Simply Tuesday

Currently this book sits on my nightstand. And it should yours too....not that I'm trying to tell you what to read, but if one of your goals this year is taking in the small moments and slowing down...then I am TELLING you...you need this book.

I realized in October, when basically I bottomed out, that life is not more productive, better, more applaudable (is that a word?), more noticed or more anything...in the fast lane....except maybe more stressful. In a nutshell, God basically laid me flat on my back for about 2 weeks and made it impossible for me to "do". And if you know me, then you know this didn't come without a struggle. And so, I had a lot of time to think...to really assess how I was running through life...From one activity to the next...doing lots of good things, but wearing myself thin. Don't get me wrong...I loved what I was doing...teaching, church, family, piano lessons, volleyball with Savannah and all the in-between things moms do. But I was tired. And no doubt I was...the lab results would soon prove I had reason to be.

And that's when I remembered this book that was released last year. I had wanted to read it...see I want to live that simple life of taking in the moments...the ordinary moments...the nothing fancy, nothing special...everyday moments. The conversations and the relationships that I had missed out because I was running from this to that....I didn't want to miss them...but I did. But no more.

God values hard work...and to be truthful...I am glad...because I am a hard worker. But I guess I kidded myself into thinking that God valued work over rest. And that's a lie. God wants our best...and when we are running on empty, we can't give Him our best. In His creation plan He worked in that we should take a day of rest, a day to stop the presses and to breath deeply of His goodness, to worship, to stand in awe of God himself. He gave us a plan to have the energy we would need...if we would follow the plan.

And I haven't been good at following this plan. But I want to do better. And that will only happen if I learn how to slow it down and take the built in time God allows to rest, rejuvenate, recharge, worship and enjoy the simple. So I am going to educate myself on ways to enjoy the slow, to drink in the mundane, to sit and be still, to worship in ways other than at church.

I hope you'll pick up this gem if you find yourself in the same place as me. God's way is always best. He always provides a way for us. We don't have to prove ourselves...sometimes it's ok to just be. It doesn't mean we are lazy...it means we've found a way to enjoy the small, the ordinary, the beautiful details that He meant for us to embrace...along with all the other things He has for us to do...the work and the necessary and the responsibilities He's given us. He's a God of order and purpose and a God who rested...not because He was tired, but because He was setting an example for us to take care of ourselves and to pause.

I'd love to hear how you rest best...if you've got a great idea...share it in the comments section.

Happy Reading!

Whatcha Reading?

One of my goals for the new year was to read for enjoyment. I read....but usually it's in preparation for something....homeschooling, Bible study, teaching, small group, gardening. And although I am a little nerdy and do enjoy that....sometimes I remember how nice it is to get lost in a book for just a little bit...and I like that memory. So....I got a few books for Christmas....

Ok...I know...this might not sound enjoyable to just anyone...but for me...and Bruce this equals time together. We are looking forward to starting this book this week. Anyone read this already? 

Years ago I read everything I could get my hands on by Karen Kingsbury. Her early books and series were some of my favorites, so when I was thinking about reading for pleasure my mind immediately went back to Karen Kingsbury. Have you read anything by her? What's your favorite?

And my all time favorite fictional author is Francine Rivers....but again I haven't read anything since The Shofar Blew ...which was 2003... which basically means I quit reading for pleasure on a regular basis when I started having kids....which I think is pretty common....but I now need to gain some brain cells back...and I figure if I have time to read Facebook...well I have time to read.

Along with those three books, we are using Josh McDowell's family devotion book and Duck Dynasty's devotional with the kids each night at dinner. We're having some very lo-key discussions that are proving to be really great for our family.

So...what are you reading? Anything good out there that's a must read for 2015?

Boundaries

I was reminded of some great resources last week at the conference we attended. I checked a few out at CBD this morning and found that Boundaries is on sale for $5 right now.

Boundaries was a book that helped me early in ministry. I actually attended a book study at Sagemont Church in Houston for 12 weeks as we walked chapter by chapter through areas where we need to set healthy boundaries. I went into the study thinking telling people "no" was mean and would be misunderstood and I came away learning that to be a healthy person myself, I need to know my limits, physically, spiritually and mentally. I am far from a super-human being and to think I can handle everything just proves how much I struggle with pride.

Since the original Boundaries came out, the authors have written a few other books that highlight specific areas that we need to set healthy boundaries. I can tell you that these books helped to educate me as a very young, impressionable pastor's wife. Now as a mother, they're helping me set realistic boundaries for my kids.

Check this deal out...and more. (Search for specific title names through the search box at the top of my blog for easy access to the book information.






Boundaries, Softcover

By Dr. Henry Cloud / Zondervan

Having clear boundaries is essential to a healthy, balanced lifestyle. A boundary is a personal property line that marks those things for which we are responsible. In other words, boundaries define who we are and who we are not. Boundaries impact all areas of our lives: Physical boundaries help us determine who may touch us, mental boundaries give us the freedom to have our own thoughts, emotional boundaries help us to deal with our own emotions and spiritual boundaries help us to distinguish God's will from our own.


Boundaries in Dating
Boundaries with Children
Boundaries in Marriage
Boundaries with Leaders
Boundaries with Teens

Basketful of Bargains

I'm busy at VBS this week at church....lots of fun going on, lots of sweat going on, lots of kids. Sounds fun, huh?

Anyway....if you're sitting in the comfort of your own home...with kids...send them on over to me at VBS and take some time to look at all the bargains at CBD this week:

I'll be back....after I shower, rest my feet and drink a diet coke!

Click HERE for the bargains....find something good!

Slightly Imperfect...

There's a slightly imperfect sale going on at Christian Book Distributors. If you love a bargain, like I do... check out this sale. Bottom of the barrel prices on top of the content books, gifts, music and what not. There are Bible study books, cookbooks, gift books, kid's books, homeschool books, fiction, non-fiction, biographies....all just slightly imperfect. Hope you find something good!

GO here: Slightly Imperfect Sale

The SALE goes on from June 18-24, so go today for the best selection!

Book Recommendation!

This short and to the point book is an easy, yet convicting read. Bruce picked it up at a recent trip to BBC and I read it after he left it on the kitchen table one morning. If you're a church member...you should read it...and if you're not....you should read it. I think that just about covers everyone! It's only $5.....$5???? I know! I can't believe it either!

I Am a Church Member: Discovering the Attitude that Makes the Difference By Thom S. Rainer / B & H Publishing Group I Am a Church Member seeks to remedy the outbreak of inactive or barely committed church members. It addresses--without apology--what is expected of those who join a body of believers. When a person's attitude is consistently biblical and healthy, matters of giving, serving, and so forth will fall into place more naturally and Rainer's practical work unpacks what that should look like. Six compelling chapters with study questions guide this more-important-than-ever discussion: 1. I Will Be a Unifying Church Member 2. I Will Not Let the Church Be About My Preferences and Desires 3. I Will Pray for My Church Leaders 4. I Will Lead My Family to Be Healthy Church Members 5. I Will Be a Functioning Member 6. I Will Treasure Church Membership as a Gift Buy it HERE !!! It's only $5 today! That's a bargain!