Monthly Archives: May 2019

#37 and 38

22 Wednesday May 2019

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#37 Things that Matter by Charles Krauthammer, 2013.

I bought this for my husband when it first came out. Charles Krauthammer was the one voice on Fox News that didn’t annoy me. When he passed away over a year ago, I downloaded the audible version, because he was the narrator. Now that he has passed on to eternity, I wonder if the things of this world–those that mattered to him most–still matter to him now?

Much of what matters to him in this book, does not matter to me. He loves politics, and analyzing current events all the way back to the Carter and Reagan eras. What memories. He uses words that I’ve never heard of–or if I have–they never stuck. Like hegemony. After hearing it more than a dozen times, I finally decided to look it up.

Here’s what matters to me:

Living life in light of my calling as a child of God. Which, to me, means making the most of my final third, by working on my character, seeking the Lord daily, and finding him in every moment. And figuring out how to be an instrument of His in the lives of those He calls me too.

I’ll have to say, I often don’t know who it is that He calls me to. And there are times that I feel I am in willful disobedience to his voice.

You didn’t really say that did you?

And then I go about my day, doing what I want to do. The voice of my ole professor rings in my head often when I reflect on my pitifulness:

You need work.

John W. P. Oliver

#38 Christ Changing Lives by Rod Culbertson, 2018.

This latest read was dropped in my mailbox by the author. Now that’s service! It was one of the few books (perhaps only) of his that I’ve read after it was published. All the rest were read before as I searched for typos and awkward sentences as one of his editors. It was nice to read one of his books where I found no typos, and perhaps only one or two awkward sentences – but that’s just me. He’s clear and comprehensive.

The timing of this book was most appropriate for this week. Yesterday, in our staff-reflecting/planning/dreaming-day, I learned of my pastors plans to radically change the way our church does discipleship. Seeing as how that word–discipleship–is part of my vocational title–my brain was engaged–and Rod’s book will surely be a rich resource in adding my voice to the conversation. Already this morning I texted all three of my pastors with a series recommendation from the book. Never heard of it, but perhaps it will be instrumental in this new endeavor, that I pray will bring our parishioners into a closer walk with the Lord.

On another note … Rod had me eating my words about my last week’s book, Sharing Christ by Bright. He was a Campus Crusade for Christ volunteer in college many years ago, and seems to love Cru‘s methods of evangelism. Not only does he like them, he testifies to the fruit of them! This is the lesson for me: it takes a village with lots of methods. Just because it doesn’t resonate with me, doesn’t mean that it isn’t a powerful tool in the evangelism tool box.

#35 and 36

15 Wednesday May 2019

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#35 Sharing Christ by Bill Bright, 2004

#36 Called out of Darkness by Anne Rice, 2005 Audible

We are often guilty of presenting the gospel with an attitude that says, “Uh . . . you wouldn’t want to receive the greatest Gift available to mankind would you?

Bright, page 56

That makes me giggle.

But oh how I struggle to share my faith with strangers. I’ve tried it a few times — many years ago — and it never went well. Perhaps that’s why I’m not a big fan of those — if you were to die tonight — questions. Or the Roman Road. Romans still confounds me in most spots.

I thought by picking up this book and reading it — cover to cover — it was short — I would get empowered to be like Bill. Sadly, it didn’t do that. But I am most thankful for those like him who can do this naturally and freely – and have beautiful outcomes as a result.

Because there is nothing more beautiful in all the world to me and surely to Jesus than to have a prodigal child return to him.

My next book, Called out of Darkness, was just that. I can’t help but be attracted to Anne Rice’s story of redemption. I meet her in 1998 at my grandfather’s funeral. She was gentle and kind — and at the height of her career with her Vampire books. I did seem to remember that she was an avowed atheist. So when I heard her interview on CBS’s Sunday morning a few years after meeting her, I was beside myself with glee. She was sharing her return-to-God story, and I loved it when she said, “Read my book and you’ll be convinced that Jesus is Lord!” Reminds me of Romans 10:9! Anne Rice just told the whole world that Jesus is Lord on national television!

My own story has some parallel’s to Anne’s but they are indeed a stretch. She, growing up a Roman Catholic. Me, a Southern Baptist. Both in New Orleans. Both turning our backs on the Church and Jesus in our teens.

Anne’s journey back to God is beautifully compelling. I listened to it, and now want to read it. The audible is fabulous. The narrator’s voice draws you into the story in the best kind of way. Can’t recommend it enough.

As to my own story, I do get to share it often … one-on-one and to groups. But it is always in the context of my church. I’ve shared it with drug addicts in Mississippi, and most recently shared the unabridged version to our mom’s group. I also get to share a shortened version every time we have an Inquirer’s Class at my church. But in the past couple weeks, I have felt convicted that I didn’t get to share my story with two people who took their own lives recently — one probably accidentally – and one intentionally. Both of these books has helped to aid me in my own struggle with sharing Christ.

#33 and 34

06 Monday May 2019

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#33 Letters to the Church by Francis Chan, 2018.

Audible. Fabulous. Really should get this one in a hard copy. I love this guy’s zeal for Jesus. It is appealing — at least to me. Makes me wonder if a non-believer were to listen to him, would they think the same thing? Perhaps I should explore this by asking someone who doesn’t follow Jesus to have a listen. But I encourage anyone who loves Jesus to read or listen to it! So very good.

#34 This Momentary Marriage by John Piper, 2009.

This is one of my husband’s favorite reads lately. He’s even reading it again. Funny how books that he enjoys doesn’t really do all that much for me. But, when he loves something so much, and wants me to read it, I go for it. I think that is one of the reasons he married me. When he dated a woman he liked, he would ask her to read his favorite book. Thirty-six years ago, it was The Road Less Traveled. I read it. I may have been his only girlfriend that did, and that impressed him.

My overall favorite take-away from the book is that marriage done well, is to reflect Jesus’s love for His Church. How many marriages do you know that do this? You don’t have to answer that. But perhaps you should ask yourself this, if you are married: Does your marriage do this?

While I am sure that Tom and I fall way short of looking like Jesus and his bride–especially me–there are some key elements in our marriage that have made it a joyful journey.

Perhaps the most crucial is that we give each other lots of grace.

I remember the time (about 5 years ago) when I insisted on moving our dining room table on my own.

He insisted I get help before I did it.

After he left the room, I did it anyway — and sure enough, I broke one of the legs on his beloved table. I anticipated a very angry husband. And he was. But before he let me know how much he hated what I did, he said, “Sugar, I really love you, but …” I can’t remember what came after the but, becuase his “I really do love you” prompted me to burst into tears at the kindness and mercy that my husband gave me. No matter how bad I made a mess of things, and I can really mess up, I always get grace and kindness.

Another favorite thing about our marriage is that we are a team. I could probably count on one hand the times Tom has pulled the “I’m the head” card. He values my brain, and if he can’t convince me that his ideas are the best, usually he will say, “but we’ll do it your way.” He gives in quite easily because, not only does he want to please me, he actually thinks my way may be better. Like when we bought our house 25 years ago. He didn’t really like it, but he knew I did, so we bought it. We both realize now, that this was the best house for us. It took some work, but 25 years later, it has grown into my dream home.

Another.

We both want the other to flourish, even it if it at the other’s expense.

Two examples come to mind:

When Tom told me that Luder Whitlock invited him to be a seminary student at the age of 55, I was all in. And when he was 56, it became a reality. For four years we lived on a secretary’s salary in Mississippi.

When I broached the idea of having my own pottery studio, which meant he’d have to get rid of his boat and lawnmower and everything else that filled his garage, he wasn’t all that thrilled but said ok. Three years later, and dozens of kiln firings, he still gushes with delight and encouragement every time I bring in my warmed, glazed pieces.

While this book didn’t do much for me personally, I’m glad Tom loves it. And perhaps all the kindness and tenderness he’s been showing me in abundance lately has been in part due to this book.