Category Archives: christianity
Dancing with Angels
Today I am guest posting at my dear friend and gifted writer Christa Sterken. I met her at Jeff Goins TribeWriters course.
She came up with a wonderful concept of doing advent guest posts reflecting thoughts on Christmas.
Please visit her website and read what Christmas means to me.
What Does Giving Look Like?
When I was growing up, giving looked like a table full of home made food. My family toiled at making delicious dishes while I delighted in the aromas that filled the house.
Courtesy of Creative Commons
Now that I’m older and have a family of my own, I try to emulate my family’s tradition.
My father is a chef. He grew up in a poor fishing village. As a child he suffered terrible hunger and poverty.
He would always tell me stories about his childhood. How there was no food and many times he would go to bed hungry.
I learned about poverty through my father. I grew up privileged in the sense that I had a roof over my head, food to eat and clothing on my back.
Cooking was an act of giving in our home. My father grew up not having food, so he always made it a point to feed the homeless. He never forgot where he came from.
My father’s life and example taught me to be compassionate toward others in need. Which is why I love supporting organizations like Compassion International. They are doing a wonderful work helping children in need.
Right now, they are having a campaign to raise $20,000 for children living in poverty. If you would like to sponsor a child or donate to the Compassion International Christmas Catalog, please click here.
What does giving look like to you?
Guest Post: An Impromptu Meeting
I have the privilege of guest posting for Tim Allen today for his 12 Days of Guest Posts Christmas series.
I wrote about my impromptu meeting of someone very special.
Please visit his website to read more.
Resistance: The Writer And The Struggle
I am a contributing writer for Godly Writers and today I write about the struggle for every writer… Resistance.
I struggle with the voices which tell me I’m not a writer and that I shouldn’t bother.
I have been especially thinking about resistance after reading two of Stephen Pressfield’s books; The War of Art and Do The Work.
To read more, please visit Godly Writers.
Godwink Stories by SQuire Rushnell & Louise DuArt
Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Howard Books
Language: English
ISBN-10:1451678568
ISBN-13: 978-1451678567
Price: $14.99
Purchase: Amazon | CBD | BN
Description
Building on the themes in his popular book When God Winks, SQuire Rushnell shares real-life stories that are certain to uplift and encourage you. The stories in this book reaffirm that godwinks happen to everyone. We just need to learn how to see them, allow them to unfold, and accept them as direct, person-to-person communications from God to each of us.
As you’ll see, those so-called coincidences that you’d been dismissing so easily really do mean something. And you need to pay attention. They are like unopened gifts that have been placed upon your doorstep.
You will be amazed to read how every joy, every hurt, and every worry that happens to you has already been written about in the Bible. Godwink Stories simply draws upon the parallel between the stories of real people and God’s wisdom in the scriptures.
Godwink Stories can be read in various ways. You can read the book cover to cover. Or follow along each week for a year. It’s also perfect to read for a pick-me-up story that fits your need of the day.
Whether you’re looking for encouragement in a time of need or a story that speaks of joy, there’s a godwink story just for you.
***
Godwink Stories offers weekly readings of godwinks and miracles to encourage and inspire you in every situation. These true stories— from ordinary people—provide
Messages of “don’t give up”
Heartfelt need for love and guidance
Hope in the midst of medical crises
“Just in time” moments
Peace in times of sorrow
Tender love stories
Amazing answers to prayer
Review
Isn’t Godwink Stories a great title? Just by the title alone, I wanted to read this book. I was pleasantly surprised.
I laughed and cried through this heartfelt devotional. I was moved, inspired and encouraged by the stories.
The stories are basically letters from people like you and I who had, what I refer to as a God moment. Godwinks are moments where God shows up miraculously in someone’s life.
The various chapters in this devotional are filled with stories which will leave you spiritually encouraged, invigorated and refreshed.
I was especially touched by Chapter 3 entitled Angels, Chapter 4 entitled Prayer Encouragement and Chapter 52 entitled Love Times of Sorrow. These stories made my cry.
I believe Godwink Stories will make an excellent Christmas present. I highly recommend this book and believe this devotional will be an encouragement to many.
In conclusion, I want to thank Howard Books for sending me a complimentary copy of this book to review.
SQuire Rushnell, a former television president and CEO, was for twenty years an executive with the ABC Television Network. Father of such programs for young people as Schoolhouse Rock and the ABC Afterschool Specials, he also led Good Morning America to the #1 spot. Author of the word-of-mouth phenomenon When God Winks, SQuire lives in Martha’s Vineyard with his wife, Louise.
Louise DuArt, one of the world’s top comedic impressionists, has costarred with comic icon Tim Conway in a national touring show for one and a half decades. In starring roles on Broadway and in her eight-season talk show on ABC Family, her roster of 100 characters ranges from Judge Judy to Barbara Walters, Bart Simpson to Barbra Streisand. Louise has toured as a speaker with Woman of Faith, and performs with her husband in Three Couples, a life-changing evening of music, inspiration and comedy. With SQuire, she coauthored Couples Who Pray, a breakthrough book encouraging partners to take The 409 Prayer Challenge.
Past Regrets
There are times I feel trapped, bogged down with responsibilities and obligations.
There are people I love who are depending on me. I can’t let them down. I can’t make a mistake.
We need an income to keep a roof over our head, food in our stomachs and clothing on our backs.
Courtesy of Creative Commons
Lately, I’ve been thinking about how much of my time is given to a corporation. How my life really isn’t my own. How my time is given in exchange for a paycheck.
Don’t get me wrong, I am grateful for a good job. I’m not complaining.
I’m just facing where I’m at in life. Who knows, I may even be going through a midlife crisis.
I’ve been ruminating on past regrets. In that, I chose a steady income instead of pursuing my dream.
Granted, things could be worse (and they have been).
However, there are those whom are not afforded the ability to ruminate, because all they do is work to feed their kids, barely making ends meet.
So… in the grand scheme of things, I am considered blessed.
But right now, I’m not talking about my job, I’m talking about a dream.
My friend Andi Cumbo wrote a thought provoking blog post entitled “To Quit or Not to Quit” which sparked this post.
A long time ago, I quit acting and singing. Why? For the very same reason I mentioned above. A job. A steady paycheck.
I sold out and forfeited my dream for the illusion of security. I can’t express how bad of a decision that was.
Which is why I’m proactive in reminding my sons to pursue their dreams and do something they love.
If you do what you love, then you don’t mind working twelve hour days. You will be investing your time doing something you believe in and are called to do.
This goes beyond simply working to get a paycheck.
When you work a conventional job, there are no guarantees. You can be there today and gone tomorrow. You can be offered benefits one day and then it be taken away the next.
In this day and age, you can’t invest in a job or put all your eggs in one basket.
You need to invest in yourself and in your dream. Dreams come from God.
When you work toward a dream, it’s yours for keeps. No one can mess with it or take it away, unless you let them.
So yes, I live with regrets and admit I’ve made some pretty bad mistakes. But does that mean it’s over for me? Should I just give up, throw in the towel and call it a day?
No, I’ve already done that, and all for the wrong reasons I might add.
I’ve made some mistakes, so what, you’ve probably made some too. We all do. But should that mean it’s the end of the world?
This is not our final chapter in the big book called life.
I feel like God is giving me a second chance … so I’m priming up for 2013.
I may have given up in the past, but I’m not now. I’m going full steam ahead, no matter what.
Won’t you join me?
Do you believe your dream isn’t attainable? Do you feel hopeless and want to give up?
The Good Life by Trip Lee
Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: Moody Publishers
Language: English
ISBN-10:0802408583
ISBN-13: 978-0802408587
Price: 10.99
Purchase: Amazon | CBD
Description
Nicer car, bigger house, whatever your heart desires. Everybody wants to live The Good Life. But what happens when dreams become nightmares and the promise of freedom leads to a life of imprisonment? What happens when you discover that all that’s gold loses its glitter? Maybe the rich and famous aren’t living The Good Life. Maybe our dreams are rooted in lies. And maybe, just maybe those who have less really have more. What is The Good Life…really?
In this book, titled after his acclaimed fourth album, The Good Life, Christian rap artist and author, Trip Lee, unveils what the world, the flesh and the devil promote as the ultimate and most satisfying life. He then explains what The Good Life really is: a life within our reach and yet beyond anything this world has to offer. Imagine: The Good Life.
Review
The Good Life is only 176 pages, but potent. I confess, I thought I would breeze through the pages in no time. But I was wrong.
The Good Life is deep and meaty. It’s not a glass of milk, but a thick piece of filet mignon. I found myself chewing long and hard through this small, but powerful book.
As you know, I read and review many books. I sometimes come across books which I believe are not doctrinally sound. However, I didn’t find this to be the case with The Good Life. Trip Lee presents the gospel in such a sound and balanced way.
I’ve known Trip Lee by his music. He is a gifted rapper. I happen like good Christian rap music and follow him and others.
I have to say, I was impressed to see his level of spiritual maturity and insight expressed in his book. I could see him transitioning and becoming a full time pastor.
The following excerpts in the book stood out for me:
- My good life begins at the end of me. (Page 61)
- Many of us have used our imaginations and created our own personal gods. Almost like a Build-A-Bear or a little girls doll. We grab the parts we think are necessary, we clothe him with our own ideas, and we make him into a god that we like. Maybe our imaginary god doesn’t judge anyone, or maybe he would never allow evil to happen. (Page 69)
- Our culture teaches us that we can do whatever we want if we just put our minds to it. They say if you work hard enough, you will achieve it. But that’s not biblically true. Listen to what the psalmist says, “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain” (Psalm 127:1). Some of us will work harder than everyone else and never reach those “dreams.” Unless God blesses our efforts, our work will not succeed. (Page 119-120)
- Some preachers will tell you that if you obey God, He will bring all your wildest dreams to pass. They say to plan big, follow God, and watch Him give you everything you ever dreamed of. That’s simply not true. Proverbs 16:1 says, The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.” Not every dream is from God, and He doesn’t owe it to us to many any of them happen. We should dream big for His glory, and plead with Him to bring those dreams to pass. (Page 120)
Overall, I think this is a great book. I believe The Good Life should get into the hands of everyone, whether saved or unsaved, but mostly, our youth. I believe this book will resonate with the youth in a profound way.
I commend Trip Lee for writing such a biblically sound and relatable book. May the Lord bless him as he continues to follow, live and glorify Jesus here and across the earth.
Thank you Moody Publishers and Pure Publicity for sending me a complimentary copy of this book to review.
The following is a song called I’m Good from Trip Lee’s The Good Life cd.
William Lee Barefield III, better known as Trip Lee, is a Christian hip-hop artist under the Reach Records label. Trip Lee’s music has topped Billboard charts, the iTunes chart, and has received Dove nominations and a Stellar Award. His Christ-centered and God-exalting music has reached thousands with the Good News of Jesus Christ.Trip Lee now resides in Washington, DC with his wife and is finishing his Biblical and Theological Studies degree with Boyce College. Trip’s unending desire is to proclaim the grace and beauty of Jesus Christ to anyone that will listen. Ultimately, he hopes this journey will someday lead to pastoring a church.
Prophetic Epiphany
Many years ago, I traveled to different states as an amateur boxing official representing USA Boxing. I used to judge bouts on a National and Junior Olympic level.
I’m sure you are curious as to how I got involved in boxing. It’s a long story that I might share with you some other time.
One of the things I enjoyed on my free time between bouts was visiting churches and attending their services.
However, at that time, I was living a double life, which is another story.
Despite my living in disobedience, my heart longed for God.
Courtesy of Creative Commons
At the time, God used people I didn’t know to speak into my life. People would literally walk up to me and prophesy over my life.
I learned firsthand that God is real, He uses people and He is aware of every detail of our lives.
The reality of this made me feel convicted. I was in awe of God and shocked at how these complete strangers knew so much about me.
I would continue to get the same prophecy wherever I went. Each place I visited, someone would come up to me and say the same thing.
God was definitely trying to get my attention.
The last time I received this same prophecy was about two years ago at a prayer meeting.
However, I started getting cynical and inwardly questioned God about this prophecy.
I couldn’t understand why I was getting the same prophecy over the years, but yet nothing was happening in my life.
However, this past week while I was on the bus going to work and I had an epiphany.
I realized the same prophecy I received repeatedly through the years was true and I was floored.
God finally revealed it to me.
The prophecy is this, “You will be a prophet to the nations.”
Each time I heard it uttered, I would weep from the deepest part of my being. I felt so unworthy (if truth be told, I still do).
I kept telling God He made a mistake and chose the wrong person. I felt I had failed Him and disappointed Him too many times (and still do).
I conjured up an image in my mind of what I thought “a prophet of the nations” would look like or translate to. I thought I would have to sacrifice, give up everything and travel the world.
When I got married and had my boys, I was shocked I was still getting the same prophecy.
I told God, how am I suppose to give up everything now and leave my family behind (traveling with my son who has health issues and put him at risk).
Finally, God revealed the truth, in that, He had no intention of having me sacrifice, give up everything, leave my family behind and travel to serve Him in that capacity.
I was thinking inside the box, but God doesn’t.
He revealed to me that I am a prophet of nations by writing. It finally made sense and all came together. I felt such a peace come over me.
God wants to use the gift He’s placed in me to communicate to others through writing which is my reasonable service. (Romans 12:1)
He wants to do the same with you in whatever He’s called you to do.
Do you know what God has called you to do? Are you living out His calling?
Drunk Dialing The Divine by Amber Koneval
Publisher: eLectio Publishing (November 11, 2012)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00A6FCLZG
Price: $2.49
Purchase: Amazon
Description
How would you respond when a friend drunk-dials you to make a prayer request? What do you say when you are furious with God, but aren’t willing to part with Him? How do you vent your frustrations to your Creator? When is it okay to be angry with God?
Drunk Dialing the Divine is an attempt to capture a glimmer of the darker side of the emotional struggle of the deeply faithful. Though each poem begins in a negative space, they resist both the angry and the naively optimistic ending–instead finding a ray of hope in the maxim “Things are because God is.”
Review
I don’t usually read or review poetry. But I couldn’t resist reading and reviewing these poems written by the young and talented Amber Koneval.
I admit, I was pleasantly surprised. I totally resonated and identified with her poems. What a gem to come across such a gifted poet.
I found her poetry to be raw, truthful and relevant. She crafts her words with such depth, precision and artistry.
I related to her poems as I have struggled in my faith with God. So I appreciated the authenticity and power of her poetry.
If you love poems or even if you don’t, you are in for a treat reading Drunk Dialing The Divine.
In conclusion, I want to thank eLectio Publishing for sending me a complimentary copy of this ebook to review.
Amber Koneval is a college student in Denver, Colorado, double-majoring in English and Religious Studies. She is slated to graduate in December of 2013. Her poetry has appeared in such print journals as Time of Singing, The Wayfarer, The Storyteller, Bop Dead City and devozine (forthcoming). Her work has also appeared online formats at Crack the Spine and Exterminating Angel.
Her first collection of poetry ‘Drunk Dialing the Divine’ is now available from eLectio publishing.
Follow her at:
facebook.com/akoneval
amberkoneval.wordpress.com
amberkoneval.wix.com/theamberofthemoment
The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
Hardcover: 368 pages
Publisher: Zondervan
Language: English
ISBN-10: 031032906X
ISBN-13: 978-0310329060
Price: $26.99
Purchase: Amazon | CBD | BN
Description
Ten years ago, Rick Warren wrote The Purpose Driven Life, which became the bestselling hardback non-fiction book in history, and is the second most-translated book in the world, after the Bible. PDL has inspired and changed tens of millions of lives … more than any modern book. NOW, Rick has updated and expanded the book with new chapters on the greatest barriers to living your purpose, plus 42 video introductions to each chapter theme, and 42 additional audio messages that go deeper into each chapter. He has also created a new small group curriculum and new sermon series for pastors, and new follow-up events to conserve the evangelistic and discipleship results you will experience. In the original 40 Days of Purpose campaign, churches averaged 28% growth in attendance, and over 100% growth in small group Bible study! People WANT to know their purpose in life! The Purpose Driven Life will enable a new generation in your church to discover God’s purposes for their lives and empower your church with a fresh new wind of hope, joy, and vitality!
Review
Wow! I can’t believe it’s been ten years already. I first heard about The Purpose Driven Life in March 2005. It was when this woman was held hostage. Her name then was Ashley Smith. She’s married now and goes by Ashley Smith Robinson.
Her story is amazing because as a result of reading excerpts of The Purpose Driven Life to her captor, he let her go and turned himself in.
When I read this story in the news, I went out and bought the book right away. I was fascinated to know what The Purpose Driven Life was all about.
I read it back then and started telling everyone in my circle about it. I even bought copies and gave them out to people.
I love everything Pastor Rick Warren preaches and writes about. He has a brilliant way of breaking things down and making difficult concepts easy to understand. He keeps your interest and he is never boring.
The anniversary edition of The Purpose Driven Life is even better. There are two new chapters added: “The Envy Trap – I must be like you to be happy” and “The People-Pleaser Trap – I must be liked by you to be happy”.
Also, what I totally think is fabulous, is there are QR codes and web links incorporated providing a video intro and 30-minute audio message by Pastor Rick Warren for each chapter.
If you are not familiar with Pastor Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life is a great introduction. This is one of my favorite books ever. I highly recommend it to everyone.
In conclusion, I want to thank both Zondervan and Thomas Nelson for sending me a complimentary copy of this book to review.
As founding pastor of Saddleback Church, Dr. Rick Warren leads a 30,000 member congregation in California with campuses in major cities around the world. As a theologian, he has lectured at Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, University of Judaism, and dozens of universities and seminaries. As a global strategist he advises world leaders and has spoken to the United Nations, US Congress, Davos Economic Forum, TED, Aspen Institute, and numerous parliaments. Rick has also founded the global P.E.A.C.E. plan, which Plants churches of reconciliation, Equips leaders, Assists the poor, Cares for the sick, and Educates the next generation in 196 countries. www.purposedriven.com
All for the Masquerade
I’ve been quiet lately. I’ve been processing since my return from a conference and the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.
I’ve been thinking the three C’s: Christians, Conferences and Churches. I realize in all three, people hide behind a masks.
Courtesy of Creative Commons
I remember learning the waltz once. I believe it was when I was attending acting school years ago. I didn’t find it difficult to learn.
The steps are repetitive and monotous, around and around you go…
As with any dance, there must be proper form. The traditional waltz is both elegant and dull.
Christians seem to like to masquerade and dance the waltz. We seem to like to hide and go around in circles.
Much like the Israelites did in the desert, never entering in and reaching the promise land.
I can just see God looking down and thinking, “There they go, masquerading and dancing the waltz again.”
I don’t know Lord, I honestly don’t know… but I agree, the waltz is whack and the whole masquerade thing is played out if you ask me. It’s got no swagga, no flow or flava…
We’re just dancing in circles like a bunch of lost robots with plastered smiles on our faces… meanwhile we’re dying inside.
I don’t know about you, but when I walk into a room full of Christians whether at a church or conference, it seems I can feel the weight of their pain and hurt behind their smiles.
Everyone looks good on the outside; make-up’s perfect, hair and nails did, matching Gucci bag and shoes, a fashionable hat even… ohhhh and that smile, that same smile I see time and time again… The smile with hurting eyes…
Their smiles say one thing, while their eyes say another. Switching their gaze away quickly, lest anyone finds out. The truth.
We are so afraid to be found out and exposed. So afraid to be seen for who and what we are.
So we just carry on, dancing the waltz and hiding behind our masks… smiling whilst our hearts cry and souls die.
All for the Masquerade.
Why do you think people wear masks?
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