BOOK REVIEW: Fearless

It is said that a hero is an ordinary person who does extraordinary things. Well said, and mostly true. But I think it is possible that some people are just born...extraordinary. And when they go on to use that for good, they are heroes too. Adam Brown was such a man, and his story, Fearless: the Undaunted Courage and Ultimate Sacrifice of Navy SEAL Team SIX Operator Adam Brown,  flawlessly told by Eric Blehm, is breathtaking.

Adam was born to a simple family in Arkansas, but it became quickly apparent he was not simple. A daredevil's daredevil, he raced, jumped, and crashed through his childhood at breakneck speed. All well and good until he graduated high school and that daredevil personality was hooked by the ruthless allure of dangerous drugs. His life spiraled downward until one day, he gave it to Jesus. From that point forward, Romans 8:28 began to find proving ground in Adam: "For we know all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose."

Marrying the love of his life and beginning a family, Adam began to pursue a military career that would take him to the absolute top handful of soldiers in the world--SEAL Team 6. Battling the drug demons that surfaced from time to time trying to reclaim a lost customer, he nevertheless pushed on and ruthlessly pursued perfection in every aspect of his military career. And through it all his passionate love for his God, his wife and his children was an irresolute background.

Killed in action in Afghanistan, Adam died a hero...but he had lived a hero's life for many years already.

This book had me riveted. Eric Blehm's writing style is so personable that I feel like I knew Adam a little bit, and that I know his family. I definitely put down the book feeling changed; it makes me want to live life for my kids as heroically in my own ordinary sphere of influence as Adam did in his extraordinary realm. Although I received a copy of this book for free from Multnomah WaterBrook for review purposes, I would have read this book anyway.

For more information on the book and the author, go here and if you would like to read the first chapter, go here.

Worth-ship

 (note--I'm having a frustrating formatting problem within the post. Try to ignore it.)

Recently I read a blog which asked readers to write a couple sentences about a sermon that dramatically sticks out in their head and why. Over 18 years of attending my church, I can think pretty quickly of hundreds of good messages I remember sitting in, and a handful that I will always remember. But I think because of the fact it was NOT at my home church, I remember one in particular; it really stands out for me. I have wanted to blog on it several times. This morning I woke up with it again in my head and decided it was time to blog it---then my pastor used it as one of his anchoring texts this morning and that was all the confirmation I needed.

Here's the passage: 

And when Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper,  a woman came to Him having an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil, and she poured it on His head as He sat at the table.  But when His disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste?  For this fragrant oil might have been sold for much and given to the poor.”

But when Jesus was aware of it, He said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me. For you have the poor with you always, but Me you do not have always. For in pouring this fragrant oil on My body, she did it for My burial. Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.” Matthew 26:6-13

So the church I was at for this particularly memorable message was Edgewater Christian Fellowship in Grants Pass, Oregon. It's the church we go to when we are visiting my brother and mom, an offshoot of Jon Courson's Applegate Christian Fellowship. Homey, friendly, biblically sound, neat worship. Some of my brother's friends go there. At any rate, it was April 2012. The pastor (the worship pastor, actually, was teaching that day) pointed out something in the story I'd never seen before. 

Here are the 12 apostles, those closest to Jesus, who spend every day with Him, who by now know He is Messiah, the Son of God, who have seen innumerable miracles at His hand--the blind see, the deaf hear, the lame walk, the dead raise to life--who look on Mary's lavish expression of worship and snarl, "Why this WASTE?" 

A waste. They were saying--these inner apostles--that Jesus wasn't WORTH THAT.

Yet who knows what Mary had been delivered from? We don't know much about her life before she met Jesus. We see her at His feet while Martha serves...and then in this passage we see her pouring out what represented her dowry, her hopes of finding a husband, in worship over His head. Her worship acknowledged the depth of her salvation and her recognition of His lordship over her life.

The pastor went on to talk about how many inside the church sometimes look on those who worship, or serve, or pray, or evangelize, or teach, or whatever, with lavish expression and say--"Ok, now that's over the top. Tone it down a little. You're a little too passionate about this. Why this WASTE of your (time, money, family, etc)?"

What they really are saying is, "He's not WORTH THAT." 

And sadly, I realize I am sometimes guilty of this. Truth is, we all are.

Yet worship? is really WORTH-ship. Whatever your expression of it--whatever ministry you serve Him through, whether it's a recognized church ministry or it's praying for and reaching out to your coworkers or praying for and raising up your kids--however you express your gratitude to Jesus for saving you, that is showing Him how WORTH He is to you. 

Even in actual corporate worship at church, we judge how others express their love for Him. Sure, there are times when my mind wanders a thousand places and I miss genuine connection. And then there are times, particularly during youth worship when the room is dark and I can sit somewhere by myself, curled up in my chair, tears running down my face, that I really WORTH-ship. But how often, for example, do we look at those who (pick something that bugs you) raise their hands, shout, pump their fists in the air, stand while the rest of us sit, whatever, and think--"Ok, now that's over the top. They're embarrassing themselves." Can you hear the whisper beneath that? "He's not WORTH THAT." Maybe someone thinks that of me. Oh well. I know what I've been delivered from. 

Interesting ending here--let's go back to the 12 apostles. What did Judas do? Betray Him, with a kiss. What did they do when Jesus was arrested? Flee. What did Peter do? Deny Him, three times. Yes, Peter was restored and went on to lead the church. And together with Paul, these 11 turned the world upside down with the gospel. Their relationships with Jesus were genuine and full. But only John was there at the cross. 

Oh, and Mary. She was there. Because He was worth it. And because of her relentless, lavish worth-ship her story has been told for 2000 years as a memorial. 

What's He worth to you? 

Insanity

The other day during our homeschool Class Day assembly, our principal, Mary York, discussed some of the current events in the homeschooling community. Two were of primary concern to her, and as I listened I again, weary at the end of another busy school year, felt stirred up with the passion for why we choose to school our kids at home:

1)The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld the Obama administration's denial of asylum to the Romeikes, the German family who fled their country after imprisonment and various other persecutions for following their faith and choosing to homeschool their kids in a country that says it is illegal. Illegal! You can read the whole story here, but essentially our government is now setting precedent that we do NOT have a fundamental right to home educate our children. Pay attention, Americans. This particular precedent is dangerous because in a few years the nearly 2 million homeschooled American kids could be forced into public schooling against their parents' religious beliefs. Even if you are not a Christian reading this, stop and think about that. Does that sound like the United States of America to you?

2) Although she had mentioned it last year, I had no idea Assembly Bill 1266 was already progressing through the legislature. This so-called "bathroom bill" just passed the Assembly and is headed to the Senate. Apparently Governor Jerry Brown has said that if it passes, he will sign it. For the details on the bill, go here. Basically if the gender that child expresses is contrary to the gender he/she was born as, the school must treat the child as if he/she was that gender. Bathroom facilities and locker rooms would then be open to boys if they say they identify as girls and vice versa. In addition, what are now gender-specific sports teams would be permeable by those identifying as the opposite sex. What insanity for our young children before many of them have even an understanding of anatomical differences (a Colorado school just had to face this issue a few months ago with a first grade child!). What potential for exploitation and manipulation of the policy that could leading to sexually dangerous situations.

Craziness.

What is going on, America?

I have good friends and family members who work in the California school system. I am not a homeschool militiawoman; I know that good things happen in our public schools. Many good things. Most of the youth kids at my church attend public schools and are able to wade through the craziness. I am not suggesting we throw out the babies with the bathwater. I don't think we need to close all public schools and ALL families should homeschool, because it isn't for everyone. But for those who choose to home educate their kids, let's keep that an option. Let's keep America America. And for those who choose to send their children to public schools, for crying out loud let's keep boys boys and girls girls until they are at least 18 and responsible for adult decisions.

As for me and my house, we are in the final week of our 8th year homeschooling. I've never been more grateful for my right to do so in this still free and great nation, and I am passionate about seeing my students at the front porch picnic table on the first day of the 2013/14 school year in mid-August.

BOOK REVIEW: I'm No Angel

Kylie Bisutti's autobiography, I'm No Angel, offers both a fascinating look into the realities of the modeling world and a frank account of her struggle to own her Christianity in front of that world. When the conflicts between the two sides of her life became too great, she chose to walk away from everything she thought she had wanted in order to honor Christ. Now she serves as a model in a completely new way...a role model to girls who are given antibiblical messages every day about what it means to be a woman.

Born in a small town to a blue-collar family, Kylie grew up loved by and committed to her family. At fourteen, she began modeling in Las Vegas and was quickly swept into a culture that ruthlessly leapt to make her appear older and more worldly than she was comfortable with; however, she quenched whispers of conviction for what she thought was the greater good of fame and money. Finally, after marrying a godly man who prayed for her as she lived with one foot in two worlds, she made a decision that would change the direction of her life forever.

Kylie made a commitment to Christ at a youth group her freshman year in high school, the only place where she felt completely accepted for who she was rather than what she looked like. However, as the book advances, we journey with her on the long road between that beginning commitment and its completion several years later when, after reaching the top of the modeling industry as a Victoria's Secret Angel, she left it all "to become a Proverbs 31 wife."

I read this book in three days, which for a homeschooling mom with a full house of responsibilities is a big deal. Especially because I am involved with youth ministry at my church, I was eager to hear what she had to say to girls who are told they must be thin, underdressed and overly made up to have significance. I enjoyed the Bible verses that began every chapter with a perfect reflection of her transformation. The 30 day devotional at the end of the book offers young women an indepth look into their biblical identity.

I was blessed also by her willingness to be vulnerable with her failings so that the young girls who read this book will know she is "real." I commend her for her honesty and courage despite the blastings she has taken from the world for her decision to stand for Jesus and marriage. I highly recommend this book, and encourage all who read it to pray for Kylie and the work God has planned for her testimony.

To see a short video of  Kylie discussing her story, go here.

Almost there!

Yep, that's it...the finish line just up ahead for our 2012/13 homeschool year! In just 11 days (who exactly is counting?) we will complete 7th and 4th grade around here, and will have a full three month summer. It's been a fantastic year, but it's getting across the finish line I want to talk about today.

It's our human nature to drag at the end of an accomplishment. Be it a school year, a home project, or a job assignment, it's our nature to slow down to a weary walk at the end of it. I mean, we're almost done with the thing, right? We've done pretty good, after all. Sometimes the goals we set at the outset of our race become not so important as we gasp for breath and hold our sides. Maybe I set the bar too high; big deal if I really (fill in the blank with your goal). I did good enough.

At the beginning of this school year I was fresh from a womens' retreat where we spent the whole weekend in Psalm 119, which is all about God's word. We reveled in its power, its comfort, its wisdom, its vitality to our lives. I had gone to the retreat without a plan for our devotional studies for the year...not good since school started in three days. We always do either a Bible plan (such as reading a chapter a day of a particular book of the Bible) or a book from a lovely group of biblical storybooks from Rod and Staff books about the semifictional Miller family (surprisingly, the boys love this Amish family!), but I didn't have a firm plan yet. While I was on the mountaintop (sigh) (grin) (going back in a couple months, Lord willing) I decided my goal would be to strengthen my boys in the Word this year by teaching through Psalm 119. No greater devotional than the Word itself.

So we did it! We started with our homeschool mission statement for a week or two:

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up." Deuteronomy 6:5-7 

Then I took a section a week from Psalm 119 (which happens to be the longest psalm in the Bible) and we would read that section each day. I chose one verse from the section for the kids to memorize through the week and kept track of them on index cards that I posted on the bathroom mirror and the fridge. We talked and talked about all the life lessons that come from relying on the Bible throughout our lives; the verses gave rise to so many teaching moments that I hope they will pull out of their hearts when they are grown. That they will remember sitting on the porch or in the living room and hearing Mom describe that very life situation they are in the midst of, and the verse that speaks right into it.

When we completed Psalm 119, we moved to the Proverbs plan...a chapter a day corresponding to the day of the month (since there are 31 chapters in Proverbs, it's perfect). Now at the end of the school year, I feel like I have inoculated my kids well in systematic devotional study of God's word, precept upon precept, line upon line.

I'll be honest, there were plenty of days in the year where I didn't feel like fighting the good fight to sit and battle distractions that only seem to happen during devotions time. When I was feeling personal discouragement and didn't feel like I could strongly exhort them to do this or that when I wasn't having too much success with it myself. When I felt like the day was already overwhelming and if we skipped devotions we could jump ahead to other things. But as much as I could diligently do, I pressed on because I had set a goal to really steep my kids in the Word strongly this year.

Though my flesh is weary and I am so ready to cross that finish line that indicates the end of another school year, I want to finish strong. We did run a good race this year, even though I may not see the results of this particular "Word planting" for years to come.

What about you? Is there a goal you've set for which you can see the finish line? Have you had weary days along the race course, my friend? Take a deep breath and get back in the race. It really is a worthy one, even more so when we can cross the finish line knowing we gave it our all.

"I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it. Stick with me, friends. Keep track of those you see running this same course, headed for this same goal." Philippians 3:12-17, The Message

Jesus 911

Who knows the show Nanny 911? I watch it sometimes with morbid fascination. An incredibly out of control family calls on a team of British nannies to help them stop the madness and instill a right order. The footage of demanding, flagrantly disrespectful children and shrilly screaming parents rivets me, and the eventual softening of hearts and likeness of minds by the episode's end is always good to see.

I don't have flagrantly disrespectful children, and I don't shrilly scream through our days, but I definitely feel things have fallen into wrong order. Yesterday was a super tough day and I was so weary by bedtime. Nick said, "Why don't you give writing assignments like when Doug and I were little?" I realized it's because I am 10+ years older and tireder. Also, as a stay at home and homeschooling mom, parenting fills all my waking hours and it can get pretty overwhelming. I am less likely to sit down and reason things through, more likely to give a consequence that results in Mom getting a few minutes of quiet. I don't like that realization. Imperfect as I am as a parent, those intense interactions with my two oldest in their little-boy ages were an excellent thing and I see the results in their lives today.

So this morning I open my Bible, bring this stuff to Jesus, and ask for His wisdom. James 1 says if we need wisdom about anything, to ask and He will give it generously and without reproach. I'm in the last part of Exodus, the building of the tabernacle. All those lengthy, intricate details of building supplies and plans...painstaking...I usually skim it over ��But as I read, God whispered that my kids are MY building project for His dwelling place, because the Bible says this side of the cross WE are His temple and the Holy Spirit dwells in us. Wow. Imagine if those builders had skipped some steps or done a shoddy job on the place designed for God to dwell in through the worship of His people because they were feeling old or tired! How much more important are my "living" sanctuaries?

"So take this seriously. The Lord has chosen you to build a Temple as his sanctuary. Be strong, and do the work.” (1 Chronicles 28:10 NLT)

Even though the task ahead of me feels uphill, I know God has the blueprints and that it's He who works in me both to will and to do for His good pleasure. So, watch out kids, Mom's gonna get some extra sleep, take some vitamins, brew an extra pot of Holy Roast. There just may be some writing assignments in your near future! Grin.

BOOK REVIEW: Take a Chance on Me

Even in the idyllic setting of Deep Haven, Minnesota, live broken people. And when their lives collide in the midst of a fire that symbolically burns the overgrowth in their lives to bring new life, forgiveness is challenged...and found. Take a Chance on Me, by Susan May Warren, is the first installment of a projected six-book series, one that I will be sure to read in entirety.

Ivy Madison comes, broken, to a new job of assistant county attorney and what she hopes is a new start in a small town. She knows of a broken man in the town, but has no idea how their lives will collide in the coming weeks. She does know that the dark, brooding single father she meets has secrets simmering in his heart, but not that she was unwittingly part of his misery. As we watch Ivy meet and become entwined in the lives of Darek Christiansen and his family, Jensen Atwood, and Claire Gibson, a fascinating plot unfolds that brings to flame the smoldering embers that have laid dormant for three years.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The plot twists are suspenseful and make the book difficult to put down. The characters are believable and I found myself cheering for them. The symbolism of the fire that threatens the town brings an added depth to the story. And through it all, the biblical truths of mercy, grace, and forgiveness make the book completely satisfying.

Read Chapter One here, and for a Q and A with Susan May Warren, the God-gifted author, go here. Read this book and be reminded of God's continual love and faithfulness even as lives get messy and off-track.

I received this book free for review purposes from Tyndale House Publishers.