book review of Tramp for the Lord

"Tramp for the Lord" author Corrie ten Boom

This title threw me at first, but here the word tramp means to travel all over the place. This senior christian woman from Holland survived a harsh Nazi concentration camp when she was in her early 50's. While not Jewish, members of her immediate and extended family were imprisoned for protecting Jewish families in the family home. ten Boom's father and sister died at the camp. Upon her miraculous release, Tante Corrie embarked on a lifelong mission to spread the gospel around the world, even in Germany where she'd been persecuted. This woman lived out of her suitcase as she was constantly on the go, on a mission to shed the light of Christ across the globe. Each chapter is engaging and made me feel like I was there in all the faith building encounters. This woman truly lived by faith. No income, no home, no family. But she loved God and she loved people, and she was faithful to stay on her mission even into her 80s! This book tells some of what God will do for those who seek him, trust him and his Word, and follow him.

I highly recommend this book.

comments on my readings

comments on the book--

Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World--by Author, Joanna Weaver

This book gives a thought-provoking, nonjudgmental and engaging discussion of how, as busy women with many responsibilities, we may balance service and worship. Having passion for God inevitable involves having compassion for people. Sometimes a person can be like Martha, who is described in the bible as a busy task-oriented sister, taking care of household preparations whereas her sister Mary let it all go for the opportunity to sit with Jesus. Author, Joanna Weaver describes it as kitchen time versus living room time, and discusses the reason and way to handle both.

I found that this book is worth more than one read. I wish I'd taken notes as I'd gone along. Although I read a library copy, I would like to purchase a copy so that I can ponder certain chapters for a longer time. Here's something I took away from the book as I summarize in my own words: if we invite the Lord to come and dwell with us, although we certainly bring him through the kitchen and serve, we also must settle into some meaningful togetherness and the quiet of the "living room" of our heart.

Appreciating My Surroundings

Spring is back, and I love it! This time of year, I'm drawn outdoors and long to linger. Vibrant colors here and there create a real-life backdrop. Sometimes, when the sun is just right, it seems almost unreal. Vivid, clear blue sky, tender soft green leaves, full and delicate clusters of pink flowers decorate the trees. Oh, and the tulips, yellow, red, pink...and the daffodils...and the soft deep green grass. It makes me say thanks to God our creator. I appreciate his artistry. I'm thankful for the beauty in our world.

Faithful Obedience

Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart, and my actions, be acceptable to you Lord, my strength and redeemer.

I am in an odd season, not quite sure what God has me to do except live out my faith humbly, gently, in prayer, in kindness and with graciousness. But this is all in general. Right now, I don't see a specific task or project for myself.

I pray that as I act in faithful obedience, to the best of my understanding, that he will use my life to touch others. I hope to be a beacon of light that helps lead God's children home to him. May the Spirit of God in me do His work, and may I be willing, ready and responsive to his promptings.

Bless the Lord, Oh my soul and all that is within me. Bless His holy name.

a book review

I recently wrote and posted this book review on the social networking site, My Sister's Keeper (mysisterskeeperonline.ning.com). Since I gave the book a favorable review, I decided to post my review here too.

Yada Yada Prayer Group by Neta Jackson

This is a fictional novel about some women who meet during a Chicago Women's Conference and strike up an unusual friendship by way of an assigned prayer group. I'm about a third way into the book, and I'm glad there's more to read because it is good! This is easy to get into, and for me it was hard to put down.

The theme is sisterhood, stepping out in faith, making connections, sacrificing personal ambitions to support others in need, even when it is inconvenient or unexpected. Another theme is individuality and personal growth. Most everyone feels awkward or out of place at some time or other, but we all have a unique gift to offer that develops out of our unique life's experiences.

See the book series on Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Yada-Prayer-Group-Women-Fiction/dp/1595544399...

2009 happenings

AFFIRMATIONS

For me, the new year has started with a running theme of affirmation. Much of what I've been learning, and aiming to mature in spiritually, is being affirmed and called into action. I pray that I will continue to respond and walk according to God's purposes.

I see God's work in my new friendships, in feedback from supervisors, friends and pastors, and in the lives of family members. Praise God! He will finish was he's started, and it will be for the good.

I am thankful that he's planted me among loving and supportive people.

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OBAMA

I want to acknowledge our (the U.S.) new president, Barak Obama! Yesterday, watching the inauguration activities from my living room from 6:30 a.m. until at least 6:30 p.m., I was amazed at the show of support and at the incredible mass of people gathered around the mall grounds. A helicopter hovered close to my home, filming the long winding lines at the nearby Metro station. Before dawn, the garage was packed full.

I'm very hopeful and optimistic about Americans taking action and extending helping hands here and across the globe. See USAService.org for local opportunities.

Main Thing First

I am overly tired and a bit overwhelmed with the list of to-do's in my head. These to-do's are ideas and tasks that kind of came to mind in a rushing wave. I get inspired at Christmas time, and I want to do big things, but I need to realize I don't have to contain all my activities within the break between Christmas and the New Year.

So I've resolved for now to record my ideas here and come back to them.

Create a wall hanging/banner.
Sew sachets.
Make and package soaps.
Start coffee-can savings for charity.
Host cookie fellowship hour.
Start a sistergirls group.
Buy devotionals: Take Flight! and Women's Bible Journal
Celebrate Monte's 4th birthday
attend Christmas Eve service
attend Christmas Eve family party
Bake homemade cinnamon rolls
Mortgage stuff
University stuff
House stuff

Above all this busy Martha-like stuff, I want to reflect on Peace and Joy as we remember that our Lord humbled himself to come live among people on Earth, to teach us, and to give his life as a ransom so we may be reconciled to our Father in heaven. Penalty of sin is death, but Jesus conquered death for all who accept the gift of grace and forgiveness. Having faith in his promises, then let us live in holy obedience and make it our mission to be loving, peaceful, and compassionate.