Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Book Thoughts: "The Shack" (Young)

So, I've been working on this book for 8 weeks. Not sure why it's taken me so long to get into it. It might be because it requires 100% concentration and thought process, unlike other fiction I often wrap myself into.

Today I finished it. And I want to write about it and commit to re-reading it again soon. What a message. What a vivid display of the God-trio - Father, Son, Spirit. A journey of a broken man, his journey to forgiveness and wholeness, and the way it affects the rest of his life and the people he loves.

The first time through, here are the things that were meaningful to me:

~"If anything matters, then everything matters." I mean, really...think about it.
~"I'm especially fond of you." - God, Jesus, Sarayu (the Holy Spirit) This was something that was said so many times. Almost as if the author wanted to make sure the readers closed the book and knew without a shadow of doubt that they were loved by God.
~Whether we like it, know it, talk about it, or experience it...other people's past relationships (good and bad) follow them and affect them for the rest of their lives (unless, of course, true wholeness is provided through forgiveness).
~We have a lot of misconceptions about God. Things that aren't necessarily in the Bible and aren't necessarily true. I realize this was a fiction book, but it has opened my eyes a little bit.
~Forgiveness is more for the one forgiving and not as much about the one that is forgiven. Did I know this? If not, how come? Why has this never been spoken this simply. It makes total sense to me, and maybe it will help me to forgive...maybe I can let go of some things?

Anyway - that's all for now, but I'm telling you...that book is read-worthy. It's fiction, but God may speak to you through it.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

While I'm Waiting

I have wanted to be a mommy since I was...I don't know...4. :-) Those of you who have known me this long know that - even then, I was bossy and had everything ALL planned out. I treated my poor siblings like they were my children (and maybe still do - Sorry, guys!). I started babysitting a 3 year old and set of newborn twins when I was only 13. So...I just...I can't get enough of children.

There's this little boy...his name is Dillon. He's in my classroom, and he's a foster child. (B/c of that, I will be unable to post pictures or give any more details about him online. Email me if you want pics :-) In October 2009, Aaron and I jumped at a chance to "adopt" the little guy...it's a LONG story (you know how my stories tend to be), but one laced with God's timing and goodness. We had the privilege of keeping him for a whole week last week while his foster parents had some personal matters to tend to.

It was fun to "play Mommy" for real. It was tiring. It was fulfilling. It was fun. It was busy. It was full of answering questions and singing lots of silly songs. It was full of smiles and hugs. And I could NOT get enough.

Sending him home was one of the hardest things I had ever done. I have struggled at times to keep my emotions under control (I know this is very difficult for some of you to see in me :-). This is going to happen soon...sooner than I can know, but it will. And we can't wait. We will "foster" him for 6 months and then petition to adopt him, and he'll be all our until the end of time. We can't wait (have I mentioned that yet?).

As I was pulling away from his foster parent's home after dropping him off, I was bawling (as you know I would be)...and this song was on the radio. God is so good to give me songs in the exact moment I need them.

I don't know what you're waiting on. I know people waiting on all sorts of things...a job, a career, an education, houses, a bill to be paid, love, money, etc. But man, this song...it has helped me so many times today just stop and worship in those moments when I start to waiver and ask God what's going on and why things aren't happening when I WANT them to. I trust my God. He has this all planned out. We have already seen His hand in so many things and ways this has all worked out so far; He has never failed me yet. We truly want His will.

I've posted the words to the song, as well as the YouTube video below. Enjoy and be blessed.

While I'm Waiting - John Waller

YouTube Video

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve you while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord