Monday, December 18, 2017
Saturday, December 16, 2017
A Season of Hope
Matthew 12:21
And Jesus name will be the hope of all the world.
And Jesus name will be the hope of all the world.
Christmas is a time of joy, but it can also be a
season of sadness. This past week we lost two wonderful men. My uncle Floyd and
our dear friend, John, left this earth.
I'll always remember my Uncle Floyd's ornery
smile. He never failed to ask me, when I was a teenager, if I had a boyfriend
yet. He embarrassed me, but I loved him anyway. I'm thankful that years later he
got to know my husband, Tim. Even more important, he grew to know Jesus.
We met John and his wife Jessica at church. One of
the first things we knew about John was how much he loved his family and his
Savior, Jesus. John suffered with physical pain for years, but it didn't stop
him from serving at the church and giving his all to the people he loved.
Knowing these men loved God fills my heart with
hope. I've no doubt Jesus has opened his arms to them. Because Jesus came to
earth as a precious baby, lived a life sharing his story of faith, and died on
the cross to be raised back to life—we have HOPE. Floyd and John's families and
friends anticipate seeing them again in heaven. That's a hope that blesses us
here on earth.
If this holiday season is a time of sadness,
believe that hope in Jesus soothes the soul. Jesus loves us and desires his
children to trust in him. I pray he has all the folks who are hurting wrapped
in his arms of hope.
With Jesus, hope shines through the darkness of despair.
Thursday, December 14, 2017
Movie Review: The Man Who Invented Christmas
Description:
In 1843 London, author Charles Dickens finds himself in financial trouble after
writing three unsuccessful novels in a row. Desperate for a hit, Dickens relies
on real-life inspiration and his vivid imagination to bring Ebenezer Scrooge,
Tiny Tim and other classic characters to life in "A Christmas Carol,"
forever changing the holiday season into the celebration known today.
My Thoughts:
I'd seen the trailer and knew I wanted to see The Man Who Invented Christmas. I've been intrigued with the story of A Christmas Carol since I was in Girl Scouts, and we acted it out. Dan Stevens, who played Matthew in Downton Abby, entertained in his outstanding take on Dickens. His energy filled the screen. Christopher Plummer is a hoot as Scrooge. For me, I was taken aback by the dismal city of London, yet uplifted by the scenes where Dickens is writing against the clock to create a story the world would love. The imaginative scenes which draws in the vivid characters of his story inspired me. The movie is filled with life, both real and fictitious. Humor found its place, as well as familial love. Tim and I both enjoyed the story line and the wonderful acting. If you are looking for a feel good movie to watch this holiday season, I recommend The Man Who Invented Christmas. If you are a fiction writer it is a must see.
I'd seen the trailer and knew I wanted to see The Man Who Invented Christmas. I've been intrigued with the story of A Christmas Carol since I was in Girl Scouts, and we acted it out. Dan Stevens, who played Matthew in Downton Abby, entertained in his outstanding take on Dickens. His energy filled the screen. Christopher Plummer is a hoot as Scrooge. For me, I was taken aback by the dismal city of London, yet uplifted by the scenes where Dickens is writing against the clock to create a story the world would love. The imaginative scenes which draws in the vivid characters of his story inspired me. The movie is filled with life, both real and fictitious. Humor found its place, as well as familial love. Tim and I both enjoyed the story line and the wonderful acting. If you are looking for a feel good movie to watch this holiday season, I recommend The Man Who Invented Christmas. If you are a fiction writer it is a must see.
Monday, December 11, 2017
Saturday, December 9, 2017
True Peace
Luke 2:14
“Glory to God in highest heaven,
and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”
“Glory to God in highest heaven,
and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”
Micah 5:5
And he will be the source of peace.
And he will be the source of peace.
When I was a teenager, I looked forward to hearing
my brother, Darryl, sing the song Let
There be Peace on Earth. He was part of a quartet who echoed the beautiful
words each Christmas. In the lyrics, the songwriters penned "let it
[peace] begin with me." I took that to heart and have since sought out how
to be a peaceful person. One who calms conflict and eases anxiety. Even though
I seek peace, I'm not always at peace. The world is so full of noise and
distraction, I sometimes have to close my eyes and block out everything to pray
for peace in my heart.
Thankfully, I don't rely on myself to discover the
peace that passes understanding. I just ask Jesus. He is the true peace. In
Luke 2:14 a heavenly host of angels announced to the shepherds, minding their
own business tending sheep, that a babe was born in a manger who will save the
world. First of all, if a bunch of angels showed up and started talking to me,
I'd be scared witless. So I'm guessing the shepherds felt the same way. From
what I read in Luke 2:14, God had an inkling of how the shepherds would react
because he bestowed his peace on them. He was pleased with them and didn't want
them to be afraid. That's how God is, he is the giver of peace. Through Jesus
he sent the Prince of Peace who gives understanding and calm in the midst of
stress.
I love the words of Casting Crown's I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day. Click the link and give a listen, let the
peace of Jesus pour over you. I pray for peace this Christmas season. Internal
peace and peace in this world. Please pray with me.
Monday, December 4, 2017
Sunday, December 3, 2017
Nonfiction Review: Blessed are the Misfits Great News for Believers who are Introverts, Spiritual Strugglers, or Just Feel Like They're Missing Something by Brant Hansen
Book Description:
Warning: If modern church culture makes
perfect sense to you, and you always fit in seamlessly, don’t read this. As for
the rest of us…
While American church culture (and American
culture at large) seems largely designed for the extroverted, it’s estimated
that half of the American population is introverted, and they’re often left
wondering how, even if, they fit in the kingdom of God. As one of them, popular
radio host Brant Hansen brings news. It’s wonderful, refreshing, and
never-been-said-this-way-before good news.
In his unique style, Hansen looks to answer
questions that millions of people carry with them each day:
If I don’t relate to God as emotionally as others
do, is something wrong with me?
How does one approach God, and approach faith,
when devoid of the “good feelings” that seem to drive so much of evangelical
church culture?
How does God interact with those who seem
spiritually numb?
Is the absence of faith-based emotion a sign of
that God has moved on or was never there?
What if we aren’t good at talking to people about
our faith, or good at talking to people at all?
What if I’m told I’m too analytical, that I “think
too much”?
Where does a person who suffers from depression
fit in the kingdom? Is depression a sure sign of a lack of faith?
This book is good news for people who are
desperately looking for it. (And for their loved ones!)
It’s also for those who want to believe in Jesus,
but inwardly fear that they don’t belong, worry that don’t have the requisite
emotion-based relationship with God, and are starving for good news.
Blessed
Are the Misfits is going to generate discussion, and lots of it. It’s
simultaneously highly provocative and humbly personal. It’s also leavened with
a distinct, dry, self-effacing humor that is a hallmark of Hansen’s on-air,
writing, and public speaking style.
My Review:
I enjoy listening to Brant Hansen on the radio. In
our area he's a D.J. on Star 93.3 in the morning, with his partner Sherri. He's
funny and insightful, with a unique perspective. All of those traits come
through in his writing. Blessed are the
Misfits is a quick and enjoyable read, with a good dose of observation and
wisdom. As an introvert, I appreciate Hansen's revelations on how difficult it is for introverts to be part of the modern church. But I
especially value the chapter called "Blessed are the Perpetual
Strugglers." He says, "The struggle means God is still working in
you." I love this because I like knowing that God is working 'in' me not
on me. I'm not his project, I'm his child who he loves. Brant
tackles some tough topics like depression, the inability to pray, skepticism,
and loneliness. I recommend this book for anyone who wants a better understanding
of people and those who assume all people are okay in an extrovert world. If
you're a misfit, read this book. If you're not, read it anyway and understand
those of us who are. 5 stars. I received this book for free.
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