what’s on my night stand?

You're strong.  You're responsible.  You're good.  But . . .
. . . as day fades to dusk, you begin to feel the familiar fog of anxiety, the weight and pressure of holding it together and of longing left unmet.  Good girls sometimes feel that the Christian life means doing hard work with a sweet disposition.  We tend to focus only on the things we can handle, our disciplined lives, and our unshakable good moods.  But what would happen if we let grace pour out boundless acceptance into our worn-out hearts and undo us?  If we dared to talk about the ways we hide, our longing to be known, and the fear in the knowing?

In Grace for the Good Girl, Emily Freeman invites you to release your tight hold on that familiar, try-hard life and lean your weight heavy into the love of Jesus.  With an open hand, a whimsical style, and a heart bent brave toward adventure, Emily encourages you to move from your own impossible expectations toward the God who has graciously, miraculously, and lovingly found you.

 

I read the first chapter of this book yesterday and I’m hooked.  I wouldn’t necessarily call myself a “Good Girl”, I think I more easily associate with feeling like the, “Not Quite Good Enough Girl.”  Either way, lately, I’ve been on a quest to learn more about the true nature of God’s grace.  I can’t wait to dive in further!

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Jesus is not interested in having us become his fans. 

Are you a follower of Jesus?  Don't answer too quickly.  In fact, you may want to read this book before you answer at all. Consider it a 'Define the Relationship' conversation to determine exactly where you stand. You may indeed be a passionate, fully devoted follower of Jesus.  Or, you may be just a fan who admires Jesus but isn't ready to let him cramp your style.  Then again, maybe you're not into Jesus, period.  In any case, don't take the question, “Are you a follower of Jesus?” lightly.  Some people don't know what they've said yes to and other people don't realize what they've said no to, says Pastor Kyle Idleman.  But Jesus is ready to clearly define the relationship he wants with his followers.  Not a Fan calls you to consider the demands and rewards of being a true disciple.  With frankness sprinkled with humor, Idleman invites you to live the way Jesus lived, love the way he loved, pray the way he prayed, and never give up living for the One who gave his all for you.

 

I was drawn to this book for its simple and unassuming cover and title.  As soon as I read the back cover, I just knew I had to read it.  It just so happens in my bible study this week, we’ve been discussing the cost of discipleship.  In my opinion, more and more churches across America are presenting a watered down and comfy version of Christianity.  Who really wants that?  Some of us long to follow Christ more fully and seek out those who can biblically challenge us to do so.  I’m scared to death but at the same time, I can’t wait to read this book!  At the end of the day, we all have a choice to make.  Are we going to surrender it all and wholeheartedly be a follower of Christ or are we simply satisfied with cheering from the sidelines? 

I don’t want to be just a fan of Jesus.  Do you?

I patiently waited all week to visit our local Family Christian Book Store.  The frugal me, knew they were about to have a 50% off sale on selected books (smile).  I look forward to sharing some insights with you as I delve a little deeper into my new books.

Oh, happy reading!

Jesus and Emmanuel

Have you heard about the conjoined twin boys who were born last month in Brazil?  They were born with two separate heads but share one body.  Although each child has it’s own brain and spinal cord, they share one heart and all other internal organs.  Apparently, the mother lives in a remote part of Brazil and she was unaware she was having twins until an ultrasound was performed at the time of delivery.  Her babies arrived healthy by Cesarean section. 

What I find most inspiring about this story was the mother’s reaction.  Despite the surprise, the director of the hospital stated that the mother was not upset by the news.  On the contrary,“The babies were received with much happiness from the family.”  The twins were healthy, feeding and stayed with the mother the whole time.  Her desire was to take her babies straight home. 

It had me wondering…  How many of us would happily welcome conjoined twins, as this mother did?  Or instead, would we wallow in despair and decide that life was cruel, unfair and ruined?  While reading this story, I was graciously reminded that God has a purpose for every life.  Despite having one body, these brothers are most definitely two human beings. 

The twins were born just a few days before Christmas.  In anticipation of the birth of Christ, the mother named her sons, Jesus and Emmanuel.  Only by knowing and trusting God, through Christ, can we truly surrender our plans for His.  Only by submitting to the sovereignty of God, can we even begin to walk joyfully in the knowledge that we are not alone.  He has not forsaken us but rather, He walks with us and He loves us.

There’s a lot to be learned here.  So much so that I decided to share the story with my girls and use it as a teaching moment.  I explained it to them in a way that emphasized God’s design and special plan for each of us, the unconditional love of a mother, as well as the sometimes cruel, insensitive and judgmental comments from those who may easily believe the lie that these two lives are a burden and a curse, rather than a blessing.

 

And then I showed them this picture of Jesus and Emmanuel…

 

They replied:  “Aww, they’re cute!”

At that moment, I felt like I was given a glimpse into the innocence and beauty of having a childlike spirit and faith.  I envied their untarnished view of the world.  It was a gift.  They thought that being “stuck” to your best friend was a good thing!  They also said something that touched my heart… 

Grace said, “Well, at least they get to go up to heaven together!”  I smiled at her and said, “Yes!  They were born together and they’ll go up to heaven together, too.  What a blessing, not only to be born together but to enter into God’s kingdom and see Jesus, face to face- on the same day as your brother and best friend.” 

That night, as we said our bedtime prayers, Grace (as she always does), thanked God for her “best sister.”  She also added, “And God, I hope I get to go up to heaven together with my best sister, too.”  (sniff, sniff…) 

Why is it that I try to be a teacher to my children, but so often, they’re the ones teaching me?

Every life has a purpose.

I have no doubt there is a mother in Brazil tonight who is just as grateful for her double blessings, as I am for mine.

"Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me…”  ~Luke 9:48