Living the One Day Way

This week, I read Chantal Hobb's latest book "The One Day Way." Having already checked our her book "Never Say Diet" I knew she had some good tips about exercise and nutrition. I'm not in the market to lose weight right now...but I am always looking for new exercise inspiration and to broaden my food knowledge.

This book is written for those who've dieted in the past and found themselves looking at the end of the chocolate bar (again). Her concept is simple: instead of trying to figure out how to lose that 5 pounds, drop that dress size, or make those jeans fit, Hobbs encourages readers to focus simply on the 24 hours in front of them, make a plan they can work with. That way, a failure doesn't mean the end of days or weeks of effort, but just a few hours, which makes it easier to get up and give it a go the next day.

The book is broken into 4 sections: changing your mindset (about weight, dieting, your ability to succeed, etc.); making a plan (preparing yourself mentally and emotionally); executing a plan (including a meal plan and some at-home exercise ideas); and going the distance (caution and encouragement for the road ahead).

I found the book to be extremely practical and helpful, without being obsessive. Hobbs' own story is inspiring, and sprinkled within the book are success stories from those who have tried her tips and succeeded.

I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to get healthy and is looking for a solution that sticks.

The Chocolate Diaries

Sometimes we need a light book to realign our perspectives. And when "The Chocolate Diaries" by Karen Scalf Linamen arrived in my mailbox, that's what I was looking forward to.

Linamen uses chocolate, and its identity as a comfort food, to draw a parallel with the comfort we can find in relationships, the Bible, God, and other soul-lifters. She shares stories of how friends managed to find the silver lining in rough times to help us to see that no matter how bad life gets, there is hope. There are times when she has more success than others, but overall the book is a quick read.

Each chapter includes tips from her readers on how to lift a tired spirit, and the end of each chapter includes some reflection questions and, appropriately, a chocolate-rich recipe.

If God Is Good

No matter how long you've been a Christian, we all come to those moments when you question God's sovreignty. If God is inherently good in His character, how can He allow violence, tsunamis, natural disasters, and disease to fester around the world? And if He loved me enough to send His Son to die for me, why is He allowing this trial or that hardship? In a world where there seem to be few moral absolutes, how do you tell the difference between good and evil?

And these questions are just some of what Alcorn tackles in his latest book. From cover to cover, he thoroughly describes God's character in relationship to man and to the world, refusing to rest his argument on anything less than the Bible.

It would be easy for a book like this to come across as condescending, but Alcorn never gives the reader the impression that something is wrong with you if you struggle with these issues.

At the end of the day, Alcorn's book is a worthwhile addition to any library, but it seems especially valuable for those readers who are trying to better understand a dynamic, limitless Creator. I had high hopes for this book, and it did not disappoint.

Inspiration

After a LONG hiatus, I am finally returning to my bloggy roots.

I've been following friends' blogs recently, which has finally gotten me back in the mood to start writing again. This had degenerated into little more than a place to record my thoughts on things I was reading.

But now, after almost 18 months of marriage, I am excited to write about the things being a wife is teaching me about myself, my husband, and my God.

So, I've got a new look, a new name, and a host of things to share. I just hope I can resist the temptation to (1) put them all in one post and (2) post them all in one day.

Hello old friend...

It's been way too long since I actually posted something.

So, in the interest of getting back on the horse, a new profile design and a new post are just what the doctor ordered. Here's to less than 16 months between posts. They've been incredibly busy, wonderful months, but it's time to get back to blogging. I can't seem to keep up with a paper journal. Maybe this will do the trick.

Experiencing the Spirit, The Friends We Keep, Hero, and more

After several weeks of procrastinating, I am finally getting around to writing about a few books.

First was Experiencing the Spirit. Henry and Melvin Blackaby have penned this little volume/gift book that talks about the significance of the Holy Spirit in our everyday lives. As I read it, I was impressed by all the things God is doing around us that we miss because we aren't looking. Perhaps the most poignant point of this book is that we have created the notion that if it isn't my spiritual gift, I shouldn't bother to do it. This mentality is wrong at the most basic level. If it's not my talent, that's all the more reason why I SHOULD do it: it gives the Spirit a chance to work through me because I'm humble enough to realize His role in the whole thing. Here's the phrase that got me: "The result of this approach is that we don't need or rely on the Holy Spirit, because we're confident in our abilities. We're under the delusion that we have everything under control. THe world therefore, looks at the church and sees good people doing good things for God, bt they don't see the power of God working through His people to accomplish what only He can do (italics theirs). Definitely worth reading.

Next up: The Friends We Keep by Sarah Zacharias Davis. If you're familiar with much from the Christian circle, you'll recognize her middle name. She's the daughter of renowned evangelist Ravi Zacharias. In this book, we follow Davis' right of passage in discovering the nuances of female friendships. I have to admit, I kept hoping this book would get better. It was mainly a string of revelations she had about how emotions ebb and flow in our interactions.

I also scoped out a pair of Kay Arthur devotionals. Advertised as 40-minute, no homework studies, the two I tried were "How do you walk the walk you talk?"(Ephesians excerpts) and "Rising to the call of leadership" (Samuel, Eli, David, and Saul). These are great, digestible studies for someone who's wanted to try precepts but been intimidated by the depth. Highly recommended...

Last, but definitely not least, was Hero by Fred and Jasen Stoeker. You may recognize their names from the "Every Man's Battle" series. This father and son use this book as a call to action for young men facing temptations to be more like the world. I'm sure you're wondering why a girl would ever crack this one. Well, I'm getting married in a couple months, and I thought it might give me some insight into the battle waging in my fiance's bones right now. I didn't expect to like it, but I found myself drawn like a moth to the flame by the wisdom of a man who's loved and lost (his purity over and over) and the son he raised who CHOSE (of his own accord) to refrain from dating, kissing, and premarital sex. There are even a few key words from the son's wife. I learned a lot about watching the way I portray myself or speak. If you've read "I Kissed Dating Goodbye" by Josh Harris, you may think you won't get anything from the book. But, the comparison ends there. The Stoekers offer a perspective, a groundedness, and a boldness you won't find anywhere else. Guys are crazy to pass this up. Moms of boys are crazy to pass this up. And girls dreaming of prince charming are crazy to miss it too.

Enjoy!

The Hope of Refuge

I've been happily reading my way through the summer. I just finished Cindy Woodsmall's amish tale "The Hope of Refuge." These books make me think of one of the most tranquil places on earth, Lancaster County. Here's a synopsis of the book:

Raised in foster care and now the widowed mother of a little girl, Cara Moore struggles against poverty, fear, and a relentless stalker. When a trail of memories leads Cara and Lori out of New York City toward an Amish community, she follows every lead, eager for answers and a fresh start. She discovers that long-held secrets about her family history ripple beneath the surface of Dry Lake, Pennsylvania, and it’s no place for an outsider. But one Amish man, Ephraim Mast, dares to fulfill the command he believes that he received from God–“Be me to her”– despite how it threatens his way of life.

Completely opposite of the hard, untrusting Cara, Ephraim’s sister Deborah also finds her dreams crumbling when the man she has pledged to build a life with begins withdrawing from Deborah and his community, including his mother, Ada Stoltzfus. Can the run-down house that Ada envisions transforming unite them toward a common purpose–or push Mahlon away forever? While Ephraim is trying to do what he believes is right, will he be shunned and lose everything–including the guarded single mother who simply longs for a better life?

If you're looking for something light to get you through the heavy hot summer days, this is a good one. Cindy's books are always so engaging. To get your own copy, go here: http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781400073962

And if you're in the area, here are the places she's doing a book tour:

Tuesday, August 11 7 – 8:30pm
Barnes & Noble
5141 Peachtree Parkway, The Forum
Norcross, Georgia 30092
(770) 209-4244

Wednesday, August 12 7 – 8pm
Barnes & Noble Opry Mills
515 Opry Mills Drive
Nashville, Tennessee 37214
(615) 514-5000

Thursday, August 13 6 – 8pm
Barnes & Noble
2540 Futura Pkwy. #135
Plainfield, Indiana 46168
(317) 838-7941

Friday, August 14 6 – 8pm
Barnes & Noble
1550 West 75th
Downers Grove, Illinois 60516
(630) 663-0181

Saturday, August 15 1 – 3pm
Baker Books
2768 East Paris Ave SE
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546-6139
(616) 957-3110

Sunday, August 16 2 – 4pm
Barnes & Noble Booksellers
3700 Rivertown Parkway Ste. 2058
Grandville, Michigan 49418
(616) 531-1825

Monday, August 17 7 – 8:00pm
Barnes & Noble Booksellers
1739 Olentangy River Road
Columbus, Ohio 43212
(614) 298-9516

Tuesday, August 18 7– 8:30pm
Joseph Beth Booksellers
2705 E. Carson Street
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15203
(412) 381-3600

Wednesday, August 19 6 – 8pm
Hackman’s Bible Book Store
1341 Mickley Road
Whitehall, Pennsylvania 18052-4610
(610) 264-8600

Thursday, August 20 1 – 3pm
Rachel’s Country Store (Amish dry goods store)
6352 McClays Mill Road
Newburg, Pennsylvania 17240
(717) 530-9452

Can’t make the tour? You can still follow Cindy’s adventures on Youtube, Facebook, and Twitter. See you there!

blue like play dough

If you're familiar at all with Donald Miller, you mentally replaced "play dough" with "jazz". With raw honesty and insight, Tricia Goyer uses the loose reference to Miller's book as a launch to her own story of revelation and redemption.

At first, I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about the book. In just a handful of pages, I learned a lot about Tricia's youth. While I realize no one is perfect, her matter-of-fact tone caught me off guard a bit. But soon, that was what kept the pages turning.

Tricia proves that she is utterly teachable as a mom, a wife, a woman, and a follower of Christ. She says the things we're all thinking....not humorously, but with a realism that is encouraging but not victimized. She's come through struggles and in the process raised three great kids.

As someone who aspires to be a mom one day, I found her example to be approachable and encouraging. Her method of entwining Scripture with anecdotes didn't come off as forced or preachy. My one complaint was that at times it didn't seem like we were getting anywhere. Almost as though it was a series of revelations that, while meaningful, didn't quite connect well to the title and theme of the book. If she meant to parody "Blue Like Jazz" with the title, she did. But that was where it relationship ended.

You can learn more about her by going to her website: triciagoyer.com

To find encouragement in your journey as a mom, visit:If you're familiar at all with Donald Miller, you mentally replaced "play dough" with "jazz". With raw honesty and insight, Tricia Goyer uses the loose reference to Miller's book as a launch to her own story of revelation and redemption.

At first, I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about the book. In just a handful of pages, I learned a lot about Tricia's youth. While I realize no one is perfect, her matter-of-fact tone caught me off guard a bit. But soon, that was what kept the pages turning.

Tricia proves that she is utterly teachable as a mom, a wife, a woman, and a follower of Christ. She says the things we're all thinking....not humorously, but with a realism that is encouraging but not vicitimized. She's come through struggles and in the process raised three great kids.

As someone who aspires to be a mom one day, I found her example to be approachable and encouraging. Her method of entwining Scripture with anecdotes didn't come off as forced or preachy. My one complaint was that at times it didn't seem like we were getting anywhere. Almost as though it was a series of revelations that, while meaningful, didn't quite connect well to the title and theme of the book. If she meant to parody "Blue Like Jazz" with the title, she did. But that was where it relationship ended.

You can learn more about her by going to her website: triciagoyer.com

To find encouragement in your journey as a mom, visit:

Happy reading!If you're familiar at all with Donald Miller, you mentally replaced "play dough" with "jazz". With raw honesty and insight, Tricia Goyer uses the loose reference to Miller's book as a launch to her own story of revelation and redemption.

At first, I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about the book. In just a handful of pages, I learned a lot about Tricia's youth. While I realize no one is perfect, her matter-of-fact tone caught me off guard a bit. But soon, that was what kept the pages turning.

Tricia proves that she is utterly teachable as a mom, a wife, a woman, and a follower of Christ. She says the things we're all thinking....not humorously, but with a realism that is encouraging but not vicitimized. She's come through struggles and in the process raised three great kids.

As someone who aspires to be a mom one day, I found her example to be approachable and encouraging. Her method of entwining Scripture with anecdotes didn't come off as forced or preachy. My one complaint was that at times it didn't seem like we were getting anywhere. Almost as though it was a series of revelations that, while meaningful, didn't quite connect well to the title and theme of the book. If she meant to parody "Blue Like Jazz" with the title, she did. But that was where it relationship ended.

You can learn more about her by going to her website: triciagoyer.com

To find encouragement in your journey as a mom, visit:If you're familiar at all with Donald Miller, you mentally replaced "play dough" with "jazz". With raw honesty and insight, Tricia Goyer uses the loose reference to Miller's book as a launch to her own story of revelation and redemption.

At first, I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about the book. In just a handful of pages, I learned a lot about Tricia's youth. While I realize no one is perfect, her matter-of-fact tone caught me off guard a bit. But soon, that was what kept the pages turning.

Tricia proves that she is utterly teachable as a mom, a wife, a woman, and a follower of Christ. She says the things we're all thinking....not humorously, but with a realism that is encouraging but not vicitimized. She's come through struggles and in the process raised three great kids.

As someone who aspires to be a mom one day, I found her example to be approachable and encouraging. Her method of entwining Scripture with anecdotes didn't come off as forced or preachy. My one complaint was that at times it didn't seem like we were getting anywhere. Almost as though it was a series of revelations that, while meaningful, didn't quite connect well to the title and theme of the book. If she meant to parody "Blue Like Jazz" with the title, she did. But that was where it relationship ended.

You can learn more about her by going to her website: triciagoyer.com

To find encouragement in your journey as a mom, visit: http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781601421524

Happy reading!

Happy reading!

Happy reading!

A Perfect Mess

This is the story of my life.

No, seriously.

It's the title of a book I just read, by Lisa Harper. Lisa takes 13 Psalms and applies their truths to everyday life. It's not lofty, but rather a peak through the window of her own discoveries in the songs and laments. She's down-to-earth, and someone you can relate with.

Using insightful anecdotes, you find yourself challenged to be more than you are. My favorite is the sweet memory she recalls of her mother singing "Count Your Many Blessings" while washing the dishes, ironic in contrast to the turmoil she was surviving. Not only did I find myself humming the words to that hymn; I found myself wanting to find a way to sing in the midst of the craziness that surrounds me. He is faithful, and nothing can shake that.

To check it out for yourself, visit this site:

http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780307457882&ref=externallink_wbp_aperfectmess_sec_0526_01

Happy reading!

Amish Love

What’s all the hubbub about Amish fiction? Major media outlets like Time and ABC Nightline are covering it, and authors like Cindy Woodsmall are making the New York Times bestseller list regularly. What makes these books so interesting?

Check out the recent ABC Nightline piece here (http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/story?id=7676659&page=1) about Cindy and her titles When the Heart Cries, When the Morning Comes, and When the Soul Mends. It’s an intriguing look at Amish culture and the time Cindy has spent with Amish friends.

And don’t forget that Cindy’s new book The Hope of Refuge hits store shelves August 11, and is available for preorder now.

Living Rich for Less

I recently picked up Ellie Kay's new book "Living Rich for Less." In our current economy, I was intrigued with the subject. And hey, I'm hoping to save some money in 2009.

With lively humor, proven know-how, and practical principles for financial health, Ellie helps you stretch your dollars to realize the lifestyle of your dreams with simple steps save, spend, and give smart. She even shares tidbits she calls Cha-Ching Factor tips that keep or put money in your pocket.

It's refreshing to read this perspective from someone who's been there. She went, within two and a half years, from being a new wife and mom with $40,000 in consumer debt and seven children (and college educations) to support, to being completely debt-free and having enough to take care of her family and those she cares about.

For a fresh view at a topic that's on all our minds, check out the book here:

http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=446015&netp_id=570367&event=ESRCN&item_code=WW&view=covers

Happy saving!

When the Soul Mends

During the winter, I love nothing better than curling up with a good book. Recently, I found Cindy Woodsmall's "When the Soul Mends," the last in a trilogy that chronicles Amish teen Hannah Lapp.

Now when I first started to read it and realized it was the 3rd book, my immediate reaction was to close the cover and figure out how to get my hands on books one and two. And I am so glad I did. Because when I went to start "When the Soul Mends" the second time, I was so anxious to see what happened that I couldn't put it down.

In this book, Hannah's journey comes full circle. She has spent much of the last couple of years in a self-imposed shunning from her family and community, living as an "Englischer" in Ohio. She returns to help her sister through a crisis and to seek some closure. What she finds is that some of the things she's come to believe about herself and those she loves aren't what they seemed. As the truth reveals itself, Hannah finds herself longing for the simplicity of home.

This is absolutely a great way to cozy up in front of the fire, appreciating the simplicity and honesty of this girl's journey, especially in our current times. Enjoy!

Only Nuns Change Habits

I recently read the new book by Karen Linamen, Only Nuns Change Habits. It's a cute, tongue-in-cheek read that encourages readers to keep the resolutions they keep at the New Year, and all year round. The book is broken down into chapters, but tying it all together are 52 tips she's offered as tidbits to keep you on track.

This is a great book for someone who needs a refresher in meeting goals. The information isn't new or revolutionary. But let's face it, with as many distractions as we face on a day-to-day basis, we could all use the reminder. And Karen's humor keeps your pages turning.

To check it out for yourself, visit this link:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1400074002

Be on your way to a new you for 2009!

The Shape of Mercy

This has been quite a week of reading for me. I was a bit tired when I picked up Susan Meissner's "The Shape of Mercy." I was NOT disappointed.

The book tells the story of Lauren, a rich college student who takes a job transcribing a centuries-old diary. The writer she's bringing to life is a young girl alive during the turmoil of the Salem Witch Trials. As Lauren uncovers the truths long hidden by history, she learns about herself and what it means to stand up for what you believe.

Meissner's style is captivating, drawing you in with a lyric tone that is descriptive without being overly flowery. The story is thought-provoking, and you won't want to put it down.

Add "The Shape of Mercy" to your reading list today. You won't be sorry.

Get a copy at Amazon:http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1400074711

Religious Nostalgia

This week I was excited to dive into a book that chronicles the impact church had on the childhood of a boy growing up on the East Coast.

In "Churched," Matthew Turner talks about the stereotypes and manipulations that he encountered from his church, its parishioners, his parents, etc. I opened it expecting a dialogue similar to that of "Blue Like Jazz." That was a big mistake on my part.

Turner definitely has his finger on the pulse of what a lot of churches practiced back when he was a kid, but he spends so much time there that any nonChristian looking for a reason to skip church on Sunday would have 200+ pages worth. As a kid who was raised in a similar church, I definitely saw some accuracies, but I didn't leave the book feeling like Turner had made his peace with what "happened to" him.

Even though his narrative is rooted in truth, it made me feel hopeless and ashamed to be identified with the church. And I doubt that was his aim.

If you grew up in the church and did sword drills and colored pictures in Sunday School, check out "Churched" for yourself. But if you didn't...especially if you're new to the faith...stay far away.

To find the book for yourself, visit Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1400074711

Rebecca is...

I am intrigued tonight by the status update in my online addiction, Facebook. Some people don't use them, some use them too much, some use them to pay a compliment or earn one... Tonight I am overwhelmed by mine. I want to update it. But every status that is accurate, truthful, reveals WAY too much about how I am actually feeling.

Disappointed. A promise broken.
Beside herself. Distraught that a trust has been compromised.
Lonely. No voice on the line.
Drowning. Overwhelmed by a day's worth of things that didn't get shared.

Where is the familiar? Where is the depended upon? Is it gone for the time being, or should I buck up and wait it out, confident that there are still 42 more minutes before faith should hang its head and raise the white flag?

Boo. This is for the birds.

And still:

Rebecca is...

an intermission

Looking at my last post, I realized it's been a while since I've written anything that wasn't about a book I was reading.

When I started this blog, it was mainly to process some struggles I was having with where life was and where it was headed. Things were foggy, and somehow, typing them here added some clarity.

In hindsight, there is still some fog, but there is also some sunshine. I can see areas where I have changed and been stretched. It's exciting in some ways...knowing that my faith is still strong, in some ways stronger, but that my world view has been broadened.

There will be more reviews on here, I guarantee it. And hopefully, I'll keep making time for these entries too. But even when I don't, I will still be living in the far country, striving to be like Christ.

The Encore Effect

Mark Sanborn, author of "The Fred Factor," has written another book outlining the characteristics of a person who makes those around him keep asking for more...the encore, as it were.

Like many of his contemporaries, he talks about the actions and traits necessary to achieve success in any area of life, but specifically, in the workplace.

Unlike other similar books, however, Sanborn includes what he calls "Intersections." These chapter conclusions link the real world priniciples with biblical truths. Some, honestly, are a stretch. Nevertheless, the effort is worthwhile, although it might seem out of left field to a nonChristian reader.

There are no "eurekas" in this book, which Sanborn readily admits in his introduction. And that isn't really his goal, he says. Rather, he wants to enlighten those who have strayed from committing to excellence and get them back on the path to a more fulfilling career and/or ministry.

This is a good refresher course for anyone with a career or ministry, especially if you've reached a point where you are either questioning what you're doing or wondering where to go next.

A parable in dog training

I just finished a new book called "Saturdays with Stella." Written by fiction author Allison Pittman, it uses the concepts of training a puppy to compare with how God trains us to sit at His feet, wait in His time, and be the obedient one He wants each of us to be.

Each chapter is centered around a certain command that mutt Stella learned in her obedience class. Pittman then goes on to use a Bible example, along with some personal revelation, to make her point.

The book is a quick read, and fun for the animal lover. You'll easily see the comparisons, but you might also find them a little simplified. A fun book for a rainy day, it's worth the look.

To purchase the book at Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1601421397

Enjoy!

Children's books

If you're looking for a few books to keep your kids occupied, take time to look at these books:

God Loves Me More Than That - Help your little one (and yourself!) understand the measure of God's love in the words of Dandi Daley Mackall.
http://www.amazon.com/Loves-More-Than-Dandilion-Rhymes/dp/1400073162/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1218755325&sr=1-1

When God Created My Toes - Show your child how God made him or her special.
http://www.amazon.com/Loves-More-Than-Dandilion-Rhymes/dp/1400073162/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1218755325&sr=1-1

God Gave Us Heaven - A marvelous book that helps a child understand heaven and what happens after someone or something dies.
http://www.amazon.com/God-Gave-Heaven-Lisa-Bergren/dp/1400074460/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1218755286&sr=8-1