Here are the rest of the books I read in August. With the exception of a couple on this list, these are all lighter reading .. mostly Christian fiction from the local library that you can read in a day or two.
The Bride Bargain by Kelly Eileen Hake is a fiction book I found at the library. It's about two women who were traveling the Oregon Trail, but got left behind in a town in the Nebraska Territory. The main character is Clara who is trying to find a bride for her employer's son, Saul, a doctor from Baltimore. I felt like I was back in time when adventurous Americans were traveling west for new opportunities.
Until We Reach Home by Lynn Austin -- fiction story about three young sisters who left home in Sweden to begin a new life in America; this book tell of Elin, Kirsten and Sofia's journey and hardships as they travel in steerage for two weeks across the Atlantic, are grounded on Ellis Island for two weeks and make their way to Chicago where their uncle lives. We sure do have it easy compared to immigrants of that time...whew!
The Bible and Tomorrow's News by Charles Ryrie -- this is a small book my dad had and basically it tells the author's perspective on Biblical prophecy relating to the end times.
Sweetwater Gap by Denise Hunter -- a Christian fiction library book about a young lady who goes back to rural NC to help her family at the apple orchard; main characters are Josie, Grady, Laurel, Nate ... message about holding onto guilt and being set free from it by Christ
Rebecca's Promise by Jerry S. Eicher -- Christian fiction book about a couple of Amish families; they sure do work hard!
Sisterchicks Go Brit is another book in Robin Jones Gunn's series where best friends visit a foreign country. In this book Kellie and Liz get an opportunity to see the sights in Olney, Oxford and London. I enjoyed living through them experiencing British things. One lesson of the book is about dreaming and taking risks.
Signs of Life by Dr. David Jeremiah is a series of forty short challenges to get us "back to the basics of authentic Christianity."
From chapter 5 Pass the Salt - "The Gospel isn't something we come to church to hear; it's something we go from church to tell." (pg. 23)
"Don't underestimate the power of sharing Christ. His Word does not return to Him void, and our work in the Lord is never in vain (Isaiah 55:11; I Corinthians 15:58.)" (pg. 38)
Find more quotes from this book in previous August posts.
Abraham: A Journey to the Heart of Three Faiths by Bruce Feiler -- discusses Abraham from the viewpoint of Jews, Christians and Muslims. The author, a Jew from America, travels to the Middle East for answers and to find this Abraham whom all three monotheistic religions hold in high regard.
A Proper Pursuit by Lynn Austin is an enjoyable novel set in Chicago during the time of D.L. Moody. It's told from the main character's,Violet's, perspective and I found it a very cute book. Through it I was reminded about finding joy through serving others and seeing people with God's eyes. And also that women are perfectly capable of thinking and making decisions and are not the property of men. But I knew those things already. :)
The Returning by Ann Tatlock deals with a family as they adjust to their father returning home after a five-year prison stay for drunk driving.
How Sweet It Is by Alice J. Wisler is about Deena, a professional cook, who decides to leave her family and heartache in Atlanta and begin a new life in the North Carolina mountains. There she teaches a cooking class to troubled middle schoolers and learns lessons about trusting God with her whole hand in His. I like this quote from Helen Keller which was in the beginning of the book: "When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us."
Monday, August 31, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
August Books - part 1
I read or completed a number of books this month so I believe I'll post about some of them now even though it's not quite the end of the month. Close enough though! I can't believe September is just a few days away....wow!
They Like Jesus But Not the Church by Dan Kimball is a book containing "insights from emerging generations." I've written previous posts about this, but one thing I wanted to take note of was from the excellent chapter on the church being full of fundamentalists who take the whole Bible literally. I was challenged by the author's suggestion that we know why we believe what we do, why we take some things literally and some figuratively. He said that "The Bible says it, I believe it" theme from year's past doesn't work or impress emerging generations who want real answers. Also from this chapter, I like this quote:
"How sad that in our culture the Bible is known more as a weapon for beating, bashing, and shooting people than for being sweet like honey (Ps.19:9-11), for reviving the soul (Ps. 19:7), for giving light for direction (Ps. 119:105), for providing guidelines for walking in freedom (Ps. 119:45) and for its wisdom (Ps. 119:98)." (pg. 208)
The Swallows of Kabul by Yasmina Khadra (the nom de plume of an Algerian army officer Mohammed Moulessehoul); this book makes me glad once again to not live in a place ruled by the Taliban and also makes me appreciate men who don't have such a careless and offensive view of women and wives; I got this at the library
The Attack by Yasmina Khadra is a story about an Arab Israeli citizen who is a successful surgeon in Tel Aviv. His world is turned upside down when his wife does something so surprising and, well, permanent. I found this at the library and greatly enjoyed it.
A militant Palestinian's response to Amin concerning the resistance -- "When dreams are turned away, death becomes the ultimate salvation." (pg. 220) and another who said, "There's no worse cataclysm than humiliation. It's an evil beyond measure, Doctor. It takes away your taste for life." (pg. 219). And another, "There's no happiness without dignity and no dream is possible without freedom." (pg. 227)
About his life as a surgeon, Dr. Amin says, "the only battle I believe in, the only one that really deserves bleeding for, is the battle the surgeon fights, which consists of re-creating life in the place where death has chosen to conduct its maneuvers." (pg. 234) and also as he surveys the Jenin area, "I hate wars and revolutions and these dramas of redemptive violence that turn upon themselves like endlessly long screws and haul entire generations through the same murderous absurdities, apparently without ERROR signals going off in anybody's head. I'm a surgeon: In my view, there's enough suffering inherent in human flesh, and no need for healthy people to inflict more on one another every chance they get." (pg. 167)
The Sirens of Baghdad by Yasmina Khadra takes place during the Iraq War. It follows the story of a young man in a small desert village as the American forces come through, disgrace his family and he seeks to restore dignity and honor. See previous posts for excerpts from this book.
The Blue Manuscript by Sabiha Al Khemir -- Eastern and western cultures mix and experience life together on this archaeological dig in a remote area in Egypt. I think my favorite part was around page 136 where the translator Zohra is discussing how her Tunisian father said she was "too English" when she showed reservation and planning and her mom accused her of being "too Arab" when "emotions gushed out unexpectedly." It amused me when someone asked her which language (English or Arabic) she thought in because Samer and I have had discussions like this before. "I can't believe you think in English!" or "You mean you think in Arabic, but have to translate your thoughts into English so I can read them?" Ha, ha!
I'll post the rest of the books later.
They Like Jesus But Not the Church by Dan Kimball is a book containing "insights from emerging generations." I've written previous posts about this, but one thing I wanted to take note of was from the excellent chapter on the church being full of fundamentalists who take the whole Bible literally. I was challenged by the author's suggestion that we know why we believe what we do, why we take some things literally and some figuratively. He said that "The Bible says it, I believe it" theme from year's past doesn't work or impress emerging generations who want real answers. Also from this chapter, I like this quote:
"How sad that in our culture the Bible is known more as a weapon for beating, bashing, and shooting people than for being sweet like honey (Ps.19:9-11), for reviving the soul (Ps. 19:7), for giving light for direction (Ps. 119:105), for providing guidelines for walking in freedom (Ps. 119:45) and for its wisdom (Ps. 119:98)." (pg. 208)
The Swallows of Kabul by Yasmina Khadra (the nom de plume of an Algerian army officer Mohammed Moulessehoul); this book makes me glad once again to not live in a place ruled by the Taliban and also makes me appreciate men who don't have such a careless and offensive view of women and wives; I got this at the library
The Attack by Yasmina Khadra is a story about an Arab Israeli citizen who is a successful surgeon in Tel Aviv. His world is turned upside down when his wife does something so surprising and, well, permanent. I found this at the library and greatly enjoyed it.
A militant Palestinian's response to Amin concerning the resistance -- "When dreams are turned away, death becomes the ultimate salvation." (pg. 220) and another who said, "There's no worse cataclysm than humiliation. It's an evil beyond measure, Doctor. It takes away your taste for life." (pg. 219). And another, "There's no happiness without dignity and no dream is possible without freedom." (pg. 227)
About his life as a surgeon, Dr. Amin says, "the only battle I believe in, the only one that really deserves bleeding for, is the battle the surgeon fights, which consists of re-creating life in the place where death has chosen to conduct its maneuvers." (pg. 234) and also as he surveys the Jenin area, "I hate wars and revolutions and these dramas of redemptive violence that turn upon themselves like endlessly long screws and haul entire generations through the same murderous absurdities, apparently without ERROR signals going off in anybody's head. I'm a surgeon: In my view, there's enough suffering inherent in human flesh, and no need for healthy people to inflict more on one another every chance they get." (pg. 167)
The Sirens of Baghdad by Yasmina Khadra takes place during the Iraq War. It follows the story of a young man in a small desert village as the American forces come through, disgrace his family and he seeks to restore dignity and honor. See previous posts for excerpts from this book.
The Blue Manuscript by Sabiha Al Khemir -- Eastern and western cultures mix and experience life together on this archaeological dig in a remote area in Egypt. I think my favorite part was around page 136 where the translator Zohra is discussing how her Tunisian father said she was "too English" when she showed reservation and planning and her mom accused her of being "too Arab" when "emotions gushed out unexpectedly." It amused me when someone asked her which language (English or Arabic) she thought in because Samer and I have had discussions like this before. "I can't believe you think in English!" or "You mean you think in Arabic, but have to translate your thoughts into English so I can read them?" Ha, ha!
I'll post the rest of the books later.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Reoccurring Themes
"The Bible is constantly sending people into the desert for redemption, because it's there, away from the ease of settled life, far removed from ready water, that they turn to God for sustenance." (pg. 68)
Is it true that we most often turn to God when things are unsettled? I read this quote above in Abraham: A Journey to the Heart of Three Faiths by Bruce Feiler. Also from this book, check out the words below from Father John Lyons, a Catholic priest.
"The lesson of Abraham ... [for Christians] is you have to be willing to risk it all. You have to be willing to give up everything for God. Even in the New Testament, Jesus says unless you are willing to give up husband, wife, mother, father and children, for the Kingdom of God, you are not worthy to follow me. The bottom line is if you're too comfortable, or too secure, or too into having control, then you won't be willing to trust God." (pg. 48)
Surrender issues, eh? Have I not mentioned that here recently?
Re: The Lord's Prayer ... "When you pray that 'God's will be done,' you're saying, 'All right, God, I'm prepared to do your will.' Yet most of us want to do our will, because most of us are control freaks. We want the security of knowing that we have a house, we have a job, our children are protected, we've got a savings account. And God says that's not going to bring the security you really need in life." (pg. 49)
This was more interesting to me because I'd just read an article reminding me that even though we may try to be good financial stewards, there was no guarantee of security. Rather our ultimate security is in the One who created it all and sustains us. Good reminder for me!
About the blessing of silence and getting away to spend time with God, the conclusion is "The message of Abraham is to be alone, to be quiet, and to listen. If you never hear the Call in the first place, you'll never know which way to go." (pg. 50)
Here is more getting-away-from-it-all, silence talk. I believe I mentioned that here lately as well. Hmmm.
Is it true that we most often turn to God when things are unsettled? I read this quote above in Abraham: A Journey to the Heart of Three Faiths by Bruce Feiler. Also from this book, check out the words below from Father John Lyons, a Catholic priest.
"The lesson of Abraham ... [for Christians] is you have to be willing to risk it all. You have to be willing to give up everything for God. Even in the New Testament, Jesus says unless you are willing to give up husband, wife, mother, father and children, for the Kingdom of God, you are not worthy to follow me. The bottom line is if you're too comfortable, or too secure, or too into having control, then you won't be willing to trust God." (pg. 48)Surrender issues, eh? Have I not mentioned that here recently?
Re: The Lord's Prayer ... "When you pray that 'God's will be done,' you're saying, 'All right, God, I'm prepared to do your will.' Yet most of us want to do our will, because most of us are control freaks. We want the security of knowing that we have a house, we have a job, our children are protected, we've got a savings account. And God says that's not going to bring the security you really need in life." (pg. 49)
This was more interesting to me because I'd just read an article reminding me that even though we may try to be good financial stewards, there was no guarantee of security. Rather our ultimate security is in the One who created it all and sustains us. Good reminder for me!
About the blessing of silence and getting away to spend time with God, the conclusion is "The message of Abraham is to be alone, to be quiet, and to listen. If you never hear the Call in the first place, you'll never know which way to go." (pg. 50)
Here is more getting-away-from-it-all, silence talk. I believe I mentioned that here lately as well. Hmmm.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
More Good Stuff from InTouch
A few days ago I wrote about the InTouch magazine I'd received recently in the mail. Here are a couple more things from the brief articles in it that stood out to me.
In her article on coping with an unexpected pregnancy, author Leslie Leyland Fields admits she had thoughts of "am I to serve others and shelve my own dreams forever?" when she found herself pregnant in her forties. Her surprise pregnancy meant interrupting her teaching job at a university just as she was nearing tenure. But she tells how God literally brought her to her knees. She writes, "I realized we never graduate from the call to live the life of love that Christ exemplified. There is no 'promotion' beyond loving and serving others, especially the weak and needy among us.'"
I liked that.
In a one-page devotional, the author mentions parents questioning "how long?" until their children take responsibility, help around the house and do things when first told. And then we are reminded this is nothing new because in the Old Testament it is recorded that God asks the same question of people.
"How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me?" - Exodus 10:3
"How long will you refuse to keep my commands and my instructions?" -- Exodus 16:28
"How long will these people treat me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in me, in spite of all the miraculous signs I have performed among them?" -- Numbers 14:11
"How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him." -- I Kings 18:21
So I wonder if God is asking today how long until I seek Him with my whole heart and search for Him like hidden treasures. How long until I sit in silence before Him and earnestly desire to hear Him. How long until I surrender and say with conviction, "Not my will, but yours be done."
And one last thing....this verse which was dear to me a few weeks ago when I felt things were pretty bad. It came to mind one night before bed and encouraged me, and I read it again in this publication:
"Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you. -- Jeremiah 32:17
In her article on coping with an unexpected pregnancy, author Leslie Leyland Fields admits she had thoughts of "am I to serve others and shelve my own dreams forever?" when she found herself pregnant in her forties. Her surprise pregnancy meant interrupting her teaching job at a university just as she was nearing tenure. But she tells how God literally brought her to her knees. She writes, "I realized we never graduate from the call to live the life of love that Christ exemplified. There is no 'promotion' beyond loving and serving others, especially the weak and needy among us.'"
I liked that.
In a one-page devotional, the author mentions parents questioning "how long?" until their children take responsibility, help around the house and do things when first told. And then we are reminded this is nothing new because in the Old Testament it is recorded that God asks the same question of people.
"How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me?" - Exodus 10:3
"How long will you refuse to keep my commands and my instructions?" -- Exodus 16:28
"How long will these people treat me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in me, in spite of all the miraculous signs I have performed among them?" -- Numbers 14:11
"How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him." -- I Kings 18:21
So I wonder if God is asking today how long until I seek Him with my whole heart and search for Him like hidden treasures. How long until I sit in silence before Him and earnestly desire to hear Him. How long until I surrender and say with conviction, "Not my will, but yours be done."
And one last thing....this verse which was dear to me a few weeks ago when I felt things were pretty bad. It came to mind one night before bed and encouraged me, and I read it again in this publication:
"Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you. -- Jeremiah 32:17
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Five Things About Me
Amber tagged me in a Five Things About Me post. Let me think of some random things that I've not shared before....hmmm.
1. About six years ago I met a group of ladies at Babycenter.com in the daily name poll section. Someone from Canada did a poll about the women who regularly voted and commented. Several of us started commenting more and more in that thread until we became friends. About a dozen of us still keep in touch on our own private Yahoo site. I have many of them as Facebook friends and read blogs for a couple who have them.
2. I am the only one of the group mentioned above who does not have children. I've just always liked names so I'd visit the site and vote and read/leave comments.
3. My brother in law is from Venezuela and did not grow up speaking English though you'd never guess that now. A few years ago when I decided to take Spanish at the community college, I remember him laughing at my southern-accent Spanish. :-P
4. The church I attended growing up was KJV-only so I grew up familiar with this particular version of the English Bible. And I liked it fine. However, a few years ago it dawned on me that not everyone understands English from the 1600s so I shouldn't be adamant that they only read the Authorized Version. I'm rather tired of that us-vs.-them attitude in churches. We should not focus on such trivial matters, though I know to them it's not trivial. Still. Here is MY thinking: I remember being taught that ages ago the Catholic church wanted to keep the Bible in Latin so the common people couldn't read it for themselves. That way only the church leaders could dictate what God's Word says. So fastforward to our time and I thought, "Hmm, if people cannot understand the KJV yet some church leaders insist it be kept in this old language, are we not similar to the church leaders of old?" Because *I* grew up reading, listening to and memorizing the old KJV and still don't understand all its words. How do you explain "charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up" to someone today -- especially if he/she is not a native English speaker?
5. I grew up in a Christian school from 4 years old 'til I graduated at 18. During that time I went to school with only one black person. So for my diversity-loving self, I grew to appreciate the Yankees that invaded my school especially during my freshman year. I still remember when Adam from Connecticut called me a redneck. :-)
Anyone who wants to do this, feel free. Let me know so I can read what you write.
1. About six years ago I met a group of ladies at Babycenter.com in the daily name poll section. Someone from Canada did a poll about the women who regularly voted and commented. Several of us started commenting more and more in that thread until we became friends. About a dozen of us still keep in touch on our own private Yahoo site. I have many of them as Facebook friends and read blogs for a couple who have them.
2. I am the only one of the group mentioned above who does not have children. I've just always liked names so I'd visit the site and vote and read/leave comments.
3. My brother in law is from Venezuela and did not grow up speaking English though you'd never guess that now. A few years ago when I decided to take Spanish at the community college, I remember him laughing at my southern-accent Spanish. :-P
4. The church I attended growing up was KJV-only so I grew up familiar with this particular version of the English Bible. And I liked it fine. However, a few years ago it dawned on me that not everyone understands English from the 1600s so I shouldn't be adamant that they only read the Authorized Version. I'm rather tired of that us-vs.-them attitude in churches. We should not focus on such trivial matters, though I know to them it's not trivial. Still. Here is MY thinking: I remember being taught that ages ago the Catholic church wanted to keep the Bible in Latin so the common people couldn't read it for themselves. That way only the church leaders could dictate what God's Word says. So fastforward to our time and I thought, "Hmm, if people cannot understand the KJV yet some church leaders insist it be kept in this old language, are we not similar to the church leaders of old?" Because *I* grew up reading, listening to and memorizing the old KJV and still don't understand all its words. How do you explain "charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up" to someone today -- especially if he/she is not a native English speaker?
5. I grew up in a Christian school from 4 years old 'til I graduated at 18. During that time I went to school with only one black person. So for my diversity-loving self, I grew to appreciate the Yankees that invaded my school especially during my freshman year. I still remember when Adam from Connecticut called me a redneck. :-)
Anyone who wants to do this, feel free. Let me know so I can read what you write.
Award & Obsessions
Sarah at Wrestling with Religion kindly gave me this blog award. Thank you! I recently met Sarah in "Blogland" and have greatly enjoyed her thought-provoking posts as she searches for spiritual guidance and truth. She often causes me to consider why I believe as I do. I always look forward to new posts because I feel challenged reading them and coming up with appropriate responses.
1. Reading blogs & books -- whereas I used to most always read Christian fiction books, the last two years I have read quite an assortment about Muslims, Islam, Christianity and so forth.
2. The Middle East -- It's always held some fascination to me since I grew up reading the Bible and trusting Jesus as my Lord and Savior, but it has become MUCH more of interest to me the last couple of years.
3. Damascus -- Syria that is. I was introduced to it in the context of the Apostle Paul's conversion as recorded in the Bible, but it has become a place that fills my heart and mind since God made this city extra-special to my life. I want to be there.
4. Foreigners -- I've always been infatuated with people who spoke differently, dressed differently, looked differently from what I am used to. I like accents and different cultures. I wish I had more foreigners where I live. My particular "foreigner love" presently belongs to Arabs, but I like others as well. Don't worry.
5. Figuring out God's purpose for me in life & where I can serve Him now -- I think this one speaks for itself, don't you? ;)
And here are the five blogs to whom I want to pass along this award. Since Sarah has already been chosen, I will select five others from my Google Reader. There are others I enjoy, but for now . . .
Little Steps Toward Home by Amber -- I discovered her blog earlier this year and have come to appreciate the variety of topics and Amber's great sense of humor. She is a recent convert to Catholicism, but posts a great deal about Orthodox Christianity as well. I find it all pretty interesting since I grew up in neither.
Emotions are Footprints in the Rain by Carmen -- A fairly new blog and not a lot there yet, but Carmen writes about her thoughts and books she reads in a way that challenges and/or encourages me.
Noctural Queen by Niki -- Since I tend to like reading about people's days and thoughts, I enjoy Niki's posts. Plus I know her personally so that helps.
The Batterson Blog by Mark -- I've read two of his books and found SO much good stuff in them. I was glad to find he has a blog. He writes short posts which often contain good things for me to ponder.
Musings of a Future Pastor's Wife by "Rachel" -- Not sure how I found her blog, but I enjoy reading "Rachel's" posts about her life in New Orleans. She is a great writer and covers a variety of subjects -- some lighthearted, some deep. I like the variety.
Here are the rules:
- List five current obsessions.
- Pass the award on to five more fabulous blogs.
- On your post of receiving this award, make sure you include the person that gave you the award and link it back to them.
- When you post your five winners, make sure you link them as well.
- Don’t forget to let your winners know they won an award from you by leaving a comment on their blog.
1. Reading blogs & books -- whereas I used to most always read Christian fiction books, the last two years I have read quite an assortment about Muslims, Islam, Christianity and so forth.
2. The Middle East -- It's always held some fascination to me since I grew up reading the Bible and trusting Jesus as my Lord and Savior, but it has become MUCH more of interest to me the last couple of years.
3. Damascus -- Syria that is. I was introduced to it in the context of the Apostle Paul's conversion as recorded in the Bible, but it has become a place that fills my heart and mind since God made this city extra-special to my life. I want to be there.
4. Foreigners -- I've always been infatuated with people who spoke differently, dressed differently, looked differently from what I am used to. I like accents and different cultures. I wish I had more foreigners where I live. My particular "foreigner love" presently belongs to Arabs, but I like others as well. Don't worry.
5. Figuring out God's purpose for me in life & where I can serve Him now -- I think this one speaks for itself, don't you? ;)
And here are the five blogs to whom I want to pass along this award. Since Sarah has already been chosen, I will select five others from my Google Reader. There are others I enjoy, but for now . . .
Little Steps Toward Home by Amber -- I discovered her blog earlier this year and have come to appreciate the variety of topics and Amber's great sense of humor. She is a recent convert to Catholicism, but posts a great deal about Orthodox Christianity as well. I find it all pretty interesting since I grew up in neither.
Emotions are Footprints in the Rain by Carmen -- A fairly new blog and not a lot there yet, but Carmen writes about her thoughts and books she reads in a way that challenges and/or encourages me.
Noctural Queen by Niki -- Since I tend to like reading about people's days and thoughts, I enjoy Niki's posts. Plus I know her personally so that helps.
The Batterson Blog by Mark -- I've read two of his books and found SO much good stuff in them. I was glad to find he has a blog. He writes short posts which often contain good things for me to ponder.
Musings of a Future Pastor's Wife by "Rachel" -- Not sure how I found her blog, but I enjoy reading "Rachel's" posts about her life in New Orleans. She is a great writer and covers a variety of subjects -- some lighthearted, some deep. I like the variety.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Caleb, Dreams & Relationships
Just when I really try to dismiss nonsensical thoughts that pop into my mind as unrealistic dreams that'd I'd best be getting over if I want to find any sort of contentment in the here and now, I get some little gem in the mail that makes me wonder all over again. It's not the first time God has used Dr. Charles Stanley's monthly InTouch publication to speak directly to some aspect of my life. It's kinda weird, but I like it! This month's topic is Caleb and "staying young and fruitful all your life."
From the article ...
"Far too many people are afraid to dream big dreams, but what they don't realize is this: they cannot dream anything that is too big for God. God gave Caleb a dream and placed it within his heart. How he responded was his choice. Would he remain focused and motivated or let his heart become burdened by the cares of his life?"
Recall Caleb had to watch a whole generation of Israelites die before he could enter the Promised Land. That's a whole lot of years for dreams to die and discouragement to set in the ol' mind!
In the "a word from Charles F. Stanley" section, the title is "Living to the Limit: Realigning Our Dreams With His."
And get this!
Love that! Yearning for His fellowship ... wow. Honestly, that is hard for me oftentimes. I mean, I want that, but it's hard to sit still before God and listen for His instructions. (I am too impatient and want answers after only 5 minutes of sitting there...okay, maybe 3 minutes.) That's why I told Andrew recently I wish God would just send me something in the mail so I'd know clearly what His plans were for me.
But maybe He doesn't often make it that easy because He wants me to spend time with Him, getting to know His heart, His desires, His love for people and His plans for this world. Maybe I should think about this time differently somehow. In this world of doing, it's hard to sit still without guilty thoughts of "I really need to stop wasting time and do something." But is it a waste - ever - to spend time with God?
I remember a man came to our church last year and the only thing I remember from his sermon is this quote: waste time on relationships.
I adore that. I think he was saying in reality that it is not a waste of time to develop relationships with others. Relationships are the most important things in this world, not all the material possessions and positions of power and fame that we strive for.
From the article ...
"Far too many people are afraid to dream big dreams, but what they don't realize is this: they cannot dream anything that is too big for God. God gave Caleb a dream and placed it within his heart. How he responded was his choice. Would he remain focused and motivated or let his heart become burdened by the cares of his life?"
Recall Caleb had to watch a whole generation of Israelites die before he could enter the Promised Land. That's a whole lot of years for dreams to die and discouragement to set in the ol' mind!
In the "a word from Charles F. Stanley" section, the title is "Living to the Limit: Realigning Our Dreams With His."
And get this!
People want to know how to gain greater fulfillment. (I just want to know my purpose in life!) The answer is found through an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. (Yeah?) Genuine contentment is not a matter of abandoning dreams and hopes; rather, it involves refocusing so that all we do and desire begins and ends with Jesus.
When we commit ourselves to the Lord in this way, life becomes very full. Dreams and goals have more meaning when we ask Him to place them within the context of His specific will and purpose for our life.
God wants us to yearn for His fellowship more than the temporal things of this world. If you commit to seek His will and trust Him to give you the desires of your heart, you'll step into the rich purpose for which you were created.
Love that! Yearning for His fellowship ... wow. Honestly, that is hard for me oftentimes. I mean, I want that, but it's hard to sit still before God and listen for His instructions. (I am too impatient and want answers after only 5 minutes of sitting there...okay, maybe 3 minutes.) That's why I told Andrew recently I wish God would just send me something in the mail so I'd know clearly what His plans were for me.
But maybe He doesn't often make it that easy because He wants me to spend time with Him, getting to know His heart, His desires, His love for people and His plans for this world. Maybe I should think about this time differently somehow. In this world of doing, it's hard to sit still without guilty thoughts of "I really need to stop wasting time and do something." But is it a waste - ever - to spend time with God?
I remember a man came to our church last year and the only thing I remember from his sermon is this quote: waste time on relationships.
I adore that. I think he was saying in reality that it is not a waste of time to develop relationships with others. Relationships are the most important things in this world, not all the material possessions and positions of power and fame that we strive for.
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