Whatcha Reading?

The table next to my prayer chair usually has multiple books in a stack that are all being dabbled in at one given time. Whether it be articles or essays, read many of those lately, or a book on random topics, I have it sitting next to me. I wish I had more time to read and have found that to be an area of discipline in my life needed. I love nothing more than to get lost in a good story or find challenges and inspiration from true stories. Here are a few I have read over the past few months. 

Marilyn was a friend of my sister Traci. I met her many times and always heard stories of the family through Traci. She writes a beautiful memoir of loosing her son to war and the lament that followed. I was challenged in my own lament reading through the pages, but also found it extremely encouraging as I was walking through grief.  Anyone who has lost a loved one by war should read this. 

I just finished this short book about a Dad who lost three loved ones in a tragic car accident; his mother, his beloved wife and four year old daughter. Heartbreaking story, but Jerry Sittser writes in a gentle approach that conveys hope, faith and finding growth through grief. All three loved ones are buried locally with ties to our small town. Sittser also has some great lectures on YouTube. 

I would read this again and again. I find something new revealed to me every time I read this. Addison recently read this copy as well; Auntie Traci's favorite book. You can apply any situation into this story. Yes, a fiction, but I find so many parallels to faith and how we should live in this story. I can't say enough good things about this book! Based from the scripture in Habakkuk 3:19, this story comes alive as Much Afraid finally reaches the High Places.

Double Digits

Oh Charlie.

Mama's Man Cub.

It's unreal that time flew by this fast and you are now living in the double digits; ten years old. 

You were an active little cub in my tummy and things outside have not slowed down much at all. 

Playing basketball probably ranks top on your list of things to do. You are just as compassionate on the court as you are off; putting others first and making sure everyone is included. You are a natural teacher and that shows even in the home. 

Sure, all the princesses can be obnoxious and a bit dramatic, but you can be as well. Baylee has officially surpassed your time out drama fits with her Irish temper. You still show us glimpses of that drama here and there which, you can attest to this, are usually met with laughter from Mom and Dad as you allow the girls to get the best of you. 

That said, you are the perfect brother and protector of these princesses you call sisters. God gave you such an incredibly important roll as their one and only brother. Thank you for loving them, playing and joking around, engaging into toddler activities and accepting them for who they are. 

You have a huge heart. You are a servant. You are handsome with a beaming smile. You are caring, thoughtful and athletic. 

Mom and Dad have so many prayers for you, but first and foremost, is that Jesus becomes real to you; that you would pursue a relationship with the Creator who gave you life. 

We are so proud of you for conquering so many things this past year. 

Ten years old. Hard to believe. 

We are excited to celebrate you and wish you...

Happy Tenth Birthday!

 { Life in a house of girls. }

 { Love is the root; even though it may appear they could possibly tear each other apart. }

 { Basketball adventures with the Ninjas. }

{ No fear; always willing to try something new! }

If You Say So...

One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, with the people crowding around Him and listening to the word of God, he saw at the water's edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. 

Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. 

When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep waters and let down the nets for a catch."

Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. 

But because you say so, I will let down the nets."

When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.

Luke 5:1-6

Jesus qualifies you for who you will become.

The life of Peter is a perfect example of this truth. Jesus saw this ordinary fisherman and immediately changed his name to one that means, the rock or a stone.

 "Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas" 
(which, when translated, is Peter)."
John 1:42

A name that speaks of firmness and perseverance; trustworthiness and devotion. 

What an incredible honor to have Jesus see into your heart and call you out on what's to come. Terrifying actually. Think about this...Jesus, the All Knowing, sees into Simon Peter's heart and calls out his obedience in front of large crowds knowing Simon Peter has the human nature to do otherwise. Simon Peter, after a long night on a rickety wooden boat without rain jackets, GPS systems, coast guard approved life vests and a hot thermos of coffee, is asked to go back and fish some more. I would imagine the man was exhausted, hungry, cold and wet and possibly physically sore from handling the vessel all night long. There were no cranes or jimmy-rigs to help bring the nets in the boat; this was completely done by strength alone. 

Then, Jesus says, "Put out into deep waters."

Honestly, I think I would have put up some fight, but Simon Peter was quick to the test and immediately responded with, "Because you say so."

Peter wasn't the only one who replied with "because you say so."

We read about Abraham in Genesis 22:1-4 being tested by God.

"Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, "Abraham!"

"Here I am," he replied.

Then God said, "Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about later."

Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out of the place God had told him about."

Sure thing, God. I'll just take my only son and get right on that.