Book #18: "Little Bee" by Chris Cleave

It took more than 100 pages (of 271 total) before I finally got the answer to the question I had been asking from the beginning, What happened on that Nigerian beach? and I wish there were at least 100 more pages to tell me more.

Once I realized the secret that the author, Chris Cleave, kept hidden inside Little Bee, and the hand of Sarah, I understood their connection. Now, however, I'm left asking what happened next? 

I read this book as part of an online community, in two sections for discussions. The first half: amazing. The second: I'm disappointed the story ended. I wanted it to keep going. I want to know more. What happens to Little Bee? What happens to Sarah and Charlie? Sarah's relationship with Lawrence? Sarah's job?

Please tell me more, Mr. Cleave!!!!!

Book #17: "Honeymoon with My Brother"

If I were to get dumped at the altar, this is the story that I would want to write.

Franz Wisner had a great job with a fat bank account and luxurious lifestyle; he rubbed elbows with all the right people and was engaged to be married to Annie. The recipe for a perfect happily-ever-after...until Annie backed out on Franz and their future five days before their elaborate wedding celebration. With the event planned and paid for, Franz and friends go ahead with the reception and make it worthwhile. Franz's brother, Kurt is the first one to arrive and becomes Franz's ally, biggest support system, and best friend.

There are so many laugh-out-loud moments in this book, but I want you to read it for yourself. Just a few examples: John making a seaweed and fig leaf cover; an elderly Canadian woman saying a four-letter-F-word; extempo performances in Trinidad; the world's worst cab driver; and pronoucing "Pau de Acucar" incorrectly.

Kurt and Franz left their successful lives in America, sold their properties and belongings to embark on a "honeymoon" worth a lifetime of experience that took them around the world, literally. They traveled to five continents, 53 countries, in two years.

My favorite character is LaRue, the men's step-grandmother, who lived at Estaton, a retirement community and rest home for seniors. At the beginning of the Wisner brother's journey, LaRue wanted nothing but postcards and letters from their journey...and she got just what she wanted, plus more.

GREAT BOOK!

Book #16: The God of Second Chances - by Erik Kolbell; and Book #15: The Way Forward - by Matt Leroy and Jeremy Summers

I apologize for the delayed posting, I seem to be reading more than blogging. I read two wonderful, inspiring, and very enlightening books this past week and I highly recommend them both.

"The Way Forward" is a particularly cool book of sorts because of its different format and delivery technique. Two students from Asbury Theological Seminary (located in my home state of Kentucky, in the very small town of Wilmore) have assembled a great collection of powerful voices and instrumental influences into one quick-read book. I happened upon this book the exact week that I began working on my personal statement and materials for Bread for the World's Hunger Justice Leader application. This was the perfect book to read during this time and a way for my to become more humble, more inspired to serve, and more submissive to the will of God. Amazing how books can open the eyes of your eye to see the wonder of God and hear his quiet whispers.

From a monk to slave, preacher to reformer, and activist to poet, "The Way Forward" is a journey through the rich history of the Wesleyan family and includes such classics as Thomas a' Kempis, John Wesley, William Law, Phoebe Palmer, and John Fletcher. Each chapter includes an original text as well as commentary set in modern context. It's true: history repeats itself and the greatest influences of the Wesleyan spirit is still very much alive and applicable today.

One timeless marvel that quickly caught my attention was Count Nikolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf (1700-1760), born into European nobility and raised by his grandmother. An adolescent Zinzendorf saw the painting Ecce Homo, depicting the crucified Christ along with the caption "This I have done for you - now what will you do for me?" He was deeply moved by the profound word and instantly dedicated his life to following Jesus Christ.

This book introduced me to names that I had never known before, but I want to learn as much about these people as possible. In particular, Orange Scott and Luther Lee, both Methodist theologians. In 1853, Lee preached the ordination sermon for Antoinette Brown, the first woman ordained to the Christian ministry. Imagine, women have been ordained ministers since 1853, I want to know this Antoinette woman myself!!!!!

Another female mentor and spiritual giant I want to know is Catherine Booth, a bold missionary dedicated to reaching the broken world by integrating holiness, social justice, and evangelism.

In a broken, messed up, unfair, confusing world, I know my hope, salvation, and trust rests in my Savior, Jesus Christ - He is my second chance! In the book, "The God of Second Chances" author Erik Kolbell takes you on a journey through 12 grace-filled steps to realizing the divine love that God provides: restoration, rebirth, reconciliation, rememeberance, redemption, revelation, resurrection, reflection, religion, receving, retreat, and revival. I can't think of a better time to read this book than during the Lent Season - a season of dying to old ways and beginning afresh with a spirit filled with the love and grace that God is so freely willing to give all His children.

Along the way, we get lost, but are given direction. We tire, but are given sustenance. We doubt, but are given fortitude. We are distracted by something more appealing or less arduous, but are given wisdom and discipline. We perserve and are given encouragement. We fall short, and are afforded the second chance.

And, a lesson that I am continuously learning: just as God gives me a second chance, I must provide that second chance to others as well. It's a gratifying and humbling experience, to extend the love of Christ to someone. I keep that image of Christ's cruxifiction in my mind with the caption - "This I have done for you - now what will you do for me?"

What have you done for someone today?

Grace,
Nicole

Book #14: "I Can" Evangelism

How do I share my faith? I can't find fancy, eloquent words. I can't attest to bringing lots of people to their knees and accepting Christ as their Savior. I can't get past the fact that I might be rejected, denied, or embarrassed. I don't want to offend anyone. I don't have a dramatic story to tell. I don't have all the answers. I don't want to fail - myself or God.......This book is entirely dedicated to taking the "I can't" out of sharing your faith. So, lose the I-can't-disease and get equipped with God's grace, wisdom, and protective armor to say I CAN do this for His praise and glory!

Everybody knows the song/nursery rhyme "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star," so let's sing it together now:

Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are.

Up above the world so high, like a diamond in the sky.

Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are!

 

I happily admit one of my all-time favorite songs is "This Little Light of Mine." When there are candlelight services at church for various holidays and celebrations, I always think of this message and hum it to myself. I also remember Y.E.S. and Chrysalis weekends that, as part of the fourth-day commission, we would hold small candles, lift our voices and sing to God:
 

This little light of mine, I'm gonna get it shine.

Let it shine, let it shine, let is shine.

 
I accepted Christ as my Savior at Vacation Bible School when I was 13 years old. I remember the day as if it were yesterday; it was a personally and spiritually special day. But, as a mature in age - and in faith - I am constantly aware that I am in continuous transformation. Evangelism, I've learned with this book, is a layered process, offering our light, over time, in multiple degrees of brillance to those whom God puts into our lives. Sometimes dim. Sometimes clear. Other times bright and clear. The fact of the matter is, simply, my light is always on.  
 

Evangelism is a process...We need to shine, and shine, and continue to shine...While we don't have control over when and how the one in darkness will respond - that is truly the work of the Holy Spirit - we do have the choice to be bright lights to light the way of hope for others. In time, the results will be revealed.

 

We live in a dark world. But God's light has come into us, and he calls us to twinkle...We need to move beyond a posture of fear, face the possible dangers of simple approaches, and make room for what God is doing in new ways of thinking. Nothing around us is a surprise to Him.

 
I want to share the story below (also from the book) because it truly defines the significance we each have within ourselves. I love this story for its truth, and inspiration, to never - ever! - give up. There are so many lessons to be learned if we are willing to accept their truths. I think this is a great philosophy for teachers too, you never really know the impact you might have on ONE student. Beautiful.
 

A young boy walked along the beach one evening. He came upon a starfish, stranded yards from the tide, struggling for life. The boy reached down and gently lifted the starfish and returned it to the ocean.

 

A man approached the boy and asked, "Why are you bothering with that starfish? They die up tide all the time, by the hundreds. That won't make a difference."

 

Raising his eyes to the man, the young boy said, "It'll make a difference to this one."

 
Other truths and declarations I CAN do now:

...accept people just as they are.

...be a friend.

...be real.

...help the children in my life know the Jesus I know.

...offer hope in the daily minutes of life.

...partner with others.

...offer help and hope in crisis.

...serve.

...accept the doubts in others.

...share my faith at holidays.

...leave room for wonder.

...keep trying even when it seems hopeless.

...trust God with the results of my efforts.

...leave a legacy of light.

Twinkle, twinkle litte star. This little light of mine, I will make it shine for others to see. I can make a difference with my God-given light.

Peace and love,
Nicole

Book #13: How Women Help Men Find God

I'm on a reading rampage - book #13: "How Women Help Men Find God" is complete.

This book is dedicated to three women:

She who prays for a man but sees no change; she whose son has abandoned the faith; and she who searches for a Christian mate but finds none. THERE IS HOPE.

Let me preface this post with this: I think there are good things, great things, and not-so-great things in this book. But I bought it for two reasons, I love the title and I want to know how to help men find God. Afterall, I have several men in my life that I continuously pray will accept, deepen, and strengthen their relationship with God. It's a prayer of mine, but not a priority of theirs. But I have hope. That's enough for me.

To me, this book is an instructional manual to get males in the pews. I'm sure you've heard it before, "A man wants to be a man.....they are adventurous and take risk.....flowers and lace in the church drive men crazy.....he'll lose Man Points if he hold hands with strangers during prayer.....a nagging wife pushes the husband over the edge."

Blah.....blah.....blah. I hope (and pray!) that I do not cause my husband to be anything except himself. He can proudly carry his "Man Card," I certainly don't want it - I'm perfectly happy with my Woman Card!!!!!! And Lord, if I nag, please stop me.

Certain requests of my husband have been silenced - truly, it's not worth the discussion - but my prayers to God are loud and clear - - - remember, I have hope!

So what did I learn about bringing men closer to God? These three things:

1. Let go. - God, I acknowledge you are all powerful, all knowing, and all I need. I step aside to allow the Holy Spirit to work in me, through me, and with me to fulfill your purpose with all the men in my life. Not my will, but thine.
2. Keep an open mind. - I am willing to accept what God provides.
3. Commit. - I will allow God to use me in whatever way possible in order to fulfill His purpose, for His glory and praise.

This book has been an excellent source of suggestion for teaching and engaging boys. I'll use many of these tactics in my future classroom, because I think it's important to engage ALL students, not just the participatory ones. It's not my favorite book, but I enjoyed it. Afterall, I did read it in less than 12 hours!

Peace and love......and women, keep praying for your men,
Nicole

BOOK #12: Think Like Jesus

Another week, another book - I'm right on track!

During my conference period at school today, I finished "Think Like Jesus - Make the Right Decision Every Time" by George Barna. It's an interesting, thought-provoking read that I enjoyed; on Shelfari I rated it with four stars.

I like the decision-making suggestions that are Scripture-based, alas the foundation of a Christian livelihood, but my natural tendancy is to question everything I read! Remember, I recently read Borg too!!!

I wholly agree that I must be pushed, by my own choice or God's divine intervention, outside of my "comfort zone" and into His purpose. I also believe that nothing, NOTHING, happens by accident, or luck, or coincidence - God's holy plan is at work at every moment. But, can I honestly say that every decision I make, at every moment in my life, is based on biblical principles for the sole purpose of glorifying God?

...I try to understand what Jesus was like and to imitate His ways. I fall short more often than not, but God seems to understand that weakness and encourages me to keep trying, keep improving. That's the relationship part - Him guiding, encouraging, understanding, disciplining, rewarding - all the stuff you'd expect in a true relationship: honesty, joy, disappointment, love.

I, too, seek the genuine relationship that Barna describes. I am more than aware that my human ways will cause disappointment, but I am assured that God's grace will lead me back to His path every time.

At the core of Barna's book is developing a biblical worldview. What exactly does that mean?

A biblical worldview is thinking like Jesus. It is a way to making our faith practical to every situation we face each day. A biblical worldview is a way of dealing with the world such that we act like Jesus twenty-four hours a day because we think like Jesus.

+++++++++++++++++++++

A biblical worldview is a means of experiencing, interpreting, and responding to reality in light of biblical perspective. This life lens provides a personal understanding of every idea, opportunity, and experience based on identification of application of relevant biblical principles and commands.

I have the uncanny sense, and honest observation, that my worldview is not, at the moment, too biblical. But I am guarenteed God's grace, love, protection, and wisdom because "the more we devote ourselves to emulating the thought and behavioral patterns of Jesus, the more God is able to bless us and use us for His purposes."

Can I get an AMEN! for these principles by Barna:

• 
  
  You become what you believe.
• 
  
  Developing a strong Bible-based foundation from which to think and act is the only reliable safeguard against the complete demise of our culture, the loss of meaning and purpose in life, and the rejection of all that God holds dear and significant.
• 
  
  It is never too late to commit yourself to knowing, loving, and serving God more completely.

++++++++++++++++++++

Barna introduces his readers to seven fundamental questions required to develop a solid, genuine, and doubtless biblical worldview:

1. 
   
   Does God exist?
2. 
   
   What is the character and nature of God?
3. 
   
   How and why was the world created?
4. 
   
   What is the nature and purpose of humanity?
5. 
   
   What happens after we die on earth?
6. 
   
   What spiritual authorities exist?
7. 
   
   What is truth?

++++++++++++++++++

I leave you with simple instructions: if you want to learn how to develop your personal biblical worldview and answer these seven questions, READ THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!

Tangy Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Another tasty treat from "Taste of Home" (February/March 2010 issue) and this one is super easy, prepared in the handy-dandy Crock-Pot.

TANGY PULLED PORK SANDWICHES
1 pork tenderloin
1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 Tbsp. cider vinegar
3 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
3 Tbsp. spicy brown mustard
salt and pepper, to taste
Kaiser rolls, split

Cut tenderloin in half, place in a slow cooker. Combine the ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt and pepper. Pour this mixture over the pork.

Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until meat is tender. Remove meat to board or large platter; shred with two forks. Return to slow cool; heat through. Serve on kaiser rolls.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

This is so incredibly easy and very tasty. As much as I love beef and chicken, pork is an outstanding alternative to white meat. And, it's very lean and low-fat. This recipe allows the pork to cook very slowly, keeping it tender and moist. I prefer a sweeter sauce, so I use more brown sugar than the recipe indicates. You can personalize it to your own taste by adjusting the sweetness and even adding more heat and spice.