Gaining a heart of wisdom
The Invention of Lefse by Larry Woiwode: A Book Review The Invention of Lefse is a peaceful, homely Christmas tale that spins a fable for the origin of Norwegian lefse bread while also drawing the reader back into a long-forgotten day of simple celebration and elaborate joy. Thirteen-year-old Mette Iversdatter wakes early on Christmas eve to… Continue reading Celebrate What You Have
Vanishing Grace by Philip Yancey: A Book Review "Like a sudden thaw in the middle of winter . . .": this is Philip Yancey's descriptive metaphor for grace on this fallen planet. "It stops us short, catches the breath, disarms." Vanishing Grace was written out of Yancey's concern that the church is failing to demonstrate the warm and compelling grace of… Continue reading Permanent Freeze
Early in our marriage, my husband and I stumbled onto a means of cutting to the chase in determining the state of our union. Protracted silences, a perceived "mood," a brusque response, or an air of impatience always triggers THE QUESTION: "Are we o.k.?" Of course, the success of this little drill presupposes a level of… Continue reading “Are We O.K.?”
The book of Nehemiah is a shining example of one man's methods of accomplishing his goals. Most of us lack the passion (or even the attention span) to mourn and pray and fast over anything for four months, even if it affects us personally. Nehemiah grieved over a problem that was a thousand miles away… Continue reading Just One Thing: Urgency
Empowered by His Presence by Kevin G. Harney: A Book Review The question that drives Empowered by His Presence is this: "Where can I receive strength as I seek to live another day?" In this four-week study, Kevin Harney unpacks the stories of biblical characters and their responses to God's presence and power within the challenges… Continue reading Empowered Living
Found in Him by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick: A Book Review Caution: This book contains theology. However, as you are reading, you will be so caught up with the practical impact of the incarnation and the believer's union with Christ that you may not be aware of the weight of the truth you are absorbing. Throughout all ten chapters… Continue reading Truth for the Heart
The Puritans, apparently, were not preoccupied with self-esteem issues. John Owen's opening thoughts in Chapter 12 of The Mortification of Sin demonstrate the great gulf between his mind set and present-day sensibilities. Even though it may be understood that, when compared with the God of the universe, yes, any mortal creature could be filled "at all… Continue reading Mind the Gap
I have a tendency to get stuck in time. It was true when I was single; it has been true of my days as a parent; it is true when my back flares up or when I am sick. I believe -- falsely -- that whatever is going on at the moment is insurmountable and… Continue reading Just One Thing: Story Arc
The Answer to Our Cry by Rick McKinley: A Book Review Everyone is looking for freedom. Most of us are looking in all the wrong places with the idea that freedom involves getting what we want. The Answer to Our Cry is not a series of steps, but a spotlight on the truth that true freedom is the ability to:… Continue reading Invitation into Relationship
If John Owen's book, The Mortification of Sin, seems theoretical and heavily theological, Chapters 9, 10 and 11 turn the tide by putting in the believer's tool-belt practical and efficient tools for carrying out Romans 8:13 ( . . . by the Spirit, put to death the deeds of the body). He refers to his advice for killing sin as "directions." First,… Continue reading Directions
Living Our Days 