Book Review: Out Live Your Life by Max Lucado

This book was written to challenge us as Christians to take on the message of the Gospel to a new level. A level outside ourselves and into the world in which we live.  Lucado poses the question to the reader, "Might it happen again?" in reference to the common people of Jesus' day, who changed the world around them.

How I loved this challenge. We all think we are doing our job by going to church, paying our tithes and listening to Christian music. But how is that affecting our world or even our circle. John the Baptist wasn't afraid to speak up to the people who were doing those things but little else in their hearts. Why should we be afraid?

There are billions living in poverty while our children whine over the latest craze.  We feel like we don't have enough to help, aren't smart enough to tell someone about theology. In his book, Lucado reminds us not to forget the basics. If we love, we can help. People will be open to the truths of the Gospel if we love them first. Jesus used the simplest of men just as He's called us for the same. 

The discussion and action section at the end of the book that correlates with each chapter is a HUGE springboard to any person or group that's ready to "Out Live" their lives!

Eyes have been Opened

I love how God confirms things.
This won't take long, but I must share...
We live in a two BR home with one bathroom and 6 people. It hasn't always been this way. We moved here after selling our 3br/2bth rather quickly. A temporary move but a significant one.
I love having company. Making dinner or coffee and dessert and sharing it with others. For some reason I didn't do it often. Whether lack of confidence in my cooking or lack of space to "entertain."
Now that we live in our humble home, even less do I feel at ease to invite anyone in.

A friend called and asked to spend the night. I laughed and asked, "you know where I live, right?" She laughed and said. "yes."
Who was I to say no. She just need a place to "crash" for the night. She didn't care if my four children shared a room or that the conversation in the kitchen could be clearly heard in the bathroom. She didn't care that the shower turned cold when I washed my hands from the kitchen faucet. She just wanted somewhere safe and comfortable to rest, visit.

What resulted was a lot of laughter and fun for everyone!

Then I read Max Lucado's "Outlive Your Life" His chapter on being called to hospitality struck a chord.
I can't put it into words, that's Mr. Lucado's job. Just go buy the book and see if your eyes will be opened as well.
Oh by the way...Happy Labor Day.

Review of The Heart Mender by Andy Andrews

From the first page to the last page I was intrigued! When a book can urge you to continue the pursuit of knowledge, that's when you know you've found a good one. I have shared my love for this book with everyone I can.

Andy Andrews had his "honey do" list turn into a lesson in history and lesson on forgiveness. When he realizes his family home could have been the site of WWII history he takes his findings to neighbors and friends to find out who the people were that buried a veritable treasure on his property.

This book made me want to take world history all over again! So much went unknown without the availability of the internet. Andy Andrews pieced together amzing stories.
So many people that lived in that time frame are not even aware of what was happening and I love this book for what it has taught me.
This book teaches history, love, patience, forgiveness and so much more.
It's a must read!

Finish Line

This is the newest song from Mars Hill Revisited. It's probably my favorite. If not, it's a close second to "Jesus to the Rescue." Both of these songs will be on the new EP due out in late June. They are praying it's just in time to take with them to Spirit West Coast, Monterey. They will be performing at 5:30 on July 3rd, 2010. It's something they have worked really hard to do (playing SWC) and are eagerly anticipating for God to do some amazing things through that time.
Feel free to check out the other videos and comment on their youtube page. www.youtube.com/marshillrevisited
until we see you,

Review of Green by Ted Dekker

This is the first of Dekker's books I have read.
Now that I have read Green, I definitely have to pick up the others in the series.

It was hard to get started, I must admit, but once I pushed through the first 3-4 chapters, I couldn't put it down. My difficulty was mostly due to my own lack of experience with Dekker's writings and not the story itself.

The story starts with the son of Thomas Hunter, Samuel, and his frustrations with the blind following of Elyon. They haven't heard from Elyon in years and their enemies continue to attack and kill their families. He wants to fight. Desertions, alliances formed, plans are implemented.
The way the story twists and turns allowing room for you to question motives of characters quickly followed by answers kept me excited about what was to come.

The alternate realities left me seeing my own world in a new way. The parallels of sin and death and repentance and redemption were terrific.
Will definitely continue to pick up Ted Dekker's books. Usually one to stay in the safety of a historical romance....every once in a while it's nice to be spooked just before bed.

Review of Love and Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs

I began reading this book and was immediately caught by how the author and his wife's anecdotes sounded so similar to the relationship I share with my husband of 12 years.

This book teaches the reader about the "Crazy Cycle: without love she reacts--without respect he reacts." It promises healing in the marriage, an end to loneliness in marriage, peace and a feeling of being understood, a marriage God intended and more. How can this be? Well, it's not with a "magic bullet" it's with the application and committment of specific ideas for a set amount of time. These are real ways you can change the day to day interaction between you and your spouse.

You will be glad you read it and happier that you implemented it in your marriage and relationships!

In preparation

Everything worth doing is worth doing well, right?
Shouldn't that include preparation of said project? Definitely.
As a student in elementary school we are taught how to outline a story or report. We are taught how to do a rough draft. Its a rewarding experience to look back on that outline and see how it turned into the final draft?

It's preparation time for Mars Hill Revisited. During a couple week break of concerts and practices, lead singer and song writer, Will Clark is laying down some tracks for the other members of the band to take home and practice to. Bassist and vocalist, Mike Clark, will be working on some great new bass lines while lead guitarist Marc Putnam, Jr works his magic on some lead parts and fill-in. Drummer, Daniel Martinez, will no doubt add his love for hip-hop into the new rock beats that will be concocted.

The band looks forward to October when they go back into the studio to record a "radio-worthy" EP.
The preparation is huge for the band. They must go into the studio ready to go, like they've been playing these songs in their dreams. With hopeful expectation, MHR prepares!