the whole world. the world that doesn’t make sense. the one that doesn’t function the way we think it should. a world that’s perverse and fallen and broken. my world — the one that’s not been spinning correctly. your world and whatever you have that feels off, imbalanced, not quite right. yup, that one.

He’s got the wind and the rain in His hands.

we were told on Sunday that storms can be expected, floods promised to come, and rain sure to fall. i knew that, but sometimes it’s hard to admit when you’re in the midst of a storm. it never seems very faith-filled to look around and say, “yup, the rain sure be pourin’ somethin’ mighty out there.”

but what i’m realizing is that faith is when you can look at the rain, the floods, and the windy storms that come into our lives and somehow see more than just the torrential downpour. it’s when you’re able to lift your eyes off the doom and gloom of the moment your experiencing and see something Greater. it’s when you see a Son behind the clouds that have dulled your everything. that’s faith.

it’s been pouring in my life. it’s been windy and flooding and raining in the lives of those in my family. the end of summer marked a start of heaviness, of whiplash after whiplash, and more and more rain, leaving us wondering if there’s any sign of it ending soon. our heads are dizzy, our hearts fragile, but it’s taught us the lesson from Job — He gives and takes away, but in it all, blessed be His name.

He’s got the tiny little baby in His hands.

they had her for three months. three whole months to call her their own. they loved on her, changed their daily schedule for her, decorated a room for her, brought her to doctors appointments, purchased outfits and toys for her, and suddenly, they had to let go. they were saying goodbye. her father of three months kissed her neck and she, with her goofy wonderful scrunched up smile, giggled over and over. her mother of three months held her tightly while feeding her the last time. “i love you, baby,” they whispered over and over. it broke their hearts. it broke our hearts.

and it was time. time to pile into vehicles, drive over to an office, and hand her back to the biological mother. she wanted her baby back and the court ruled that she would get her. we filed past that beautiful little girl one more time saying our goodbyes and i found it ironic how similar it felt to a wake of a deceased love one. it felt like she was dead.

but she’s not. i’m more and more aware of the blessing of her life as this nightmare continues. she should be dead. she should have died months ago due to the atrocities of abortion. but she didn’t. she’s living because one person was faithful to share God’s truth. this child was given to be part of our family these three months because others continued to be faithful to share God’s truth. and i can only pray that someday, this very child who has seen the protection of God from the very beginning, will one day stand and also declare God’s truth.

and although right now it feels like our world is out of control, that the storms are trying their best to knock us down, that we just lost a child/niece/grandchild/happiest baby in the world, we can rest in His Hands.

because really, He’s got it. the mad world. the rains that seem unfair. and the baby girl. He’s got it all.

Born November 1, 2009
1:19am
8lbs, 14oz ~ 20-1/2″

Another precious little baby is now in the Paladin family!
We are so glad she is here — and we LOVE her tons!

In this book, the main character, Mack, is led to the shack where his daughter was brutally murdered in order to meet with God and receive restoration and healing. The bulk of the book records his conversations and interactions with Papa (God), Jesus, and Sarayu (the Holy Spirit).

Overall, I have to admit, I was disappointed. There were moments of great encouragement in it and several sentences that I whole-heartedly agreed with and felt built-up by, but in general I felt that the book was drawn out, lacking character interest, and unsatisfactory in answering several of the theological issues the author brought up. (It is my perception that theological discussion was not the main point of the story, at which point I think Young would have been better off just leaving some of the questions he raised, particularly about the Trinity, out altogether.)

I do wonder if the book would have been better as a short story. There are some good nuggets in it; unfortunately, one has to wade through very poor plot build-up and many conversations that take far longer than necessary in order to find them. By far, of all the books I’ve read this year, this one slowed me down the most because I found I had to make myself keep plowing through it despite moments of true boredom.

I can’t help but feel that I wouldn’t ever find myself recommending this to a friend, especially one who might be struggling with the sorts of questions Young tries to answer in this book. If someone close to me is suffering, I would more likely recommend C. S. Lewis. If they are seeking to understand more of the attributes and character of God, I would tell them to read A. W. Tozer. If they want to know more of the Greatest Love Story ever told, I would encourage them to read the Gospel of John. And, certainly, if they had questions about the Triune God, I would actually tell them not to read The Shack, as I felt it could easily leave more questions and uncertainty than it resolved.

Despite many claims, I don’t think this book will last long beyond the immediate sphere of readers it has impacted. Like I said, it has some good points. In all, though, I don’t consider it a great book.

Was it for crimes that I had done,
He groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity! grace unknown!
And love beyond degree!

Well might the sun in darkness hide
And shut His glories in,
When Christ the mighty Maker died
For man the creature’s sin.

Thus might I hide my blushing face
While His dear cross appears;
Dissolve my heart in thankfulness
And melt mine eyes to tears.

But drops of tears can ne’er repay
The debt of love I owe.
Here, Lord, I give myself away;
‘Tis all that I can do.

Isaac Watts, 1707

Two weeks ago I finished reading Honey for a Child’s Heart by Gladys Hunt. First published in 1969, this book is now in its fourth edition* and has been read by many, many parents as they endeavor to encourage a love for and environment of reading in their homes.

The author spends time presenting reasons why reading is important for a number of things, including teaching values, cultivating the soul and imagination, building character, and uniting a family. At times I felt she didn’t communicate all her ideas in a completely coherent and/or compelling manor, but nonetheless found myself freshly energized and re-inspired to appreciate reading as the vital part of family and home life that it should be.

That said, I think the real value of this book lies in the second half, which is an extensive annotated bibliography of books for children of all ages. I found myself pouring over this list and searching amazon for prices and availability, and it was so much fun! I’ve known there are lots of good books to be had for my children, but sometimes it is daunting to weed through the thousands that are on the market for those that are worth having and exposing our children to. This list, which is long and chock-full of wonderful ideas, is also shaped by Hunt’s love for the Lord, her appreciation for good literature and art, and her desire to see children and families encouraged and built together. Without a doubt, this bibliography will help choose many of the gifts we give our children throughout this coming year, and will undoubtedly be referred to throughout many more years for ideas and inspiration.

All in all, if you want your children to grow up in an environment that cherishes reading and the bond that can be shared together through a book, you need to have this book on your shelf! It is a worthwhile read– and the bibliography alone is worth the price!

*The edition I have is an older one. I assume there aren’t many significant alterations to the newer edition, except perhaps that some of the books listed in the bibliography that are no longer in print aren’t included any more, though I can’t even say that for sure.

We easily fall into bad habits.

Good habits often require intentionality and calculation. May I suggest a bit of each for your weekend?

First let me tell you a story. I know a man who, for years now, has come home from church EVERY Sunday to sit at his desk and write a note of encouragement to someone. Monday morning always finds that note in his mailbox, ready to bless the recipient within a day or two.

Here’s my idea for you and for me. It begins with an agreed upon premise:

Being a bearer of encouraging words is a good habit.

Suggestion: Purpose to call or e-mail someone this weekend just to share an encouraging word with them. This could be a church friend, a faraway sibling, a parent, a long-lost friend (or not so long lost) — anyone!! Just share a word of appreciation, or tell them about a strength that blesses you or others; let them know that God blessed you with their presence, they are doing a great job, God has made them special because ________ (you fill in the blank!)

Make a plan right now to do this. Do it for several weekends in a row and it just may become a good habit in your life!

The book follows the author’s family for a year as they commit to eating only locally. It documents her [substantial!] gardening and farming efforts, her cheese-making and local market shopping, her canning and freezing and drying. Through this book, we’re given the chance to learn from their journey and to understand more of the economic and health problems that are part of our modern-day food system.

One theme that came up frequently (and one I mulled on quite a bit) was that of everything having its own season. As Americans, we have little understanding of this principle– in many areas of our lives– and we think nothing of buying a bunch of grapes in November or half a dozen fresh bell peppers in January. We under-estimate the waste that goes into getting those foods to our locale when they are not in season, nor do we appreciate how much better they would taste if we would simply wait to eat them freshly harvested. I’m as guilty as the next of living with an on-demand paradigm, but I have found myself thinking about and purchasing food differently after reading this book.

Another great concept in the book is that of using food and mealtimes to strengthen family relationships. I loved reading about the author’s family as they gardened together, cooked together, ate together. Kingsolver notes a few things that were lost with the feminist revolution: women who nurture their family, children who grow up with a healthy connection to food, and family mealtimes. I love her challenge to us to reclaim these areas of our lives.

Kingsolver is candid and at times brutal in her assessment of the average American’s relationship to food, but I think she’s also right for the most part. There are some excerpts that I have copied down just to keep me on track in my quest to make sure the food I serve my family is true to my desire to give them love and health. But more than just sharing her assessments, Kingsolver goes on to share the Why behind the healthier and smarter choices and, in doing so, arms her readers with practical knowledge that is easy to understand and simple to apply.

On the downside, the author often espouses a worldview that I, believing that Jesus is the only way to heaven and that men are not intrinsically good, don’t agree with, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a million other insights that each of us could learn from. As with any book, you have to “chew the meat and spit out the bones.”

I also found the book a bit long at times. However, if you like memoirs you will probably enjoy every bit of detail and description Kingsolver takes the time to share.

Overall, I give this book two thumbs up and 4 out of 5 stars.

Really, they’re that good.

Here is the recipe, a la Brietta:

Gingerbread Cookies

1c sugar
2tsp ginger
1tsp nutmeg
1tsp cinnamon
1/2tsp salt
1-1/2tsp baking soda
1c butter, melted
1/2c evaporated milk
1c unsulfered molasses
3/4tsp vanilla extract
3/4tsp lemon extract (optional)
4c stone-ground or unbleached flour, unsifted

Combine the sugar, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda. Mix well. Add the melted margarine (butter), evaporated milk, and molasses. Add the extracts if desired. Mix well. Add the flour 1 cup at a time, stirring constantly. The dough should be stiff enough to handle without sticking to fingers. Knead the dough for a smoother texture. Add up to 1/2 cup additional flour if necessary to prevent sticking. When the dough is smooth, form into 2″ balls and roll in granulated sugar.

Bake on floured or greased cookie sheets in a preheated 375* oven for 10-12 minutes. The cookies are done if they spring back when touched.

Makes about 3 dozen if you make them good-sized like at the Raleigh Tavern Bake Shop.

Serve to delighted children with plenty of milk or tea for a wonderful mid-winter treat. Delicious!

I was not disappointed. Not only is this book packed with practical applications and ideas for expressing the creative impulse that lies within each of us, it is the sort of book that first and foremost reminds one of Whose image we are created in after all. To say that I was stirred up by it would be an understatement!

One of my favorite themes was that of making art right in the middle of situations and moments that we might otherwise consider drudgery. The author appropriately chides many of us who often feel like we aren’t reaching our full potential while we fail to use our abilities, ideas, and creative expression right where we are, whether that be home or school or work or the missions field or any variety of places. Personally, I was freshly reminded that the many evenings each week that find me home with the children, minus Daniel or other grown-up companionship, should be full of expressed creativity on my part. I should never say, “It’s just the children…” and then spend the evening pining for something greater or better, but I should be constantly looking for how I can use the talents God has planted within me in every moment of life.

Very appropriately, the crowning chapter is, in my opinion, the last one (Schaeffer is a good author, after all!). Certainly I had been reading and chewing on the many good thoughts and challenges issued up until then, but at this point I had to stop and take full stock of my heart and my motives. In this final chapter– Environment– she discusses the fact that not only have we been created with the capacity to create art, but we are an art form. Who we are– our attitudes, thoughts, behaviors, appearance– and what we bring to every conversation and dwelling place affects the people who live and work with us. When we are thoughtless of others and only look out for our own choices and freedoms, the environment we create, the art of who we are, is far less than what God has intended and desires for us.

I could share many, many excerpts from this book that are impacting the way I am going through my days, but instead I will simply challenge you to read it yourself. I have no doubt that God will use it to re-inspire and renew you in expressing your Hidden Art, wherever and with whomever you find yourself.

Well… time for reading my way is hard to find.

You see, I like to read in a certain, favorite way: cuddled under an afghan, cup of tea or coffee or hot cocoa in hand, surrounded by peace and quiet, losing myself for hours in a book. Honest confession: opening a book to read a couple paragraphs at time while nursing the baby and doing my best to tune out the drumming of a five-year-old, the choo-choo’ing of a three-year-old, and the singing of a four-year-old (while not losing track of these little ones entirely!), just doesn’t appeal to me in the same way.

Sometimes, though, it’s time to readjust our expectations and preferences. And that was just what I needed to do in regard to reading.

After all, reading is important. How much one ought to read is going to be different for each person, it’s true, but we all ought to be readers, first and foremost of the Scripture. Our minds need to be renewed! We should be stretching our understanding, our imagination, our comprehension, our thinking through regular reading. Maybe you read slowly, or reading isn’t easy for you, or maybe there are a million other things you’d rather do. Believe me, I completely (and very personally) understand that there are challenges to making reading a priority! But that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth it.

I want to be a reader again. I don’t want to just start a handful of books each year, only to never finish them. I don’t want to realize at the end of 2009 that blog-reading was the only reading I was consistent about. (Though I sure do like reading blogs and I will be the first to say there are plenty out there that are very great and inspiring reading material!)

With that determination, I have made my book list for the year 2009. At 25 titles, I think it’s a manageable goal of 1 book every 2 weeks. Some books will take less time while there will be others, I’m sure, that will take longer, but my hope is that they will average out so I can accomplish this goal.

Maybe you’d like to join me in this goal of reading more this year (it’s not too late to set goals for the year!). Perhaps I can be of some encouragement to you as I share my 2009 list and write reviews (you can hold me to it!) as I go.

The Hidden Art of Homemaking by Edith Schaeffer
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver
The Creative Family: How to Encourage Imagination and Nurture Family Connections by Amanda Blake Soule
The Shack by William Young
The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis
Honey For A Child’s Heart by Gladys Hunt
First We Have Coffee by Margaret Jensen
Safely Home by Randy Alcorn
Reforming Marriage by Douglas Wilson
Gianna by Jessica Shaver
The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith by Timothy Keller
Practicing Hospitality: The Joy of Serving Others by Ennis, Tatlock & Patterson
The Duggers: 20 and Counting! by JimBob & Michelle Dugger
Marley and Me: Life and Love with the World’s Worst Dog by John Grogan
A Biblical Home Education: Building Your Homeschool on the Foundation of God’s Word by Ruth Beechick
Shepherding A Child’s Heart by Tedd Tripp
For the Children’s Sake: Foundations for Education & Homeschool by Susan Schaeffer Macauley
The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian
Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin
The Elements of Style by Strunk and White
Marriage to a Difficult Man: The Uncommon Union of Jonathan and Sarah Edwards by Elisabeth Dodds
Raising Kids Who Hunger for God by Benny and Sheree Phillips
Multiple Blessings by Jon & Kate Gosselin and Beth Carson
Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations by Alex and Brett Harris
Home-Making by J. R. Miller

Happy 2009, Fellow Readers!