All Hallow's Eve

I've read at least 4 blog posts lately about Halloween. Mostly in favor of joining in and being with neighbors, be that by handing out hot chocolate, or having a neighborhood party, or just trick or treating with the neighborhood.

As I commented on a blog, I began thinking of my own experience growing up with this holiday. It seems when I was younger it was a whole lot scarier; with a risk of razor blades in apples and tampered candy. The church I attended did a good job of scaring us about this "evil" holiday and provided us a safe alternative: A Harvest Festival. Personally, I loved it. I enjoyed being with my friends and playing games, winning prizes and eating all the ice cream I wanted.

But I attended without my family. They were out trick-or-treating. Without me.

Halloween was always my Granny's favorite holiday. She'd even crochet special surprises for the kids.... little "men" made out of a pack of life savers and yarn, a crocheted necklace with a silver dollar hidden inside. Her house was decorated and I wonder if there were rumors of it being a scary house! Nevertheless, kids climbed up the stairs, knocked on the door, and was greeted by my Grandma, usually dressed as a witch. She was a very convincing witch, long silver-gray hair, glasses, old and with a tube going to her nose to provide her oxygen. All this was normal for me; she'd been on oxygen since I was born, but looking back I wonder if people were normally scared of her.

But not on Halloween. On Halloween, it was acceptable to be a little scary.

I always questioned why and how Halloween could be her favorite holiday but I wonder now that I'm older if she was lonely. Being on oxygen pretty much confined her to the house, and on October 31st hundreds of people came to her house, and it made her happy. Such a small interaction and yet it was something she looked forward to all year.

People.

My family enjoys trick or treating. There's been a lot of talk about how it is "missional" to engage with neighbors and community in this night instead of hiding away at a Church's halloween function. I really do hope that interacting with my neighbors will lead to a deeper community and a way to share my faith with them, but I'm also content in knowing that my kids dressed up in costume put a smile on my neighbors' faces.

We never fully know how much a smile or a knock on the door means to another person. Yeah, it's just asking for candy..... but maybe for them it is something more, like it was for my Granny.

Lately I've been looking at my life and see the importance of connection and community. I want it, I crave it. Perhaps we are all yearning that connection and a community. As a Christian I know it is found in Christ, but sometimes It takes His people for me to really feel it and experience it.

In His Image Devotional Bible

In His Image Devotional Bible, published by Tyndale, is a hardcover, sturdy devotional Bible in the New Living Translation. This translation is not a word for word translation, but a thought-for- thought one that is incredibly readable and the translation most of the people in my church uses because it is easy to understand. This is the full Bible, along with certain "extras" that add to its devotional qualities. For instance, every book has its own introduction, and many of the pages has a little prayer reading that is on a attribute of God, like in Matthew 25, the quality is "God is Just" and there's a reflection that says, "Because God is just, I can trust HIm to treat me fairly in the end." Then it lists a Bible verse about God being Just. (Romans 2:6-8) and then encourages application. "What are you saying to me, Lord." and finally, another little praise-prayer exhorting God and thanking and praising Him for being just, or the other attributes of God.

As I stated above, this is a sturdy book with a nice cover and it is a good sized Bible that is pretty easy to read. The pages are a good consistency and the type font and size is suitable for reading easily. Though this isn't a study Bible, it is one that is reflective and I think it would enhance a person's quiet time with God. Overall, I think this is a good choice for a Bible and suitable for a wide age spread; I'd even give this Bible to my pre-teen to use at church.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I received this book free from Tyndale Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

The American Patriot's Almanac: Daily Readings on America

The American Patriot's Almanac by William J. Bennett is a wonderful slice of history presented in a very unique way, almost in a "devotional" style. An excerpt of reading and learning every day. As my friend was looking it over, she mused that this would be a great book to read with children, to give them a greater appreciation of history and to spark discussions and I agree!

The book is well written, with a plethora of facts and interesting, colorful personalities. There are plenty of quotes and great sayings. Since it is organized in little daily doses of reading and the dates correspond to a date in history (like a famous event or birthday) it seems at time to be a little disjointed, at times I wanted to know more information, but that is not what this book is for. It is inspiring and enjoyable to learn more about history, and most of what I read was new to me, or at least with a few newly discovered facts. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait to share it with my kids. This book is packed with information and is a delight to read.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

Good Again?

Is the gospel good news? Is it truly considered "good" in our culture, our community? Is it actually "good news" to me personally in my life?

These are the questions I've been wrestling with today, stemming from a 7 week series my pastor's been preaching on at church, but today it hit me extra hard as I sat with a friend, realizing that it was a great opportunity to tell her the "good news" of Christ but held back because it felt so hypocritical.

Can I tell another person about the "Good news" when I myself have doubts? When the answers still don't quite satisfy me, so how can I expect them to satisfy another person? If the "good news" is so "good," then why do I struggle in belief?

I read books about how being "saved" is a life transforming experience, and there are times I wonder: Am I transformed? Is it as amazing and deep felt? I look around at others in my church on a Sunday morning and they are standing up, arms outstretched, some even dancing a bit, as they sing with abandon to our Lord. I'm not sure I feel it as deeply and intensely as they do and I wonder why?

I wonder why I have so many questions and doubts while others are just so blissfully happy.... sometimes I wonder if I'm "saved" but I look back at my life and all the times I accepted Christ "just in case" it did not stick when I was little. If that is truly what it takes to be "saved" then I most undoubtedly am, but....... what if its more?

I'm looking and waiting for a life transformed, but what does that look like? Is it a slow process? Why is it so much faster for everyone else? And finally; I know I believe. I know deep down what is true, though I fight it and question in, deep down I know. But how to share my faith with another honestly, knowing that I still have questions?

I posed this question to my pastor who simply said, after I pressed, that I'm not supposed to know all the answers; if I did, it wouldn't be faith. (He's quite helpful, isn't he?) I guess the reality is I want answers. I want more assurance than I have, and yet..... I should be perfectly assured!

There's a part of me that still thinks that "sharing my faith" is a canned presentation filled with the illustrations I learned in evangelism class.... and if I was around a stranger, I'd probably revert back to that style, out of default, but here with a friend.... that doesn't work... and I wonder: can God use my honesty and vulnerability, even with the doubts that seem to be counterproductive, and make it something he can use? Is that real faith? Is real faith as imperfect and flawed as mine is?

Would someone actually want the faith I have?

There's a part of me thinking that when I finally get it figured out and start to live it the way I need to be living it, then the gospel will be good news and suitable to share.... but what if this is exactly the sort of evangelism and honesty God wants? Can he use even this? (I don't know)

I once believed the gospel is always Good News. To a degree, what we do can't diminish the fact that is it good. We can't add to it. But can we subtract from it? Can how we live change how the gospel is viewed? I believe it is always the Good news, but is it always viewed as the good news? Is that something that we are entrusted with? And if we are, can my doubts and questions exist there? WIll I ever get rid of my doubts and questions?

I Lift Up My Soul - Book Thoughts

I Lift Up My Soul: Devotions to Start Your Day With God by Charles Stanley is a nice devotional book with excerpts taken from his other books. If you've read most of his other writings, then much of this will be review for you; if you are new to Charles Stanley, then you will absolutely be overjoyed by this book.

It is organized like a regular devotional, with an excerpt that you are supposed to read every day. They aren't too long, not more than a page, with a recommended Scripture reading and a key verse. The last line is a sort of prayer, to guide into further contemplation and application.

As I noted above, I'm new to Charles Stanley's writings and I enjoyed the selected excerpts in this book. They are wonderful, with thought-provoking quotes. I'm really enjoying this devotional and can't wait to spread it out through next year in reading it.

This is from today, October 26th, titled "A Changed Life."

"At salvation, we received a new spirit, the Holy Spirit, who works through our ordinary experiences to accomplish the supernatural goal of conforming us to the image of Christ. In our bill paying, we can depend on His provision. in the irritating traffic snarls, we can meditate on Scripture. (Try it, it works!) In the yard work, we can enjoy His creation. In the kitchen, we can give thanks for His many gifts to us.

As new creatures with a new spirit, we have a new purpose - to honor God in all we do: working, eating, drinking, driving, playing and thinking.

If your Christian experience borders on boring, remember the monumantal change that occured when you were saved and teh diving dimension that is now yours to enjoy by faith and obedience."

I Lift Up My Soul, Charles Stanley, October 26th


DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

Puts Life into Men

"The best preaching is, “We preach Christ crucified.”

The best living is, “We are crucified with Christ.”

The best man is a crucified man.

The more we live beholding our Lord’s unutterable griefs, and understanding how he has fully put away our sin, the more holiness shall we produce.

The more we dwell where the cries of Calvary can be heard, where we can view heaven, and earth, and hell, all moved by his wondrous passion—the more noble will our lives become.

Nothing puts life into men like a dying Savior.

Get close to Christ, and carry the remembrance of him about you from day to day, and you will do right royal deeds.

Come, let us slay sin, for Christ was slain.

Come, let us bury all our pride, for Christ was buried.

Come, let us rise to newness of life, for Christ has risen.

Let us be united with our crucified Lord in his one great object—let us live and die with him, and then every action of our lives will be very beautiful."

Charles Spurgeon

(Via Miscellanies)

Parties

I don't quite understand myself; I complain so often about not being invited to things, not having close friends, not fitting in, etc. yet I am not sure nothing I could do or participate would make me feel as if I belonged.

This weekend I was invited to 2 parties. I RSVP'ed to one evite immediately, and I'm glad I did. Out of 20 or so folks, only 4 families could make it to this birthday party. As much as I enjoy the hosts, I really did not know the other families present. I brought a book in case it got boring but I know it's not socially acceptable to read at a party. Instead I tried very hard to engage in conversation, to smile and talk and all that. And I did it, but about an hour into it I was tired and ready to go home. I managed to wait it out another hour. I'm grateful I have small kids and can blame it on them!

As I went home and reflected on the party, I realized that as much as I desire to be invited and look forward to going, parties are not easy for me. They drain me. I'd often rather be alone, but still happy I showed up. It was a good, fun party, if I'd learn how to relax a bit.

Today after church I had another party to attend. Just a causal BBQ. It was good. The food was amazing and I knew more people this time than I did at the party the night before. I was more at ease and yet..... it is still hard for me! I still wonder where I should be sitting, I still agonize over conversations. I still don't really know what to do or respond.

Yet, I'm beginning to realize that people are nice and kind.... and when someone engages me in a conversation I'm knowledgeable and passionate about, I actually have a lot of fun! I enjoy it. Near the end, I was having a very enjoyable time.

I wonder if it takes me about 3 or 4 hours to become familiar in places? Or maybe it was just the excellent company and being around folks that make me feel at ease? Not sure, but I really did enjoy this party, but had I left an hour prior, I'd probably be writing a very different blog post!

Oh, to be an introvert in a church! To want to be accepted and liked but scared of it at the same time!