Posted on Collide Magazine's website. This is a great video. Are we gonna be left behind if we can't keep up?
Well, I just completed my very first book from Thomas Nelson Publishers and am now going to share my review with you.
The book is entitled "The Noticer" and was written by Andy Andrews.
This was an awesome book! It is fiction but has the feel of a true-to-life story during the read. The author takes his account of an elderly gentleman who is, over a period of time, befriending "needy" individuals and sharing his wisdom and insight with each of them. Each chapter highlights a new person and each chapter is, in and of itself, a new story. All, though, are woven together, by the author, into a beautiful story of hope and encouragement.
I'm not going to spoil the story for you by giving you details, because I really hope that you will pick it up and read it for yourself. It's quite an easy and quick read and the author gives plenty of detail to keep you going but you are not bogged down at all during the book. But, I will say, that this book has tons of everyday, practical advice and wisdom that all of us can use. Lots of day to day gems to hold onto in this book.
The thing I came away with is it's all about "perspective". And, when we start seeing things differently, it can, literally, change our lives.
I hope you will consider reading this book. I am actually recommending every member in my family to read it. If you would like to purchase your own copy, you may do so here.
It really has been a while and I have to admit that I have been unfaithful to my blog and the scores of readers out there following my every word. Yes, I must confess, that Facebook has consumed all of my literary genius, albeit quite pathetic that it is :)
Seriously, though, I have enjoyed Facebook; the main reason being that I have gotten to re-connect with college buds and friends from past ministry days. It's been a blast from the past, so to speak!
But, fear not, faithful followers! I have returned!!
I am also now an official Thomas Nelson Book Blogger! What in the world is that, you ask? Well, basically, I get to pick a whole bunch of books that I am interested in reading, they send me an e-book copy and I read a certain book and then review it on my blog. So, it's pretty fun! (Thanks to Rachel for this idea)
I have just finished reading my very first book and will be posting my review in the upcoming days. Don't miss out! It really was an awesome read!
Well, enough for today, kiddies.... I will be seeing you soon.
(All of the above done "tongue in cheek")
Lots going on in our country over the past couple of weeks. Things that concern me as an American and more so as a Christian. Here's my take:
1. You may have heard that while in Turkey two weeks ago, President Barack Obama stated that America is not a Christian nation. This is at least the 2nd time that Barack Obama has made this very strong statement.
2. Last week, Newsweek featured on its cover a story entitled “The Decline and Fall of Christian America.” The Newsweek article asserts that Christianity has less influence on our culture today than at any time in our nation’s history.
3. Georgetown University, a Catholic institution, covered up religious insignia symbolizing the name of Jesus during President Obama's address there Tuesday after the White House requested the change.
4. The anti-tax "tea party" protests were held Wednesday across the country and cable anchors and guests -- who for weeks had all but ignored the story -- covered the protests by cracking a litany of barely concealed sexual references using the word "tea-bagging". (I'll let you Google it if you're not sure of it's meaning.)
5. The government considers you a terrorist threat if you oppose abortion, own a gun or are a returning war veteran. This report came out by the Dept. of Homeland Security and is titled "Rightwing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment".
So, what does it all mean? Well, it means the war we are really fighting right now is a cultural war. We've been fighting this war really since time began, because, as always, it's a fight against good vs. evil. But, we've got people in power right now that are on the wrong side. And it hasn't taken long, since the change of administration, to see the direction that this tide is taking. To me it's a blatant attack on conservative values. It's a purposeful decision to break down any and all connections this country has embraced, believed in and followed regarding Christianity and Jesus Christ.
I don't know where this will take us as a nation. I don't know the effect it will have on us as a collective group. I do know that we are not wrestling against flesh and blood but against principalities. (Eph. 6:12) I also believe the Church has got to stand strong right now. We've got to make a difference. We've got to pray. We've got to raise the standard. We've got to make it clear where we stand.
It's time for the wishy-washiness of Christians to be over. It's time for religion to be replaced by life change. It's time for salt and light to be tasted and seen!
It's time for the Church to be the Church. The blood-washed Bride of Christ, ready for her Lord to come and get her.
Now, that is CHANGE that I believe in!
Wow, where has the month gone? Wasn't it just St. Patrick's Day?
Oh well, here we are and it's Easter Sunday tomorrow.
I was doing a bit of shopping today and getting ready for tomorrow and thinking back on how much life has changed for me over the last few years.
As I was browsing the aisles of WalMart today I saw young moms picking up the big cellophane wrapped eggs full of candy and buying bags of plastic eggs, chocolate, etc... Some were walking with their little girls and looking for that special Easter dress.
Well, my kids are just about all grown up. We did go shopping for Easter clothes a few days ago, but I don't get to pick what I like anymore. :)
I actually still make each of my children a basket; well it's really a bag with candy and some special little gift. Nothing too big. This year, since I have almost adults on my hands, I purchased Starbucks gift cards for two of my kids and the other daughter doesn't drink alot of coffee so she's getting a Verizon gift card. Honestly, I didn't know what to get her and she is saving up for a new phone.
So, many things have changed around here.
But some things don't change. The fact that all of my family believes in the life-changing resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The fact that we all get to go to church together tomorrow and worship our Risen Lord!!
So, as I reflect back, I don't really miss the chocolate and the eggs. It's just another season of my life. But I am still so grateful for that Cross and for the sacrifice that Jesus made for me. He is not dead, but He is risen indeed!!
