The next leap

We're never to old to learn new things, right? I think it's how we stay young! 

So... I decided to take the leap into enrolling in a Spiritual Formation program this year. It's something I've been very interested in for over 10 years, but the time was never right. Till now. This afternoon I attended my first class (on Zoom). I've met a group of people from across Canada, all who have similar interests and are excited about the spiritual adventure we are embarking on. I'm doing this, despite thoughts of fear, doubt, and inadequacy. What if I mess up???

And then this quote dropped out of my book today.  It gave me pause for thought. 

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, or fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others. 

Nelson Mandela

1994 inaugural speech

 I'd love to be liberated from my fear. Wouldn't you? 

You may be wondering what spiritual formation even is. The definition that I think sums it up in a nutshell for me is "a process of being formed in the image of Christ for the sake of others". (Invitation to a Journey by Robert Mulholland Jr.)  This year I'm going to be learning more about how that comes about and how to live it out practically in my everyday life. I'm excited!  

Summertime...

... and the livin' is easy. So much of my life is beautiful right now. 

We've spent a week camping with family and enjoyed lazy days at the beach, hikes, and even natural hot springs in a spectacular riverside setting in the woods, seemingly in the middle of nowhere. 

 I stand outside my door in the quiet and gaze at the river, the hills and mountains. I look up at the spreading Willow  and the Russian Olive trees thriving near the river. I watch a trail of ducks paddle by. And I feel a little overwhelmed by the beauty surrounding me. I get to enjoy this every day.  

I hear the voice of my grandson "Hey, Oma!" in the morning as I step out of my little home. He joins me on a walk to the garden, looking for any changes. We move the large leaves aside in one of the raised beds and discover a cucumber! And a zucchini! We pull up a garlic bulb to see how big it is. He joyfully runs to hang it up to dry in the garden shed. He is my sidekick in the garden, for sure! 

I look at photos and texts on our family texting site and feel grateful that my adult children are all in good places right now. It hasn't always been so. 

And I remind myself... never take this for granted. Never EVER take where you are RIGHT NOW for granted. 

I feel grateful and I feel sad at the same time. 

I feel sad because our world is in such upheaval right now, and I wonder what that will mean for our children and grandchildren. 

Can one be happy and sad at the same time? I believe so. I can still choose what to focus on when life gets overwhelming. And for me, that is truth.  Living hope. Not wishful thinking. 

 Our associate pastor spoke on Psalm 23 last Sunday.  It really is one of my favorite Psalms.  

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not WANT. Or, put another way, I have EVERYTHING I need. Or, put another way, I LACK NOTHING. 

Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need. 

This Psalm was written by David when he was being chased by a king who wanted him DEAD. How could David say words like these in those times? I ponder that a lot. Could it be because he had experienced God's rescue at other times? He had trust in his God. And because of that, he ultimately felt secure, no matter what. 

Sometimes when I wake in the night, I recite this psalm, because it gives me comfort and readjusts my focus. 

And so, I continue to enjoy life and express gratefulness for all I have been given on this day, at this time, in this place.  And I continue to remind myself that my hope is in a God who loves and cares for His creation - this world. 

In this world we will have trouble, but take heart, Jesus has overcome the world!  The future is bright! 

Life with Limitations

 We've all learned to live with limitations, it seems, especially in the last year.  Whether we like it or not, limitations have been imposed on us. 

Things are out of our control, life changes, and we attempt to adjust. 

It's been a little over three years since I have limited my diet to only eating low histamine food. Not by choice, but because the alternative involves a very nasty flare up involving rashes and swelling. I've learned to accept this change and, until I have healed from this autoimmune condition, I take it one day at a time and all is mostly well.  

As long as we are home, I'm fine with these limitations. It's when we are asked out to a restaurant, out to someone's home, or with others during seasonal holidays that involve special food, that things get a little more challenging. Actually a lot more, sometimes. 

Like Christmas time, birthdays, and other celebrations. I really miss being able to enjoy some rich, delectable treats like I used to.  Goodbye eggnog, Bailey's, whip cream, chocolate, gluten-full cookies and squares, ice cream cake, cheese and meat platters, leftovers, wine, ...  well, you get the picture. 

Believe it or not, there are some good things that have come out of my struggle with this condition: 

1. I am eating large quantities of vegetables and leafy greens, more than I have ever eaten in my life! My plate really is usually 3/4 vegetables and 1/4 protein (mostly chicken or eggs). This is good for my health! 

2. I have learned to cook up a tasty meal very quickly! 

3. My husband has learned how to cook. Because he (understandably) chose not to change his diet 100% to mine, we decided to try out the fresh food boxes in our area. He now chooses his meals most of the time, and actually prepares them! This is a miracle, folks. 

4. I do not tire of eating vegetables. I've tried some new ones. Surprisingly, I really do actually crave them a lot. I think of the Israelites wandering in the desert for 40 years, and eating a lot of manna, which God miraculously provided for them. But... they did complain after a while.... Oh, some days I do have a pity party. 

5. I often will take a deep whiff of what my husband is cooking, and say "Oh, that smells so yummy". And then I'm back to my plain jane supper (compared to his). Just smelling it does make me feel like I haven't missed out totally. It's weird, but true. Half of our ability to taste is due to our amazing olfactory system, is it not? 

6. My blood pressure is pretty well normal now! I have been on medication for about 10 years, but now I'm pretty well off.  

7. I have learned to be very grateful for both functional medicine and conventional medicine. Sometimes you need both. I don't like to take medication, but if it's giving me my life back, I will. I'm still working on finding the root cause and hopefully healing from this condition.  

8. Our bodies are amazing creations! I'm learning more about the importance of gut health.  Stress can do crazy things to our bodies! 

9. I have experienced the care of friends who go out of their way to make sure there is something for me to eat when I'm at their home (before the lockdown ;)  Even when I let them know I'll bring my own food (which is becoming normal for me), they will insist on preparing food so that I can eat it, too. I'm so grateful for them. 

10. I'm learning more about faith and healing. God works in ways we do not always understand. I believe we can be healed one small step at a time. A lot of time that's how it works, because He cares about more than just giving us what we want when we want it. And sometimes, the answers we hope for never really happen, but we experience His nearness through it all. 

What limitations have you overcome or are learning to accept? 

Five Minute Friday:: Fix

 “I just want this thing fixed!”

How often have you heard this statement? No matter if it’s a car problem, a relationship issue, a chronic health condition, or a world gone crazy,  we just want things to work right again so that we can be on our merry way!

What happens when that ‘thing’ doesn’t get fixed in three easy steps? What if it takes a whole lot more work than we had anticipated and maybe the solution is still a mystery? How do we continue to trust and believe that it will be fixed? How do we react when we think of the possibility that it won’t be fixed?

 I struggle with this one since I do have a chronic health issue for which there is no simple solution. It’s taking a whole lot of personal research time, a good amount of medical and naturopathic visits, money spent on supplements and prescriptions, and  much  battling fear and disappointment. Sometimes it seems there will be no fix after all is said and done. Yet, I still carry on, sometimes actively pursuing health, sometimes resting in the good times, and sometimes questioning again when my symptoms flare.

 How do we live when the healing is not in the now, but in the not yet? I fix my eyes on Jesus, the one who gives me faith to believe. I must come back to the truth that God loves me, no matter what things may look like. And as I continue to do what I can, I come back to trusting the One who knows me best and loves me most - He is my healer.  He has promised to be with me always and forever. I am never alone in my fear and dread. I continue to be grateful for the good times. 

I am looking forward to the time when all will be well! Because one day it will be. 

This post is part of the weekly Five Minute Friday link-up. Feel free to join in!

Photo by Julie Molliver on Unsplash

Peace on Earth

Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace, goodwill towards all people! 

The angels concluded their message, proclaiming to an ordinary band of lowly shepherds, certainly no pillars in their community. They were just simple people doing the work necessary to keep their families fed. After seeing the Christ child, as the angels had said, they excitedly spread the word they had been told. "And all those who heard it marveled at those things the shepherds shared." Luke 2:18 

God uses the most unlikely people to bring the message of peace to the world. 

I feel unequipped for the task of bringing peace to the world, failing many times. Often I'm tempted to focus on my  own wants and needs. Often I lack confidence. Sometimes the pain I see in this world is simply too much, and I want to hide. Do you feel the same?  How, then, do we help to usher in peace and goodwill? 

Peace on earth, I must remind myself, is not conditional upon what is or isn't happening 'out there'  but it is based on a Person. Jesus brings peace to our world, in the middle of the mess. He brings it by changing our hearts one bit at a time. And then we must bravely join in the work of making change. One small step at a time, often beginning with the person in front of us.  

I recently had a conversation with two of my coworkers. For some reason, we had a really deep, meaningful conversation about life, and I, praying that God would give me the words to say that would matter, shared something I had learned in my life. "When you said that, I had goosebumps all over! I don't know why! That really hit me!", one of them responded.  I was as surprised as her, but I believe it was the Spirit of God touching her the way only He can. He is the one who changes lives. I keep praying for her, one who has been so beaten down by life.  

The spirit of Christmas gives us a voice to cry "Good will to men, and Peace on earth", making it so much more than just a sweet sentiment and a shallow hope. 

Good will, or Peace on Earth, this is an act of rebellion, a full forced movement against the effects of the fall. It is not blind faith nor is it childish rhetoric. It is holy wisdom and it is as out of place as a host of angels hovering over a band of shepherds.

 (from Peace is Here: Christmas Reflections, by Jars of Clay)

May we all remember whose we are this Christmas, and respond to the little (and big) nudges the Spirit gives us, joining in the movement of bringing the peace of Jesus to our world. 

Photo by Tom Hill on Unsplash

Tea and Peace

Hello, faithful readers and visitors alike! Long ago I decided I wouldn't apologize for my lack of haphazard blogging. Life's too short to care about whether I show up regularly or not. I continue to enjoy having this space and can't seem to cut myself off from it. And I do still enjoy visiting the blogs I come upon or have marked as my favorites. It seems, although blogging may not be as popular or even perhaps a dying trend, I find it to be a way to connect with others who enjoy sharing their thoughts in a quiet way. At least that's how it feels to me. Sort of like sitting across the table with friends, enjoying a cup of steaming hot tea.

Speaking of tea, I found this mug at a thrift store the other day, and I couldn't keep my eyes off of it. I think I was meant to spend $2 on it. I'm always on the lookout for mugs that speak to me.  Due to my health challenges at this time, I am limited in what I can eat or drink, so instead of complaining, I have decided to make what I CAN consume as enjoyable as possible. This mug brings the experience of drinking tea up a notch :)

Today my Lent reading from Pauses for Lent by Trevor Hudson was from Matthew 5:9

Blessed are the peacemakers.  

How does one live as a peacemaker in the world in which we find ourselves?

 With the COVID-19 in the news constantly, and it being classed as a pandemic, there's a lot of fear and anxiety infiltrating our neighbourhood, city, province, country, and world.

A friend of mine has a partner who is at risk due to his ill health and he is extremely anxious about catching this bug, she tells me. I ask her how she's feeling and she says "Stressed".

I watched a group of people at Costco practically swarm the deli worker as he rolled out freshly packaged hamburger.  He couldn't even place them in the refrigeration area before they were snapped up.

I observed a driver in the parking lot who angrily gestured at another driver for no good reason.

I have a friend who's worried about her young daughter living on the streets and pregnant.

Another friend is scheduled for a very invasive operation as a last ditch effort to help him live longer, after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Sometimes it's just a little overwhelming, isn't it?

This world needs peace as never before.
Peace to replace fear.
Peace to replace anxiety.
Peace to replace injustice and violence.
Peace to replace self-preservation.
Peace to replace hate.

I am reminded of the words of Jesus when he was in the boat in the middle of a storm. He spoke to the wind and waves, saying "Peace, be still". No yelling, no frantic efforts. Just speaking words that calmed not only the storm, but his friends.

May I find the right words and actions to help those who come across my path.

May we all be peacemakers in this crazy world.

Stay well, friends.

Our need for peace cries out to heaven as one of 

the deepest yearnings of the human heart. 

One Word 2020

The new year is upon us. We have stepped out from 2019 and before us stretches a fresh new decade and year.  Old calendars are removed and replaced with crisp, new ones. In the air there is a feeling of promise for what could be. Are you ready for 2020?

I've been pondering my Word for 2020, and tried a few on for size. I wanted the word to evoke positive thoughts, to be meaningful for where I'm at right now in my life circumstances, and to be almost like a breath prayer.

I've settled on  the word BREATHE.

I can't help but think of my precious grandchild who was born the other day, on December 29th. He took his first breath at 7:15 a.m. What a miracle life is!

Breath is the foundation of life. There is no life without it. It permeates our being.

Our breath is holy, since it originated with God. According to Genesis 2, He breathed his breath in us, and we became living souls.  That's a thought to sit with!

When I'm overwhelmed, the word BREATHE will remind me to get back to basics. I'll stop tensing up and trying to figure things out. Just breathe. In and out.  Finding my breath will help me to surrender what I can not do in my own strength. It will remind me that I'm going into 2020 with God, rather than on my own, and that He's always with me, as near as my breath.

I don't know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future.

Have you chosen a word or phrase for 2020?

Thursday 13- the Advent Edition

Celebrating Advent is one way to help me focus on the true meaning of Christmas and steer away from the hustle and bustle that puts me in a state of anxiousness at times! While I love gift giving and celebrations, I don't love the way the rushing around makes me feel.

So... I celebrate Advent. One small activity each day helps me to relax a bit and makes a space for me to ponder the important things. I know Christmas is only a week away, and advent is almost over, but that's okay. Start where you are. :)

 Here are 13 simple ways to incorporate a little advent activity into your life this year. If you'd like to learn more about Advent, check out the post I wrote last year.

1. Listen to advent music everyday, even for just a few minutes. There are some great lists on Spotify. My favorite is Simple Advent, but there are many more music lists.

2. Read a children's version of the Christmas Story.

3. Choose 4 or 5 candles. Light a candle at suppertime. Add one candle each Sunday before Christmas, so by this Sunday, you'd be lighting four . I add a fifth, which I'll be lighting on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

4. Read or sing the lines of a hymn or song that focuses on the waiting period. "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus" is a good one, but there are many!

5. Read an advent devotional. Even if you don't read it each day or finish the book, it will help prepare you for Christmas Day. The Advent Door by Jan Richardson is one of my favorites. As well, check out Taste and See by Jan Johnson, which is focused on becoming part of the events surrounding the birth of Jesus, using your imagination.

6. Light up your living space in the evening with Christmas tree lights and mini lights or candles and enjoy them.

7. Put up a Nativity Set where you'll glance at it each day.

8.   Read passages in the Bible that relate to the Christmas story.

9. Attend a Christmas concert or presentation.

10. Volunteer for an organization that brings hope to those who need it.  Ringing the bell for the Salvation Army Kettle Campaign, or helping to serve food at a shelter are two ideas.

11. Go out for coffee with a friend and have a chat about making Christmas meaningful.

12. Go for a walk alone and ponder the meaning of Christmas.

13. Watch a movie about the birth of Jesus.  My favorite one is The Nativity Story

May your Christmas celebration be meaningful this year! And fun!

Join in on Thursday 13!

~gone but not forgotten~

Imagine you're driving down the highway midday, in your own city. You look in your rear view mirror and notice 3 black cars approaching you from behind. All have tinted windows. One passes you, then pulls in ahead of you. The second car pulls up besides you and keeps pace with you. The last is on your bumper.  Suddenly they all slow down, the car beside you forcing you to pull to the side of the road. You stop. At least 6 men in black clothes jump out of the cars and approach you, signalling you to exit your vehicle. You're aggressively pulled out of your vehicle and are pushed into another one. Someone yanks the license plate off of your car and throws it to the side of the road. He gets into your car. All four cars pull away from the curb and take off. 

This was three years ago and you've never been heard from again. Your car has never been found. Your wife and children wonder if they will ever find out what happened to you and if you're still alive.

Imagine you're a pastor in Indonesia. This could be your story.

This is a true story. This pastor is still missing and no one in authority cares to investigate.

Millions of people around the world who have stories similar or worse than this. Their "crime" is that they love God and share His love with others, meeting together to encourage each other. They are kidnapped, accused of crimes they didn't commit, are imprisoned unlawfully, and often starved, beaten, and even killed.

Today is International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. I'm thankful our pastor takes time each year for our church to pray for those who are persecuted around the world.  We are all ONE BODY and when one part hurts, we all hurt.

Want to know more? Voice of the Martyrs will inform you of what's going on and how you can help.

"Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering." Hebrews 13:3

~whole~

Day 27 Whole

Wherever you are, be all there. Be wholly there. Be whole. Be holy. Be complete. To be whole means to be fully integrated, which leads me to the word integrity. Integrity…  I love that word. It reminds me that a person who is whole has integrity. What the person says, she will do. Her actions are integrated with her words and thoughts. 

 I aspire to be a person of integrity; of course, I’m not wholly there yet. Have you ever met a person who said one thing to you, but you realized they were saying opposite things behind your back? Not a great feeling.  Thankfully, I am blessed with family and friends who value being honest and real with me. 

But, when dealing with the general public, this is not always true. I have decided to go with the wise saying: What others think of you is none of your business. My business is to do what I am responsible for. I’m responsible to be as honest as I can be and say what I will do, and give others the benefit of the doubt. I strive to set boundaries for myself when I’m in an unhealthy situation.

Sometimes we need help to become whole. My relationship with God is so important, because ultimately  who He says I am is what matters. As well, I’ve had the benefit of talking with both a therapist and a spiritual director in the past few years. They have both helped me on the road to becoming whole.

Nearing the end of the 31 Days of Five Minute Freewrites!  Read more about it here.

Prayer for Lent

Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen 

from The Divine Hours by Phyllis Tickle

More

More. That's the word that I'm taking into 2018 with me. I don't do resolutions anymore, mainly because they don't really work for me. I do like to set goals or 'intentions' as is the buzzword these days, it seems. But I don't intend to list them or berate myself for failing to meet them.

Back to 'more'. This word is directly related to the verse I'm holding onto for this year.

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to Him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen

Now, I'm not sure what this is going to look like for me and my family this year. But nevertheless, it is God's Word and since He doesn't lie, I'll continue to believe it. By faith, because isn't that the only way we can hold onto promises? We trust that the one who makes them will keep them. 

The Year That Was

Here we are... looking out over a vast space with no idea what is going to transpire in the next twelve months. Every year is like that.

I guess you could also say it's like being handed an unopened gift, but one that can only be examined one little bit at a time. No tearing and ripping into it.  Not until the end of the year are we able to look back and give an opinion on the year that was.

The year that was...
As I was journalling one day, I wrote an entry called Life and Death in 2017. Because it really was the year of life and death. Literally and figuratively. To sum it up,  it was a VERY HARD YEAR. And yet, it held some of the biggest joys of my life, too. Life is like that.

Truth be told, when it's hard, we really find out what we really believe and where we really put our trust and hope. We find out how important our community is. We are thankful for little things. We keep telling ourselves the truth. We take less for granted and we hold more tightly to things we value (and they're not really usually things). We know how fleeting life is. We only have today. Who knows what tomorrow brings?

My 'mantra' for 2017 was "Always, we begin again". It was so apt for me. I'm going to take that into 2018 as well, because I think it's a life saver. We can't look back and dwell on regrets or missteps. Yes, we can learn, but in the end, we begin again. Take what we've learned and move ahead. Begin again.

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

Next post: One Word 2018

Book Review: Humble Roots

During a season (who am I kidding--it's ongoing!!)  of learning about humility, I chose to read Humble Roots. The beautiful cover alone enticed me to read the book. And I do love plants and the *idea* of a large, productive garden, even though in real life, mine is far from that!

Humble Roots by Hannah Anderson focuses on the importance of humility in finding peace in our lives. Focusing on plant and garden life, Anderson shares about stress vs trust, submitting to God, being okay with not knowing everything, accepting imperfection, waiting for God, brokenness, new life, and more. 

The chapters and topics didn't 'flow' as well as I had hoped; thus, I didn't find this a totally satisfying read. Nevertheless, the wisdom and insights shared were gentle and encouraging. 

If you're a person who loves to get your hands into the soil, you may find the relationship between soil and humility engaging. 

This book was provided free by Moody Publishers, in exchange for an honest review. Thanks, Moody! 

Controversy!

•  having 'the potential to do for our generation what John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress did for his. It's that good!" (Eugene Peterson)

•  "...the greatest deception foisted on the church in the last 200 years"  (Professor of NT language and literature James B. DeYoung.) 

• "...a life-changer, a transformer"

• "..it hides false doctrines in a feel-good story.."

• "..spiritually profound, theologically enlightening and life impacting"

• "..will leave you craving for the presence of God" (Michael W. Smith)

While sitting in the theatre a couple of weeks back, the trailer for  The Shack played.  I had read this book written by  W. Paul Young when it came out almost 10 years ago and I remember being riveted while reading the first few chapters but then my interest flagged a little as I continued on.  Maybe I just wasn't that interested in the book at that time, or I wondered if it was just too weird for me. Perhaps, this was just not the right time to read it. I am going to delve into it again before I view the movie.

The Shack is a fictional story about a grieving man who receives a mysterious letter inviting him to meet with God at a cabin in the Oregon woods, the location of his greatest pain. This leads to a weekend long encounter with three people - in fact, the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Mack, the main character, wrestles with his faith, and is transformed through this weekend encounter.

Apparently the upcoming movie has rekindled people's strong and polarized opinions about the book. Is it heresy? Is it a true picture of God's love? Is it harmful or helpful?

I sat beside an acquaintance/friend at a hockey game last night and we began chatting about church and change and.. then The Shack came up. He didn't mince words as he told me about a blog he read listing out the 12 heresies coming from this book that will lead people astray. Why would we want our friends to watch it?  he pondered.  I didn't say too much but interjected that it, at least, would be an interesting movie to watch, and make people think.

Honestly, I want to reread the book and watch the movie and then decide whether or not I think this book is promoting false teachings or even harmful ones. Or perhaps it's really a great picture of God's unconditional love and care for the world.

And since I'm not one to enjoy conflict, I won't be debating this publicly with anyone!

But a conversation about the book would be interesting. I would like to know whether you've read the book, if you plan to, and if you are going to see the movie. I'd like to know your thoughts on the movie, too (it's coming out in early March).

Yes and No

Looking back at the past year has caused me to ponder what I'd like 2017 to look like -- at least the parts that I can control. I know that accountability factors high in successful goals, so maybe I'm setting myself up for failure with some of these! But then I remember my mantra for the year...

I'm saying yes more often to :

• journaling- quotes, devotional/prayer, morning pages, gratitude journal, memoir (however sporadic!)
• reading hard copy books borrowed from the library
• using Overdrive to listen to audio books (free!). I've not been a huge fan of audio books, but I'm giving it another go.
• time for creativity- knitting, watercolor, cardmaking - have enjoyed them all this past year. 
• watching a few good shows on my Ipad -- my little 'zone out' pleasures -  favorites: The Voice, Dancing with the Stars, This is Us, and Nashville (if/when it appears on Netflix). 
• using my YouVersion Bible app.  I tried to get back to using my hard copy Bible, but I always seem to gravitate back to the app more often than not. 
• the Abide prayer app
• GoodReads - a great place to keep track of what I've read and to see what others are recommending. I've set a goal of 25 books this year. Life isn't all about quantity, right?
• personal growth - spiritual - through Freedom Session this year. 
• regular fitness activities, which includes intentional walking and spending time outdoors 
• continuing to go gray... I might add a few highlights to help my hair through the transition, though! This might include another purple, green, or blue streak.. you never know. 
• listening to Spotify playlists. Best $10 a month I've ever spent. 
• listening to podcasts -- all those thought provoking conversations! 
• family time - fun, dinners, and just being there to help out 
• nurturing friendships, practicing hospitality,  and being of service to others 
• eating healthy - more paleo for me and my man
• Instagramming - just because I like it. 

I'm saying no more often to:

• reading too many books at once. This is tough because every time I get a new book, I add it to my already impossibly tall pile of readings-in-progress. I think I'm a bit of a book hoarder - not so much on the shelves, but on my side table! Which leads to...
•  borrowing too many books from the library; must.set.a.limit
• reading books for review. I've realized that it just stressed me out to have to read books on a schedule, especially when I realized I wasn't enjoying them that much. I'm going to pick and choose very few this year. I still LOVE to get books in the mail! 
• doing things out of guilt 
• procrastination. This is going to be very difficult because it's my default! 
• starting too many 'free' online courses.  It just clutters up my brain. Ugh. 
• signing up for too many free online newsletters. 
• subscribing to too many podcasts. 

I see a theme running through my list.. the words 'too many' show up too many times! ;)  Balance. Simplicity. Moderation.
 Keeping my mantra for 2017 in mind, "Always, we begin again", I just may experience some success in sticking to my yes's and no's.

What are you saying yes or no to this year?

Book Review: The Christian Book of Mystical Verse

My early church experience was quite conservative and traditional, which included singing hymns, reciting the Apostles' Creed,  and singing the Doxology at the end of every Sunday church service. Looking back, I am so thankful for this part of my faith walk, which I now see as very rich and grounding. It gave me an anchor that I still hold onto, even though  I consider myself nondenominational now (read: I don't really fit in any box!) It seems the older I get, however,  the more I value liturgy and prayers written by others. Although they can easily become 'just words', they also can be very meaningful, encouraging, and inspiring.

Which is why  The Christian Book of Mystical Verse  piqued my interest. It's a collection of Poems, Hymns, and Prayers for devotional reading, compiled by A.W. Tozer, author of several classic devotionals This book has a very attractive cover, as well, which initially drew me to it.

First published in 1963, this was book written for the purpose of private devotion. What exactly does Tozer mean by 'mystic'? He refers to the "evangelical mystic who has been brought by the gospel into intimate fellowship with the Godhead. His theology is no less and no more than is taught in the Christian scriptures. He walks the high road of truth where walked of old prophets and apostles, and where down the centuries walked martyrs, reformers, Puritans, evangelists, and missionaries of the cross... He is quietly, deeply, and sometimes almost ecstatically aware of the Presence of God in his own nature and in the world around him".

The hymns and poems, (most of which I am unfamiliar with)  "... cover almost the full spectrum of religious feeling... The mood runs from near despair to near ecstacy.." I think we can all relate to varied emotions and struggles in our faith walk, as do these writers.

Some of the authors contained in this collection include: Isaac Watts, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Christina Rossetti, Charles Wesley, William Faber, Jeanne Marie de la Motte-Guyon, and Bernard of Clairvaux.

For those who value old hymns and poets from the past, this will be a welcome addition to your library. You will be sure to find a few treasures in this book.

Thanks to Moody Publishers for this free book in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Jesus Calling - My First Bible Storybook

I decided to change things up and review a children's book this time around. There seems to be a lot of babies in my extended family at this time, so I figured this book will make a great gift for the next little one who arrives!

 Jesus Calling- My First Bible Storybook  is a board book, meaning each page is hard,  won't bend or rip (important for little hands), and is wipeable. It's about 5x7", which makes it pretty easy to hold, and the book easily lays flat and stays open. Each of the 20 stories covers a 2 page spread and includes a very brief story, a "Jesus Calling" reflection speaking directly to the child, and a related Bible verse. The stories begin with Creation and move through to the promise that Jesus will be returning again.The colored pictures are engaging for little ones.

The stories in this book don't include a lot of details, so I think it's great for a review of stories a preschooler may have already heard. Some content may be a little above the understanding a toddler might have. I'm not sure it would hold the child's attention or interest, unless the reader was very intentional about pointing out pictures, asking questions about them, and adding relevant details.

This book will be of interest mainly to preschoolers as they look at pictures or if it's used as part of a bedtime devotional.

Thanks to BookLookBloggers for this free copy sent to me in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Running on Red Dog Road

Looks like all I do is review books on here lately. Waiting to be inspired to blog again.. but it's coming up pretty empty these days.

But, wait! I do want to tell you about my latest book I read for review.

Running on Red Dog Road by Drema Hall Berkheimer was such a great memoir! If I ever decide to write mine, I would like it to be as entertaining and inspiring as this one. Simple stories, yet written so well and so authentically, with humour, from the point of view of a child.

Drema was born in a coal camp in Appalachia, the child of a West Virginia coal miner who died when Drema was just a child. Drema's mother worked in another city during WW2, working in a factory like many women in those days, to help the cause. So, Drema and her siblings were loved and cared for by their devout Pentecostal grandparents. These coming of age stories include gypsies, carnivals, faith healers, revivals, hardships, family drama, adventures, and more.

I loved watching The Waltons when I was a teenager, and this story reminds me a bit of that style of family life and community. You never know who you might meet living in the hills or down the road. And life lessons are everywhere.

Running on Red Dog Road was an easy, light read, but yet full of meaning... perfect for a weekend away. I heartily recommend you read it!

Thanks to BookLookBloggers for this free book given to me in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review: Married and Still Loving It

"A good marriage is a gift. It is grace: undeserved, unmerited favour. It should humble us every day." 

Married and Still Loving It by Gary Chapman and Harold Myra is a book written to encourage those in the second half of life, married for a good number of years, to navigate the challenges and celebrate the joys of being together for so many years. With the realities of aging: health limitations (for our parents, ourselves, and even possibly our children), money worries, the future for our children, and more--there will be challenges.  In a time where being married for a lifetime is becoming an oddity, it's great to read a book that is both honest and hopeful--yes, a lifelong happy marriage is attainable.

Actually, I think this book would be a great gift to those who have only been married a few years. Once the 'honeymoon' phase is over, can a couple stay happily married through the good, the bad, and the ugly? The real life examples in this book show couples at any stage of marriage how to accomplish this. 

If I was going to put the advice in a nutshell, it would be along the lines of being a servant to your spouse (not a doormat, but a servant). For details on what this looks like practically, read the book. This book is full of excellent examples of navigating very difficult circumstances. 

I heartily recommend this book, especially if both spouses read it discuss it, and work together to make the necessary changes. Otherwise, it might just become another good read. 

A good marriage is a gift, but it does take work to make it that way.

I received this book free from Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review. Thanks, Moody!