Let me start by saying thank you. Thank you for allowing me to occupy a little corner of your inbox and your day.
I haven’t written a random post like this in a long time. You don’t usually like to, but as always, I’d love for you to chime in and join the conversation. You can do that by replying to this email or by commenting below.
ON MY BOOKSHELF
The last book pile I shared with you was in May. Here’s what I’ve been reading since:
IN A PIT WITH A LION ON A SNOWY DAY: How to Survive and Thrive When Opportunity Roars by Mark Batterson
“Stop running away from what scares you most and start chasing the God-ordained opportunities that cross your path.”
This was a great read. It’s filled with loads of get-in-your-face, real-life truth.
ALL IN: You are One Decision Away From a Totally Different Life by Mark Batterson
“The message of All In is simple: if Jesus is not Lord of all then Jesus is not Lord at all. It’s all or nothing. It’s now or never. Kneeling at the foot of cross of Christ and surrendering to His Lordship is a radical act of dethroning yourself and enthroning Christ as King. It’s also an act of disowning yourself. Nothing belongs to you. Not even you.”
Like In a Pit …, this book is filled with personal stories that connect with Biblical truth. I want to live an “All In” kind of life!
A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in a Instant Society by Eugene Peterson
“Tucked away in the Hebrew Psalter, Peterson discovered ‘an old dog-eared songbook,’ the Songs of Ascents that were sung by pilgrims on their way up to worship in Jerusalem. In these songs (Psalms 120-134) Peterson finds encouragement for modern pilgrims as we learn to grow in worship, service, joy, work, happiness, humility, community and blessing.”
I’ve been reading this book slowly, taking in one chapter (each based on one Psalm) at night right before I go to bed. The book is not at all what I expected (I had no idea it was a walk through the Psalms of Ascent), but it’s been a good read.
Soul Keeping: Caring for the Most Important Part of You by John Ortberg
“Bestselling author John Ortberg presents another classic that will help you discover your soul―the most important connection to God there is―and find your way out of the spiritual shallow-lands to true divine depth.”
There are chapters in this book that I will come back to time and time again.
The Rest of God: Restoring Your Soul by Restoring Sabbath by Mark Buchanan
As I was praying about an upcoming retreat this past Monday, the title of this book popped in my mind. Thanks to Amazon Prime, the book arrived on my doorstep today. Guess what I’ll be reading tonight!
What are you reading right now?
ON MY MIND
It’s been interesting for me to see the truth of this quote play out in my life over the last couple of years. Specifically this year, I am beginning to see how what seemed like a season of quiet, hidden work in the Spring is now unfolding into the very message I am called to sow in this one.
Rest and discipleship.
These two seeds have been planted deep in my heart in seasons past. I can see that now. Today they are all over my mind and being sown in every little thing I do. I’m excited to see how the Lord makes them grow.
What yesterday seeds do you sense God sowing in your right-now season?
ON MY KNEES
This is one area I feel particularly challenged in right now. Although I talk to God all the time and leave quiet pockets of time in my day to listen, I have never had a specific and intentional time set apart in my day to pray. I’m craving this more and more.
But… instead of opening my calendar and setting a regular appointment with God, I went out and bought a little ring of tiny note cards.
Because this is how I stall. I think of a system and buy the cute accessories that go with said system instead of actually getting on my knees to pray.
Tell me about your prayer time. Tell me to set my clock. Tell me to stop stalling. (Because you know how much the enemy loves us stalling.)
Ok! Time for me to pick up the munchkins from school. I hope you are having a great day!
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