Waiting for Spring

Late February is a tricky time of year here in Boise. We enjoy increasing hours of daylight and the warmth of the sun. Tender green shoots are emerging from the long frozen ground. And then we open the door one morning and see…snow!

Yesterday’s coating of snow has melted, however, and the familiar sweet tug of spring has returned. In our garden, the rhubarb and day lilies are coming up. There’s a profusion of buds on our lilac shrub and plum tree. When I walk our dog, I scan neighborhood yards for purple crocuses, those cheerful flowers that bravely poke through the snow.

I can hardly wait for planting time, when I can plunge my hands into the soil and smell the earth. Tending the garden brings peace and joy, as many avid gardeners will tell you.

Late winter and early spring is an emotional time for many people. Witnessing the changing seasons affects us at the deepest level, in our hearts. Maybe we’re recalling that moment when our Creator reached down and formed the first human from part of the ground.

“then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.” Genesis 2:7 (ESV)

Come to think of it, humanity’s first days were spent in a garden.

“And the LORD God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed.” Genesis 2:8 (ESV)

We join with all of creation in praising God.

“For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” Isaiah 55:12 (ESV)

“Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy!” Psalm 96:11-12 (ESV)

Grateful that God has given us the ability to recognize the beauty of every season. I’m praying that the promise of spring reminds us all of the promise of the cross and gift of salvation through Jesus Christ!

Recommended Blog: “A Walk To Emmaus”

If you are looking for an encouraging read, I highly recommend a relatively new blog called A Walk to Emmaus, by my sister-in-law, sister-in-Christ and friend, Lori Davis. The blog had its first post in November, 2013, and it promises to be a valuable addition to the blogosphere.

The blog begins with a nine-part series called “Here I Am,” in which Lori takes us on a spiritual journey as she shares her experience at a Walk to Emmaus event. You will find words of wisdom in every post, from the anxious weeks on the waiting list to the first day of the Walk to Emmaus itself. I particularly liked the post in which she compares the weeks of anticipation to childhood Christmas memories.

When I read a faith-based book or a blog, I like to be able to recognize some of my own journey in the story. Reading a A Walk to Emmaus is like sitting down to tea with a good and wise friend. Written with generosity and humility, every post gives me reasons to feel hopeful about my own spiritual walk.  I hope you’ll pay this blog a visit.

 

Book Review: This Beautiful Mess, by Rick McKinley

When we picture the Kingdom of God, we may visualize a faraway place of perfection, where there are no troubles, tears or messy situations. In fact, it may be difficult to picture anything other than heaven itself. In his book This Beautiful Mess: Practicing the Presence of the Kingdom of God, Pastor Rick McKinley helps us see the Kingdom at work all around us, in our lives here on earth.

To illustrate what he calls a “revolutionary reality,” McKinley uses examples ranging from environmental stewardship and creation care to solidarity with the suffering. Chapter by chapter, the book shines a light on the Kingdom of God that is hidden, right in front of us. McKinley challenges Christians to preach with our lives. He reminds us that God loves the world, and that He created people from the earth. The book challenges the “my-home-is-in-heaven-so-why-care-about-the-world” way of thinking.

To me, This Beautiful Mess is a breath of fresh air. As a Christian who cares for God’s creation, I appreciate the emphasis on living in the Kingdom here and now. In one of my favorite parts of the book, Pastor McKinley encourages the use of the word “solidarity” as an expression of partnership and belonging.  I recommend This Beautiful Mess to anyone who is looking for solidarity with the Kingdom of God as they travel through this life.

Interested in this book? For starters, you can read Chapter One of A Beautiful Mess, and you can visit author Rick McKinley’s website.

FTC Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Blogging for Books in exchange for writing a review. I was not required to write a positive review; all opinions in this review are my own.

Book Review: What Once was Lost, by Kim Vogel Sawyer

When we face a major setback, we wonder how we will ever regroup and move on with life. In her novel What Once was Lost, Kim Vogel Sawyer tells a story of trials, grace and hope. In the book, Christena Willems is the director of the Brambleville Asylum for the Poor in Kansas. The residents of this home have become a close-knit family, so when a fire forces them out, Christena struggles to keep the community members together and safe.

A reclusive mill owner named Levi Johnson reluctantly agrees to take in 11-year-old Tommy, who is blind. The bond that develops between Levi and Tommy is one of many ways in this story in which God uses people to help each other heal. Numerous setbacks and disappointments in the lives of the Asylum family are followed by grace and mercy from unexpected sources.

Homelessness is part of my past, and I recognized some of my own story in this book. Even if you have never been displaced from your home, I am sure you will relate to at least one character in this book. The author gives each character his or her own unique history, and adds detailed descriptions of time and place. I recommend this uplifting and romantic read.

If you want to find out more about this author and her books, you can read the first chapter of What Once was Lost, or visit Kim Vogel Sawyer’s website.

FTC Disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I was not required to write a positive review; all opinions in this review are my own.

Five-Minute Friday: Last

This week’s Five Minute Friday prompt is “last.” At Lisa-Jo Baker’s blog, we gather each week to share our nonstop, unedited, five-minute writes. Hope you’ll join us!

Here’s mine:

__________________________

The last thing I remember before falling asleep is the peace of hearing you breathing. The last thing I remember before waking up is the remnants of a dream I don’t even remember.

Now that I am wise for my years, I know what is made to last: memories of laughter as a child, the soft beauty of grass under my feet, love that took a lifetime to find. When I drink in an exquisite sunset with its orange symphony, the wonder of colors lingers into the next morning.

When I meditate on the truths that set me free, that bring peace and joy, and grace and mercy, I learn that these are the things that are made to last.

With a humble and quiet heart, I see God’s gifts with new eyes every morning, no matter what dreams disturbed my sleep. I thank God that the last thing I hear is your peaceful breathing, and my thankful prayers.

Book Review: Greater, by Steven Furtick

What are you waiting for? What is holding you back? You were created for greater things than you can imagine — greater than money, popularity or fame. We’ve probably all been there — feeling stuck in mediocrity, unfulfilled, wondering if this is all there is. In his book Greater, Pastor Steven Furtick tells the story of Elisha as an illustration of how we can start where we are and begin a new life in faith.

Pastor Furtick points out that just as Elisha did when Elijah called him, we can “burn our plow” and break away from things that are holding us back. The key, according to the author, is to develop a trusting relationship with God for the journey. Pastor Furtick also offers encouragement for the times of grief or disappointment, when we wonder if perhaps we’ve “wasted our faith.”

I understand those fears about “wasted faith” all too well. Greater has helped me develop a new perspective about those bitter times. The lessons from this book give me confidence to I work with what I have, and to believe that God can work through me in His infinite power. I recommend this book for anyone who wants to take a step away from self-criticism and start living for something “greater.”

You can learn more about this book at the Greater website, or catch up with Pastor Steven Furtick on his website.

I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. All opinions in this review are my own; I was not required to write a positive review.

Five-Minute Friday: Belong

On Fridays, we gather at Lisa-Jo Baker’s blog to share our five-minute writes!  All you have to do is write to the prompt for five minutes, no edits. This week’s prompt is “belong.”

Here I go!

______________

Something about the word “belong”…it started in second grade, when I was old enough to know who belonged and who didn’t. School is a harsh place for the word belonging, especially for a shy, sensitive only child who wanted so badly to belong.

She went home every afternoon, where she could rest and find her haven from the cliques and backbiters. She listened to her parents’ soothing records, and learned to love violin music.

The first place she belonged, outside of home, was in the orchestra, where the conductor did his best to enlighten young artistic minds.

Later, as her hair grayed, she found the Master Artist, who had created her from his own colors, who guided her heart to true love.

With Him we all belong.

___________

That’s my five-minute write for this week. See you next Friday!

Book Review: Home Tonight by Henri J.M. Nouwen

It is difficult to drown out the criticisms, labels and rejections that make us feel inadequate and lost. In Home Tonight, Henri J.M. Nouwen teaches us how to find our way home to our true identity as a deeply loved child of the Creator. The book is a collection of the late author’s writings based on inspiration from Rembrandt’s painting The Return of the Prodigal Son.  To illustrate the power of forgiveness and God’s unconditional love, Nouwen guides the reader through a series of practices: listening, journaling and communing with God.

After reading Home Tonight, I realize that I still cling to old hurts, and that I need to shake off old labels. As Nouwen points out, security in God’s love gives me freedom to love without fear of disappointing others.  The book encouraged me to walk in freedom, knowing that even if another person rejects me, there is One who’s love never fades. I especially like the emphasis on building a relationship with God, who loves each of us as a unique creation.

For anyone who has faced rejection, disappointment or resentment (and who hasn’t?), Home Tonight offers a breath of fresh air. Nouwen’s gentle approach makes a surprisingly dramatic impact. I highly recommend accepting the author’s invitation to this journey of healing and homecoming.

You can find out more about Home Tonight and Henri J.M. Nouwen here, and read Chapter One of the book here.

I received a free copy of Home Tonight by Henri J.M. Nouwen from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for writing this review. I was not obligated to write a positive review.

Book Review: The Fourth Fisherman by Joe Kissack

A person does not have to be stranded at sea in order to feel lost. Sometimes our loneliest moments take place in familiar surroundings amid close friends and family. Joe Kissack’s book The Fourth Fisherman takes us on parallel journeys of loss, despair and recovery. Kissack narrates his personal story of dizzying success as a Hollywood executive and his eventual descent into addiction and depression. At the same time, three Mexican fisherman struggle for months stranded at sea, surviving on a diet of sea turtle. The common thread in both stories is the faith that sustains Joe and the fisherman.

I related in some ways to both stories. I have been physically stranded and homeless as well as spiritually stranded, clinging to unimportant things. Sometimes a certain verse in the Bible will provide a way out, but it takes a leap of faith to reach for that lifeline. Kissack captures that scary transitional moment when he writes “I had to let go of the idea that I had to understand it all.”

The Fourth Fisherman held my attention from beginning to end. Kissack shares important life lessons as he weaves a suspenseful tale. I especially appreciated the attention given to each of the fishermen, their backgrounds and their stories. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants a new perspective on hope and recovery. Whether I face real physical danger or predatory sharks of the imagination, I will think of the stories in The Fourth Fisherman.

FTC disclaimer: I received my copy of The Fourth Fisherman for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing group through Blogging for Books for this review. I was not required to write a positive review and have stated my own opinions in this review.

You can find out more about The Fourth FIsherman by Joe Kissack at the book website, and you can read Chapter One here.

Multitude Monday: 117-121

I’ll search one more time, I thought  last night. We moved a lot of boxes last month so maybe it’s in the hall closet. Sure enough, the familiar box containing our favorite CDs sat at the bottom of the closet. Within a few minutes, I was sitting in the living room, listening to the music I had missed. I was the only one still up, so I sat back and just let the music wash over me.

It’s the beginning of a challenging week, and I’m glad to be part of Multitudes on Mondays at A Holy Experience:

117. Found a box containing our favorite CDs. We had misplaced the box about a month ago, and I found it this weekend. My husband’s favorite CDs, as well as CDs from some of my good friends, are in that box, and we missed our music so. “Soaking ” in some worship music as I write and as I prepare my heart for a challenging week.

118. My husband John’s hopeful spirits as he prepares for surgery later this week.  Can’t say enough about how much this means to me as we look forward to the challenges of recovery and then the promise of better days ahead.

119. Encouragement from John’s family. Just as I was feeling overwhelmed and inadequate, my brother-in-law’s wife Susan called to offer support. We even had a few laughs…meant a lot to me!

120. Discerning new callings. Just as I had settled into a quiet, somewhat predictable life as a freelance writer, there is much shifting and reassessing as the Lord puts a new call on my heart.

121. Good books. As I’ve said before, books are like oxygen for me. Right now I’m reading Bunker Hill: A City, A Siege, A Revolution by Nathaniel Philbrick, and The Fourth Fisherman by Joe Kissack. The Bunker Hill book is a birthday/anniversary gift from John, who knows I love American Revolution history!

Thanks for visiting…hope to see you at Multitudes on Mondays…have a blessed week!