Mission Possible *book Review*

 But first, the Good News must be spread to all nations.  

~Mark 13:10 

This weekend I read the first book on my GoodReads to-read shelf Mission Possible.  It has only been sitting there for about 10 years.  Several years ago my sweet sister gave it to me for some occasion, maybe my birthday, after seeing it on my list. And there it sat all these years on my shelf, unread.  I wish I hadn't waited so long, it was so good! My favorite so far this month and probably will be on my favorites list for the year. 

It is the story of Marilyn who serves as a missionary in  a remote jungle village in Papua New Guinea. This book is amazingly brief to sum up 20+ years of life work in this jungle village.  When she arrived in the village she had none of their language and they spoke no English. Her job was to learn their language, create an alphabet and written language and then (huge task) begin translating the Bible in their own language. Once she began the written language she also began literacy classes- teaching them how to read. She began her work in the jungle in 1968. The story is touching, heart rending, also funny in places. 

He paused and leaned forward.  "My father and many of my relatives died many years ago.  They knew nothing about God.  And for me, it's too late! I'm too old to read my own talk"  Looking intently into her eyes, he asked, "Did you know a long time ago, when you were a little girl, that there were people her in Papua New Guinea like me?"
    "Yes, I read books," she answered.  "I knew about Papua New Guinea."
    "Then, Marilyn, why  did you take so long to come?"

Thoughts of the men of the village when Marilyn and Judy first came to live among them.  It struck me both as funny and yet also how prideful we are that we see ourselves and our way as best.  They determine that if the women eat their food, maybe they will become stronger. 

"As we have seen from watching them, these two creatures are very weak," Suapri began.  "Many times we have watched them fall out of the canoe we gave them.  Their feet slip when they try to climb up a notched pole into a house.  Even our babies can speak our language, but these stupid creatures know only a few words.  We have no understanding about why they are here.  But they are friendly and very kind to our children, so we wish to help them.  Why do they stammer as they speak our language?..."

One evening he lifted his cup following a hearty drink of coffee, laid a hand on his friend's Bible, and said, "Your talk about Papa God is sweet.  It is like sugar." He lowered his cup, mused a long moment, then added, "I want Jesus to live in my throat."  *They viewed the throat as the source of life rather than the heart.

Word of Marilyn's medical care must have spread because at one point a canoe of sick strangers arrives from a more remote village a 4 day canoe trip up the river.  Even without speaking the same language they came seeking help for their sick.  Once arriving they were intrigued by the village's church and begged for someone to come and learn their language so they too could have God's Talk...

"Then Why do you have a sios? (that is a church).

"When we visited Hauna, we saw everyone going to church.  We saw people learning to read God's Talk and singing songs about God and Jesus.  When we came back here we told our people all about your church. We decided we needed to build a church so Papa God will see we're ready.  We're just waiting now."   

This gives me chills everytime I read it.  I have had my own Bible, in my own language since before I could fully read.  I have been in church since the Sunday after I was born. I take God and his Word so for granted every day of my life.  "Coincidently" the verse at the top was from the message at our church this Sunday.  There are so many who don't know of God's love all across this world, as far as the remote jungles of Papua New Guinea and as close as next door.  We all have a mission field. But it all starts with love, if Marilyn had not cared for and shown kindness to the people of Hauna- they would not have been receptive to hearing about God. 

Inspired *book review*

While I was sewing this weekend I finished listening to this audiobook- Inspired by Rachel Held Evans.

I find this book troubling, but that's one of the reasons I read it.  I want to know about people who are different than me, think different than me, believe different from me, live different from me... I enjoyed listening to Rachel read her book, it is thought provoking and in so many ways I share parts of her story.  Why was I drawn to Rachel's work? I wanted to know what makes someone walk away from church, particularly someone who it seems was somewhat like me...

I was raised in a conservative Christian home. I don't remember a time my family did not attend church.  When I was small my dad pastored a church in Pennsylvania.  I love the Bible and Jesus with all my heart.  As I grew up and began my own family church/God/faith were central.  There was never a time I wandered or strayed from my faith.  The weeks we are not in church are few and far between.

Sometime in her young adult life Rachel (is it ok to call her Rachel, Ms Evans... I don't know.) Anyway- at some point she started questioning things.  I do not think this is a bad thing. Questions are how we learn how we grow.  But her questions tore her faith- after a time it seems she found it again, or at least some form of it.

Last year I listened to and read Searching for Sunday by her as well.  Despite my best intentions it appears I never got around to writing a review on that one. As I struggle with this review- I can see why.  My feelings and thoughts are deep and varied and hard to put into words here.

The books, I would say are quite similar. Searching for Sunday talks more of the church in general.  This book {Inspired}focuses more on the Bible itself than the church in general.

Reading these two books has lead me down rabbit trails- seeking to find out more about her life, sadly she passed away last May. As I listened to her voice read this book I wonder what she thinks now.  When she stood before God were all her questions answered? If she were back on this earth would she stand behind her words- after a heart-to-heart with God and seeing from the perspective of eternity.  Or would her perspective have changed.  I sincerely wish there was a way to know.

My TBR {to-read} list has also grown as I have come across other books through her blog and such that I want to read too. I'll continue learning, seeking, trying to understand.

But bottom line while I enjoy reading about different perspectives, cultures and religions-  I believe the Bible is God-breathed, living and active. It speaks to my heart and spirit. I Believe it is TRUTH.  The ultimate truth. These books also make me thankful for the church family I belong.  A church where I feel like I belong. A church that strives to teach and practice both Grace and Truth.  A church that loves. A church I hope would welcome anyone.

Some quotes I liked from this book-

“While Christians tend to turn to Scripture to end a conversation, Jews turn to Scripture to start a conversation.” <- I think scripture should be the start.  I know a lot of people out there can give Christians a bad rap- but I don't think we should be beating people over the head with the Bible.  I think it can be used as a start, to open doors and hearts.

 “I’ve often said that those who say having a childlike faith means not asking questions haven’t met too many children.”

“The truth is, you can bend Scripture to say just about anything you want it to say. You can bend it until it breaks. For those who count the Bible as sacred, interpretation is not a matter of whether to pick and choose, but how to pick and choose. We’re all selective. We all wrestle with how to interpret and apply the Bible to our lives. We all go to the text looking for something, and we all have a tendency to find it. So the question we have to ask ourselves is this: are we reading with the prejudice of love, with Christ as our model, or are we reading with the prejudices of judgment and power, self-interest and greed? Are we seeking to enslave or liberate, burden or set free?”

“So in considering the writings of Paul, the question is not, Are head coverings good or bad? The question is, in that context, Did head coverings help or hurt the advancement of the gospel and the preservation of unity? The question is not, Should Christians eat meat? but rather, in that context, Did eating meat help or hurt the advancement of the gospel and the preservation of unity? And as we consider the application of Paul’s teachings in our various contexts today, the question is not, Should women be allowed to preach? but Do women preachers help or hurt the advancement of the gospel and the preservation of unity? Paul was smart enough to know the answers to these questions would vary from church to church and person to person, so surely he was smart enough to also know they would vary from culture to culture and century to century. Was Paul a man of his time? Of course. But that’s exactly the point. God meets us where we are, as we are. The Spirit shows up in the thick of it.” (emphasis added).

“This is what God's kingdom is like: a bunch of outcasts and oddballs gathered at a table, not because they are rich or worthy or good, but because they are hungry, because they said yes. And there's always room for more.” ― Rachel Held Evans, Searching for Sunday: Loving, Leaving, and Finding the Church

a new Bible Adventure

A couple weeks ago I read By the Waters of Babylon.  It is a BIblical ficition story based off Psalm 137.  It left me with a desire to read the Bible chronologically.  A feat I have never attempted before. I've also been feeling like my devotional life has been a little flat.  This seemed like a good opportunity to dig deeper into God's Word and be refreshed.

After much debate I decided to purchase a journaling Bible to aid me on this new adventure.  I have been wanting a journaling Bible for a few years now but have never taken the leap.  This was the perfect time for it.  I also like that this is a different Bible version than I usually read.  That too I feel like will add a different and fresh perspective.

I purchased the One Year Chronological Bible Expressions.  Its the New Living Translation.  It has wide margins for journaling as well as some pages that already have artwork in the margins for coloring.

The only draw back to a One Year Bible is that it is already dated each day...starting with January. It occured to me that since I was planning on journaling in this Bible I could just cover up the dates as I go.  Today I had a relaxing afternoon of coloring and transforming my January page heading into July.  All ready to begin tomorrow.

I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out.  I'm really looking forward to this new endeavor and journaling my way through the whole Bible.  My prayer is that God would speak to my heart and make his word fresh and alive in a whole new way for me through this.  I'll be sharing some of my pages here and on Instagram. =)

You will seek me and find me 

when you seek me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 29:13

By the Waters of Babylon *book review*

Last week I read this book and loved it! By The Water's of Babylon by Mesu Andrews.  I had purchased it a while back on my Kindle on a recommendation from my Dad.

Recently I noticed how many books I own both in print and on my kindle that I have yet to read.  I made the goal to try and work through some of them this summer.

This is a short little book and a quick read. I thoroughly enjoyed it.   It is the story of Merari, a young Israelite woman, captured by a mercenary Scythian prince. Driven toward Babylon by both hatred and hope, she endures captivity in hopes of reuniting with her husband.  Her faith in Yahweh is inspiring.  While her account is of course fictional, it really brings to life the Bible. It left me hungry for more of God myself.  It was a reminder to me of how much God cares for his people. That even in the most trying circumstances He is continually drawing us back to him and can turn any situation for the good.

This book also inspired me to want to read through the entire Bible in chronological order.  I plan to start this feat July 1.  I am still debating between just printing off a plan online (you know for free) or purchasing this journaling Bible and working my way through it. I think it might be kinda neat to Bible Journal my way through this endeavor.  Plus the cover of this Bible calls to me! :D

Tuesday Things

I signed up for the Honor & Remembrance Run on May 20 this morning.  If you recall last year this race nearly killed me. It was the worst run I have ever done.  I have never felt so awful during a race.

But it is also powerful and moving event.  One I felt privileged to be a part of. Especially being both the wife and sister of Marines. There isn't a day that goes by that I am not profoundly thankful my Marines came home safe. My heart aches for those who did not.

This year I plan to be more prepared physically for the run.  I started with a little hill training last night.  

My hope is to make it up that hill this year, I know I probably won't be able to run it... but not feeling like I am going to literally pass out and die would be a plus. And to be able to run the rest of the course.  I will also be doing some trail run training.  I was completely unprepared for how much hard trail running was than road running.

I need to work on Chance's socialization and manners.  We encountered 2 dogs last night on our run.  We had to walk because he was so overcome with excitement it was all I could do to hold him.  Which is an improvement- I think...  Previously he would plant his feet and refuse to go forward if we saw another dog.  So at least now he's not afraid... I actually would like to run a 5K with him- but we have a lot of work to do before that happens!

May 1st I am starting a couple new things.  I have been struggling with my devo/bible/prayer time lately.  I'm thinking these will help.

One is a scripture memory challenge on Colossians 3:1-17. Through the month of May, memorizing a few verses a week.  You can check that out here DoNotDepart.com

The second is a Bible Study on Ruth with Loving God Greatly. There are study journals you can purchase through amazon, but you can also do it totally free.  By following along on the blog and/or the You Version App.

Join us beginning MAY 1ST as we journey through Ruth TOGETHER! 

If you’ve ever experienced loss, loneliness, or seasons of great change or difficulty, then you can immediately identify with the events and people in the book of Ruth.
While Ruth begins as a story of heartache, it doesn’t stop there. Mourning turns to dancing as themes of loyalty, kindness, boldness, acceptance, love, and redemption are uncovered. But ultimately, Ruth is a book about the providence of God.
We should never underestimate the seemingly small events in our lives. Whether it is caring for family, getting married, working, showing kindness to our neighbors, or raising children… all of it is being used by God for the good of those who love Him, for His glory, and for the salvation of others.
The book of Ruth reminds us that no event or person is insignificant in the plan of God.

Happy Tuesday All! =) If you would like to join me in any of the above endeavors, let me know.

If you are reading this today- I could use a little bit of prayer.  My mama-heart is weary and discouraged. :-(

exraordinary

Do you ever read a devotional and feel like it might have been written just for you.  I don't know if you struggle with identity and purpose.  Seems like I do.  All. The. Time.

But God keeps gently reminding me he has a plan. A purpose for me. For my little life.  I am here for a reason.

I have particularly enjoyed this week on SheReadsTruth. Reminding me again that there is a bigger plan.  I may not be able to see the whole tapestry yet, and what I do see may look like a mess. But in the end it will be a beautiful masterpiece.

My heart is filled with gratitude. I'm so looking forward to Christmas this year.
   

I am so thankful for God and his Word. His love. That nothing can ever separate me from it.  From Him. May His Grace and wonder of Christmas will always be extraordinary in my eyes and heart.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, 

neither angels nor demons,neither the present nor the future, 

nor any powers, neither height nor depth, 

nor anything else in all creation, 

will be able to separate us from the love of God 

that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39 NIV

On a little side note:

Mikayla sang with Kenny Rogers and Linda Davis on Tuesday night (with the rest of the Select Choir ;)

Puppy pic to brighten your day!  Love this guy. And that he puts up with our shenanigans! 

T.o.L. 10/20

This morning I am cold, tired and achy. But my heart is full and happy. My soul is peaceful.  October fills me with Joy, drinking in the beauty of the fall.  My sister once told me October is the best month {her birth month}. I think we might have been on a particularly awful, cold, wet March run at the time {my birth month}.  But she is right I think. The weather is generally speaking fantastic, and even on dreary days like today- the fall beauty can overtake you.

Makes me want to watch Anne of Green Gables <3

October is a month of birthdays for our family.  I think its the highest at 6 birthdays, my mom, brother-in-law, nephew, niece, my sister and of course Ryan's birthday was yesterday...plus our anniversary.  

Last night we celebrated this guy... 14 years old...

We had his usual birthday dinner- Lasagna. =) Added bonus Rhett even got to be home for dinner last night. It made me so happy.

We will be celebrating with the extended family on Saturday night. Planning to make some chili. Ryan requested a "mirror galaxy cake" I had no idea what that was, but a short youtube tutorial later-- I am excited to give it a try.

I got an email yesterday about the November Illustrated Faith kit. I ordered it on the spot. Part of me is regretting it. (I probably shouldn't have spent the money on me.) The other half can't  wait to get my hands on it. It just called to me, if October is my favorite month. Thanksgiving is my favorite season. I love everything about this kit, the fall washi, that the devo cover is like a coloring page. The grey ink pad! The theme "Cultivating a Thankful Heart", something I am working on. Just this week (again) I read in my devo time how important it is to have a thankful heart. (I need constant reminding!)

I use the stamps from the Blessings or Lessons kit all the time. I haven't finished up the devo that comes with the kit yet. But this morning I read the section on husbands & wives, I am profoundly thankful for my husband. For fresh starts. <3 For him taking the extra time this week to remind me I am indeed his one and only.

I still have more journaling to do, but just looking at this page so far makes my heart so happy.

I tend to not do a lot of journaling. I look at other people's devotionals and journals and Bibles on Instagram and feel jealous and inadequate. But I think the key is just to jump in and start. It kinda takes on a life of its own once you begin.The most important thing is to just use that time to reflect and pray, connecting with the Lord.

I might have also ordered this one- Through Christ

How could I not???  Rainbows, emjoi's, a turquoise stamp pad... It just makes me so happy. I can't wait to use the emoji stamps to make cards for my SS Class. :D Plus if I got two my order qualified for free shipping ;-) So really I saved money...

This bunch of random thoughts brought to you by- Thinking Out Loud Thursday.

My Quiet Time~

This week I was asked what I do for my devotional time. I thought I'd write a little about it here.

For me my devo time is pretty well established. I do it pretty much everyday. I'm human and things happen so there are days I miss it but as a rule I generally have my coffee with the Lord each morning. It helps set the tone for me day and get me going on the right track.

During the school year I get up, stumble to the kitchen make a cup of coffee pack kids lunches then settle in at my kitchen table.  This has long been my spot. In every place we have dwelled.

Here's a peak into my basket currently-

My bible and journal a must. Right now I am using the Jesus Calling devotional. Usually that's where I start. I open it up to today's date and let God speak to my heart. Usually it leaves me wanting more- kinda like an appetizer. Craving to dig deep into His Word.

Also in my basket is a cup of pens and highlighters and most recently washi tape. 3 other devos that I have read entirely but still sometimes go back to. And my well worn power of a praying wife book. In my journal I also have a monthly prayer calendar that I use as prompts to pray for my children.

Jesus Calling is a great little devotional. Almost every morning I would swear it was written just for me. For you are looking for somewhere to start- this is a great place.

Right now I am also going through a study my Love God Greatly on David. It is fantastic. To other sites I frequent are She Reads Truth and Good Morning Girls. They all do online studies you can do for free. Or purchase their study books.

Love God Greatly and good morning girls use similar formats of SOAP {Scripture Observation Application Prayer} and SOAK {Scripture Observation Application Kneel}. Where they give you a passage and then a verse from that passage to really focus on and write out your observations and how it applies to your life. I find these methods help me focus and not just go through the motions of reading without getting anything out of it.

Most recently I have gotten this devotional kit from dayspring and illustrated faith.  FYI dayspring as a 25% off customer appreciate sale going on right now ;-)

 I am excited to try it out.  It comes with a 14 day devo and prompts to dig deeper and journal his word.

There is no right way to have your quiet time.  What's important is spending time with God.  Reading, praying, meditating.  Letting His Word pour into your very soul.  Strengthening and encouraging you.  Guiding you for the path He has laid before you.

6.21

________________________

For Today

June 21
The last full day of school.

Linked up per usual with Peggy.

Looking out my window
it is such a perfect summer day out there.

I am thinking

I wish I was on summer vacation too. :(
But we'll just have to cram more summer into the evenings I guess.

I am thankful
I am.  This morning my heart was full. I am determined to not get sucked into complaining this summer. To enjoy the moments I do have.

One of my favorite things
Summer.
Looking forward to evenings at the beach. 
Picnics. Campfires.

I am wearing

Yesterday I was so excited to come home and see a purple package on the kitchen table.  My LulaRoe order was here already! I LOVE it! It's so soft and I love the way it swishes around my feet when I walk. ;)

I am creating

83 degrees last night but I got 3 more blocks quilted on Isaac's quilt!

I am reading
The Little Paris Bookshop: A Novel by Nina George

I am learning
I'm working really hard on the attitude and being content.
No grumbling.  Be thankful.

In my kitchen

I made steak and baked sweet potatoes for Father's Day dinner per my mister's request.
Tonight its Taco Tuesday ;)
And more menu planning....

Board room

Pinned: Women of Grace
Source: flickr

Post Script

I watched some illustrated faith vidoes last night, that left me itching to stamp and journal.  I added some washi tape to my planner this morning.  (That's an addiction that could really take off). Last month's illustrated faith kit, Blessings or Lessons is calling to me. I hope its still available next payday.  One of the stamps is the word Purpose- which is of course my Word for 2016.  
Here is a LINK--> https://www.illustratedfaith.com/blessings-lessons-stamp-techniques-video-tutorial/ <--to some inspiration.

A moment from my day

Girl Scouts Closing Ceremonies

Hard to believe these girls are heading into their senior year...
I remember when they were the ones who were Brownies :'(

Friday night our little Bible Study group had a cookout at the Falls-

Closing Notes:

Daybook: the 10th of May

For Today... {May 10, 2016}

Outside my window... beautiful sunshine.  Chance and I went for a run before dinner last night.

I am thinking... about the future. 

I am wearing... my NYPD tshirt the mister brought me from NYC last week =)

I am reading... new Bible study book- Living in Truth and The Mother Letters, gift from my Mom on Mother's Day.

My book party on Saturday was a huge success. So fun! As a result the kids and I are getting $160 in FREE books! Thanks everyone who ordered and helped me out!  I highly recommend my consultant, Alicia. <3  

I am hoping... things start to feel normal again after this pay period, its hard going back to getting paid every other week. :-/  Next Wednesday feels like a loooong way away right now. But it will be OK, somehow things always work out. :-)  Last week was just expensive I guess, what with the book party, prom prep, SAT and ACT registration, Mother's Day, and now a car payment.  But I am NOT complaining...a few weeks ago, I wouldn't have been able to do a fraction of that!  Just looking at that list reminds me to be thankful, instead of anxious.

I am thankful... my job and the good changes it has brought.  The good definitely out weigh the bad, the bad basically being that I have to work full time at all. But that's the world we live in these days.  I am thankful that my job is close to home.  That I can put Hannah on the bus before school.  I am thankful I was able to be home when they were tiny.

I am learning... about Truth, living in Truth, conversing with people about Truth. We are starting a new Bible Study on Friday night.  I can't wait!

In my kitchen... 

• Monday: grilled pork chops (Just thick pork chops and PC tex mex rub on the girll, so good!)
• Tuesday: Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
• Wednesday: Crockpot Ranch Onion Chicken
• Thursday: Pizza
• Friday: Crockpot Chicken Cheesesteak Sandwhiches
• Saturday:
• Sunday: Yummo Pork Roast

A favorite quote for today... 


A peek into one of my days... 

Got this in the mail yesterday, struck me as funny since I actually quit at OMX in January!

A few plans for the rest of the week: taking Mikayla tonight to get her prom dress fitted, Piano lessons tomorrow, Girl Scouts, Bible Study on Friday, going to OMX store closing picnic Saturday 

From the board room {Pinterest}... * Graduation season is upon us! I know Mikayla will have some of these essentials next year to help her out as she heads off to college. ;)

Pinned: Pampered Chef

Post Script * Salad and Cupcakes? Sounds like a good party to me ;) I love fancy salads, Pampered Chef has some great recipes this spring!

Linked up with Peggy at The Simple Woman's Blog