You probably know of John Newton as the man who penned the famous words of Amazing Grace. You might even know a little of his story -- maybe about him being a slave-trader or living a rough life on the seas. But there's so much more to John Newton than that. For instance, did you know he fell hopelessly in love with his future wife (Polly) when they were only in their mid-teens? Did you know he was famous for writing hundreds of letters by hand? God truly led him in a miraculous way. So many times, he could have been destroyed either physically or spiritually, and yet God spared him. Saved him time after time, although he wasn't yet trusting in the Savior's redemption. I [...Read More]
21 Days to Finding Purpose in Pain
April 17, 2013 By 7 Comments
I've shared Stacy William's blog with you before -- Finding Purpose in the Pain (where I'm a regular contributer) -- and now I'm thrilled to share her brand new devotional book with you! 21 Days to Finding Purpose in Pain is a devotional for those facing prolonged anguish from physical or emotional turmoil. It draws from Stacy's own personal battle with chronic pain. She doesn't gloss over the hurt, or offer a quick fix, but instead meets us right where we are -- on our knees, raw and hurting. Each day's entry contains gems from God's Word, relevant examples from Stacy's own journey with chronic pain, and a prayer to focus the reader's thoughts on biblical truth. 21 Days to [...Read More]
Book Review: True Community
March 20, 2013 By 4 Comments
What is community? It seems to be a buzz-word lately in Christian circles. We talk about building healthy communities in our churches, and fostering good communities online. We discuss the aspects of community, like social interaction and sharing of possessions. We think about our voices being heard and our needs being met. But what does God say about community? After all, we are His people. We were created to have community with Him. So how does He define it? There's an interesting word recorded in our New Testament: koinonia. It's an ancient Greek word that is often translated as fellowship. But before you start thinking about coffee dates, ice cream socials, and potluck [...Read More]
What’s On My Nightstand
February 7, 2013 By 7 Comments
I am such a bookworm... as if you can't tell by my progress in this year's Reading Challenge. I probably need to adjust my goal, or I'll reach it far too soon! I love sharing book recommendations, when I read something really great, but I don't feel like this blog is the best place to share everything I read. Especially since I'm trying to keep the focus here on Encouraging Christ-Centered Living and Romans 12:12. Somehow novels by Alison Weir and Dorothy Sayers don't seem to mesh with that... But this year I've become a regular contributor to a book review blog, What's On My Nightstand. And now I have a place to share some of my favorite new books, which absolutely thrills [...Read More]
Book Review: The Mormonizing of America
January 24, 2013 By 8 Comments
Mitt Romney. Stephenie Meyer. Glenn Beck. Harry Reid. Donny & Marie Osmond. Gary Allan. Katherine Heigl. What do these names have in common? They all belong to Mormons. And not just any Mormons -- highly influential ones. Mormons with power, fame, or authority. In a country that claims only 2% of its population as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, there are a surprising number of those members who are household names. With the rest of the population. Does it make you curious what their religion is all about? Do you wonder what Mormons have that the rest of us haven't figured out yet? In his newest book, The Mormonizing of America, Stephen [...Read More]
Book Review – Found: God’s Will
January 15, 2013 By 4 Comments
Have you ever wondered what God's will is for your life? If so, then this book is for you. Found: God's Will, by John MacArthur, is pretty short -- only 75 pages! -- and quite easy to read. But there's a lot of truth packed into those pages! And I guarantee, if you read it with humility and a willingness to learn, you will finish it with a greater understanding of God's will for your life. MacArthur starts the book with this logical premise: "Since God has a will for us, He must want us to know it." In other words, if we are to do God's will, then we must believe He has provided a way for us to know what it is. He has not hidden it from us, or obscured it under so many layers [...Read More]
Christ-Centered Holidays {part 2}
November 13, 2012 By 17 Comments
Yesterday we looked at celebrating a Christ-centered Thanksgiving. The same idea of thankfulness carries through to Christmas, as well. But Christmas also offers extra challenges that make life busier and more stressful. And often more secular than we'd like. And every year, you wish your Christmas was more centered around Jesus, the true Reason for the season. Every year, you think about simplifying or spending less or savoring more. Right??? It's okay to celebrate with a tree, and presents, and lights, and get-togethers. But it's not okay to stress over it all. It's not okay to neglect your time with God, and time with family, for the sake of getting everything done. {<--tweet [...Read More]
Book Review: Christ Our Mediator
October 24, 2012 By Leave a Comment
You've heard the term "incarnation" before. You know that Jesus Christ became fully human in order to die on Calvary. You know that He was also fully God at the same time. But have you ever thought about how His humanity and divinity affected His death on the cross? Have you ever tried seeing the gospel from God's point of view? In Christ Our Mediator, C. J. Mahaney urges us to consider Calvary from God's perspective. It's a short book -- less than 100 pages -- and could easily be read in one sitting. However, it is certainly not a light read; there's a lot of truth packed into its pages. Additionally, Mahaney ends each chapter with a prayer of reflection and surrender, which [...Read More]
Book Review: Sensational Scent of Prayer
September 26, 2012 By 4 Comments
Note: before you read this book, you should visit Rachel's site and read about her daughter's struggle with MPS. The book is helpful on its own, but knowing some background information about the author adds so much more meaning to its message. The Sensational Scent of Prayer shares the story of Hannah, the mother of Samuel, as told in 1 Samuel 1-2. In ten short chapters, the book travels through Hannah's emotions and heart cries, from when she first begs God for a son to when she finally gives that son back to Him. The book is centered around her prayers in the temple, the place where sacrifices and the sweet scent of worship were offered to God. Prayer is ... the glue of [...Read More]
Book Review: Work Shift
September 18, 2012 By 10 Comments
My friend Anne Bogel (aka Modern Mrs. Darcy) recently released her first ebook, Work Shift. It's about creating a better blend of work, life, and family - the key word being blend. And it's amazing. Seriously. Honestly, when I offered to review it, I wasn't so sure how relevant it would be to me personally. Right now, I'm unable to work a regular job. And my husband has several. And we don't have any kids yet. So I wasn't sure how applicable its message was going to be for this season in our lives. But as I dove in and started reading, I was surprised at how relevant it was. For me. For right now. Anne starts off Work Shift with some background explanation, looking at traditional work [...Read More]
