Book Review ~ Desperate: Hope for the Mom Who Needs to Breathe
May 25, 2013 Leave a Comment

Book Review ~ Desperate: Hope for the Mom Who Needs to Breathe

desperate
When I began blogging four years ago, I was introduced to the concept of "Mommy Blogers"---mothers of young children who share their lives, offer advice, or simply admit to how overwhelming the whole process of raising children is. Among these popular, busy blogs one stood out in particular. The woman who wrote the blog was genuine, honest. She is also industrious. Creating popular e-books to help mom's find strategies for keeping their home or overcoming lies which can become embed in a woman's heart. She even helped to create and host an annual social media conference featuring such speakers as Ann Voskamp and Sarah Markley. The name of the blog--- Like a Warm Cup of Coffee. The woman---Sarah Mae. And now, Sarah Mae has written a book with author/mentor Sally Clarkson called Desperate: Hope for the Mom Who Needs to Breathe. I admit to being woefully late with my review, but I still want to add my thoughts about this book. First, let me say I wish I'd had a book such as this one when my own children were small. Even though I am well passed that stage in my life, there was so much I could relate to as I remembered how difficult and lonely it can be to raise a family. How isolated and depressed I felt because I was too embarrassed to seek out help from other women. Desperate: Hope for the Mom Who Needs to Breathe is an open look into one young mother's heart and the guidance she desperately needed (and received) when a seasoned mother (Sally Clarskson) took her under her wing. Now, the lessons learned and hope shared is given with open hands to mothers of all ages. This book is well written, easy to read, and filled with helpful advice from which any woman who is willing can glean what will work for her situation. The author's are refreshingly honest. Both Sarah Mae and Sally admit to the struggles faced when dealing with sleepless nights, difficult temperaments, and trying to learn how best to serve their children while not losing their own identity as the woman whom God created them to be. In Desperate: Hope for the Mom Who Needs to Breathe it is made clear there is no such thing as a "perfect" mother (or wife for that matter), pointing to God as the source of our strength, peace, and resource. This book encourages the reader to remember the gift and sober responsibility being given when we become the caretaker of our home, while demonstrating the joy which is possible when we focus first on the One who created us in the first place. Here's the official description (plus some helpful extras you'll find as well): Desperate is for those who love their children to the depths of their souls but who have also curled up under their covers, fighting back tears, and begging God for help. It's for those who have ever wondered what happened to all their ideals for what having children would be like. For those who have ever felt like all the "experts" have clearly never had a child like theirs. For those who have prayed for a mentor. For those who ever felt lost and alone in motherhood.
In Desperate you will find the story of one young mother's honest account of the desperate feelings experienced in motherhood and one experienced mentor's realistic and gentle exhortations that were forged in the trenches of raising her own four children.Whether you are a first time mom, or an experienced mom, Desperate will inspire you to be a part of the ultimate goal of the book, to be a part of the no-more-desperate-moms movement. Included in the Book:
  • QR codes and links at the end of each chapter that lead to videos with Sarah Mae and Sally talking about the chapter
  • Practical steps to take during the desperate times
  • Bible study and journal exercises in each chapter that will lead you to identify ways in which you can grow as a mom
  • Mentoring advice for real-life situations
  • Q & A section with Sally where she answers readers questions
There is also an accompanying DVD which will be available (soon if not already) with the videos Sarah Mae and Sally created which expound on the ideas offered in each chapter. If you are a mother, whether in the early years or learning what it means to have an empty nest, take the time to read Desperate: Hope for the Mom Who Needs to Breathe. You will find hope within it's pages which can be drawn into your own experience or offered to another in need of some guidance.    
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Time to Step Up
May 2, 2013 6 Comments

Time to Step Up

prayer
Right on the cusp of what should be an important remembrance (The National Day of Prayer), controversy reared up to throw many in the church into a tizzy. On Tuesday, Fox News released a story citing an inflammatory statement from a spokesperson for the Pentagon which suggested Christians could be court marshaled for "proselytizing". This caused an uproar of concern for many Christians, because let's face it, the parameters of what might be considered "proselytizing" could be loosely translated. And many of the words being used (by an organization apparently consulted when the military was crafting this new policy) to describe Christians who share their faith with others were  hostile (even shocking) in the extreme. Thankfully, another statement from the Pentagon has been released assuring freedom of both religion and speech within the military, offering a clarification of what their religious policy entails and defining the parameters of  what they mean by "proselytizing". Here's the thing. The church worldwide (past and present) is no stranger to persecution (be it through unfair legal action, hostile language, or acts of cruel or deadly violence). There are believers who truly understand what it means to be harassed because of their faith. As American Christians, we truly have no conception of what it means to face such hostility (for many on a daily basis). And what we are seeing now is tame in comparison to the reality others face. "“Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers." Matthew 24:9 NLT As my husband stated today in a post on Facebook: "It's time to put on our big boy (or girl) pants and get ready, because we are going to be on the hard end of things until Jesus comes back. Time to step up people. If we had spent more time acting like the JESUS we profess, then we wouldn't be in this deep". Today is The National Day of Prayer. But how many of us (and I include myself) have taken the time to actually pray today? If we are going to "step up", a change is going to have to be made. I realize this reality (acutely) in myself. For too long, the church has focused on something other than being what we are meant to be --disciples of Jesus Christ. imitating our Lord with every word and deed. Something tells me if we are to step up for the difficult days to come, we will have to make a clear choice. Cling to what we know or live our faith and witness in the light of what it means to follow Jesus in more than name.
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What Kind of Bug Are You?
April 17, 2013 Leave a Comment

What Kind of Bug Are You?

lamp
The other day, I heard a pastor use an interesting illustration to make the point about being drawn to or hiding from God ---who is The Light. He looked at us very sincerely before asking "What kind of bug are you?" As we all know, there are insects which are drawn to sources of light (moths come to mind). It's the reason a "bug zapper" is illuminated in order to "draw" pests. And I'm sure we have all been in a room, once a light source is introduced,  revealing bugs (such as roaches) which rapidly scuttle to avoid the glow, returning to the darkness they prefer. "But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible,  for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Ephesians 5:13-14 ESV There are things we all do(sin) which would be "easier" if left "hidden". Unexposed to the Truth of God's gospel. Because lets face it. As beautiful, comforting, and fulfilling as basking in The Light can be; there are moments (lifetimes) of uncomfortable and harsh when first exposed to the (Awesome. Divine) fierceness of His reality. For some it may seem "easier" (desirable, freeing)  to avoid exposure at all costs. And oh, what a cost. So the question is -- what kind of bug are you?
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Remembering Good Friday
March 29, 2013 Leave a Comment

Remembering Good Friday

reflections on Christ - crucifixion

I remember, as a child, decorating eggs in colorful dyes on this day. My thoughts were on upcoming family dinners, candy, egg hunts,pancake breakfasts, and pretty dresses.

Now, I see this day (love in action as never expressed before or since) in a whole new light. Because even growing up in the church, being a Christian most of my life, I cannot say the the reality of this day's remembrance truly burrowed into my understanding.

Time. Perspective. Experience.

These three, combined, opened my eyes to what Jesus truly did for me so many (many) years ago. And while I may enjoy the trappings which have grown around the commemoration of Jesus birth; I am (now) unable to observe THIS DAY with such superficial understanding.

There are no bunnies or eggs or colorful new clothes, which do more to recognize the emergence of Spring on this day, for me. No. I'd rather be mindful of the sacrifice born upon my behalf, with a nod of anticipation toward what's to come. Forgiveness. Salvation. Relationship.

All things made new.

The Crucifixion

"Along the way, they came across a man named Simon, who was from Cyrene, and the soldiers forced him to carry Jesus’ cross. And they went out to a place called Golgotha (which means “Place of the Skull”). The soldiers gave him wine mixed with bitter gall, but when he had tasted it, he refused to drink it.

After they had nailed him to the cross, the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice. Then they sat around and kept guard as he hung there. A sign was fastened above Jesus’ head, announcing the charge against him. It read: “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” Two revolutionaries[c] were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left.

 The people passing by shouted abuse, shaking their heads in mockery.  “Look at you now!” they yelled at him. “You said you were going to destroy the Temple and rebuild it in three days. Well then, if you are the Son of God, save yourself and come down from the cross!”

 The leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders also mocked Jesus. “He saved others,” they scoffed, “but he can’t save himself! So he is the King of Israel, is he? Let him come down from the cross right now, and we will believe in him! He trusted God, so let God rescue him now if he wants him! For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” Even the revolutionaries who were crucified with him ridiculed him in the same way.

The Death of Jesus

At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. At about three o’clock, Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”

Some of the bystanders misunderstood and thought he was calling for the prophet Elijah. One of them ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, holding it up to him on a reed stick so he could drink. But the rest said, “Wait! Let’s see whether Elijah comes to save him.”

 Then Jesus shouted out again, and he released his spirit. At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart, and tombs opened. The bodies of many godly men and women who had died were raised from the dead. They left the cemetery after Jesus’ resurrection, went into the holy city of Jerusalem, and appeared to many people.

The Roman officer[g] and the other soldiers at the crucifixion were terrified by the earthquake and all that had happened. They said, “This man truly was the Son of God!”

 And many women who had come from Galilee with Jesus to care for him were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary (the mother of James and Joseph), and the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee." Matthew 27:32-36 NLT

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So There Was This Fish
March 4, 2013 Leave a Comment

So There Was This Fish

fisherman

I went to church on Saturday night.

We had a guest speaker (a pastor from a sister church in Richland, MI). You see, our pastor took his wife and a whole SLEW of people on a trip to Israel this past week. I went on Saturday because my birthday was on Sunday -- (and yes) I wanted to be lazy. And I really wanted to hear this pastor from Richland. Even though I was being lazy and going on a Saturday night.

Which really doesn't make any difference to this story. It just always feels weird to be in church on Saturday.

I'm not going to tell you about the message the guest pastor preached (although it was a really good one based on the new book he's written which I will be reading and reviewing so STAY TUNED). Rather, it was the mini sermon shared by one of our church's associate pastor's which really sticks out in my brain today.

He was preparing the congregation for tithes and offerings by sharing the story of Jesus feeding the peeps from Mark 6:30-41 (NLT).

Now, I thought this was a very interesting Bible text choice. I could be wrong but most pastors (when speaking on this topic) tend to gravitate toward passages which speak about (drumroll please) tithing and giving. Specifically. Which (let's all be honest here) is when most of us tend to tune out.

Personally, I think televangelism has a lot to answer for in that regard.

This pastor, however, by using the story of a young boy willing to hand over his pack lunch of five loaves of bread and two fish, illustrates how God simply asks us to give from what we have so we can be an active participant in His work in this world.

You know, when I think of it that way it makes the notion of giving and tithing truly an act of worship. And isn't that what it's supposed to be in the first place?

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Being Neglectful
February 20, 2013 Leave a Comment

Being Neglectful

urban-chair-682x1024

So. I've been on what can only be called an impromptu sabbatical.

The whole thing started a few weeks ago. I've started running out of things to say or write. Therefore I stopped paying attention to my blog or sharing thoughts of any kind.

Not long after (of course) is when my data base up and DISAPPEARED. 

My husband is still working to fix the situation but even so I've been woefully neglectful which has resulted in my being (might as well say it)---LAZY.

Now, I find myself back at the beginning (quite literally). 

(Note to fellow bloggers: You stop writing or posting. People stop reading. Period. The internet waits for no man or woman to get their stuff together).

This means I'm out of options or excuses. Do I keep writing or let this thing go? Do I try to find new purpose or make this little corner of the internet an abandoned "ghost town" (pun intended for obvious reasons). 

Thing is I do know where God is taking me (and my husband) on this journey. The problem is it's still a few years in the future so it doesn't seem real enough to share with anyone. Not really. 

I don't know. Maybe that's fear or lack of faith talking (most likely the latter).

Therefore, I'm going to go for it. Hopefully, you will stick with me. Here goes:

My husband and I are preparing to go to Germany in two years as missionaries.

There is a lot about the whole thing I don't know but here is what I do. We will be working with an Assemblies of God church planting mission. It could take us two years of preparation (ie: getting out of debt, raising support) before we can go. We will be working with friends who invited us to join them (more on that soon). 

And God is sending us.

It's big, life altering (when you consider I will be 50 by the time we get there), and takes me full circle to the calling which God placed on my heart when I was twelve years old. Yeah. You read that right.

Twelve years old.

So yeah. Kind of overwhelming when I stop to realize how far afield I traveled in my life. Which is also kind of amazing and cool. Because no matter how much I may have hemmed, hawed, and delayed by my own choices; it's evident God's got a good plan for me (and my husband) which will not be thwarted forever.

And that's a very good thing.

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New Foundations, New Horizons
February 15, 2013 1 Comment

New Foundations, New Horizons

1corinthians3_11

Well, if you have come to visit my blog in the last week you will have noticed some goings on.The blog literally disappeared for several days.

Gone. Kaput.

Database no where to be found. Four YEARS worth of words, thoughts, and emotions vanished for some unknown reason which we still have been unable to parse out.

Thankfully, my husband is a genius. He managed (through a lot of hard work and patience) to figure out how to access and save the original database.

As a result, he is diligently working to rebuild my blog. As a result of all this drama, we have decided it's time to take advantage of the situation presented to us. 

You see, my husband is having to replace ALL of my original posts one at a time. It's going to take awhile but he believes it can be accomplished.

So, we got to thinking, since he was going to all that trouble it was time to give my blog a little face lift. Welcome to my new blog. I will still be writing about life, marriage, and my perspective on how the current trending interest in the occult affects us as Christians.

However, I will be letting go of some things while embracing the new direction which God has been directing my husband and I toward since July. I hope you will stick around, enjoy the new view, and work with us as we try to restore what was lost, even as an exciting new journey is added.

God is good, my friends. Big things are on the horizon.

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February 1, 2013 Leave a Comment

The Word is YES

What it all boils down to is the word "YES!" This is a  post I've been wanting (trying) to write for a while. As a matter of fact, I began writing it at the beginning of January. But as you can see it's taken me to the beginning of February (and a writing prompt from my friend Bonnnie at Faith Barista) to spur me to action. So, I suppose you must be wondering what the word "YES" is in answer to (because it's always tied to a question isn't it?).  But I'm not going to tell you -- yet. You see, what I'm thinking about is this. As a Christian, I'm being asked (primarily) one question by God. Okay, maybe that's putting things a little simplistically but even when I factor in circumstances and other various factors it all seems to lead back in the same direction of God addressing me with this one query: "Will you be obedient?" Do you get it? Do you see the point I'm trying to make? Do you feel the weight of responsibility to answer that question (because while we can spend YEARS avoiding or ignoring) we do all have to come to a point of choosing an answer; and it's pretty simple because you have only two options. Sure, you can stall or prevaricate all you want (as I have been known to do). Take my sweet time getting down to the nitty gritty of the details (because the first question always leads to the more detailed second which includes the how's, why's, when's, and wherefore's which make life interesting). But let's face it, the original question is pretty black or white and very self-explanatory. "Will you (Kristine) be obedient to me? Yes or no?" And what it all boils down to for me is this.The word (answer) is YES. Everything else is just details.
 
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Choose Now This Day
December 14, 2012 Leave a Comment

Choose Now This Day

candle flame
What does it say about a nation (a people) when reports of mass killings are almost common place? July = Aurora, Colorado mass shooting at movie theater. August = Oak Creek, Wisonsin mass shooting at Sikh temple. September = Minneapolis, Minnesota mass shootings at business. December = Clackamas Town Center, OR mass shooting at mall. And now a 20 year old man, armed with two hand guns, walked into an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut this morning with evil intent. Through excessive malice, there are now 20 children and 6 adults including the shooter's mother (and later himself at the scene) who are dead.  My heart cries out for these people (so many children), these families. My prayers are offered before God on their behalf and those left behind. Yet, these events (horrendous though they be) do not begin to scratch the surface of what has become an ever increasing veil of violence against the innocent in this nation. There have been 22 previous mass shooting incidents, beginning with the tragedy at Columbine High School in 1999. Are we so blind as not to see? We worry about extremist terrorism striking our shores because of what occurred on 9/11, but has anyone bothered to see what's already occurring? Anger. Division. Brutality. We need not look to the monster without, but the one which already resides within. So what are we to do then in the shadow of such grim dark? As Christians, we cling to what we have and know to be true in Christ. We remember the One who comforts those who mourn. We remember the hope found within His words. And we live each day believing Him. “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
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Finding Beauty
December 13, 2012 Leave a Comment

Finding Beauty

roses
A number of years ago, when Thom and I were still dealing with our troubles, my sister said something to me. I was lamenting myself for a fool over the situation with my husband. Divorce seemed imminent. You see, I was in my early forties. My thoughts was along the lines of "What am I supposed to do now? How will I ever know love again?" My sister looked me very squarely in the eye and said: "Kris. You will never be as beautiful as you are now. This is your time." Thankfully, the circumstances causing my distress were mended. Not long after she spoke those words, God restored my faith, marriage, and life. Nearly seven years have passed. My sister was right too. This has been the time in my life I've come into my own. And while there may have been a concept of physical appearance in what her words meant to convey, I think it had more to do with life lessons learned, compassion gained, forgiveness expressed.  Because in the end, what is it which makes a person beautiful? Is it in the smoothness of skin? The color of hair? We can prolong the march of time, yet in the end it does catch us up. No. Beauty does not rest in our physical features but is rather found in the unseen part of our heart which belongs to God.  My sister was right. It was in my forties I truly found God. This has been the age in which understanding of how much He loves me coalesced. The season in which the conception of His infinite grace and mercy has moved from head to soul. The time when religion became relationship. And I will never be as beautiful as I am right now because of it.
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