we go through life too busy with things that do not matter to remember the things that do.”

I have a million little things to do in the next three weeks. I pray that, like Zechariah and Mary, Simeon and Anna, I’ll remember the things that matter. I’ll watch and wait for Jesus, our Messiah.

Plant Good Seeds

2009-11-23T22:19:00.001-05:00

Summer was not kind to our yard. An agreement to put down new sod never came to fruition. White grubs attacked the front yard. Weeds ran rampant in the back. An extra month of Florida's broiling summer temperatures baked the remaining lawn. If I had a dollar for every dollar weed.....

Still--our grass continues to fight on as I try to remedy problems which have developed over the past few years. I haven't been able to do much yard work since the birth of our first son. My boys have only recently allowed me to work on household projects while they amuse themselves. It's hard to mow and trim with preschoolers clinging to my shirt. It's been over 5 years since I've been able to help with the yard and it shows. The condition of my lawn fills me with equal parts despair and determination.

So my heart and mind were primed for a recent sermon illustration. Pastor told the story of a man who battled crabgrass in his yard, digging it up wherever he found it. He discovered that he never could get rid of it. He could dig forever and the crabgrass would spring up somewhere else. Finally, he asked a lawn expert what to do. The man told him, "Forget the crabgrass. Plant good seeds."

It took him 3 years of planting and nurturing the good grass, but he looked out one spring and his yard was beautiful. The crabgrass was on the edges of the yard, trying to get in, but it couldn't. The good grass was too thick. Its roots were too deep.

As I approach this Advent season, it's easy for me to look back over this year and see where I've failed. Resolutions made at the beginning of 2009 were choked out by the weeds of busyness and neglect. The demands of projects and appointments cling to me, keeping me from tending the garden of my soul.

I could keep digging at these regrets--or I could get busy planting good seeds. The season of Advent begins next Sunday: the first Sunday of the liturgical year. Our family will begin a weekly devotional time. I have my "Bible in a year" plan ready. I've discovered some tips that other busy moms have shared for meditating on God's word during the day--and will share those here. I'm ready to plant good seeds and encourage deep roots. Life's weeds will still be there, but hopefully they won't grow in as far.

Yesterday, I hauled out the spreader and put down the first bag of fertilizer toward reclaiming our yard. We've sprayed for grubs. I'm preparing to re-sod or re-plug parts of our yard in early spring. Hopefully one day our lush, green lawn will return. In the meantime, every weed will serve as a physical and spiritual reminder to plant good seeds.

Shalom y'all.

Black Bean and Corn Soup

2009-11-19T14:19:00.000-05:00

Fall is here and the weather's finally cool enough to think "soup". The St. Petersburg Times featured an article on 25 quick recipes that sound easy (and yummy). I went right for the Black Bean and Corn Soup--healthy and tasty.

Yes--there's a whole jalapeno in there, but the soup is not spicy. My only complaint was that the soup was a little thin and 1 cup of corn looked a bit lonely. So I added 2 cups.

I plan to make this again--with either a little less chicken broth or more black beans.

Black Bean and Corn Soup

Ingredients
1 onion, chopped
1 jalapeno, diced
1 clove garlic, diced
olive oil
4 cups chicken broth
2 cans drained black beans
1 tsp cumin
1 cup frozen corn kernels (I used 2 cups)
sour cream (optional)

1- Saute onion, jalapeno, and garlic in olive oil.
2- Add chicken broth, black beans, and cumin.
3- Simmer for 10 minutes.
4- Puree soup and return to pan.
5- Add frozen corn and heat through.
6- Serve with sour cream.

Working my way through some new recipes. I'll be sure to share the good ones.

Getting Ready to Get Ready

2009-11-10T18:44:00.004-05:00

Christmas is coming. That means the Advent season is upon us in just a few weeks. With 2 kids in the house quiet time is a rare commodity. But I don't want to miss Christmas in a flurry of Thanksgiving cooking-shepherd costume making-cookie baking-gift wrapping hyperactivity.

So now I'm getting ready to get ready to observe the Advent season again.

Advent is the four week period prior to Christmas in which we celebrate the birth of Christ and anticipate His second coming. The word "Advent" comes from the Latin "adventus" which means "coming" or "arrival". Advent is a time of reflection, confession and preparation. In our household we light candles on each of the Sundays of Advent as we reflect on a different Advent theme. Our Advent wreath contains 4 candles: 3 purple and 1 pink. [More on that later.] The wreath surrounds a white candle, which is lit on Christmas Eve.

I've been shopping for candles, much easier to come by in previous years. Where are the purple and pink votives this year? (!)

I'm also digging through our seasonal devotions and looking for one to do with my family--and possibly our Sunday School class.

November 29, 2009 is the first Sunday of Advent.

Don't miss the Messiah this year. It's time to get ready.

Book Review: Kabul24 by Henry O. Arnold and Ben Pearson

2009-09-27T21:38:00.000-04:00

In August 2001 the Taliban kidnapped Dayna Curry and Heather Mercer after a gathering in an Afghan home where they’d been invited as guests, then betrayed by their hosts. For the next 48 hours, the Taliban unleashed their fury on the offices of Shelter Now International (SNI) imprisoning a total of eight western aid workers and sixteen of their Afghan colleagues. The harrowing 105-day ordeal of the Kabul24 was just beginning.

Henry O. Arnold and Ben Pearson present the real story behind the CNN headlines. Told primarily through the experiences of Georg Taubmann, director of the Kabul branch of SNI, the authors recount the hostages’ betrayal, increasingly hellish imprisonment, and miraculous escape.

I stayed up reading Kabul24 late into the night. This story fascinates with its details regarding the cultural and political climate in Afghanistan during the dictatorship of the Taliban and their al-Qaeda allies. It inspires as the hostages support each other and live out their faith: sharing food and medicine with their fellow prisoners, refusing to harm anyone to gain their release, composing songs of praise in the midst of deplorable conditions.

A movie, based on their story, is available for purchase at http://www.kabul24movie.com/

My Howling Heart - Monday Manna

2009-09-21T06:00:00.057-04:00

"Monday Manna," is hosted by Joanne Sher at An Open Book. Visit her blog for links to more meditations on Exodus 14:14.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Right now life is going pretty smoothly. Today anyway. Yet, when I'm knee-deep in troubles I have to remind myself that, over and over again, scripture tells me to "Fear not." Moses and the Israelites knew a thing or two about fear and the context for today’s verse is found in the Exodus narrative. Passover joy has turned to terror. The Israelites are backed up against the sea. As Pharaoh’s chariots close in, Moses tells the Israelites--

The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still. [Exodus 14:14 NIV]

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

My Howling Heart

Forgive me Lord for freaking out

When I turn my face toward trouble and my back on blessing

I see attackers closing in and miss the waters opening up

My secret heart fears that you will not fulfill the promises you made to me

In my captivity

Forgive me Lord for complaining

When I slap at your face in the wilderness

I grieve familiar shackles; flinch from fresh freedom

When I fight with you; when my fight is not with you

You fight for me

Forgive me Lord for moving

My mouth

My lips

My tongue

Quiet my howling heart and turn my feet toward the promised land

As chariots tumble in the sea

One of the Good Guys

2009-09-18T03:58:00.002-04:00

It's a conversation I'd hoped we'd be able to avoid until he was older. But television commercials, playground talk, and the natural curiosity of a 4-year-old forced my hand. Last week we began addressing one of the mysteries of life.

Is Anakin Skywalker a good guy or a bad guy?

When I was a kid (and I love saying that) life was simpler. Darth Vader was bad. Period. Sure, Luke ultimately saved him from the Emperor and they were reunited as a redeemed father and son. But Vader was the villain.

Then along came episodes 1-3. We see Anakin grow from a cute little boy into a lovesick teenager into a vengeful Jedi. He's the hero--albeit a doomed one-- and Anakin doesn't become Vader until the very end of chapter 3. As an adult I can appreciate the epic story cycle. I understand the complexities of character and the symbolism of fall and redemption.

D doesn't care about complexity and he hasn't seen any of the movies. He just wants to know where Anakin stands. When it comes time to play pretend with his buddies, he wants to play one of the good guys.

I pray that both of my sons always want to be the good guys. I love their gentle hearts and desire to do good and be the heroes.

So last week, I punted. Anakin starts out good, but he turns into a bad guy later. We moved on to Obi-wan Kenobi, Luke Skywalker, and Han Solo. Safe territory.

Satisfied for now, D's moved on to Transformers, a show that debuted after I'd graduated from high school. I guess that's a subject we'll study together.

The Jesus Book by Stephen Elkins; ill. by Claudine Gevry

2009-08-25T21:18:00.003-04:00

Who is Jesus?

What did he do?

Where did he live?

Why did he die on a cross for me?

Author Stephen Elkins created The Jesus Book "to help teach children about the life of Christ and how to enter into a life-long relationship with him." Gevry's whimsical illustrations lovingly portray Jesus as a man who laughed and cried, while Elkins explores Jesus' humanity and divinity.

Elkins has done his homework. The text is comprehensive, introducing prophecy and theology in a manner that's simple enough for primary grade children to understand. The section entitled, "What Jesus Did" explores Jesus' power over nature, sin, life, and death. The section on "What Jesus Taught" introduces the Lord's prayer, the Golden Rule, and the Great Commission.

Yet it's not simplistic. Elkins's explanations of "ministry," "baptism," and "God's kingdom" are deep enough to inspire parents to use this book to refine their own understanding as they learn along with their children.

The Jesus Book is designed for families to read together. My two preschool children have commandeered the accompanying CD, which contains children singing classic hymns, scripture, and songs about Jesus. As they grow older we'll work into the lessons in the text using it to supplement and support scripture.

This is a delightful book and a great addition to our family bookshelf.

Throwing Rocks

2009-08-10T20:38:00.004-04:00

I never realized how rocky the Appalachian mountains were until this week. My boys have hoisted heavy rocks, climbed boulders, and pocketed pebbles. However, their favorite thing to do with rocks is throw them: into the woods, off a ledge, down the slope, into the water. They can't get enough of this.

I was thinking last night about stone throwing in the Bible. David felled Goliath with a stone (at least my guys don't have slingshots--yet). Jesus saved the adulteress from the mob in the Temple, saying "Let him who is without sin among you, cast the first stone." A mob stoned Stephen, while Saul/Paul watched.

Our rock throwing adventures brought to mind something else: a service I attended a few years ago at a local messianic synagogue. Tashlich is a ceremony carried out on the afternoon of Rosh HaShannah or on the following day. Tashlich means "you will cast away" and during the service we symbolically cast off our sins. After a time of reflection and preparation we walked down to Tampa Bay, picking up small stones along the way.* We collected stones to symbolize sins. It was humbling to pocket each stone and feel the weight increase with each new addition. After a time of prayer and repentance we threw our stones into the bay--casting them off as far as we could throw. Those rocks were gone, never coming back, you couldn't have retrieved them from the bottom of the bay if you tried. My pockets felt empty and light.

As we threw our rocks, we remembered that God is faithful to forgive sins, that Jesus (Yeshua) died for our sins, and we meditated on the text for Tashlich: Micah 7:18-20.

Who is a God like You,
Pardoning iniquity
And passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage?

He does not retain His anger forever,
Because He delights in mercy.
¹⁹ He will again have compassion on us,
And will subdue our iniquities.

You will cast all our sins
Into the depths of the sea.
²⁰ You will give truth to Jacob
And mercy to Abraham,
Which You have sworn to our fathers
From days of old.

In all the times of confession, in all the worship services I've ever attended, I don't think I've ever felt as forgiven as I did on the shores of Tampa Bay. So much of our Protestant worship is abstract and emotional. It took the weight and feel of throwing rocks to really imprint one of the basic tenets of our faith.

Vacation's almost over. I'll be thinking about this on our final few rock-throwing days--thanking God and praising His holy name.

Shalom y'all.

-----------

*Traditionally bread crumbs are cast into the water, or pockets emptied of lint, but some congregations use stones instead.

Flat Tire on the Shoulder of Life

2009-08-04T20:58:00.005-04:00

Our Sunday drive didn't go quite as we'd planned. We were cruising through a construction zone, northbound on I-95, preparing for a quick stop in Brunswick, GA. The boys happily watched Kung Fu Panda on the portable DVD. The snacks were holding out. We only had about an hour to go to our destination--a hotel where we could spend the rest of the afternoon swimming and resting after the first leg of our trip.

We were making excellent time.

thumpthumpthumpthumpthumpthumpthumpthumpthumpthump

BW quickly threaded our minivan through the phalanx of barrels dividing the highway from the shoulder. I got out and looked at the back right tire. No problem there. I turned around and saw our flattened, shredded, smoking right front tire. Somewhere we'd picked up a large nail.

As I spoke with the AAA agent I realized that we were in probably the safest spot we could be in, given our situation: a construction barrier behind us, barrels to the side, a wide shoulder, and the mile marker and exit marker just ahead. We praised God for gently placing our damaged minivan in a barrel-sheltered cove.

A half hour later Joe arrived in his company pickup truck. He had all the necessary tools. He followed us to a gas station to add air to our spare tire. He shepherded us toward the local Sears. He even called me back to make sure we were OK.

3 1/2 hours later our newly aligned vehicle sported 4 new tires and we were on our way. We even made it to Savannah with time to swim. As we continued along the northbound lanes we both noticed that, for many miles, there was no safe place to pull off the road. Had our flat occured elsewhere, my family would have been in danger. Further, Brunswick was the only city where a major retailer was open on Sunday--for 80 miles in either direction. We'd stopped in the only place where our car could be fixed that day.

Skeptics might say that if God were really looking out for us, we'd never have had a flat tire. I disagree.

Nowhere in Scripture are we promised that this world will be easy. Our lives don't always go according to our plans. Unexpected nails flatten us with illness, job loss, death of loved ones, pain, heartache. But we serve a mighty God. When dangers surround and threaten us, he shelters us in the palm of his hand as he ministers and changes us.

I pray that I remember this the next time I'm stuck on the shoulder of life.

Escaping the Dragons' Clutches

2009-08-03T18:16:00.004-04:00

August in Florida, did I mention how hot it gets?

Seems the only sensible thing to do is leave. We've joined the Florida summer exodus to the North Carolina mountains. It's 72 degrees outside and should get down into the low 50's tonight.

Broil away you dragons. I know you'll be waiting for me to return.

The Dragons of August

2009-08-02T04:56:00.004-04:00

The dragons of August have firmly coiled themselves around Florida. Their fiery breath steals the air from my lungs when I step outside to get the morning paper. By noon, their forked tongues have licked all the pavements, turning a barefoot stroll into hopping over hot coals. Their weapons are heat, humidity, and hurricanes. My only defense is air conditioning, the technology that makes bearing Florida summers possible.

August is not for the faint of heart. It stares at me from the calendar, daring me to face it one more time. Run errands early. Drink plenty of fluids. Stay indoors after lunch. Wait for the welcome rumble of afternoon thunder and cooling rains. Venture out cautiously after dinner.

If I survive the standoff, sometime in late September, I'll be rewarded with the first cool tease of (still) far away winter: a refreshing breeze.

Google News

2009-07-30T14:27:00.003-04:00

This just in from John Winder of The Cypress Times:

"The Cypress Times is now ranked in the top 2.6% of Worldwide Websites.

The Cypress Times is now ranked in the top 1.2% of all U.S. Websites

In addition to that great bit of news, here's another -

The Cypress Times has been accepted by Google News as a daily news source. In the next few weeks Google (#1 Website in the World) will begin using articles from The Cypress Times in "Google News"."

Congratulations to John and to all the other contributors at TCT.

A Win for My Brother

2009-07-28T20:13:00.003-04:00

Last Tour-related post for this year. We've turned our TV off and it's quiet once again. Or what passes for quiet in our house.

We had a nice, teachable moment for DW this past weekend. Though he still can't figure out what all the fuss is about--he knows what "bicycle race" means: somebody wins, somebody loses, and at some point you get to ride fast.

We watched Frank and Andy Schleck race with the leaders this year. They're brothers from Luxembourg and are very close on and off the track. Though big brother Frank has worn the yellow jersey in past years, younger brother Andy was competing for this year's overall lead. Andy also wore the white jersey--best young rider. The Schleck brothers are expert climbers and excel at mountain stages. On the climb up the Col de la Colombiere, Frank paced Andy up the steep mountain. Frank set such a quick tempo they left almost everyone else behind. Andy stayed on Frank's wheel until the closing kilometers when he took over the lead to give Frank a rest. At the finish line, Andy let his brother pass him and cross the line in first place.

Andy let his brother win to thank him for all his hard work on the mountain. But they shared the victory.

The lessons weren't lost on big brother DW. Brothers work together. Brothers help each other. Brothers share. And it's good to step aside and let your brother win. Big brother Frank won the stage; little brother Andy kept his 2nd place overall lead and white jersey prize. At the finish line they both cheered. After the race--a big hug.

Thank you, Shleck brothers.

How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! -- Psalm 133:1

Mountaintop Finish, Mountaintop Beginning

2009-07-25T00:04:00.004-04:00

We've reached that point in July where I've watched so much cycling that I start dreaming about cycling--with Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwin providing commentary. Long mountain stages lately, with me alongside the rider in the Polka Dot Jersey. Yep, me and Franco Pellizotti, the King of the Mountains. Franco doesn't have much to say.

As I'm writing this at midnight, it's early morning in France on the biggest mountain stage of the Tour--Mont Ventoux. For much of the tour the teams have worked together. Teammates have looked out for each other--whether pacing their leader up a climb or leading their fast man into the sprint at the finish. On Mont Ventoux many riders will have to face the mountain alone. Experienced riders, like Lance Armstrong and George Hincape, don't fear the mountain. They know what's coming. The new guys are a bit anxious. They all want to make it to the top, which is said to resemble the moon: barren and rocky, high altitudes robbing the air of oxygen.

It's difficult to climb to the top of the mountain.

There are 13 pages of results for "mountain" at BibleGateway.com. Scripture compares God to a mighty mountain; the mountains bow to him; he can hurl a mountain into the sea. But I only found 1 mountaintop finish--Moses' death on Mt. Nebo.

Often the mountain is only a beginning:

Mt. Ararat

Mt. Sinai

The temptation of Jesus

The Mount of Transfiguration

The Great Commission

What's your mountain? Is it a difficult climb that drains your strength and leaves you breathless as you claw your way to the top? Or is it a challenge to grow closer to God who meets you on the mountain and reveals himself to you?

Shalom, y'all

Y? Because we like you

2009-07-22T12:29:00.003-04:00

Instead of a Wii, we joined the Y this summer. I needed to get us out of the sun for swim lessons and try to get our toddler into the pool as well. Little did I know how much I'd enjoy it.

They ran a sale on coupons to work with a personal trainer. So I bought a series and enrolled myself in my own "fitness camp."

Boy was I out of shape. You'd think with all the chasing, dressing, and playing with my boys that I'd be down a dress size.

They started a "Stars and Stripes Challenge" in early July. I signed up and received a paper flag, which is posted on the fitness center windows. For each 1/2 hour of cardio I receive a star. For each hour of strength training I receive a stripe. The goal is to fill in the flag by mid-August--50 stars and 13 stripes. You do the math.

So I've been trying some different classes this summer--finding ways to earn stars and stripes. Here's a tour.

Strength training with my trainer:

Good--I can lift heavier weights after a month; I look like I know what I'm doing (more or less)

Bad--She won't let me cheat

Cardio machines:

Good--I can go 20 minutes on the Arc Trainer; I can run on a treadmill for 2 minutes (that's 2 minutes more than last month)

Bad--Sweat; gallons of sweat; buckets of sweat

Light and Lively

Good--Aerobic exercise to oldies while burning lots of calories

Bad--Trying to keep up with women 20 years older than I am

Zumba

Good--Tons of fun exercising to Latin music; dancing out all my stress

Bad--I have a serious craving for Cuban food when we're done

NIA (nee-ah)

Good--What's not to love? Non-Impact aerobics (nia) with a combination of dance, martial arts, and Yoga. It's the most fun of all the classes.

Bad--Getting over the "I look ridiculous" feeling while swimming around the room in kind of a modern dance/Isadora Duncan way. They put mats over the windows- otherwise we'd attract quite an audience

Best of all? While I'm doing this, my kids get 2 hours in the playroom, playing games and climbing through the tunnels. Maybe someday I'll be able to keep up.

Domestique: The Strong Servant

2009-07-11T11:55:00.005-04:00

And speaking of the Tour de France....

A couple of years ago Versus did a feature on the domestiques, the men who spend the Tour supporting a fellow team member in his quest for glory. Although we usually only hear the names of individuals, this competition is a team sport and a strong (or weak) team makes a difference in whether or not the team leaders reach their goals. As talented as he is, even Lance Armstrong could not have won 7 tours without the help of his team.

I wrote this article for one of the FaithWriters challenges and just updated it for 2009. It's posted this week at The Cypress Times.

Domestique: The Strong Servant

(If you like it, please click on the green up arrow under "rate this article".)

Vive le Tour

2009-07-09T14:13:00.007-04:00

As temperatures begin to soar and the reality of summer sets in, my husband and I anticipate a three week celebration of cycling's premier event. We're talkin' Tour de France.

Several years ago (was it 7 or 8?) we tuned into a cycling race to see this fellow named Lance Armstrong compete with the US Postal team. Neither one of us are cyclists, but he likes racing and I like scenery. Within a few nights we were hooked. Maybe even a little nuts.

We haven't missed a year since then. For three weeks, we're couch potatoes, recording it on our DVR so we don't miss a thing. We even watch it on vacation. When he was a baby, we actually set DW's bedtime so that we could watch the Tour. I used to keep it on all day--Paul Sherwin and Phil Liggett's British accents providing a soothing backdrop to my fussy babies. We even experience a post-race letdown. After the excitement of July, August seems long, hot and boring.

So excuse me for a few weeks, I hear the road calling.

Happy Independence Day

2009-07-04T09:58:00.003-04:00

Happy birthday, U.S.A. Have a safe and happy 4th of July.

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No Sweat?

2009-07-02T21:18:00.006-04:00

While slogging my way through a 20 minute elliptical workout this week (gasp) I glanced up at the row of television monitors secured to the wall of the YMCA. Amongst the scrolling headlines endlessly detailing Michael Jackson's latest post-mortem madness (enough already) I spotted something even weirder.

A list of the "Sweatiest Cities in the U.S."

Tampa was ranked #9: apparently just a bit sweatier than Orlando (10), but not quite as sweaty as Miami (7). Phoenix was #1.

Yeah, no kidding.

Turns out the list (produced by Old Spice) is "a projection of the average amount of sweat a person would produce during the months of June, July, and August...based on the average temperature of a city."

So if you visit Florida this summer, be forewarned. The Secret's out and we're in need of some Dry Ideas of any Degree. We're Sure. It's anything but Arrid here.

Acting on Impulse

2009-07-01T15:27:00.004-04:00

Vacation Bible School ran its high energy course through our church last week. It’s a big production with over 100 volunteers (including those who set up and take down). Attendance hovered around 250 singing, dancing, chattering children from age 3 through 5th grade. This year’s theme, Crocodile Dock, somehow combined down home Southern swamp fun with Moses and the Passover story.

We five crew leaders led our combined group of 27 primary grade children through the daily stations of Bible, snack, video lesson with Chadder Chipmunk, crafts, and games. Our main tasks: guide the way, answer questions, and keep the group together.

My crew included one child with, um, well let’s just call them problems with impulse control. Loose communion cup holder in the pew? Kick that baby right off there. Feel like wrestling? Take down in the chapel. See something you want? Go after it. He agonized over waiting even one minute for something he wanted right now. Since this is my 2nd year shepherding this particular child I knew that somewhere in the midst of his chaotic mind, the gospel was taking root. Praise God.

Throughout the Exodus story we see Moses and the Israelites acting on impulse. Lose your temper? Kill the Egyptian overseer. (Ex. 2:12) Lose patience? Make a golden calf. (Ex. 32) Angry with the people? Can’t wait for God? Strike the rock at Meribah. Twice for good measure. (Num. 20) Our curriculum didn’t cover these stories, but I was reminded of them as the week wore on. Our sinful human nature doesn’t want to wait. We want it and we want it now.

This week I’m reading through the book of Proverbs. It’s a 31-chapter book on controlling our impulsive nature.

Watch your temper.

Hold your tongue.

Seek wisdom.

Wait on God.

Be patient.

Be still.

Listen.

True in Moses’ time. True in Solomon’s time. True today.

Shalom, y’all.

High Temperatures

2009-06-29T14:36:00.004-04:00

I looked at the month of June with some trepidation. How would we fill the time vacated by school and library and all our usual activities?

No problem.

Our new YMCA membership keeps us on the go with swim lessons and workouts for mommy--something to do nearly every weekday.

Then we caught The Virus.

Seems this nasty bug was going all around town. I was the first casualty. Then my DH. Then #1 son. Sore throat and a general achy feeling. I was down one weekend but nobody seemed to mind watching a little more TV and playing indoors. A few days respite then my son had it and ran a fever for many unnerving days.

By the end it all we had grown tired of endless viewings of "Go, Diego, Go!" The train set was getting a little boring (except for some excitement when an engine was hurled at my face by a bored 2-year-old). We hadn't been cooped up for that long since.....the last time someone ran a long fever.

Outside, we were having an unusually hot mid-June with a heat wave that took the breath out of even the most hardy Floridians. Cabin fever coupled with the threat of heat stroke while going out to get the morning paper. What fun!

We're all better now--and after a terrific week of Vacation Bible School--thankful to get back into our old routine.

Pro Tree Published

2009-06-12T20:09:00.006-04:00

Exciting news in the household this week--my husband's iPhone/iTouch application was released for sale on Thursday at the Apple App Store. For months we've been sharing time on the computer: some nights I write and edit my stuff, some nights he programs and edits his projects.

Finally, the fruit of his labors went to Apple and his app was approved.

It's called Pro Tree and it's a reaction time game that simulates the "Christmas Tree" that drag racers use at the start of a race. Racers want to hit the gas pedal at the same time as the lights go green. Leave the starting line too early and you get a red foul light. Leave too late and you get left behind.

Pro Tree measures reaction time using fingers instead of a gas pedal. So we've been tapping (or shaking) our iTouches, testing his game for months. I finally got to where I could beat him--causing all manner of testosterone-fueled disbelief. (Due to 2 very active boys, I have a fast reaction time--and excellent peripheral vision.)

My contribution was to help write the description and directions, which I treated like a job. I researched drag racing competition rules and categories. I struggled with editing my husband's notes so that even a novice (me) could follow the directions. I tweaked the final product with a smattering of alliteration, deliberate hard consonants, and a touch of psychology.

This was a fascinating process, frustrating for him at times, but I'm so proud of him for persevering.

A Date with a Calendar

2009-06-03T09:11:00.001-04:00

Now that school’s out, we don’t have the thrice weekly routine of getting ready and heading out to preschool. My boys are feeling a little lost. Regular activities defined their days during the school year. They felt secure knowing that Monday meant school and gymnastics and Wednesday meant library and church. Summer is a little more freewheeling and I’m not one for scheduling every minute of the day. So we needed something to help us keep track of our time.

Enter the kids’ calendar.

DLTK is a fantastic website, with printable coloring sheets and activities for young children, including some excellent Bible activities. DLTK’s calendar page allows us to customize a monthly calendar by theme and language. It’s simple. Choose the month, year, title image and click create. We’re using the summer calendar theme and selected a sand castle for June.

Each morning we look at the calendar and place a sticker in the square for the day. We talk about the name of the month, the day of the week and what we’re going to do. I added in our regular weekly activities with color-coded symbols (cross for church, wavy blue line for swim). We’re using our calendar to count down to much anticipated events like Vacation Bible School and family vacation.

As a bonus, we’re reviewing math skills by counting to 30 (or 31) and repeating the names of the days of the week. By the end of August, we’ll all be ready for preschool to begin again.

Like Hot Fudge on a Cool Day

2009-06-02T14:44:00.005-04:00

And I thought yesterday couldn't get any better.

I got to exercise. My children calmly entertained themselves and let me get a little housework done. And we visited the most delightful playground I've ever seen. (Honestly, it would take days to go on all the slides and climbers, not to mention the new "splash pad" with motion-activated water jets. I love this town.)

To top it all off--Pat, from Pat's Porch--gave me the "Your Blog is Fabulous" award. Many thanks, Pat.

What a wonderful way to kick off the summer!

Shiny New Coin

2009-05-31T22:27:00.005-04:00

I'm continually surprised and delighted when I read or hear a passage of Rabbinic writing that illuminates scripture for me. Pastor Miller paraphrased a saying from the Talmud in today's sermon and it shed some light on a passage I wrote about for Monday Manna awhile back.

"For if a man mints many coins from one mould, they are all alike, but the Holy One, blessed be He, fashioned all men in the mould of the first man, and not one resembles the other..." (Babylonian Talmud: Sanhedrin 38a)

Every Roman emperor minted coins bearing his own image. During the minting process, each coin was stamped so that the resulting coins would all look alike.

God created Adam in His image and has been minting new men and women ever since. Though there may be some close resemblances between family members, no two of us are exactly alike. There are no limits to the number and diversity of "coins" that God can create. Thus God displayed his supremacy over the rulers of the earth.

So when Jesus pointed at the coin and said "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's" (Mark 12:17), his audience might have been familiar with some other rabbi's teachings. Every coin belonged to Caesar, but God put his own divine stamp on us.

I like the thought of God minting me like a shiny new coin, stamping me with his hand, and assigning me value.

Shalom, y'all.

Remembering Today

2009-05-25T16:38:00.004-04:00

Remembering those who died in service to our country...

In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)

Canadian Army

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Writing in the Margins

2009-05-20T14:17:00.003-04:00

Every once in awhile I pay a visit to Pat's Porch--a peaceful place maintained by fabulous, fellow Floridian Pat Guy.

The other day she posted about writers who try to keep up a "writing schedule" with children in the house. She spoke of such mysteries as a "writing zone" and "mommy me-time".

I find that, with a 2-year-old and 4-year-old in the house, I'm often writing in the margins of life. For instance, they're currently in a post-Chuck E. Cheese-party coma right now. So, after putting in a load of laundry and loading the dishwasher, I have time to make a quick blog entry.

Or--after everyone's been fed, bathed, brushed, and put to bed--I might have time to do some work on Ruth. If I'm not too tired.

Some days I wish I could go to a writer's conference or even an 8-hour workshop in town. But I'm in a season of life where I can't get away for one reason or another. So it will have to wait. They're growing up fast.

For now I consider myself fortunate to have any time to write at all. It exercises my brain and brings me joy. And, when I start to feel a little sorry for myself, I am reminded that I've written 2 books in the last 4 years. Not published, not polished, but written. Then there are the few articles and winners in the FaithWriters challenges. Not too shabby for a busy mom.

I am writing. I am learning. I'm making notes. I'm building muscle. I'm laying foundation for whatever God has in store. I'm where He's called me to be.

So I'll publish this post, grab my laundry basket, and wait for the next bit of free time to open up.

Shalom, y'all.

Full Heart

2009-05-18T21:34:00.002-04:00

Today I’m participating in "Monday Manna," hosted by Joanne Sher at An Open Book. Visit her blog for links to more discussion on 1 John 2:15.

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1 John 2:15

I have a bag that I pack for swimming lessons. Since the kids are starving after they get out of the pool, I load one center compartment with drinks and snacks. Another compartment carries my diaper changing kit. The zippered pocket secures items that I don’t want to fall out: wallet, cell phone, swim tickets for lessons. Outside pockets store easy-access items: keys, sunglasses, sunscreen. But other items sink into corners of the bag: toy cars, paper towels, discarded ads from the mailbox, empty snack wrappers.

Sometimes my bag is so full of non-essential items that I barely have room for towels and swimsuits.

If I’m not careful, I’ll fill my heart with the desires of the world: possessions in one pocket, relationships in another, my to-do list stuffed around the outside. Pile in the empty wrappers of chatter and worry and soon I realize that I’m filled with the world--not the Word. I’ve made no room for the love of the Father.

I cleaned out my swim bag and discarded all the garbage. Now it’s packed with our main goal in mind--swimming. First in--towels, clothes, and goggles. They fill the bag, but since I’ve thrown out the garbage, there’s plenty of room left over for the things a mom needs to carry.

When I ask God to clean out my heart and throw out the garbage--the desires of the world--and put Him in first, I find that He fills my heart. But there’s also room for family and fellowship, a purposeful life and peace.

Shalom, y’all.

3-2-1 Liftoff

2009-05-12T15:08:00.003-04:00

We were treated to a perfect shuttle launch on Monday afternoon. Space Shuttle Atlantis roared into space around 2:00 p.m. I watched the launch on HDNet (recorded it for the guys) then ran outside to see the trail in the sky--a white plume that traced Atlantis's path upward through the atmosphere. A few minutes later high altitude winds made the trail look like a giant piece of rick-rack in the sky. Their mission is to intercept the Hubble telescope and do some repairs.

It's still amazing to watch the launches--and we're all the way across the state on the opposite coast. The last night launch--in March--brought everyone outside and the air was so clear we could even see the solid rocket boosters fall away--twin stars that rose for a few seconds before plunging to earth.

It only takes them about 8 minutes to reach outer space--less time than it took me to complete this post. Amazing.

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-09T20:54:00.003-04:00

Fevers, fall-downs, and funny odors--this was one of those weeks when I was waist deep in momminess.

What I've learned this week:

Potty training videos are useful, but the songs are a bit too catchy. Hope I don't start singing "No more diapers for me" in the grocery store checkout line.

JW doesn't want to be a "big kid". He did ask to drive the car. Not until you're potty trained, young man.

Mommy kisses heal boo-boos, especially the invisible ones.

Children can run a 102.5 fever, complain of chills and tummy ache--and be up running around like a maniac 2 hours later.

Children can run a low grade fever and need to visit the pediatrician--ear infection

Love is the best Mother's Day gift. At bedtime tonight, DW thanked God for his mommy. It doesn't get any better than that.

Happy Mother's Day.

Run the Good Race

2009-05-03T21:27:00.004-04:00

Cheating a bit by posting this on Sunday, but I’ll not have time in the morning. "Monday Manna," is hosted by Joanne Sher at An Open Book. Visit her blog for links to more discussion on Mark 12:17.

Then Jesus said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." And they were amazed at him. Mark 12:17

Chariots of Fire has long been one of my favorite movies. During the 1924 Olympics in Paris, Eric Liddell, the “Flying Scotsman,” withdrew from his best event--the 100 meters. Although the movie portrays his withdrawal in dramatic fashion, the race schedule was actually published months in advance of the Games. Liddell, a devout Christian, refused to race on Sunday and trained instead for the 400 meter event.

As Liddell approached the starting blocks, a man slipped a small piece of paper into his hand. The note contained a passage from 1 Samuel 2:30: “Those who honor me, I will honor.” Clutching the paper in his fist, Liddell won the 400m, shattering the existing world record.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. (1 Cor. 9:24)

Eric Liddell brought pride and glory to Scotland--winning their first Olympic gold medal. He steadfastly represented Britain--King and country--running with excellence and bringing home two Olympic medals. But he acknowledged that his speed and ability came from his true King.

“I believe that God made me for a purpose, but He also made me fast. When I run it is in His pleasure."

Eric Liddell raced for Cesar. Eric Liddell ran the good race for God.

Researching Ruth

2009-05-02T22:32:00.003-04:00

Been working on my "Ruth" Bible study tonight. I'm all set to teach chapter two on Sunday and I began working on the text of the introduction for the study--no more bullet points and "who's who" table on a handout. I need to get the intro pulled together so I can start looking toward publication possibilities.

It's getting to be less of a stretch to go from "scholarese" to easy-to-read. I'm greatly encouraged by classmates who have been giving me feedback and cheering me on.

I got off on a bit of a research tangent again at Aish.com between the book of Ruth, Shavuot (when Ruth is read in the synagogues), and the study of Torah which is done on Shavuot. All the time I'm reading I have Acts 2:1 in mind. Thousands of Jews gathered in Jerusalem for Shavuot when Jesus' followers received the Holy Spirit. Pentecost forever tied to Ruth.

Just can't help but think that Ruth was on the disciples' minds when the Holy Spirit came rushing in.

Play it Again, Mom

2009-04-28T21:10:00.005-04:00

The chocolate Easter bunnies are a happy memory. Empty plastic eggs appear to have multiplied and hidden themselves in various corners of my house. The baskets are holding other treasures now, but one of their Easter goodies still retains its luster.

I bought the boys personalized CDs from Christianbook.com. #1 son received "Jesus Loves You" which rocks like a praise band. #2 son has "Fun Time Bible Stories" which giggles and marches and hums along at a toddler tempo. They've been in steady rotation ever since Easter Sunday. The guys are fascinated by hearing their names spoken and sung aloud.

"I love to spend time with you. It's my favorite thing.

J--- you make me want to sing.

Today is going to be great fun

Spending time with you." (From Fun Time Bible Stories)

One day, when I picked up DW from school, his teacher said she had a touching story to share. At lunchtime he'd turned to one of his buddies and said, "I got a CD for Easter. It says 'I'm precious in God's sight.'"

Worth every penny.

Witness to Truth

2009-04-20T11:33:00.004-04:00

Today I am participating in "Monday Manna," hosted by Joanne Sher at An Open Book. Visit her blog for links to more discussion on Acts 22:15.

You will be his witnesses to all men of what you have seen and heard. Acts 22:15

The courtroom gallery is silent. The judge adjusts his glasses. The jurors sit in various attitudes of interest. An attorney approaches a lone woman, who has just sworn to tell “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me God.”

“Tell the court what you saw the night of April 18, 2009.”

The witness’s duty is to provide evidence in a trial, to tell her story in her own words before the court. The judge may ask her questions. She may be cross-examined. Above all, the witness’s primary duty is to tell the truth.

God instructed Ananias, a devout observer of Torah and a believer in Jesus the Messiah, to go to a man named Saul of Tarsus and restore his sight. By faith, Ananias delivered God’s mission for Saul--bring His name and His truth before the Gentiles and before the people of Israel. (Acts 9:11-19)

God had chosen Saul, also known as Paul, to be His witness. A witness is more than one who sees what happened; he has to be able and willing to affirm the truth of his testimony.

After his encounter with Jesus, whom Ananias calls “the Righteous One”, Paul was more than willing. He testified to God’s grace, God’s providence, God’s sovereignty, God’s love. He told his story in his own words before more than one court. He was put on trial, cross-examined, accused, and imprisoned.

Paul never wavered in his witness.

Your testimony may not contain the drama of Paul’s, the heartache of Peter’s, or the blessed relief of Mary Magdalene’s. But you are also called to be His witness. Speak the truth. Tell your story. In your own words.

When the Pharisees investigated Jesus’ healing of the blind man at the Pool of Siloam, they grilled him mercilessly. He couldn’t answer all their questions, but he told them the truth: “One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” (John 9:25b)

Banana-Bran Muffins

2009-04-17T13:25:00.003-04:00

Don't touch those bananas--I mean for them to turn brown. Today we made "Banana Bran Muffins", one of our favorite snacks. The basic recipe is from Mommy Made*and Daddy too! Home Cooking for a Healthy Baby & Toddler, but I've tweaked it over the years.

It's a big ol' plate of happy....

Banana-Bran Muffins

Makes approx. 12 full size or 24 mini muffins

Dry ingredients:

1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour, sifted

1/2 cup wheat bran (I've also used wheat germ)

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp nutmeg

Wet ingredients:

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

1/3 cup light brown sugar

1 1/4 cups pureed ripe banana (about 3-4 medium-large bananas)

2 eggs

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Add ins (optional)

Semi-sweet chocolate chips

Nuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and prepare muffin tins (lightly grease or line with paper baking cups).

Stir dry ingredients together in one bowl. Use a larger bowl to mix the wet ingredients together. Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Add your add-in(s) and stir until just blended.

Fill muffin tins about 2/3 full. Bake 15-20 minutes--until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

My recipe says they'll keep for a few days. We've never had any stay around that long!

Negatives

2009-04-16T20:53:00.004-04:00

My name is Karen and I’m a perfectionist. I like to think of myself as a recovering perfectionist. Never quite over it, but always learning to laugh at this personal foible.

Perfectionism is a craving. I think “just one more edit” or “one more attempt” and I’ll have it. It’s a form of idolatry. My mind creates an ideal and I think I can achieve it--but it always eludes me, morphing into something slightly different each time I think I’m close. I have trouble letting go of a project. I crave that next attempt at improvement.

It’s a form of pride. Close enough is just not good enough. Others compliment. I question whether they’ve looked closely enough at the subject at hand. I believe I can do better because---well, because it’s me. I can do it.

Like I said, I’m recovering.

I’ve been fortunate in my writing to have some good teachers. One high school English teacher wrote comments on our papers that would probably get her in trouble nowadays for “damaging our self esteem.” On the contrary, she was usually right and we knew it. She chiseled away at my writing until I was forced to uncover the gemstone in the middle of all the dirt and rock.

I’ve learned to take comments in stride--even the negative ones. When I taught workshops on customer service, I occasionally received biting comments on my positive attitude. The first one hurt. I was new at the job and didn’t want my supervisor to think ill of me. Never mind that I had 75 good reviews from the same class. Months later I began to laugh at that review. It was so over the top, it gradually became funny.

Then there are the comments that offer constructive criticism. Criticism from someone I respect is a gift. Some criticisms have to do with opinion, which I may or may not agree with. Those force me to think about why or how I wrote on a subject. One comment on a FaithWriters contest entry led to an online friendship with a dear lady who pointed out a glaring error.

So I was caught off guard when a Good Friday piece I wrote for a website received a rating of -2. Negative two? This online newspaper allows readers to click a green “up” or red “down” arrow to rate articles. I’ve had articles receive a 1 rating, maybe a 2, and sometimes a 0. But this I had to investigate. Scrolling down to the comments section I found....nothing. No complaint. No idea where I didn’t connect with the readers--2 of them, obviously. Nada. Zip. Zero. Uh, make that -2.

I’ve mulled this over since Easter and found that what I feel most is embarrassment. Among the articles with 4’s and 6’s and even 0’s there stands my -2. It’s the big fat C- on the page.

No one is going to read my article again, I thought. It’s been brushed away. Branded. Nothing to see here....move along. That’s what annoys me. I want one more edit. One more attempt. The courtesy of one comment I can wrap this rating around.

Then I move on and laugh at myself as I shake my fist at invisible critics.

Like I said, I’m recovering.

Bunny Munch Baskets

2009-04-10T13:37:00.006-04:00

The preschool Easter party was this week and I signed up to bring a “fruit/vegetable” snack. Great. Now all I needed was an idea.

An Internet search revealed that most of the featured snacks for Easter involved eggs or some sort of carbo-sweet. Wrong food groups. So I invented this basket of bunny food to add some fun nutrition to our festivities.

The basket is simple: a paper cupcake liner. I put coconut in a baggie with a few drops of green food coloring. A few shakes later I had edible grass to line the baskets.

I filled the baskets with colorful fruits and veggies that a bunny might eat. I like the contrast between orange and green and we all know that bunnies like carrots, so matchstick carrots went in first. Grapes, apples, and cantaloupes are on sale this week, but there’s no end to what can be included: strawberries, thin celery sticks, blueberries. Slice the larger fruits into bite sized pieces. I cut and prepared everything in advance, so assembly only took a few minutes.

There was a little something for everyone. Some kids passed on the coconut, but eyes sparkled at the colorful array of goodies.

Some Kind of Initiation

2009-04-07T21:35:00.004-04:00

Been subbing as an assistant in one of the classes at DW's preschool. Delightful. The preschool teachers are amazing women who answer tough questions, wipe noses, fill glue bottles, and read stories all at the same time. One of the best things about teaching is that you never stop learning and you're steeped in the environment of the inquisitive. I would never have thought to ask, as one child did, "What time of day do lizards hatch out of their eggs?"

At my age I take lizard eggs for granted. Actually, I don't think about them at all.

Day 1 went rather smoothly. I managed to learn all of the names, not too hard since half the girls have the same name.

Day 2 was interesting. They taught me a new song, a silly song, with extremely silly motions. The kind of song most adults would not be caught dead performing. Halfway through the song I looked around and realized that I was being watched closely. Would this woman actually follow along and do every single crazy thing the song called for?

They don't know me. I can Hokey Pokey with the best of them.

So I gave it everything I had: thumbs up, arms back, feet apart, knees together, bottom up, tongue out, eyes closed, and turn around.

Afterward half the class wanted to sit next to me. I'd passed some kind of initiation.