Fearless by Max Lucado - Review

Today is the day that Fearless is unleashed - this new timeless book from Max Lucado does what most of his books do - cuts straight to the heart of the matter.

We all have fears, I know I likely have more than most, but we are told countless times by Jesus himself to 'fear not'. This refreshing read tackles current situations one by one. From the economy to the nightly news, we all worry about where we as a person, family, city, state, nation and world are headed. I'm reminded of everytime growing up my mom used the old phrase - "to heck in a handbasket" - and sometimes that's just how we feel.

I liked this book most because in classic Lucado style, he talks direct to the reader. Backing up his premises on sound doctrine with subtle nuances of humor and lots of wisdom, Max has another home run with this one. You will certainly see this book used for Bible studies and small groups for years to come. Including my home church starting later this month.

Kingdom Coming Download

The Noticer by Andy Andrews - Book Review

Sometimes, when we are at our lowest, the last thing we want is for someone to notice us. We just want to hide and blend in.

The Noticer, set in a small Gulf Coast beach community, casts an array of locals as they interact with “Jones” who notices when they are each in one of these personal low places. As he shows them his ‘perspective’ on their situations, they start to see the world as full of possibilities and hope again.

This short novel is definitely a must read. Without being ‘spiritual’ by words, it cuts deep to the spirit that is within each of us. Seeing our lives in the books situations, from helplessness to divorce to workplace challenges, helps to direct a new perspective that I, personally, sometimes have a hard time reaching. The interactions amongst the community and “Jones” chronicle how to find the best in situations, and most importantly, when to look inward for the outward change we don’t even realize that we need most.

We’ve all been in low places in our lives and wondered why we are even still here, this book goes into the very details of why – and the potential change that we can make in this world.

The cover caption sums it up so well –

The Noticer ‘Sometimes, all a person needs is a little perspective.’

Coming up with a catchy title

Ah, coming up with a catchy title for every post is not easy... Perhaps, if one strikes me later today, I'll change this little paragraph out and noone will ever know about my lack of early morning creativity.

Yesterday was a great day! In so many ways... In all honesty, I'm still letting it all sink in and trying very hard to keep my mouth from running (or my fingers) away without me!

This morning, I woke up very early (my new plan...) to do my devotional time and spend a little time with God before heading out to conquer the world - or at least my morning workout. So many things are hitting me all at once. Good things - blessings we call them.

My morning devotional spoke straight to the heart of the matter. My heart - and the fact that while I would like for all the stars to align just right before I start something, some days you just have to get up and do it. We search, we've all done it... we search for meaning, for answers, for the way and the truth - but the truth is that God has already found us, we merely just need to acknowledge him and *POW* things will happen.

So many doors are opening it feels like, I just pray this morning that I can avoid getting caught up in me and let Him handle the doors.

I believe -

More regular

To all you bloggers who are more regular than I am - any tips you can share? I need to get on top of this... I am hoping to do some Christian book reviews here as well as share other useful information. Now, just to find more time (or spend my time mo' bettah').

Monday smiles to all!

Motivate Me Monday

It's Monday, again...

Funny how they come every week, kind of like Christmas coming in December and the hustle and bustle that feels so last minute but we've known about forever.

For quite a while now, I have been a blog reader, attempting several times to start my/our own only to disappoint myself when it just didn't make the cut to get done. If you know me, you will know that I don't like to put things 'out there' that aren't perfect or at least close... so the blog never was perfect - thus not 'out there'.

Amazingly, a lot of things feel just not in order or not perfect in our home, especially on Mondays.
Yet, we still go 'out there' to work, to school, to church, to so many places - and while we're not perfect, we're there, so now the blog is here.

One of the blogs I like to read and am learning to participate in is the 5:16 am ladies. I don't like to get out of bed early, but once I'm up, I do love to spend quiet time with the Lord, my Bible, studies, devotionals and more. So, I'm going to participate to the best of my ability in Motivate Me Mondays. I'm still learning about Mr. Linky and all that goes with this but below is my first attempt. Ladies, if you're out there, and you've read this far - won't you join me?

Motivation/Contentment/Intention

We are all busy and we all know it, but some things must just take precedence. Note, I'm not necessarily referring to blogging, but it does make the list as an effective way to communicate with many friends and family that are far away and near... But the most important thing that has come to me in 2008 is that our faith development and actions must be intentional. (I totally 'borrowed' that word from another early morning riser, but it just feels so on target.)

My word of the second half of 2008 was contentment - any time I picked up my Bible or got deep enough into a study that word stood out on the page as if the author had written it with hot pink in a black and white world. So, I pursued study, scheduling and working with that word in mind. Am I content today? Not entirely, but I'm so much closer than I have been in the past! God has brought me 'this far' and He still has work to do in and through me - so with that -

The word for January 2009 is Intentional - how can I be more intentional - and what do I want to be intentional about? Those are the lists stirring in my busy little brain, we'll see where He takes them.

Happy 2009!

Welcome 2009

Happy New Year!

Apparently we have enjoyed a few holidays since the last blog post... I'll have to work on doing a little better this year, like many things.

We're jumping into 09 with both feet, keep up with us if you want to and can ;)

Love to all the friends and family...

Let's make it a great year!

Hurricane Ike

Hurricane Ike wasn't too bad in College Station. We had lots of friends and family displaced by the storm, but most are back now. Only a few have electricity at this point, but everybody seems to be doing fine. Jeff

Thank you

Aunt Sandy for an awesome new school outfit - that looks perfect for the tennis courts! And, of course, for spending the weekend with us prior to school starting - shopping, laughing, playing and hanging out! We love you...

It's official...

We are now the proud parents of a pre-schooler. With both joy at the young lady that she is becoming and sadness at how fast it is all happening, Jadyn started pre-school. Same private school system, different location - new teacher and a few new classmates!

She was thrilled and had a great first day! We love our new teacher - Mrs. D.

Summer Pics

We've been pretty busy running around to some fun places on the weekends. We've been to the Houston Zoo, Kemah Boardwalk, the Woodlands Resort, and the Fort Worth Zoo.

Kemah - Yes, we see how big you are!

Houston Zoo - juicebox break with MR.

The Woodlands Resort with the boys.

Jadyn with Cousin Jacob

Our Nephew Jacob

Apparently, Jacob loves to sit for long periods playing with the ball with his feet. He's turning into a pretty cute kid.

Father's Day Treat

For me and Angel.

This Dancer...!

After the dance recital rehearsal we went to Outback. In an effort to get Jadyn to eat some lettuce, Jodi said "dancer's like to eat lettuce."

Jadyn replied, "THIS dancer does't eat lettuce!!!"

Lake House Wildlife

My mom took some good pictures of some of the wildlife we ran across while riding in the boat the other day. -- Jeff

Major Family Addition

After our two older dogs went to doggie heaven, we added a new dog to the family -- Angel.

It's been a while!

Only a year. We'll do better this time!!!

Car Conversation with Jadyn

Jadyn - "Laugh Daddy"
Me - "Ha Ha Ha Ha"
Jadyn - "It's not funny Daddy"

Bed Time Conversation - April 12, 2007

Jadyn - "I read this book to you, Daddy."
Daddy - "ok"
Jadyn - "Say thank you, Daddy."
Daddy - "Thank you."
Jadyn - "You're welcome"