True Peace

Luke 2:14
“Glory to God in highest heaven,
    and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

Micah 5:5
   And he will be the source of peace.

When I was a teenager, I looked forward to hearing my brother, Darryl, sing the song Let There be Peace on Earth. He was part of a quartet who echoed the beautiful words each Christmas. In the lyrics, the songwriters penned "let it [peace] begin with me." I took that to heart and have since sought out how to be a peaceful person. One who calms conflict and eases anxiety. Even though I seek peace, I'm not always at peace. The world is so full of noise and distraction, I sometimes have to close my eyes and block out everything to pray for peace in my heart.

Thankfully, I don't rely on myself to discover the peace that passes understanding. I just ask Jesus. He is the true peace. In Luke 2:14 a heavenly host of angels announced to the shepherds, minding their own business tending sheep, that a babe was born in a manger who will save the world. First of all, if a bunch of angels showed up and started talking to me, I'd be scared witless. So I'm guessing the shepherds felt the same way. From what I read in Luke 2:14, God had an inkling of how the shepherds would react because he bestowed his peace on them. He was pleased with them and didn't want them to be afraid. That's how God is, he is the giver of peace. Through Jesus he sent the Prince of Peace who gives understanding and calm in the midst of stress.

I love the words of Casting Crown's I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.  Click the link and give a listen, let the peace of Jesus pour over you. I pray for peace this Christmas season. Internal peace and peace in this world. Please pray with me.

Christmas Peace

Nonfiction Review: Blessed are the Misfits Great News for Believers who are Introverts, Spiritual Strugglers, or Just Feel Like They're Missing Something by Brant Hansen

Book Description:

Warning: If modern church culture makes perfect sense to you, and you always fit in seamlessly, don’t read this. As for the rest of us…

While American church culture (and American culture at large) seems largely designed for the extroverted, it’s estimated that half of the American population is introverted, and they’re often left wondering how, even if, they fit in the kingdom of God. As one of them, popular radio host Brant Hansen brings news. It’s wonderful, refreshing, and never-been-said-this-way-before good news.

In his unique style, Hansen looks to answer questions that millions of people carry with them each day:

If I don’t relate to God as emotionally as others do, is something wrong with me?

How does one approach God, and approach faith, when devoid of the “good feelings” that seem to drive so much of evangelical church culture?

How does God interact with those who seem spiritually numb?

Is the absence of faith-based emotion a sign of that God has moved on or was never there?

What if we aren’t good at talking to people about our faith, or good at talking to people at all?

What if I’m told I’m too analytical, that I “think too much”?

Where does a person who suffers from depression fit in the kingdom? Is depression a sure sign of a lack of faith?

This book is good news for people who are desperately looking for it. (And for their loved ones!)

It’s also for those who want to believe in Jesus, but inwardly fear that they don’t belong, worry that don’t have the requisite emotion-based relationship with God, and are starving for good news.

Blessed Are the Misfits is going to generate discussion, and lots of it. It’s simultaneously highly provocative and humbly personal. It’s also leavened with a distinct, dry, self-effacing humor that is a hallmark of Hansen’s on-air, writing, and public speaking style.

My Review:

I enjoy listening to Brant Hansen on the radio. In our area he's a D.J. on Star 93.3 in the morning, with his partner Sherri. He's funny and insightful, with a unique perspective. All of those traits come through in his writing. Blessed are the Misfits is a quick and enjoyable read, with a good dose of observation and wisdom. As an introvert, I appreciate Hansen's revelations on how difficult it is for introverts to be part of the modern church. But I especially value the chapter called "Blessed are the Perpetual Strugglers." He says, "The struggle means God is still working in you." I love this because I like knowing that God is working 'in' me not on me. I'm not his project, I'm his child who he loves. Brant tackles some tough topics like depression, the inability to pray, skepticism, and loneliness. I recommend this book for anyone who wants a better understanding of people and those who assume all people are okay in an extrovert world. If you're a misfit, read this book. If you're not, read it anyway and understand those of us who are. 5 stars. I received this book for free.

Joy Sparks Joy

Matthew 2:10
When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! 

I just finished reading Blessed are the Misfits by Brant Hansen, Star radio DJ. In the book he poses the question, "Can a person have depression and joy at the same time?" That got me to thinking, can we invite joy into our hearts during the holidays, no matter the circumstances? Can I be joyful during the holidays even when... 

I'm a single parent and, by America's standards, I can't buy what my children want...

I've lost a loved one who won't be here to wish a Merry Christmas...

I'm a high school student who has no close friends...

I'm a college student struggling to balance work and school...

I'm a parent rushing from activity to activity just trying to get it all done...

I'm a soldier, out of the country, with no hope of being home for the holidays...

I'm just overwhelmed with all the preparation of Christmas...

I haven't experienced all of these scenarios, but I've had my share of struggles during the holidays. Circumstances that could have stolen every speck of joy from my heart. Yet, God shined on me through his people and his word. I found if I could muster one little spark of joy in my heart, the fire would burn and spark delight in my soul. The wise men found joy when they saw the star and realized Jesus was nearby. He is for us too. Jesus is here. He has the joy we desire. Not happiness that's fleeting, but joy that underlies all circumstances. Even when everything seems difficult or frustrating, Jesus' joy is like a buoy that helps me through the tough times.

Have you ever been around someone filled with joy. Their joy sparks joy in others. Let's set the world on fire with JOY!

I hope this Christmas is filled with joy for you. But if not, I challenge you to ask God for joy. Jesus gives the true joy of the season.

Fiction Book Review: The Gift of Christmas Past by Cindy Woodsmall & Erin Woodsmall

About the Book:
Arson wasn't the only fire that ignited between them.
Promises shattered.
Lies spoken.
She was arrested.
He returned to the safety of his wealthy parents.

Almost ten years later, Hadley and Monroe are both specialists in the field of speech therapy. They meet again . . . thrown together to help a four-year-old-girl rendered mute after being rescued from a fire. 



Years of secrets and anger beg to be set free as Hadley and Monroe try to push aside past hurts and find common ground in order to help the traumatized child and her family.

Can the love of Christmas past drift into the present, bringing healing and hope for all?

My Review:
I enjoyed The Gift of Christmas Past. The characters are real, they have faults, feelings, and struggles. I love that. And they have spunk! That's awesome and it serves them well. Sometimes books portray women who have been abused or neglected as needy and whiny. Not so with The Woodsmalls. They gave Hadley and Elliott, sisters by chance/friends by choice, the strength and bravery they needed to overcome difficult circumstances. Of course there is a spiritual thread as well. One of my favorite characters is a doctor named Trent. You'll have to read the book to see what I mean. Although the story is not overwrought with the holidays, there is a touch of peace and joy in the story. This is a great book to read this winter. I received this book for free.

Christmas Joy!

A Man Called John

John 3:3
The prophet Isaiah was speaking about John when he said,

“He is a voice shouting in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming!
    Clear the road for him!’”

Luke 7:27
John is the man to whom the Scriptures refer when they say,

‘Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
    and he will prepare your way before you.

True confession #1: I started preparing for Christmas in September. Anyone who creates arts and crafts understands. I had a few ideas for gifts and knew I needed to get started. True confession #2: I started listening to Christmas music in November. I love the joyful songs of Christmas, and they fuel my crafting fire. True confession #3: I've been binge watching  Hallmark Christmas movies since the last day of October. Again, fuel to keep my hands creating and my heart engaged.

Preparation is an important part of the Christmas story. Before Jesus walked the roads and preached his message of salvation, God sent John the Baptist to get people ready to accept the Messiah's appearance. John spent years preaching in Judea, even Jerusalem. He spoke about repentance and baptism. John, born a few months before Jesus, came to tell a new story. He was rocking the world with his talk about one who would be the ultimate sacrifice for sin. His preaching contradicted the religious leaders and their teachings. But, his words were given to him by God. John the Baptist's faith is pretty amazing. He took God at his word. He trusted God's plan for his life. As you plan for the holiday, give some thought to John and his story. His life wasn't easy as he forged the way for the Messiah, yet he remained faithful.

 “Someone is coming soon who is greater than I [John] am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to stoop down like a slave and untie the straps of his sandals. I baptize you with water, but he [Jesus] will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!” Mark 1:7