So Many Books, So Little Time!

Oh, I am so excited! I just got my hands on three great books and I can't wait to get reading! Even better-two out of three were written by friends of mine! I'm surrounded by greatness and I have the autographs to prove it! If you're looking for something new to read, might I suggest any one of these treasures? I happen to know that the writing is as stellar as the authors themselves.

First up is Her Safari, written by my friend, Lisa Mikitarian. Lisa has crafted a collection of short stories so inspiring and amusing that it's hard to put this book down. Her Safari chronicles the lives of several different women in various stages of life. Written with humor and common sense, this is a wonderful book to read while you're in the waiting room at the doctor's office. By the time your name is called you'll be smiling and willing to forgive the dingaling who made you wait.

Next is The Mountains Bow Down by Sibella Giorello. I was inspired to read this book after checking out my friend, Tim George's review on his blog. It's the story of FBI agent Raleigh Harmon working to solve a murder aboard a cruise ship headed to Alaska. Family drama and even a bit of romance add to the mix, making this one worth checking out. Read it and let me know what you think!


Lastly, we have Mind Over Madi, written by my sweet friend, Lynda Schab. This is chick-lit in its purest, most glorious form. Madi is a wife and mother who suspects her husband is cheating. She learns a few things about life, love, and how to be the princess God created her to be. First in a three book series, this debut novel is sure to be a best seller in no time!

If you've read any of these books, make sure you stop by the author's websites and leave them a comment letting them know how much you loved them. Or you can leave a comment here and I'll be happy to pass on the message. Happy reading!

Five Minute Challenge

At the suggestion of Allison over at Beautiful in Him, I’m taking her challenge. For five minutes I’m going to take the topic “unexpected” and write unedited (I know you’ll appreciate this, Kristina!) and unscripted. Ok, here goes!

Go!

Unexpected

She was sitting by herself on the bleachers watching her daughter cheer. We ambled into easy conversation about how we ended up at this particular spot on this particular day. I moved to town when I was a teenager, by my own choice I might add. I wanted to escape the way of life I had always known. Yes, I often wonder if I made the right choice, but no, I don’t regret it. I’m here and I’m happy. Best of all, I am at peace. I could tell I hit a soft spot. Her eyes welled up and she asked me if we could get together some time. I told her that would be wonderful. “My friends just don’t understand. I can’t really talk to them about this issue because they just don’t get it.” Sister, I do get it because I’ve been there. Call me any time. I never say no to friends. We exchanged phone numbers and somehow I knew in my spirit that God had just done something amazing.  

Stop!

Ok, now it's your turn. Write for five minutes and I dare you not to edit. Link back here and tell others to take the challenge. Leave a comment for the person who linked before you. Have fun!

It's Not Easy Being Green

Instead of God’s still, small voice I wish I could hear Yoda sometimes. “Going the wrong way, you are! Turn back, you must!” I think my life would be much easier simply because the voice is so conspicuous. You can’t disobey Yoda! If you actually have the audacity to ignore his wisdom you run the risk of disappointing him. Can you imagine how deprived the world would be if Miss Piggy told Kermit to get lost? Never cross the green guy! I am convinced that little green guys have all the power. Well, almost all the power.

Several truths about myself have been revealed to me lately. One is that while I may think I don’t say much, quite the opposite is true and it’s time to embrace that fact. I am not the shy, voiceless child I once was. This is especially true if I happen to like you, even a little bit. Whether the words are written or spoken, I have the propensity to become like that annoying leaky faucet. No matter how many times you turn that handle, the drips are going to keep coming until you either fix the thing or find another room to hide in.

Another truth I have come to accept is that my words still have the power to be brutal. I honestly thought after so many years of growing and changing that I would be past this point in my life. Yet here I am again, apologizing for wounding another innocent victim. I have sought forgiveness and now it’s in God’s hands. The thing is I wish I could continue to lie to myself. I wish I could make myself believe that I don’t have the power to do such massive damage, that I’m not capable of the kind of carnage I have created. Yet I am once again on my face in repentance. Yes, I did it. I crossed the green guy.

“I’m sorry” is an empty sentiment when real damage has occurred. At some point all of us get sick of hearing it if the words are not backed up with action. While Jesus did say that we need to forgive our neighbor seventy times seven, he also told the woman caught in adultery to go and sin no more. Go and sin no more. Stop doing whatever it is that you’re doing to cause so much damage to yourself and others. Stop. Doing. It.

If my words are weapons, I am laying them down. I am throwing in the white towel and surrendering, offering myself freely to be judged or punished. I deserve death. While my debt has already been paid for by Jesus on the cross, I know I’ve got some unfinished business here. I am ready and I am not afraid. I will accept the consequences for my actions and I will move forward with the grace that God gave me. I will replace the broken washer on my leaky faucet mouth and learn from this. I will be better tomorrow. I promise.