Rumors of God by Darren Whitehead & Jon Tyson

I just finished reading Rumors of God, written by two Aussies (Whitehead & Tyson) who now work with large churches here in the U.S.  From the beginning, I enjoyed reading this book.  It begins with the prayer of the Habakkuk, "Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord.  Renew them in our day."  Based on that prayer, the premise of the book is simple enough - bringing truth to each "rumor" we have heard about God's goodness.  Rumors such as God's generosity, love, grace, freedom, and justice, among others, are explored in relation to our modern culture.  People have heard of these things, but how do they actually know these rumors about God are true?

I loved being challenged by the idea that in our fallen world, God relies on us to reclaim the world for him.  I have heard that many times in my life, but this book helps to put skin on this idea. It gives real examples of people who are living out the message of convincing the world that the rumors about God true.  It has definitely inspired me to begin thinking differently about the way I live. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has questioned the state of our world and God's role in it. 

This was a great read, and I look forward to the next work from these authors.

**To comply with regulations introduced by the Federal Trade Commission, I will note that I received a complimentary copy of this book, but am in no way required to give a positive review. **

What's Going On

I've been out of the loop for a while now, busy with all things summertime.  Now that our schedule is about to settle down again, hopefully I'll be back in blogging business. 

For now, here's what we've been up to lately.

Creating Financial Margin

I've been finishing up Richard Swenson's book Margin: How to Create the Emotional, Physical, Financial, and Time Reserves You Need.  I have treasured this book for many reasons, but it has definitely challenged me. The reason that Swenson is convincing in his argument is because he actually lives what he is writing, and he really hits his stride when it comes to the section on financial margin.  I have been convicted by so many things as he discusses what a Christian's view of money should be.  Have you ever thought about God wanting you to be a funnel instead of a sponge? 

"He is trusting us with certain resources; He as owner and we as stewards.  We should never pretend that we have rights to what is not ours. Be a conduit of His blessing, not a dead end."

Think about that one for a minute!  All of the blessings that God pours out on us daily are to be used for His glory.  They are not to be completely soaked up for our pleasure.  Ultimately, God wants the blessings we receive to be used to bless others.  I, for one, have probably thought that way in my head, but in reality, I have lived more like the sponge.  Instead of a steward of what He has given, I have been a hoarder of His blessings.  We, especially in a wealthy country like America, tend to see our money as "ours."  We work for it, it belongs to us, but in reality all we have belongs to God. 

It is so simplistic on an intellectual level, but living it out every day is much harder.  It is counter-cultural to live in a way that does not promote buying, spending, and getting the newest and best of everything.  Being intentional with our money means that planning out a budget may look different than it ever has before.  The only way to break money's power of control over our lives, Swenson says, is to give it away.  How challenging!  I'm intrigued by this idea, even if I'm still a little terrified at the same time, which only serves to underscore the power that money still has on me. 

I once read a quote that says, "You can have anything, but you can't have everything."   How true!  Any "one" thing might be attainable if I devote all my strength, energy, intellect, money, and time to it.  But all other things will be sacrificed for it.  Our calling is to reclaim this fallen world for Christ until he returns to take us home.  That should be our "one" thing.  All other pursuits outside of that are for sustaining us and strengthening ourselves, our families, and others in this effort.  If other things become "the thing" - if the pursuit of money becomes our thing - our life takes on a very different slant.  Contentment becomes unattainable when you can have anything you want.  You will always want one more thing.  It is such an irony, but it is true.  Things will never ever bring contentment.

The end of the chapter on creating financial margin in our lives ends very beautifully and simply:

"Money belongs to God.  Wealth belongs to God. The Kingdom belongs to God.  We belong to God.  Margin belongs to God.  Only the choice belongs to us."

It is only an illusion to think that anything on this earth "belongs" to us.  Truly the only thing we truly possess is our free will - our choice.  What will that choice be regarding what God has entrusted in our care for a season? 

Thoughts for Today

Here is something I read today during my quiet time while the boys were resting.

"If we believe in and work for something larger than ourselves-for our families, for the community, for the common good, and for the Kingdom-then every expenditure of emotion will have meaning, and every expenditure of emotion will be reimbursable."   Richard A. Swenson



Hope you are working for something that is worth your effort today!

Til the Storm Passes Over

Today is a fantastic sunny day here in the South.  The boys have enjoyed playing in the damp earth searching for bugs and worms, running, swinging and laughing.  My heart sings when I get to sit and watch my children being so carefree and enjoying the beautiful weather that we have not enjoyed for many many days because of rain and severe weather we have experienced.  I am reminded,

Counting Blessings

If you are not familiar with Ann Voskamp's new book, One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are, you need to check it out.  It is amazing, to say the least.  I was intrigued by the premise, but I have read many books claiming to help you live your best life or to help you become your authentic self.  Those books that I have read never really seemed to live up to the hype.  This book delivers!  I'm a pretty tough critic when it comes to books like this, but I have to say, it has changed my life. 

The Pain of Separation: Reflections on Easter

I remember it all very clearly, those first months with a new baby.  I don't know why I say I can remember that time clearly, truthfully, everything is a foggy blur because of lack of sleep and surges of hormones.  The truth is I can still remember those feelings very clearly.  I remember the joy, the worry, the exhaustion, the peace when I held my baby boy in my arms.  I could take care of his every need.  He could not exist outside of me, completely dependent on me for his very life.  I rocked, I cuddled, I nursed, I cried, he cried.  It all feels very clear. 

What I all also remember was when things started to change.  We began hearing discussions from other parents about sleep training, the need for the baby to learn to be independent . . . at 6 or 7 months.  Knowing what I know now, I wouldn't bat an eye at those well-meaning friends and other parents who were choosing their own paths for parenthood, but being a new mom (a very tired new mom)  I began to question myself.  Does he need to learn to be on his own?  Would he sleep better if I let him "cry it out" for a few nights?  Is he going to be needing me to get him to sleep until he's in college?  Let me say, the answer to all of those questions is, NO!   But, I had to go along for this ride to learn my lesson, so I put my tiny precious little baby in his bed.  He immediately started screaming.  Everything inside of me said PICK UP YOUR BABY!!  HE NEEDS YOU!!!!  But, it seemed that everyone else knew best.  I mustered up some courage, turned and walked out and shut the door.  I'll give you the short version of this story. . . . I did indeed turn back around and pick up my baby after standing outside a closed door and crying, and although I wasn't convinced after one try, it didn't take long to realize I was not going to make it through if I didn't go with my gut on this issue. 

I learned that part of what makes babies so unhappy, even when they are not hungry or wet or uncomfortable in any way, is the pain of separation from the ones they love the most.  They have no idea where mom and dad have gone or if they will ever return (that comes later).  It is also painful for the parent.  I had an almost physical pain at the sound of my baby crying, and not being able to respond.  The pain of separation is just as hard on the parent as the child.

Remembering this time in my son's life, got me thinking about the sacrifice of Jesus, God's son.  As we celebrated the risen savior on Easter, I thought often of the pain of separation they both experienced at the cross.  As Jesus cried out, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?"  I can hardly stand the painful cry of the abandoned child.  I also think of the pain for the parent that is on the other side of the closed door.  It's not that the Father cannot hear him, He knows his Son is hurting, crying out.  He's standing behind that closed door and He can't open it (although he is perfectly able).  He can't open it because He loved us so very much, and the only way to redeem us was through the sacrifice of His Son.  How much they both suffered at the separation!  I'm sure that both Father and Son knew that moment was coming, but how they both must have ached at the loss of the other.  How much they loved a broken, dirty, sinful, hard-hearted people.  How much they loved me!  It is almost too much to fathom.

Thankfully, the story doesn't end in separation. On Sunday morning, God rolled that door open.  He brought his Son out of the tomb.  What a glorious reunion that must have been!  He lives!  He is, this day, seated at his Father's right hand.   He paved the way for us to be with Him in heaven.  There was no other way.  No other way!  One day he's coming back to claim us, and we will no longer experience the pain of separation ever again.  What a  glorious day! 

Here's a video of my absolute favorite song of all time by Casting Crowns!  Hope it will lift you up today!

Welcome!

Here I am finally taking the leap into the world of blogging.  I really love reading all types of blogs, and I'm excited to add my voice to the mix.  I love to write, but I have always been more of a pen to paper girl.  Now that I am beginning my adventures in homeschooling, I am inspired to write about the struggles and successes as a keeper at home.  I would love to bless others the way so many wonderful blogs have blessed my family.  Being a homeschooling momma means that I spend lots of time at home, not just schooling, but managing all other aspects of the home as well.  So, all the things related to home and hearth I intend to share.  The Lord has richly blessed us, and I hope to keep a record of notes on our blessings. 

I'm so glad you stopped by, and I hope to hear from you!