Book Review: Am I Really A Christian

Earlier this summer I was in a mall in Worcester, Massachusetts when I saw a shocking advertisement from a health care facility. It said “Pride kills thousands of men each year.”

I can attest to that statement. At my dad’s funeral, someone came up to me and told me that my dad might have been suffering from a risky medical condition but that he did not want to get treated or tell anyone of the situation. It was due to pride. He ended up dying alone, separated from his family and any friends he might have still had.

Those stories told simply to say that we need to humble ourselves and seek truth and help. 

“Am I Really a Christian”  by Mike McKinley is a book that encourages Christians and those that want to be Christians to humbly “go to the doctor’s appointment,” and take any measures necessary for spiritual heath.

Author Mike McKinley does a great job of examining scripture to look for solid truths on what it means to be a Christian and then teaching us to look for evidences of God’s mighty saving work in our lives.

While some could take this book as provocative, it asks an eternally important question in a simple, gospel driven, and straight forward way. Jesus himself says there are many who will get to the end and expect to walk through the pearly gates, only to hear, “I never even knew you,” from God himself. (Matthew 25). The purpose of the book is to explore such things deeply, before it is too late.

The book is laid out in nine chapters, each addressing what it means and does not mean to be a Christian.  Each chapter goes to scripture to discuss what it clearly says in regards to being born again.  At the end of each chapter there is a response section in which the author thoughtfully calls us to reflect, repent, remember, and report through different questions and scripture references.

McKinley does a great job at addressing how self deceived and comically limited our own self awareness is by showing us that being a Christian doesn’t mean checking a box once, or just claiming that we are. It requires a change of heart, a change of team.

McKinley takes on popular misconceptions of what a Christian is. He goes head on against the idea that you are a Christian simply because you love Jesus. He also challenges our hearts by showing us that we are not Christians if we continually abide in sin, deliberately keep in it, and happily make it a practice. I appreciated the chapters on loving others and not loving our stuff.  He again, goes to scripture to show us that being a Christian means we will have a heart that loves others, dying to ourselves, and putting our hope in Christ instead of worldly goods.

 I really appreciated how it also talks about the goodness of God. God delights to save his people and he is not some swindler trying to trick us into losing the race. Graciously God has given us some guidance on who belongs to himself. “You shall know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:20). Essentially, we need to prayerfully take heed to Jesus’ warnings and cling to his promises.

The book repeats the gospel often, and helps us to see that “human beings are not spiritually wounded, we are spiritually dead.” Many people who claim to be Christians are just working on fixing themselves up, but “self improvement is not the solution to these kinds of problems. A radical overhaul is.” Chapter two dives in to what it looks like to be born again and what it means to essentially have a total alteration of your cosmic allegiances. He tackles the question “how can you tell that you are born again,” and shows us five basic things that all Christians have. (Belief in true doctrine, hatred for sin in your life, perseverance over time, love for other people, freedom from love of the world.)

I loved that involvement in a local church is stressed as an essential help to our faith. This book explains that when we are around others, they can help us locate our blind spots. Also, being immersed in good biblical teaching can help us align our values and measurements with God’s.

Time and time again the reminder sounded that I need to place my trust in Christ for my salvation, and not in a resume of religious works.

This book is a helpful instrument for anyone. It will help you peel back your heart layers and look for the evidence that God has done a mighty saving work in our lives. Even as someone who has grown up in and around Christian culture, claiming the gospel for myself at a young age, this book presented a much needed assessment. 

Check out more resources and purchase it here: Am I Really A Christian by Mike McKinley.

eBook Review: 31 Days to Blogging Mojo

I recently received a copy of and read 31 Days to Find Your Blogging Mojo by Bryan Allain.

This e-book is a helpful tool for any blogger, whether 2 days into a blogging career or 6 years in (like me).

I found it extremely easy to read and not overwhelming like other “30 days to…” books. Each day was clearly laid out in a humorous but helpful manner. I tore through this ebook in one sitting, and hope to go back and take each day at a time.

Bryan has a good understanding of what tips and tricks help one to really grow and focus their blog. He gives helpful tips like thinking about who you want to read your blog, then start to write each post as if you were addressing that person specifically. He also focuses on being proud of your writing and not being shy about your work.

I appreciate that he has a lot of wisdom and advice because he has been there and learned each step through his own trial and error.

Though sometimes the random humor quips at the end of each day seemed to be pulling for straws, they helped make this book a really useful but light hearted read… perfect for any blogger who is already in the blogging trenches, busy with trying to write up a storm.

After going back through this book, I really think my tired blog will be a new and more enchanting place.

If you are interested in giving your blog a boost, finding your blogging passion, growing your audience, or just figuring out what to write, I definitely recommend this resource.

It is available now. RIGHT HERE!   

Book Review: The Godly Home

     This book has been on my radar for a while. Whether it's the puritanical style or the fact that its about family life and marriage, I knew I had to read it.
     Just released from Crossway in 2010, yet written over 300 years ago, The Godly Home by Richard Baxter is actually a small part of a larger directory (totaling 1,143 pages) written in 1673. This specific section was titled "Christian Economics for Family Duties," and is an in depth treatment of the way Christians ought to worship God through family life, including marriage and child raising. In the useful introduction by J.I Packer, he quenches any uneasiness one may have with dealing with such an old text. He says "it would be mere chronological snobbery, to borrow a C.S. Lewis phrase, to assume that only contemporary treatments of Christian family life are worth reading." Agreed.
      Let me explain a few things about the book. It is definitely written to men. Where it does not directly address men, I think it is implied that the men are reading to the children or to the wives. I got a good laugh anyways. The editor, Randall Pederson, did a really good of making it readable for the 21st century reader, taking out uncommon or old English phrases and still keeping with the authenticity of the text. It took me a minute to adjust, but that could also just be my ADD. There was no difficulty reading it, and it was never boring. In fact, I finished this in less than 3 days.
     The book is written in chapters, each first giving a theological examination of a certain family related topic, then providing listed out instructions, and ending with a question and answer section. This was very helpful, and quite intriguing to see certain cultural norms in place (the editor purposefully kept in the sections about marrying first cousins!). I found most of the advice to still be quite timely and important, despite the difference in centuries. Actually, I was very challenged and encouraged by reading this and think its a necessary read for anyone considering marriage and family.
    The first chapter has to be one of my favorites. Listen to the title: "Directions About Marriage." Baxter is very keen on making sure his reader has thought very thoroughly on choosing to get married and that "neither lust nor rashness thrust you into a married condition..." He explains very clearly that "every man is bound to choose that condition in which he may serve God with the best advantages and which tends most to his spiritual welfare and increase in holiness." It seems that at this period in time, many were just rushing into marriage (how curious!), so the advice given today might be slightly different. But yes, we must consider through marriage or singleness, which one increases our holiness!
    His second directive is to not rush into "a state of life where you have never thought of all the inconveniences!" Oh Richard Baxter. Twenty reasons why marriage is inconvenient later, he goes on to explain how one should go about choosing "the person on whom so much of the comfort and sorrow of your life will rest." Brilliant. It's gold advice. I want to rip out this chapter and give it to all my single or dating friends!
   Chapters 2-5 deal with "Family Government" and the "Careful Education of Children." There are many points that I had never fully considered before such as the sanctity of the christian family, discipline as worship, frequency and content of family worship, and authority structures in the family setting. Baxter takes care to explain how to lead the family in ways that will draw the children and family to Christ, instead of heavy handed or passive leadership which is the antithesis of a gospel centered family.
   "Mutual Duties of Husbands and Wives Toward Each Other," "Duties of Husbands to their Wives," and "Duties of Wives to Their Husbands" are the titles of chapters 6-8. It is obvious that these chapters reflect on solely the marital relationship. "Never say you love them if you will not labor for their salvation." The main goal is to encourage spouses to point each other in a respectful and loving way towards godly growth. I loved the part about preparing each other to "die well." Sounds morbid, but it's very helpful. Baxter also deals with godly submission of wives to their husbands. I even learned some things from the footnotes in these chapters.
    Chapters 9-12 deal with the relationship between parents to children, children to parents, and children to God. I think anyone can relate to these chapters, and even in the "Duties of Children and Youth to God" chapter, I was admonished and helped by some of the directives. He reminds children that "[you] have corrupted natures to be cured and that Christ is the Physician who must cure them." Amen sir.

 Throughout this book I caught some paedobaptistic references that I would definitely challenge. I also am now interested in learning more about the theologian William Ames. It also does a good job at subconsciously making the case for local church involvement, membership, and discipline. Some of the quotes from this book remind me of some helpful resources out today such as "Shepherding a Child's Heart," by Tripp and "When Sinners Say I Do" by Dave Harvey.

  Overall, "The Godly Home" is quite the robust guide for all things marriage and family. I give it a two thumbs up.

Have you read it? Thoughts?

Book Review: Mere Churchianity

Mere Churchianity is a book for those who have left the church “to find Jesus.”

Now, Michael Spencer does have a lot of good points. But sadly, for every “YES” that I wrote in the margin, there was a equal, if not greater number of “I think he has this wrong here.”

Growing up in somewhat of a “church culture,” I did relate to many of his examples: the youth group massacring Dairy Queen, studying the bible with little interest in seeing how it pointed to the gospel, the dangers of being culture shaped more than Christ shaped. Those are all very true things that go on in many churches.

“Behind the Jesus Is Here sign there are too many narcissistic competitors in what has rightly been called the “worship wars,” a consumerist competition to draw a bigger audience into a fog of Jesus-lite entertainment.” Sad, but horribly true in some instances.

“Many Christians like to spend time with those who mirror themselves.” True, and not an example of the Gospel.

But Spencer makes a mistake. He chooses to look to disgruntled people to set the agenda, instead of the Scriptures. More than once he talks about the people who are not Christians, but surely know a thing or two about Jesus- we should listen to them. Should we? Should we listen to the people who have no idea about Christ as they tell us that our church services are too long, the music is too old fashioned, the prayers are too intense, yadda yadda yadda. It is with this ideology that many churches has taken a seeker sensitive approach- letting the nonbelievers set the agenda in regards to ecclesiology, polity, and church community and theology. Hardly a biblical concept.

Spencer is right about the spiritual bankruptcy of some churches. But again, he fails to give the correct answer. It is not because of the misdirected brand that is being promoted- though that does play a part- it is because of sin. People are unsatisfied with what the Bible says about how we are to live as Christians in church because of sin issues.

I fear he throws the baby out with the bathwater by the end of the book. Through the whole book, I just wanted to grab Spencer and say “but it doesn’t have to be this way!” There are biblical churches that love Christ, love each other, and love the gospel. There are churches that read the scriptures and teach rightly, and carefully examine their theology. While it might be a wise decision to leave A church because it fails to pursue Christ, it is a lazy self seeking mistake to leave “the church” altogether because of some disgruntled ideas. 

You would be ten times better off reading “Why We Love The Church” by DeYoung and Kluck for some solid ecclesiology.

“I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”.

Book Review and Giveaway: Reverberation

I just finished Reverberation by Jonathan Leeman. It is one of those books that clearly brings forth truth that a lot of us take for granted, don't understand the importance of, or just ignorantly forget about.  It is also one of the best books I have read in a while and I definitely recommend it. Any church member would do themselves and fellow brothers and sisters in Christ a lot of good by going through this book.

Reverberation is about how God's word brings light, freedom, and action to His people. Leeman asks straightforward and necessary questions, helping us to see that maybe we have not rightly prioritized God's word, some even loosing confidence in the Word of God. The goal of Reverberate is to essentially help us see that God's word, working through God's spirit, is God's primary instrument for growing God's church. In fact, God's word is the most powerful force in the universe. God created the universe through his word (Genesis 1:3). He is recreating it through His word (2 Cor 4:6). And He sustains all things by His word (Hebrews 1:3).

Of course we give lip service to that, and we "know" that stuff. But how does that knowledge actually translate into how we choose a church to belong to? How does it translate as church leaders wanting to grow their churches? Does it?

This is one of those books that I wish I could write a review by just quoting the whole thing to you.

The book concentrates on three main topics: the word, the sermon, and the reverberation, and traces how the word of God should reverberate through them all.

1. The word invites and divides, acts, frees, and gathers. 
I love how Leeman challenges us to build our churches based on biblical ideals, and that people should join our church because they are in love with the gospel, not because our church is the cool church or the baby boomer church, etc. He also points out that there is a difference between "removing distractions" from the word of God, such as uncomfortable seating, and "creating attractions" in our churches through clothing style, or dramas. He even gives a helpful look at how to remove distractions but not create attractions through clothing, humor, music, charisma, and good works. These are simple concepts, but how many actually take the time to intentionally think about how to simply remove distractions so people can focus on the Word that is being taught, which is what Paul calls us to in 1 Corinthians 1. We should take away all distractions and look to what the Bible wants us to adorn our church with: the holiness and sacrificial love of Christians as they live out their lives together.

 The book also challenges readers to unite their churches around one thing: the gospel. Not social affinity. Not ethnicity. Not "coolness." Not intellectualism. Not age. Leeman proposes that giving into that temptation risks undermining the gospel. Can I get an amen?

2. The sermon should expose, announce, and confront.
In a section titled "How Then Do We Preach?" Leeman has some very intelligent things to say that I wish I could rip out and just give to all the pastors I know. He speaks to using creativity very wisely and carefully, realizing that it is NOT our creativity that builds the church, but it is the word of God. The goal of any sermon is to expose God's word, not hide it among our creatively packaged opinions. He compares it to the mailman, a reporter, and a receptionist- they don't deliver their own letters, but someone else's, they don't make up the news, they report it, they don't receive a phone call and pass on a random message, they pass on the caller's message. Likewise, a pastor must preach the word of God and not his own message or ideas. He proposes that the best method of preaching is gospel centered exposition, so as to "expose God's word" and let IT set the agenda, instead of coming to it with our own agenda, which is a danger of topical preaching.

I really appreciated how Leeman approaches sermon theory. Much of what he says is counter cultural, even among the Christian culture, but in my opinion, he is spot on.

3. The reverberation of the word- how it works, how it sings, prays, disciples, scatters, and once again invites.
 One thing that stood out to me in this section was the chapter titled "The Reverberation Sings." The section is talking about the point of singing in church, and the point is that "singing in church should be about the church singing." It goes on to say that

"God has given music to the gathered church so that the people together can own, affirm, rejoice in, and unite around God's word. Far better than the sweet harmonies of a few trained singers is the rough and hale sound of pardoned criminals, delighting with one voice in their Saviour."

 What a different, glorious, and BIBLICAL take on the purpose of musical worship than the typical concert style "special music" programming of many churches today.


Again, I really enjoyed this book.
If you are a church member, pastor, worship leader, mom, student, teacher, small group leader, christian in general, I recommend this book to you.  Jonathan Leeman shares with us some really helpful and prudent wisdom about the word of God and how the word "brings light, freedom, and action to God's people," and how we can make this truth alive in our churches and lives. My brief overview does not do it justice.

So, I am going to give a copy away! ::GIVEAWAY CLOSED::

Quotes on Marriage

A friend lent me her copy of "Sacred Marriage" by Gary Thomas. (subtitle: What If God Designed Marriage to Make Us Holy More Than to Make Us Happy) I enjoy reading books about marriage, because even though I'm not married or anywhere close to being married (though I'd love to be married), there are a lot of take aways and applications about such things like: loving one another, church membership, friendship, priorities, and how we relate to God. (Not to mention great insights into the purpose and intention of marriage.)

I am digging this book so far (and think you should read it.) At the beginning of each chapter there are great quotes. So I thought I would share some of them with you:

"Like everything which is not the involuntary result of fleeting emotion but the creation of time and will, any marriage, happy or unhappy, in infinitely more interesting than any romance, however passionate." - WH Auden.

"Marriage is the merciless revealer, the great white searchlight turned on the darkest places of human nature." Katherine Anne Porter

"Marriage requires radical commitment to love our spouses as they are, while longing for them to become what they are not yet. Every marriage moves either towards enhancing one another's glory or toward degrading each other."-Dan Elexander and Tremper Longmann III

"If you treat a man as he is, he will stay as he is. But if you treat him as if he were what he ought to be and could be, he will become the bigger and better man." -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

"We must never be naive enough to think of marriage as a safe harbor from the fall... The deepest struggles of life will occur in the most primary relationship affected by the fall: marriage." -Dan Alexander and Tremper Longman III

"A magnificent marriage begins not with knowing one another but with knowing God." -Gary and Betsy Ricucci

What do you think?

Book Review: The One Thing No One Ever Tells You About Sex

Yada.

This one word is the premise for “What are You Waiting For? The One Thing No one Ever Tells You About Sex,” written by Dannah Gresh. Yada is a Hebrew word that means “to be known, to be deeply respected,” and is the word used when talking about a husband and wife “laying” with each other. It is found more than 900 times in the Bible, and aside from marital relations, it is most commonly found in verses that talk about humanity being known by God. The alternate word, "Shekalb," literally means an exchange of fluids- and is used when describing rape or adultery. So many people think that they can just exchange fluids with someone, and come away unharmed. But when your soul is looking to be deeply known and respected, as is the purpose of sex, and you just “exchange fluids,” you are setting yourself up to be deeply unsatisfied.
Gresh strives to show us that sex isn’t just an exchange of fluids, but it is “an exquisite revelation of a much greater love,” e.i- a picture of our relationship with God. Amen. 

While reading the first chapters of this book, I was turned off by the sort of “shock jock” literary hooks and emotional chick flick definitions of romance.  So I put my super critical glasses on and prepared to deal with whatever horrible theology was about to be thrown my way. After reading the book in its entirety, I came to the conclusion that the first two chapters should be cut from the book, leaving an age appropriate (written for young adults), challenging, redeeming, truthful nutshell exposition on sex.

I loved Gresh’s treatment on counterfit love via “friends with benefits,” as she includes interesting and easily digestable scientific research on hormones and brain functions. I love how she discusses the quest we all have for love, “to be known and respected,” and how the enemy often turns this search into an unsatiable desire for unhealthy love.

“Every man who knocks at the door of a brothel is looking for God.” –G.K Chesterton.

I was encouraged by Gresh’s stance on same sex attraction, as she challenges the reader to replace lies with truth, drag struggles into the light, and get help from fellow Christians. Isn’t that what we are called to do as Christians- admit we are sinners?  James 5:16 “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” She also talks about pornography and other “unmentionable” sexual sin. I liked that she talks about it in regards to both men AND women, and how “sex is not a solo sport,” (the title of chapter nine).  She offers the idea of forgiveness, and being made whole in Christ as the ultimate solution.

In Chapter 14, Gresh pulls out Ephesians 5 as a biblical model for finding a mate, and I whole heartedly agree with this whole chapter. She talks about finding someone that is showing signs of what Ephesians 5 talks about. I was actually surprised by this chapter, as it seems to contradict what she says in chapter two about what kind of love to be looking for. But I will eagerly take it.

Anyways, this book does struggle slightly (in my opinion) with romanticism, the idea that you want some epic  pursuit with flowers everyday ending with a carriage ride and then a marriage proposal kind of romance. If I had a daughter, would I give it to her to read? I think I might, as long as a discussion followed it up. Would this be my definite first pick for a book on the theology of sex? Probably not so much. 

“I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”.

A Grief Observed

by Alissa Graham

Maybe the icicles on my eyes

from the arctic wind that makes me cry

Will plummet into my heart

And break the walls, the chains, apart

If my house was one built of cards

the sooner knocked down the better

and only suffering can do it,

the wrecking ball swings with ease

Grief is like a long valley

A winding road revealing new landscapes.

Maybe loneliness will be invaded

By the joy that’s been on hiatus

Oh lord, I can only pray.

"A corpse, a memory, a ghost.

All mockeries and horrors," CS Lewis said

these three words are simply

three more ways of spelling the word

“dead.”

(excerpts taken from A Grief Observed by CS Lewis)

Book Review: Churched

I chose the book Churched, by Matthew Paul Turner, because it describes me too. Having also gone to church my whole life and on top of that, Christian school, I wondered if I would be able to relate to "one kid's journey toward God despite a holy mess,"  (as the subtitle reads.) 

Turner grew up in Fundamental Baptist culture in Maryland. This means, according to the book, that from the time he was young he was terrified of hell, having long hair, and sinners. I was expecting a pretty funny book, but I think that this book, as one reviewer says, "uses humor to keep people from crying."

Turner's misshapen view of God and the church can largely be accredited to his upbringing. On that note, I think this book offers us two important lessons.

The first has to do with parenting. It is important to understand that a parent needs to be careful about the theology they put in front of their children, as well as what is actually emphasized through actions. Turner describes being terrified at "asking Jesus to come into (his) heart." His parents and his church also emphasized perfection, in strange, unbiblical ways. At one point his father took him to a barber shop because "Jesus hated little boys with long hair." Through the whole book, we see the parents making their children follow rules with no explanation, in order for them to be "better little baptist boys and girls." We see Turner as a terrified and confused child, afraid of not meeting expectations and confused about Jesus. As parents, (not that I am one), but are we emphasizing following Christ and loving others out of his love for us? Or are we emphasizing some sort of works based "salvation."

The second lesson is applicable to how we handle our churches. He speaks of the church he grew up in: "Most people thought that Pastor Nolan was perfect..(as if) God had made him without flaws." And that confessing sin was unheard of. Turner says that at one point as a young adult living in a Christian community, "(he) was led to wonder if he was just living a Stepford-type reality." And that grace was simply a foot note in all of the sermons he had ever heard. As Christians living in community, it is easy to want to hide our sin and judge others for theirs.  But one of the glorious things about God is that he has forgiven us, and that is we accept that Jesus took the punishment we are due, nothing will separate us from God. There is no condemnation for those that know Christ. And the Bible calls us to confess our sin to one another, as that is what the church is- a bunch sinners thankful to a mighty God- nothing more. 

At the end of the book, I am sad for Turner. He has been burned by the church, and while he still calls himself a Christian- I feel his pain and lack of trust have caused him to not look much deeper into what he believes, still basing his view of  God on a shallow understanding based on what makes him comfortable. From his writing, I cannot detect any hint of theological study into who God is and what the purpose of church is. There is no happy ending, just a man who is tormented by his legalistic upbringing. Instead of swinging to middle ground, has simply swung to the opposite bank.

I am also thankful that my "churched" upbringing was far from his. I was taught both the depravity of myself AND the richness of the gospel. 

Do I recommend this book? Only if you desire a sad tale of Christianity poorly understood and lived out.

 “I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”.

Hey, Im Alissa

Remember when I took this picture in Russia? Man, good times, and good news I'm going to share pretty soon.

Otherwise, I've just become an author. Here is the Amazon link to my book.

God is soo good. He is truly my father, my comforter, my provider.

Experience New England: To the Golden Shore Tour

If you havent heard me talk about this book already (have you been living under a rock?) then let me just quickly introduce it to you. "To the Golden Shore" is a biography about Adoniram Judson, written by Courtney Anderson. Judson was the first missionary sent out from America to another country. He went to Burma. Its an amazing book and everyone should read it. The leadership team for Christian Student Fellowship has been reading through it this trimester, and I'm really getting a lot from it.

Travis, our campus minister, decided we should take a day trip and explore some of the points of interest from the book. Most of the book takes place in either New England or Burma, and so we were able to explore quite a few interesting places! Let me share a few pictures, following with relevant quotes from the book:

"

Tabernacle Congregational Church, Salem Massachusetts

"Next Thursday, February 6, 1812 by appointment of the Prudential Committee of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, Messangers Adoniram Judson, Samuel Newell, Samuel Nott, and Gordon Hall are to be set apart by a solemn ordination at Christian missionaries to carry the Gospel of Salvation to the heathen. The public exercises are to be holden at the Tabernacle in this town, and to commence at 11:00am..."

-Samuel Worcester (pg 106)

Salem Harbor, Massachusetts

"It proved impossible to load the Caravan in time to sail on the tenth. She lay at the end of the Crowninsheild's Wharf- closest to the sea of all of Salem's wharves- until the 13th."  (pg 116)

Beverly, Massachusetts

"Jaunting the few short miles to Salem, as they must have done often, Adoniram and his father would not have gone far through Beverly's streets before unmistakable evidences of wealth began to appear everywhere."  (pg 21)

First Congregational Church in Wenham, Massachusetts

"In Wenham the church chose the pastor but the town employed him and paid his salary. Immediately after the church made its decision, a town meeting was held. The town voted to invite Mr. Judson to be its minister..." (pg 16)

Judson House, Plymouth, Massachusetts

"But the Judson's did not settle on this side of the Town brook. East of the brook, in the direction of the new church and the Training Green, the land rose upward into what was then known as 'Watson's Hill.' ... A crude Road in front of it, scarcely more than a wagon track, became known as 'the way to the new meeting house.' Later it was called 'the way to the Judson's house'; still later, "Judson Street"; and today, 'Pleasant Street.' The house still stands, Number 17 Pleasant Street."   (page 27)

It was a great little excursion. It was so amazing to be able to see all these places up close, places where people lived out hard decisions, decisions that cost some of them their lives as they set sail to unknown lands.  The Salem Tabernacle church even had a specific room full of all sorts of historical artifacts relating to Adoniram Judson and similar people like the Newells, Samuel Worcester, etc. I recommend this day trip to anyone with an interest of church history. 

Sacred Struggle

When I am visiting someone's house, there is a tendency in me to to become curiously enamored by their books. I'll usually pick up a quick stack and glance through them, noting which ones I would love to read at a later time, or borrow of course. Well, last night I was hanging out with some friends and came across two books that stood out to me. The first one is a William Butler Yeats Selected Poems book, full of poems that warmly remind me of my love of poetry in high school (and how much I want to love it again). The second one, interestingly enough is "Sacred Marriage" by Gary Thomas. I am definitely adding this to my "to read" shelf on GoodReads. I would like to share a selection of that book, one that really caught my eye. The book is about marriage, but this portion more specifically, about our Christian lives. At the moment, I really relate to it. So here we go, taken from chapter eight, "Sacred Struggle."

   The tendency to avoid difficulty is a grave spiritual failing that can and often does keep us in Christian infancy. The great spiritual writers warned that this life is difficult and that we should use the difficulty to build up character.
   William Law, an eighteen century Anglican writer, asks, "How many saints has adversity sent to Heaven? And how many poor sinners has prosperity plunged into everlasting misery?"  

John Climacus, who wrote the Eastern classic on the Christian faith in the fifth century, mocks our demand to have it easy and to shun struggle:   "I would not consider any spirituality worthwhile that wants to walk in sweetness and ease and run from the imitation of Christ." 

Jesus promised us that everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice seasoned with salt (Mark 9:49). The desire for ease, comfort, and stress-free living is an indirect desire to remain an  "unseasoned," immature Christian. Struggle makes us stronger; it builds us up and deepens our faith.

  But this result is achieved only when we face the struggle head on, not when we run from it. Gary and Betsy Ricucci point out, "Our Lord has sovereignly ordained that our refining process take place as we go through difficulties, not around them. The Bible is filled with examples of those who overcame as they passed through the desert, the Red Sea, the fiery furnace, and ultimately the cross. God doesnt protect Christians from their problems, but he helps them walk victoriously through them.

Are we indirectly desiring to remain unseasoned infants? Or are we relying on God to get us through and deepen our faith?

What do you think?

Whats on Your Shelf: Mike?

For todays installment of On Your Shelf, we are lucky enough to get a participant from all the way across the world- Russia! Michael and his wife Karen are a career missionaries working in Nizhny Novgorod. I had the privilege of meeting them while I was over there, and they are a blessing. 

Check out Mike and Karen McDonald's blog HERE for some awesome updates about their ministry in Russia.

Whats on Your Shelf?

Kindle, Nook, or iPad? What do you think of e-readers?

Sony Ebook Reader – I like the Sony, it has it limitations, but it is nice to be able to carry one hundred books at a time – good for long Russian train rides.  The Nook gets bad revues.  Ipad is too big, Kindle looks awkward.  I used to own an RCA eBook reader – it was a first generation eBook reader.  The company was purchased by a bigger group, they then managed to bankrupt the company.  The reader was really well designed.  If they brought it back with “E-ink” technology I would buy it in a second.

Where do you most like to read? Anywhere

When? - Anytime

Favorite genre of literature?  History, apocalyptic novels (non-Christian), alternative history I will read the history of anything. Missionary bios and Methodist church history. I am trying to learn to read books that I don’t agree with, it helps me to see things from a broader perspective.

Best novel you’ve read? I really liked Exodus and Mila 18 by Leon Uris, but really how do you decide upon a favorite novel – I really don’t read a lot of what many readers consider “great”.

Most influential book in your life outside the Bible?  “God’s Smuggler” the book that sent me to Russia, and “God’s Guerrillas” (out of print) introduced me to missions and the need in Europe

Who are some of your favorite writers?

I actually don’t think in terms of favorite writers – it really depends upon the genre.

What makes their writing great?  See above

Do you have any “pet peeves” about writing?  Writers who say the same thing over and over again

Reading habits? (e.g., Pen in hand? Coffee? Diet Coke? Music playing?)   Coffee if possible, or something cold preferably Coke Lite

Elephant ear or bookmark?  Never, never, never turn down the page of a book – I do highlite in some books

Approximately how many volumes are in your personal library?  Several thousand. Most are packed in boxes.  I have probably given away or sold 1000 or more over the years.

Favorite children’s book?  The Runaway Bunny

Favorite library you’ve ever visited?  I find libraries overwhelming – to many books, to many choices.

What's on Your Shelf Alissa?

I've been meaning to do a post about books, especially my summer reading list, but havent gotten around to it. The other day, I stumbled upon the "On My Shelf" series at the Gospel Coalition site. It sounded good and here we go!

What's on Your Shelf: Alissa Graham

What’s currently on your nightstand?

The Church and the Surprising Offense of Gods Love by Jonathan Leeman

Kindle, Nook, or iPad? What do you think of e-readers?
No thanks! Im all about paper and bindings.

Where do you most like to read? When?
I read when I have the time. Usually before bed, on the bus, slow times at work, and on my balcony on a nice afternoon.

Favorite genre of literature?
Biblical Counseling

Best novel you’ve read?
I love what Mark Dever says “I really don’t like superlative questions.”

Most influential book in your life outside the Bible?
:) See answer to previous question.

If you were stranded on an island and could have any three books in addition to the Bible, what would they be?
Instruments in the Redeemers Hands by Tripp, Greek and Hebrew Strong’s Concordance, and a biography of Adoniram Judson

Who are some of your favorite writers? What makes their writing great?
Paul Tripp, Mark Dever, CJ Mahaney. All of their writing is practical, gospel centered, and intelligently challenging

Do you have any “pet peeves” about writing? What do you try to avoid in your prose?
I don’t like beating around the bush.

Reading habits? (e.g., Pen in hand? Coffee? Diet Coke? Music playing?)
A book in hand, a pen nearby

Elephant ear or bookmark?
I go for the random bookmark method- post-it notes, receipts, napkins.

Approximately how many volumes are in your personal library?
Maybe 1,000? (Probably more) Someday they will all be reunited into one central home library, instead of sprawled out across 2 states and 3 homes.

Favorite children’s book?
Go Dog Go! By PD Eastman

Favorite library you’ve ever visited?
Lockport Public Library- New York


Stick around for more in this series! Maybe even you!

Redeem

I know exactly what I did and why it didnt work. You cant just ignore hurt or sin until it goes away, because it never will with that mindset. It might be hiding away in the back closet that you kept it in, but while you arent paying attention it will be eating through the floor and the wires and its spores will be slowly steeping into the air ventilation system, and before you know it, it has slowly taken over and destroyed more than you even know.

And I did that for a little while. Until I went to open the closet where I kept it hidden and realized that the mold had spread into other areas and now I had to deal with ten times more than I originally thought. Bitterness is a dirty little root.

Recently my pastor had me reading a book called "When People are Big and God is Small." In Gods sovereign timing and grace, this book surprisingly spoke directly into the issues that I was facing. Specifically, one of the last examples hit really close to home, when a counselour is talking with a 27yrold woman who has complaints that her needs arent being met and she wont be better until people start fulfilling her and loving her, and he asks her 3 questions: 1. "What do you need" 2. "who or what controls you" and 3. "where do you put your trust." They are questions basically designed to help this woman see what she is giving the most weight to in her life and pointing her to the statement that "we tend to be controlled by the things we think we need." Ugh. She has her hope in the wrong thing. This book makes it easy for me to see some of my problems stem from a ridiculous fear of man and a terribly lacking fear of God.

Alot of people dont correctly understand fear of man/fear of God stuff... And its more than "being afraid" so to speak.. Its about who or what motivates you, controls you, where do you put your hope, how do you decide things, what controls your thought life. For example, purely example, if I had hard feelings toward someone and I COULD NOT get over them, and thoughts of this person consumed my mind, I shunned and avoided this person even if it destroyed unity in the church, thoughts of how they hurt me consumed my day, spent alot of time with a victim mentality, blah blah, thats a (freakishly) unhealthy fear of man. But, someone who has a healthy fear of God would realize that God is bigger than our pain, that He can redeem all of the hurt and make something beautiful out of it, and that we need to persevere and strive to surrender our pain, longings, issues to God no matter how hard it seems to be.

I was also listening to a sermon last night about forgiveness, and learned that my actions regarding "forgive men when they have wronged you & your heavenly Father will also forgive you" (mt6:14) is directly related to how I grasp the gospel. I think that in my case, I am being hurt by certain people way too easily because of my disproportionate fear of man, and I need to strive to forgive them eagerly because Christ forgave me, and simultaneously strive to make God numero uno.

God is redeeming my brokenness and making something beautiful with it. He is teaching me, the hard way albiet, but thats usually how I learn best, alot about forgiveness and dealing with hurt and sin- dead on -straight up- right away, not letting it linger and poison the rest of the water. He is also teaching me about his love and his plan, and how incredible and perfect it is. I dont know what I need. He does.

Im a little vague, and possibly unhelpful. But Ive said what I need to say.
I challenge you to ask yourself those threee questions and see what you come up with. Whom or what do you fear?

Dear God this is hard.

Holy moly. Recently, I have decided that Ive become a tad bit into facebook and twitter. Now, I like to think that I use both resources responsibly, and not over the top, but its been out of control. Especially at work when there is literally NOTHING else to do except go online and waste time between calls. I can definitley use my time better for goodness sake. So, starting last night, I decided to give up both Facebook and Twitter for a week.

Can I just say that it is hard? Blah. Really hard. Ive been so accumstomed to sharing with the world what Im feeling, what Im up to, interesting tidbits that I find, as well as seeing what everyone else is up to. Its like I crave for the world to know what Im doing like Im someone super special or something. What a crapload. And if I really cared about knowing about certain people, why I should just call them or see how they are doing straight up.

Im definitely trying to use this time to finish some of the books Ive been working on, actually have a quiet time in the morning, as well as productively using my internet time to answer emails, work on contacting my international buddies through JWUs program, and thinking about who I really want to know whats going on with me, and dedicating my time to getting closer to those people.

Ive also decided to be more craftier. Today, I drew a pretty picture using only office supplies.

Paper Clips, Received Stamp, and a cup. Imagine that.

Im laying off the blog for this week, just to focus on other things. So, yep.



So this is one of the books Im reading.. I recommend for you all to check it out. It is what the title says it is. All about when we make people big in our minds and make God small. A big bad thing to do. It's by Ed Welch, great author. Hits me hard.





Hmm. So, I hope I dont go crazy. This is intense and extreme.. but sometimes its necessary. MMk peace out. Call me if you need me <3

Suggested Reading: Shopping for Time

So I am currently reading:

Shopping for Time: How to do It All and NOT Be Overwhelmed

By Carolyn Mahaney, Micole whitacre, Kistin Chesemore, Janelle Bradshaw

Its a great little book that offers ridiculously amazing insights on literally, how to do it all and not be overwhelmed. Alot of women today feel overwhelmed, miserable, exhausted. I can atest. During the school year I have a full course load, 30 hours of work a week, multiple student leadership roles, not to mention church events and fellowship. Oh wait, I forgot to mention the hours I spend taking the bus to and fro, as well as the hours that I just want to spend numbing my brain by reading magazines or blogs or checking my facebook and twitter. I am the first to say that I probably do not manage my time to the best extent. The first verse that this book challenges us with is:

Ephesians 5:15-16
"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best
use of the time, because the days are evil."

"We are not to trudge blindly or routinely through ours days. We shouldnt just let life happen and try to deal with the results. We should not allow one day to simply flow into the next, being concerned only with the present moment. No, we must look around. We must develop keen eyes. We must examine our lives. We must evaluate our present manner of living and consider how to prepare for the future. We must walk circumspectly through each and every day."

Well said. This book is a great resource for any woman with alot on her plate. The chapters cover rising early, sitting still, planning, evaluating relationships carefully, and being productive in daily life.

I recommend it.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

There are some things that I have always wanted to do with my life. Some are newly formed ideas, others are ideas obtained in childhood that have stayed with me.

1. Travel. Obviously. hi. Global Tourism major here...

2. Be a Private Investigator. We all know I hold this talent. And I really really think I could succeed at it.
3. Real Estate Agent. I am obsessed with looking up houses online, and I love to go through different houses/apartments. I think its the most fascinating thing in the world. I love to see the possibilities that a new abode could hold for someone, and getting people excited about it.

4. Professional Explorer. Can they pay me to sail around the world exploring new places? I would totally be all over that.

5. Missionary/ ESL Teacher. No joke. I really love people who speak other languages, and not that I think that English is the best language or something, but its definitely something that can bond two people together. Most people know atleast a few words, and its exciting to see how you can connect with someone with such a limited scope of words. I also think it is a good way to reach people for the gospel.

6. High School History Teacher / College Geography Professor. I dont know which one. I really want to teach. And I like the idea of having an impact on young minds. If I were to teach highschool, I would want to teach in an international school.

7. Professional Crossing Guard. No joke.

8. Admissions Representative for a University. I think it would be super fun to travel around and go to different schools and talk to them about colleges and give them free pens and info and such.

Of course, while these are great options, Im not boxed in and if I felt God was leading me to do anything else, I would gladly follow. At the moment these are just some possibilites.

Is there a way to combine all of these into one career?

When you were a kid what was one job that you really wanted to do? When I was a kid I seriously wanted to be a crossing guard. I still kind of do. I dont know why.

Recommended Reading:

Just Do Something By Kevin DeYoung

A Liberating Approach to Findings Gods Will

My Reading/Watching List Summer 2009

For the summer, the new leadership team for Christian Student Fellowship, we are aiming to read the whole bible in 90 days. That will be exciting.






I am currently reading this book right now. "This is a comprehensive treatment of how God uses people as tools of change in the lives of others, people who themselves are in need of change." It is really interesting and offers a good breakdown of systematic theology, as well as practical ways to put all that stuff into action. I dig it.






This book debunks the idea that there are three kinds of people: unsaved, those who are saved but still walking in carnality, and those saved and walking in the spirit. Thats kind of bullcrap.. but alot of people believe it. But anywhoo. This is a short but sweet little book. I recommend it. Also very rich with correct theology.



"The Case for Christ records Lee Strobel's attempt to "determine if there's credible evidence that Jesus of Nazareth really is the Son of God." The book consists primarily of interviews between Strobel (a former legal editor at the Chicago Tribune) and biblical scholars such as Bruce Metzger. Each interview is based on a simple question, concerning historical evidence (for example, "Can the Biographies of Jesus Be Trusted?"), scientific evidence, ("Does Archaeology Confirm or Contradict Jesus' Biographies?"), and "psychiatric evidence" ("Was Jesus Crazy When He Claimed to Be the Son of God?"). Together, these interviews compose a case brief defending Jesus' divinity, and urging readers to reach a verdict of their own."

Ok so this is literally a movie about a tour guiding lady in Greece. Obviously Im going to want to see it. haha.

Jesus Camp is a film about a Pentecostal summer camp for children who spend their summers learning and practicing their "prophetic gifts" and being taught that they can "take back America for Christ." According to the distributor, it "doesn't come with any prepackaged point of view."

We will see.

Whats on your Summer List?
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