Fearless - Imagine Your Life Without Fear

Being able to take risks. Facing the challenge with a smirk. Walking with complete confidence. All of those things can be accomplished when we can live without fear. It seems impossible, a goal that can never be reached.

Max Lucado's new book stretches our belief that we can actually live fearlessly. Each chapter stands by itself, addressing a particular fear. Some were directed toward someone else, parents, worriers, etc., but some were speaking directly to my fears. Fears that an independent, stubborn woman like myself didn't want to own up to. Fears like the fear of not mattering or the fear of what's next.

Lucado delivers his message in a simple, yet profound way. He reminded me that, "Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours (1 Chronicles 29:11)," which includes me. Realizing he strength and power allows me to walk without fear, acknowledging his control in all things.

So...it's been a long while. Summer craziness hit, which meant a lack of reading and a lack of writing. No justification to it, just a simple truth. My latest review is over Faith and Pop Culture, a study series by Christianity Today.

This is unlike any study I have done recently. It is for the movie buffs, the art lovers, and anyone that loves to be entertained. There are 8 lessons, each covering a different topic over a separate art form, each lesson asking if "we can find Jesus in popular entertainment." It challenges its participants to examine what they are watching, reading, and playing and to truly seek Jesus in it.

Being a literature buff, the article "The Good News According to Twain, Steinbeck, and Dicken," caught my attention. In the discussion section of the lesson, they share a quote from this article:

Tolkien, Lewis, Frost, and even more contemporary authors like David Guterson, Charles
Frasier, Annie Dillard, and Anne Lamont are what led me back to the Bible and to Christ.
In their writings is the constant search, and an acceptance of sorts that, while we all sin and
fall short of the glory of God, we must strive toward that glory while giving love and
compassion to those around us. This is not an epiphany or a moment of clarity. This is a
lifetime of struggling with answers that belie their questions. It is a terrible honesty and,
finally, a hope that God will indeed dwell within us. What a dreadful and wonderful lesson to
learn.

This not only challenged me to start looking at literature in a different way, but to also share these insights with friends, colleagues, etc.

Every book I pick up, I look at in a new light. Every movie I watch, I find a lesson to share. I recommended this to anyone who feels like they are caught in the middle between their Christian faith and appreciating art. It puts ideas into perspective and shows that you don't have to sacrifice one for the other.

Helping Those Who Hurt

This book is exactly what it claims to be...a handbook for caring and crisis. It is literally small enough to fit in my purse and is filled with practical advice to handle every situation a minister could experience. It is a reminder of what to do and what not to do.

It is divided into 10 sections and covers everything from hospital visits, to crisis, to helping rape victims. It is written almost like a checklist, so that in those moments of panic or shock, anyone could pull it out, skim it, and have a starting point for handling the situation.

What I love about this book is that it is clearly written by an expert, but you don't have to be an expert to follow the steps. Regardless of who you are, there is something simple you can do to bring comfort to the situation, whether it is meeting physical needs, encouraging words, or offering Scripture.

The Principle of the Path - Andy Stanley

To borrow a line that I always hate reading - Andy Stanley does it again! There is really no other way to say it. Every time I pick up one of his books, it meets me exactly where I am and caused me to retrain my thoughts and ideas.

The concept of this book is simple...direction determines destination. It is something that we all know but few actually think about and put it into practice. This book is a reminder that our everyday choices guides our paths. To reach a destination, we must make choices that are aligned with that path.

If you are living with regrets or are ready to break those bad habits that are holding you back, this is a definite read. Stanley gives practical steps to overcome these things and then reinforces the ideas with biblical stories and Scripture.

The Noticer was a feel good, inspiring book. It was reminiscent of Mitch Albom's style of writing - a quick read, but thought provoking. A book I was glad I had read when finished.
Jones is a mysterious character who turns up when people need him the most. He proclaims himself a noticer, someone who notices things other people overlook. He offers a new "perspective" to those he encounters. He empowers them to change their lives and asks nothing in return.

This book was filled with little nuggets of wisdom that if you weren't careful you would miss. One of my favorite insights is, "Most folks figure a true friend is someone who accepts them as they are. But that's dangerous garbage to believe. The kid who works at the drive-through accepts you for who you are - because he doesn't care anything about you. But a true friend holds you to a higher standard. A true friend brings out the best in you." It was a simple insight, which delivered a powerful message.

This book is the perfect anytime read. You can read it at the beach (and not feel guilty about later). You can read it in one sitting or a little at a time. I would recommend this to anyone that may need a little "perspective" in life.

Uncompromised Faith

Uncompromised Faith by S. Michael Craven


The basic question for this book is "Has your faith become irrelevant?" I of course responded with a very animated "absolutely not." That is, until I read this book. As I read the book, I became more and more solemn, as I realized how passive our culture has become and how I have let this passivity create itself in me without argument or fight.

Craven caught my attention on page 21 when he said, "We have traded in Milton's Paradise Lost for Left Behind, the arias of Bach for contemporary Christian music, and Rembrandt for Thomas Kinkade...what passes for Christian art and literature today fails to rise to the same level of quality and achievement as that of historical Christian artists and writers." Craven goes on to discuss how are culture has changed and how we have allowed it to happen. He goes on to discuss how we have relied on our own understanding, not on God. He also discuss the modern and postmodern era and how it has effected Christianity.

The second half of the book was based on social ideas that have influenced Christianity, including sexualized culture, homosexuality, marriage, feminism, and New Age Spirituality. Every chapter was well researched (and made me want to read his resources). He used statistics without becoming boring or choppy. I caught myself highlighting line after line or making comments out to the side to share with friends.

This book was filled with facts, statistics, and resources, yet it read very fluidly. I was never overwhelmed with the information and wanted to keep reading chapter after chapter.

I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in apologetics, social issues and how they effect Christians, and/or cultural changes.

DVD Review for Skeeter and the Mystery of the Lost Mosquito Treasure

Adorable!! There is really no other way to describe this kid's movie. This movie is all about learning to love yourself for who you are and realizing that God created you for a purpose. It also stresses that everyone is unique and has things they don't like about themselves. Often it is those things we don't like or understand, that make us special. It addresses everything from living in someone's shadows, arrogance, and seeing past our insecurities.

All the character were fun and charming. There is bound to be one that your kids will relate to. There is Skeeter who can't see past his imperfections and is constantly reminded of them by everyone around. There is the lovable Hermie who is always around to help out. Finally, there is Sinclair who seems to have everything but has hidden insecurities nobody know about.

Included are several bonus materials. There is everything you would need to make this into a Sunday School lesson or to watch with your kids at home. There are trivia games, coloring sheets, and short films.

I highly recommend this to anyone that has small children at home or works with kids. It is a great resource

Relentless - a video by Bill Hybels

So I had a profound moment yesterday. It was one of those moments when I was empowered to do great things, yet at the same time ashamed that I had yet to do it. Usually, it seems like my inspiration is fleeting after only a few days. But...this time...I feel like I will never forget it. Our staff meeting with our team watching a video from Leadership Summit. The focus was somehow different than I anticipated. Bill Hybels was talking about Mother Teresa. My first epiphany came when he discussed that she received her "tap on the shoulder" from God when she was 36. Not a big deal some of you may say, however, I took a big sigh of relief because I still have no idea what I want to be when I grow up.

The first real challenge, though, came when he quoted her,"I will refuse you nothing. I'll do your bidding without delay." Wow!! If only I could say that...and actually mean it.

But the part I want to really remember is the second quote, "Even though I don't feel his presence for long periods of time, I will seek to love him and he has never been loved before." I can't imagine being so selfless. I hope that this can be my prayer!!!

Book Review for Coffehouse Theology by Ed Cyzewski

Coffeehouse Theology is not at all what it seemed to me at first. I expected a simple read on the emerging church. Instead, I received an academic book focusing on contextual theology. Once I changed my mindset and focused on the book itself, rather than my preconcieved notions, I enjoyed the read.

Ed Cyzewski's main premise is that there are several ways to study the Bible. The Church as a whole focuses on Biblical Theology, which organizes beliefs about God around the writers of Scripture (page 35), and Systematic Theology, which organizes beliefs about God according to contemporary categories (page 36). This book focuses on a third type of theology, which is often overlooked by Christians in our society, Contextual Theology.

Contextual Theology challenges us to look at local cultural context when studying the Word. It challenges us to acknowledge we look at the Bible through a certain lens, based on where we live and what our culture dictates. If we truly want to understand the Bible, we need to consider how other cultures and people see it. Cyzewski stresses this on page 43 when he says,"only when we appropriately measure our strengths and potential biases - misunderstandings that we bring to the process of forming theology - can we proceed to the second step of reflecting on God."

Cyzewski biggest challenge is to start talking about our theology, to look at things from others perspectives, to simply join the conversation. He says, "theology is the way we respond to God's revealing himself to us."

Rating: Initially is probably would have given is a 3 out of 5, but the further I went in "the conversation" the more I appreciated it. I give it a 4 out 5.

Book review for This is Your Brain On Joy

What if we could look at our brains and see our struggles, weaknesses, anxieties,etc? Would we want to? Would it scare us? Would we take the opportunity to better ourselves?

Dr. Earl Henslin says we can. By using a SPECT (single photon emission computerized tomography), Dr. Henslin believes we can stabilize our moods, restore brain health, and nurture spiritual growth.

My first impression of this book was that it would be an academic read, focusing on the biology of the brain. I also anticipated a promotional book with a strong emphasis on the SPECT. I was pleasantly surprised. Although, it was as I expected, it was so much more. It was intriguing. I found myself reading it as if it were my favorite mystery, so engrossed I couldn't put it down. I caught myself explaining the brain and how it worked to anyone who would listen (sometimes even if they didn't want to listen).

Besides the SPECT, Dr. Henslin offered practical advice for healthy living. His focus is on helping people become healthier and happier individuals.

This book is a definite read. I would give it a 4.5 out of 5.

Boundaries...so here is a question for you...how can some people not have boundaries? I'm talking about the kind which stem from common courteousy, kindness, common sense for that matter. And, why is it looked down upon when you establish your boundaries. Most of you know me, so you know that I am a pretty basic, even keel person. I don't need a ton of boundaries with people, but there are some professional and courteousy boundaries that just should not be crossed. Am I right? When do you let things go and when do you stand up?

"if they aren't mocking you, you are probably average."

I read this quote recently. At the time I was reading an article and it didn't strike me as significant. In fact, I can't even tell you where I was or what I was reading, but they phrase just kept coming back to me. Why is it that we are so consumed with what people think of us that we dumb ourselves down, we don't celebrate our victories, and allow ourselves to be average? The only difference between the average person and the person doing extraordinary things are their choices. Right?? Every day we wake up and we choose what kind of day we are going to have. We choose what we are going to do, what we are going to accomplish.

What if we stopped worrying about what people are going to think, or what limits they are going to put on us and we just started living? What if we truly realized that we can do everything that God wants us to do? I bet there would be a lot less poverty, hurting children, sex trafficking, aids epidemics...! I bet we would have more coffee with people and our family dinners would extend to include, well everyone. I bet we would be less concerned with "our house being a mess" and more concerned with how many people we could invite over this week!

We'd stop be melancholy, lonely, afraid, depressed, selfish...depraved. And we would start being selfless, courageous, joyful, thoughtful...happy!!

By plucking her petals you do not gather the beauty of the flower.
*Rabindranath Tagore - "Stray Birds"

Too often, we try to find our beauty, our worth in other people. We measure ourselves based on biased eyes and opinions. We look through a veil that is filtered through jealousy, inadequacy, and selfishness. Our perceptions of others and ourselves can't be trusted. We don't see accurately.

"You've heard the adage 'the grass is greener on the other side?' The truth is, the grass is greener where it's watered...so start watering your own grass."
*Doug Fields



OK, decent point Mr. Fields. I get the analogy and it's brilliant, and I want my grass to be really green. I really, really do. My problem isn't with watering the grass, it's with finding the darn garden hose to do it.

I have the drive and the desire to pour into people, but it's the means that I'm lacking. It's the know how. It's the changing society. It's the transitioning from this to that with very little support or encouragement.

I could do without the support, I think, if I just knew what I was doing was the most effective thing.

I'm addicted to panera...

I hate to admit, but i ma officially addicted. I caught myself this week looking for opportunities to come here (this is my fourth time in one week). I love that i can come here check my email, blog, work, while drinking costa rican coffee. My favorite thing is the people. you see business men and women, moms with their kids, college students cramming for finals, girlfriends gossiping, a group of old men drinking their coffee, punk kids listening to their latest favorite song on their laptops. they all come and for a brief moment in time they are all unique and all the same. for one brief moment, we all agree on something, regardless of our politics, our socio-economics standing, our backgrounds. i find myself being optimististic that perhaps we all can find common ground and understanding.

"But you see, just because we've been...dealt a certain hand...it doesn't mean that we can't choose to rise above-to conquer the boundaries of a destiny that none of us wanted."
-Edward, Twilight

For a year now (i'm kind of a slow learner), God has been teaching me that we can be content to be mediocre or we can choose to be great. I've desired, as I'm sure most of us have, to have that choice; to have that opportunity to be great. However, now that I stand at the crossroads, choosing greatness is a very scary thing. It requires be to be intentional and deliberate. I could choose to be content. I would be happy and it would be easy. But, I could choose to take on new challenges and be stretched by God. That decision could lead to greatness (at least greatness in his eyes, which is really what matters).

I want to continually have Holy discontent. I never want to settle for being less than what God has in store for me.

so, i'm working with sherrita on dealing with children and their aggressive behavior. we've been talking about 1-2-3 magic, triggers, de-escalation, basically all the things good counselors, case workers, etc. should be talking about, but somewhere in the back of my mind I keep thinking about adults and how we really aren't that different from kids. we just aren't as open with our aggression. we become passive observers waiting for the perfect moment to respond with a sardonic comment that cuts to the core but which we can pass off as "just kidding." The recipient responds with a passive shrug of the shoulders while they quietly plot in their minds a simple retaliation. a retaliation they can pass off with a calm, deliberate voice to mask the hurtful intention in the message. a retaliation we deliver over a meal with friends so there is a buffer to keep things from getting too open, too confrontive. we create this vicious cycle all because we are ashamed of our vulnerability, our emotions. we are afraid to be honest in our relationships, so we create this wall against intimacy. so, how do we break the wall down? can we? what if the other party isn't willing? do we let it go and become an accomplice in the passive-aggressive game or do we confront it knowing that in the end we may just have to count our losses?

stay posted. can't promise wonderful insight or profound witness, but you will get honest opinions.