The Shack by WM Paul Young, Book Review

Funny to be reading The Shack at this point in my life when I'm experiencing my own struggle of faith, but I guess that's how the mystery of things work.

It was an incredibly smooth read, but did tend to drag on a bit in places. The book was about a man named Mack who experienced a great tragedy in his life through the loss of his innocent daughter. His loss was overwhelming and brought upon him "The Great Sadness". His life was forever altered causing him to blame and judge God for the evil of the world.

One day he received an invitation from God to meet him back at the shack, the very place of his daughter's brutal murder. Here, the holy trinity (who was represented by a colorful and refreshing interpretation) was on a mission to transform Mack's heart back into union and relationship with God.

The Shack didn't grab my attention until about 200 pages into the 250 page book. However, the message in the last 50 pages was worth every bit of history I had to read through to get to the point. The Shack is a reconfirmation of faith and love. It re-introduced the positive relationship God intended for us all to share.

"Humans, ...,have a knack for taking a verb that is alive and full of grace and turning it into a dead noun or principle that reeks of rules - then something growing and alive dies."

This is a book I can reference over and over again to help me gain a fresh perspective while struggling with my own experiences of "The Great Sadness", as life doesn't exclude many from times like these. The Shack is a great reminder that we never have to face them alone.

A Quote to Consider

"Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success."  Henry Ford

We are going to the Maker's Festival at The Henry Ford Museum today.  In anticipation, I decided to draw some inspiration from the wise and respected Henry Ford himself.

This quote is so amazing and can apply to just about any aspect of life; work, sports, relationships, you name it!

Today I Pray

God, I use your gift of my miracle body to love and serve others.

Matthew 25:40, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."

"Instructions For A Body" Marty McConnell (Def Poetry)

In her poem, Instructions For a Body, Marty McConnell gives us a truly inspirational picture of our miracle bodies!  Certainly, God's work of art in us is something to be praised! 

What better way to praise God for our magnificent bodies then by using them to help others?  We can use our hands to serve meals to the hungry, our ears to listen to someone in need, and our hearts to love one another.  We are all a part of God and His creation.  Through this understanding and love we can bring peace to every situation.

Praise God for my miracle body!

Today I Pray

God, I am filled with your spirit and the fruits of your presence within me overflow into my decisions, actions, and attitudes. 

Full of the Spirit

I can't tell you how many times I have heard someone say with contempt, "and they're supposed to be a Christian."  This statement has always bothered me a great deal.  In fact, as I type it I can see myself crinkling up my nose, shaking my head from side to side, and using an annoying, high-pitched, sing-song tone to my voice as I speak it out loud.  After all, aren't Christians sinners too?  Why are their actions and attitudes often scrutinized by others as if they set some sort of behavioral standard?

As I dive deeper into my journey with the Lord I am better prepared to answer these questions.  Yes, Christians are sinners too and make mistakes just like everyone else.  When in relationship with God we want to hold a higher standard for ourselves.  When God's spirit fills our hearts we yearn to be used for His glory.  We pray that the fruits of His presence within us can't help but overflow into everything we do.

Ephesians 5:14 "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."

Today I Pray

God, My heart is filled with faith and I am willing to follow your lead.  Guide me to live out your truth so I may experience a whole new world of wonder to explore.

Matthew 17:20, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, "Move from here to there" and it will move.  Nothing will be impossible for you."

Faith is my Guide

Obstacles are always popping up in life.  Some of them confront us repeatedly until we have learned the lesson intended for us to learn.  Overcoming these difficulties can seem nearly impossible.  But, if we respond to times like these with faith we will discover that all things are possible.

When hurdles won't move I can trust that God will guide me on my path and deliver me into times even more full of His glory and wonder.  The question is, am I willing to follow?

Through faith I am willing to live out God's truth.

Today I Pray

God, I make time to sit quietly alone in order to nurture myself and my relationship with you.

Rest for the Weary

Last week writing these came so easy.  It amazes me how inspired and energized I am one moment and how unmotivated I can be another.  I don't think I am doing anything different from last week to this, but everything I do seems to take on a heavier weight.

Many times we busy ourselves to the point of exhaustion.  Life takes on a schedule that barely allows time to breathe, let alone time to spend alone in rest.  It is important to take these moments for ourselves to rejuvenate our body and spirit.

Psalm 91:4, "He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge."

Today I Pray

God, Bless Nick's family and friends with the comfort of your love.  Fill them with your spirit as their hearts heal from the loss of their son, brother, nephew, cousin and friend. 

Blessings through Service

Nick was 16.  He struggled with medical issues his whole life.  I do not know a lot about his condition other than this past year had been especially tough on him, being hospitalized with infection after infection, which his doctors had a hard time controlling.  Last Thursday he fought his last struggle and was taken home to heaven.  Today was his funeral.

I am on one of the funeral luncheon teams we have established at my church.  It was our turn to serve the meal today for Nick's family and friends.  It was one of the largest luncheon's ever served with over 250 people there to give their love and support.

It is amazing to see the people of the church in action.  That morning, people dropped off dish after dish of salads, jellos, pastas, and desserts.  The meal was beautiful.  Throughout the day additional people came to help set up, serve, and clean up when it was over.

My biggest blessing was being able to witness the genuine appreciation and relief of Nicks parents and family.  With everything on their minds and hearts, serving lunch to the 250 + people who came to provide their condolences was something they didn't need to stress over.  It was truly miraculous to experience such a powerful moment of grace during such a difficult time.

Praise God!        

Wonder

Detroit Zoo 2010

"How many are your works, O Lord!  In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures."  Psalm 104:24 

A Quote to Consider

"Those who are lifting the world upward and onward are those who encourage more than criticize." ~ Elizabeth Harrison

Today I Pray

God, Your mercy enables me to release the judgement of myself and others in order to grow in peace on my life journey toward you.

"Mercy Triumphs Over Judgement", James 2:13

I have experienced the misconception that church is for the holy. My guilty conscience has prevented me from feeling welcomed in God's church. The other people sitting beside me in those pews must nurture a close relationship with God and I could feel their judgement on me.

Through much prayer and meditation God has taught me how to overcome my insecurities. It has been a blessing to grow through these struggles. I can follow Jesus' example, who dined with the tax collectors, by reaching out to others like myself and share the joy of God's love and mercy.

Matthew 9:13 tells us, "I desire mercy, not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

Today I Pray

God, Through your spirit within me, I am free.  I experience growth toward you through this gift of freedom.

The Spirit Lives in Me and I am New

The little red chick with a curvy figure and seductive tail on my left shoulder speaks very loudly.  So loud, in fact, that she can drowned out almost anyone or anything.  Her ideas are usually a great time and rarely do they actually hurt anyone.  They can even feel very comforting... for the moment.  However, I've noticed that the long term effects of hanging out with and listening to this character can be quite harmful.

When I walk with God and my heart is filled with His love and light I am able to begin anew.  There is no longer a reason to feel vulnerable or to hide behind unwanted habits.  I am empowered through God's mercy and grace to live a life of clarity, I am free.

Micah 6:8, "And what does the Lord require of you?  To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."  

Today I Pray

1 Peter 5:7 "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you."

"God, Thank you that you can be everywhere at once, watching over all Your creation, and still care about us and our families.  We are encouraged to run to you anytime, anywhere."

One Year Devotions for Moms
Written by: Ellen Banks Elwell

Do Not Worry

The consumption of worry can easily bring a day filled with excitement and anticipation down to a level of dread and anxiety.  Whether it's getting ready for a party or our next big camping trip, worry will always cause a catastrophe of emotion between the members of my family and turn something fun into a fight.  How can I prevent this from happening?

When in the midst of planning, or any daily activity, it is easy to get caught up in details.  Here are a couple questions I can ask myself to help keep things in perspective:

"Will this matter in another year?"
"Why do I care what people think of me?"

Matthew 6:27 asks us, "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"  vs. 34 continues, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own."

My attention is present in this moment with God as my constant source of reassurance.

Today I Pray

God, Enter my heart and fill it with Your treasure.  My heart is open and I am listening.

Follow Your Heart

Have you ever driven to work in the morning only to arrive at your desk unable to recall one moment of your commute?  I have to admit that most of my adult life so far has been largely lived on auto pilot.  It's as if one day I woke up and wondered, how did I get here?  I don't remember signing up for any of this.  Yet somehow I arrived at the doorstep of responsibility and entered into adulthood.

It is easy to get caught up in the flow of life, making decisions off our cuffs or forcefully plowing through each and every day.  Who do we consult when there are important choices to make in life?  Do we take time to listen to and follow what is in our heart?  Like a map, our hearts will guide us on our journey and lead us to what we hold dear. 

What do I hold dear?  Matthew 6:21 tells me, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."  My heart is open and I am listening.

Today I Pray

God, Enfold me in your grace and love so I may see the perfection you have created in me.  I am an expression of divine love and life.

My Perfect Mess

I have never been accused of  being a perfectionist.  However, I do fall under the trap of perfectionism every day.  With busy schedules stretched so thin it is difficult to complete anything thoroughly, many times I end up feeling like it isn't good enough, I'm not good enough.

Perfection is not the cleanest house or the biggest paycheck, it's doing our best at every moment and realizing our best will vary day to day depending on the circumstances we face around us.  Whether we are experiencing a period of growth with many struggles or a time of rest where we reap rewards, each of us is on a unique and perfect journey.  We are all perfect the way that we are, in this and every moment.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10  But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.  That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties.  For when I am weak, then I am strong.   

Have Some Fun!

I learn daily lessons from my children.  Today they reminded me how to laugh and smile! =)

Today I Pray

"God, I have faith in myself because Your love reassures me and Your wisdom guides me. No task is too great or too small for me - not with Your power and wisdom to guide me."

Daily Word for Women
by Colleen Zuck, Janie Wright, and Elaine Meyer

Life is a Chore

If you are anything like me, you wake each morning with a to-do list that is a mile long. On many occasions I have looked at my list, then immediately buried it under one of the messes that needs attention. Throughout the day I will take great measures to avoid starting these mundane tasks I am tired of performing day in and day out. By the end of the day I am down on myself and everyone around me because I haven't accomplished anything.

When I am feeling like a prisoner of my home, trapped by my repetitive responsibilities, it is hard to find my sense of purpose. During these times it is important for me to take a moment to marvel at all the blessings God has put in my life, even the dirty cereal bowls that repeatedly appear in my kitchen sink each morning. I have faith that in the midst of "captivity" God can use me to captivate others.

Faith is a powerful motivator in my life.

Today I Pray

"God, I am eternally grateful that Your presence is a constant in my life. My faith in You infuses my life with meaning so that whatever I do each day is fulfilling."

Daily Word For Women
by Colleen Zuck, Janie Wright, and Elaine Meyer

What is Purpose?

Sometimes I question my purpose here. You know the age old question, What does it all mean? And by sometimes, I mean daily. It has become a problem. The problem is I never feel satisfied.

This feeling of emptiness has lead me on an inward journey to find balance. How can I bring all the different roles I play in my life together and find a sense of fulfillment there?

Today, I refuse to play the "if only" game. I accept everything in my life the way that it is, every relationship, belief, habit, responsibility and possession.