Content as a Turtle in a Sewage Canal

In the New Orleans area, our two most common road dividers are "the neutral ground" (a.k.a. the median) and canals.

If you don't know your way around the city and especially its suburbs (Metairie, Jefferson, Kenner, etc.) you are highly likely to become frustrated with the amount of canals you run into when you think you can head in a certain direction and find your way.  Once you come upon one, you have to creatively maneuver your way around it through a series of turns and u-turns.  (Can you sense that I speak from experience?!)

So, though I have had many newcomers' days of driving frustration in learning the lay of the land in this town that I love, I think I can now safely say I have mostly got it figured out...mostly.

My current frequent work-day commute takes me down the famed "West Esplanade" (rhymes with lemon-ade, by the way...and yes, it is the one mentioned in the song "New Orleans Ladies" by LeRoux...go ahead...sing it now, I know you want to...).

What do you think is the main divider of this busy road?  Yep---a canal.

As I am scurrying along with traffic to and from work, I often glance (or gaze if traffic is backed up) at the activity in the canal.

Life is happening in that algae-covered, murky basin.  I guess those egrets, speckled ducks, and turtles didn't get the memo about their sub-par living environment.

Turtles are often lined up on rusty pipes sunbathing in a peaceful contentment I actually envy.  Occasionally one or two will take a dive into the dark abyss to cool off then come and perch themselves back in their sunbathing spot.

Egrets glide along low near the water then alight on some of the same rusty pipes.  Not an apparent care in the world.

Red, black, and white speckled ducks waddle along the grass right near the busy road then make their way to the inviting water as well.  I think I've even seen some chickens hanging out with them, too.

You know, I have learned a lesson from those canal-dwellers and I think you can as well.

No matter what our life circumstances and surroundings, contentment is the only way to go.  The peace that comes with being truly thankful for our many unrecognized blessings and with trusting our Maker, Jesus Christ, to protect and provide for us---that peace is unexplainable and unmatched.  That peace comes with contentment...or maybe it's the contentment that comes with peace.  Hmmm...which came first---the canal chicken or the egg?

Do you have the contentment of a canal dweller?  

Pray today for that peace that is indescribable.

You may just find yourself pleasantly surprised by it once God brings it to you.  

I can't explain it, but it is true and real.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 

by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, 

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, 

whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, 

whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

~ Philippians 4:6-8 ~

The fear of the LORD leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.

~ Proverbs 19:23 ~

A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.

~ Proverbs 14:30 ~

I am not saying this because I am in need, 

for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. 

I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, 

whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 

I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

~ Philippians 4:11-13 ~

For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 

But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.

~ 1 Timothy 6:7-8 ~

Keep your lives free from the love of money 

and be content with what you have, because God has said,

“Never will I leave you; 

never will I forsake you.”

So we say with confidence,

“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. 

What can mere mortals do to me?”

~ Hebrews 13:5-6 ~

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.

~ Psalm 4:8 ~

The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.

~ Psalm 29:11 ~

Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

~ Psalm 34:14 ~

LORD, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us.

~ Isaiah 26:12 ~

The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; 

its effect will be quietness and confidence forever.

~ Isaiah 32:17 ~

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, 

because they trust in you.

~ Isaiah 26:3 ~

"But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, 

will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. 

I do not give to you as the world gives. 

Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." - Jesus

~ John 14:26-27 ~

Strength to Kneel

Okay, so I admit I am a bit out of shape.  There I said it.

Strength is definitely an area I could use some improvement in...but...

...one thing I have discovered working out cannot prepare me for nor get me used to is kneeling.

You see, recently I have been participating for the first time ever as a Group Leader in Bible Study Fellowship (BSF).  In our various leadership meetings, we do something I honestly have not done in far too long.  We kneel and pray.  Often the floor we are kneeling on is basically concrete covered in a nice shiny thin layer of linoleum.  (I now bring a pillow to kneel on, as many of the others do.)

I didn't think much of kneeling until I actually started doing it regularly during our leadership prayer times.

Kneeling is truly humbling.  It not only lowers my position and posture in reverence, but it also reminds me of just how weak I am.  In this case, physically weak, though my physical pains cause me to recognize how much my heart is out of shape in the prayer and humility arenas.

Additionally I am reminded that we often get so caught up living in a self-absorbed world of thinking we know what is best for us that we become too weak to kneel in humble reverence and submission to the One who created us.  The One who alone can give us the strength we need to endure the difficulties of this life.  The One who can give us the strength to admit when we are wrong and turn away from our self-indulgent, destructive lifestyle so many have fallen victim to.  The One who can give us the strength to kneel.

When was the last time you knelt in prayer?  Ever?

Are you in a self-serving period of life?  

Do you even recognize it?  Do you recognize your need to kneel in humility?

Do you, like me, need strength to kneel?

Go now to the One who made you---Jesus Christ---the only One who can give you the strength and wisdom you need to face the many challenges of this life.

The LORD sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts.

~ 1 Samuel 2:7 ~

You save the humble, but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them low.

~ 2 Samuel 22:28 ~

You armed me with strength for battle; you humbled my adversaries before me.

~ Psalm 18:39 ~

He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.

~ Psalm 25:9 ~

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand,

that he may lift you up in due time.

~ 1 Peter 5:6 ~

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

~ James 4:10 ~

Life of John Knox published by Attic Books

John Knox.  Have you heard of him?

If you are fairly knowledgeable about The Reformation, then you probably have.  But honestly, before receiving this book to read and review from Attic Books, I had not heard of him.

This short, easy-to-read biography of "The Scottish Reformer" was written and published by the American Sunday School Union (now American Missionary Fellowship at InFaith.org) back in 1833 and has recently been reprinted beautifully and republished by Attic Books.

Here is their description of him and of this biography:

Rare vignettes featuring the Protestant Reformation's fiercest defender! John Knox had a life of exciting adventure, harsh imprisonment, and brilliant scholarship. Fighting battles both political and religious, Knox bravely defied royalty, nobility, and the established power of the Papacy to speak the truth. A fiery and inspirational preacher, he fiercely upheld the authority of Scripture and salvation through Christ's sacrifice. In perilous times, Knox risked his life daily in a fearless and tireless defense of the faith!

After reading Life of John Knox, I am inspired once again to continue living a life that speaks with actions as well as words of the Truth, power, and encouragement of the gospel of Jesus Christ and who He is in my life.

This man had the conviction and courage to stand up to---of all people---Mary, Queen of Scots!  He engaged both politically and theologically in a passionate yet respectful manner in order to stand for the Truth  of God's Word and not just follow along with the accepted ways of living and practicing "religion."

I hope to daily become more and more like him in my walk of faith.

I leave you with this quote from John Knox himself as you go about your days in this life on earth:

Do as you will answer before God, who at present works powerfully, however blind the world remains; fight ye in the truth, and for the liberty of the same; and be assured of triumphing with Jesus Christ, to whose mighty protection I unfeignedly commit you.

Amen and amen!

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Attic Books, an imprint of New Leaf Publishing Group. No other compensation was received. The fact that I received a complimentary product does not guarantee a favorable review.

Intentional - Part Deux

Do you remember back in January when I wrote about my One Word for 2011?

Remember Intentional?

So, you may be thinking about right now that I have not been very "intentional" lately.  After all, you haven't been seeing much from me here, so how "intentional" can that be?

Well, I may agree with that in some aspects---yes, my life has not allowed me the freedom to write and share as often as I would like to and frequently feel the need to.  However, I must assure you that my "absence" here has actually been a by-product of definite intentionality in many other areas of my life.

• I have been spending quality and sometimes even quantity time with my family.
• I have been studying the Truth of the Word of God and even leading a prayer challenge along the way.
• I have been diligently working to keep up with requirements and deadlines for my full-time job, which in turn reflects glory to God as I am intentionally being a dependable worker living out integrity as much as I humanly can.
• I have been plugging into a church in our new town, and greatly enjoying the new friendships.
• I have been working to maintain and grow existing friendships and relationships.
• I have been reading, growing from what I read, and sharing about what I have read so that others may benefit as well.

So, is this the way I had pictured my intentionality back in January?  Not necessarily.

Is this the right path for me right now and for those who come across my path in varying degrees?  Absolutely.

Trust me---you have not seen the end of me.  :o)  Most likely you will begin seeing more of me around here again soon.  But remember, I don't write to blog...I blog to write. 

In other words, I don't just put a burden on myself that says I have to produce daily or even weekly content for you to read just for the sake of keeping you interested and keeping you around.  When I have tried to do that I have found myself tired, burdened, and not always writing what I need to be writing.  I value you and your time more than just forcing myself to throw a lot of stuff out there in front of you to read frequently so that you'll stick around just for the sake of attention.  That is not what my blog is about, nor who you are to me. 

I started this blog to write. 

To put onto virtual paper the various thoughts and contemplations that are always going on in my mind and my heart.  To share with anyone who might read in a way that we can all relate and see that our God is real and He accepts imperfection.  He makes us new, becomes our Strength and our Hope.  He is actively involved in our daily lives and hearts.  And ultimately I started this blog as my way of making a decision to speak out for Him and about Him so that others could come to know and see Him in possibly a different and more real way than ever before.  I started this blog to no longer be silent, but to do my part in making sure others have the opportunity to know the one true God I know.  To know my Jesus.  To know His Spirit and be led by Him. 

I made a decision.  I started this blog.

You made a decision.  You read it.

Together we are Intentional! 

So, without further adieu and rambling, I want to leave you with this Psalm I read yesterday.  It truly speaks to the need for us to be intentional about everything in our lives and even guides us in how to do that.

Psalm 101

¹ I will sing of your love and justice;
   to you, LORD, I will sing praise.
² I will be careful to lead a blameless life—
   when will you come to me?

   I will conduct the affairs of my house
   with a blameless heart.
³ I will not look with approval
   on anything that is vile.

   I hate what faithless people do;
   I will have no part in it.
⁴ The perverse of heart shall be far from me;
   I will have nothing to do with what is evil.

 ⁵ Whoever slanders their neighbor in secret,
   I will put to silence;
whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart,
   I will not tolerate.

 ⁶ My eyes will be on the faithful in the land,
   that they may dwell with me;
the one whose walk is blameless
   will minister to me.

 ⁷ No one who practices deceit
   will dwell in my house;
no one who speaks falsely
   will stand in my presence.

 ⁸ Every morning I will put to silence
   all the wicked in the land;
I will cut off every evildoer
   from the city of the LORD. 

Now you, go and be intentional today.  Remember, someone is always watching you.  

And also remember...

To Not Decide...Is To Decide.

Life of John Newton {Author of Amazing Grace}

Do you get chills when you hear or sing Amazing Grace?

Even for those who do not often enter church buildings, Amazing Grace is one of the most emotion-invoking, recognizable hymns of all time.

After having read Life of John Newton, I will never hear nor sing that song the same again.  I only thought it stirred my soul before...but now...unbelievable...amazing.

This brief but powerful biography of John Newton, author of Amazing Grace, was written and originally published in 1831 by the American Sunday School Union and was reprinted in June of 2011 by Attic Books.

I have read and reviewed most of the other books Attic Books has printed in the Life Of... series, and I must say that this one is my absolute favorite so far.  Though each one has been powerful, influencing, and insightful to read, this one...well, you just need to see for yourself.

Sure, the words of Amazing Grace allude to the author having been a "wretch."  BUT, we really don't get the depth of his meaning behind saying he was a wretch.  This man, John Newton, was as he says, "the chief of sinners."  Recognize that?

This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. - Paul in 1 Timothy 1:15

After having read the account of John Newton's life, I would say he was even more "the chief of sinners" than Paul.  I know sin has no degrees, as in one is worse than another, but the life of Mr. Newton was truly a wretched one for many, many years.

Each time I thought his circumstances and demeanor had gotten as bad as they could---they got worse.

Each time I thought he had surely awakened and learned his lesson and was about to pen Amazing Grace---he didn't.

Seriously.

Yes, he obviously did finally come to that crucial turning point, and truly only by the Amazing Grace of God by the drawing and conviction of His Holy Spirit through the saving work of the spilling of the blood payment of His beloved Son, our dear Savior Jesus Christ.

And today, because Mr. N. (as he is often referred to in this biography) lived a wretched life, seemingly beyond hope of redemption, and because he WAS redeemed and lived to tell and write and sing about it---because of Mr. Newton and many others like him (myself being one)---today you and I can sing a song that speaks to the souls of many far deeper than most songs can.

Are you a wretch?  

Are you the chief of sinners?  

Are you too far gone to have any hope for redemption 

or even any desire for it?

Do you know anyone who may be feeling that way right now?  

Have you been there and found that amazing grace 

is more amazing and gracious than you ever thought possible?

I challenge you all to consider reading this powerful life story of Mr. John Newton.  Then, don't stop there.  Share it.  Share it with those who need to hear it.  Those who can relate to it.  We all need to recognize the depth of our despair without the amazing grace, forgiveness, salvation, and redemption of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  And we all need to accept His free gift, then share it until we cannot speak nor sing nor write anymore.

As Mr. Newton replied when in his physically deteriorating old age he was being encouraged to stop preaching before he could no longer speak,

"'I cannot stop,' said he, raising his voice; 'What ! shall the old African blasphemer stop while he can speak?'"

We cannot afford to deny our need for God's amazing grace and accept it as it is freely given to us.  And we cannot stop speaking of it as long as we can still speak.

Who knows what blasphemer and slave trader may hear our testimony of the amazing grace we have found and in turn become the next John Newton and write the next Amazing Grace?

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Attic Books, an imprint of New Leaf Publishing Group. No other compensation was received. The fact that I received a complimentary product does not guarantee a favorable review.

The Life Ready Woman: Thriving in a Do-It-All World by Shaunti Feldhahn & Robert Lewis

Well, if you know me or follow my posts at all, you have probably picked up on the fact that I am a very busy woman with a lot on her plate.

I commute at least an hour one way most days to my full-time job (and then back again).  I have a young son (who will be turning 6 soon).  I am the wife of a hardworking man.  Oh yeah, and I write a bit on the side when I am able.  (Which is really my outlet for the thoughts swirling in my head and is primarily my way of sharing with others what my Lord Jesus has done in my life and what He can do in anyone's life.)

Of course there are plenty of details I left out in that little life summary of mine, but you get the point.

I truly am a woman who lives "in a do-it-all world."  And I am trying to thrive in it, with God's help.

So, when I heard Shaunti Feldhahn on the radio on FamilyLife Today talking with the hosts about her new book and study, The Life Ready Woman, I was completely intrigued.  She described my life.  She described my emotions.  My struggles.  My desires.  She described me.

And, being a former Wall Street analyst as well as a current national speaker and syndicated news columnist, Shaunti knows what it's like to live in today's woman's world.  Her research studies and writing along with that of Robert Lewis' truly get to the heart of what women today need to hear.  They hit right where we need encouragement and tangible direction.

Shaunti and Robert don't just speak to women like me, but they specifically address, encourage, and guide all types of women in all seasons of life.  Additionally, Life Ready Woman is just a portion of a larger vision and project called LifeReady which reaches far beyond female audiences.  If Life Ready Woman is any indication, I would have to say that this LifeReady project truly will impact people, marriages, and families in a mighty way for the ultimate glory of our Lord.

Now, as you are considering this book for yourself or someone you know, I am off to get myself a copy of the study workbook based on it.  Who knows...you may see me leading an online Bible study of this soon...

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher from B&House Publishing Group. 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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Kiss, Bang, Boom! by Leslie Lamb

Do you remember how difficult your teen years were?

 

Were you awkward?  

Did you feel unloved by those you most desired to be loved by?

Did you march proudly to the beat of your own drum?

Did you gain satisfaction and fulfillment in knowing that others were attracted to you as a friend or even more?

Do you know anyone in any of these stages right now or soon to come upon them?

Are you still in any of these stages, just in a more "grown-up" way?

In Kiss, Bang, Boom! Leslie Lamb weaves an honest and realistic account of teens walking through some of the toughest years of their lives.  Her characters are bold, strong, and easily arouse a plethora of emotions in the reader.  Though I am not in her target audience (youth or young adults), I found myself identifying with many of the thoughts and struggles her characters experienced.


Kiss, Bang, Boom! is the first of a series.  It is told from Zella Storm's point of view.  Zella is one of the main characters of the story and is just as unique as her name...and not at all ashamed of it.  Zella has chosen to live quite differently from the majority of her peers in many ways...dating (or a choice not to), hair color (hot pink then later rainbow!!!), living unapologetically for the Lord, and so on.  In this anecdote, she is dear friends with one girl and bitter enemies with another.  In the meantime, a dreamboat of a guy comes into the picture that unintentionally threatens to throw off part of her plan of being different than the rest.  (Leslie even makes you remember the warm, fuzzy feelings of first love, or first like, or first crush...whatever you wanna call it, she reminds you how it feels!)

Without going into the story details (because I can in no way do justice to the excellent job Leslie has done in writing this YA saga), I will say that Leslie has boldly tackled and brought to the surface some very real but hard to face teen topics...one being that of self-mutilation---cutting.  (If you scroll down to the very bottom of my blog, you will see the banner for "To Write Love On Her Arms," a.k.a.TWLOHA.  Leslie also supports this cause.  You should check it out.)

If this is sounding in any way familiar to you because of someone in your life (or yourself), please get a copy of this well-crafted, essential story of young adults at some of the most important and most difficult times of life.  I wish I had read this at a much younger age.  It would surely make a great gift for anyone in this target audience.

Disclaimer:   I received this book for free from Leslie Lamb.  No other compensation was received.  The fact that I received a complimentary product does not guarantee a favorable review.