Resilient Faith by Lewis and Sarah Allen–Book Review

In this book the authors attack the problem of persevering in the faith over time and in the difficulties and temptations of daily life. It is both practical and biblical with plenty of suggestions and wisdom to help us keep going when we are feeling weighed down by hardship, pain, or the distractions of daily life.

Each section is followed by reflection questions that could be used for journaling or small group discussions. There is also a short prayer. Topics covered include a variety of spiritual disciplines such as prayer, worship, rest, God’s Word, and more. Plenty of personal examples make for an easy and relatable read.

Modern life is hectic and requires us to constantly balance and evaluate priorities. This book will help readers to thoughtfully reflect on how to do that in ways that are both God-pleasing and healthy.

VERDICT: 5 STARS. I would love to read this with a small group! Challenging and helpful.

The Lutheran Ladies received a free copy of this book in return for a fair and honest review.

If you would like to purchase a copy, follow this link to Crossway Publishing:

https://www.crossway.org/books/resilient-faith-tpb/

For more book reviews see these posts:

Mission Possible One-Year Devotional by Tim Tebow–Book Review

A Praying Church by Paul E. Miller– Book Review

Good Boundaries and Goodbyes by Lysa Terkeurst–Book Review

Golden by Justin Zorn & Leigh Marz–Book Review

This book about silence covers a lot of territory — everything from individual spiritual practices to public green spaces and noise abatement regulations to neurobiology to the way that technology destroys our quiet time. It may change your ideas about what silence really is and how to achieve it. For example, we are prey to both internal and external “noise”, and we can experience silence even in an environment that is not completely quiet. Often our deepest experiences of silence involve a feeling of transcendence and connectedness rather than complete absence of sound.

It is not specifically Christian, but a number of Christian disciplines are discussed (also included are practices from other religious traditions). At the end of the book there is a listing of thirty-three ways to find silence, which recaps all the methods presented. You can also view some of what is said through a Christian lens — for example, at one point the authors discuss what they consider to be “the default position of our minds” –which is ME. To me that rings true, and is an indicator of original sin, since in Latin the term for sin is curvatus inse, which means turned into oneself. In another place, they interview people about that feeling they call “flow” or the “sweet spot” when we may not be quiet, but have the feeling that we are somehow “tuned in,” doing just what we were created to do in a way that is almost effortless (I would call this feeling God’s pleasure).

VERDICT: 3 STARS. Interesting and informative, but don’t expect to agree with all the views presented.

For more book reviews see:

until Leaves fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin–Book Review

It’s Not Your Turn by Heather Thompson Day–Book Review

Unoffendable

Always Amending, YBH?

Many Christians will agree with the idea that we should be “always amending” our lives, but there is still what I call the YBH question — yes, but how? In order to become a better person, a more worthy disciple, we must take some action. What should we do and how?

I think the key is to form habits. If you’re dissatisfied with the time you spend in prayer, reading your Bible, or serving others, you can work to make these things habitual parts of your daily routine. Here are some suggestions:

1. Start small. Read a chapter of the Bible a day, pray for ten minutes, take on one ministry that really interests you.
2. Have a “cue.” For example, tie your activity to something you already do regularly — for example, I will read the Bible while I enjoy my morning coffee, or I will pray every evening right before I get in bed.
3. Need to make time? Some people get up earlier, stay up later, or use their lunch hour. If you start with a small goal, this will work.
4. Have a Plan B, if you miss your regular “cue” when will you fit the activity in?
5. Do it with friends. A Bible study group, prayer or ministry team, or an accountability partner will help you not just have a plan but stick with your plan.
6. Don’t give up! When you fail (and you will), just get back to your routine as soon as you can.
7. Don’t expect immediate results. Take stock after six months or a year, and you will probably see that some things have changed. Then you can set a new goal.

We all have limitations, and we’re not perfect. We won’t be able to achieve complete sanctification in this life. but we can always improve. Thankfully, our salvation does not depend upon our works, but on God’s grace! He loves you and so do I!

For more about developing spiritual disciplines see these posts:

What Do You Practice?

Fanning the Flame #16 Personal Spiritual Discipline

Prayer Disciplines Part 1

Examination of Conscience, Again

This is a topic I’ve posted about before (Examination of Conscience) and it’s an important exercise that we should all do regularly. Basically, it’s pondering and confessing our sins. Of course, we do this corporately, when we attend worship, but it’s also good to make time to think about how we’ve fallen short in very specific ways. Recently when I reread Of the Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis (Of the Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis–Book Review) I came across a format that I found really helpful. I’m going to include it here today for others who might like to use it:

(Imagine Christ is speaking to you)

Diligently examine your conscience, and to the utmost of your power purify and make it clear, with true contrition and humble confession; so you may have no burden, nor know anything that may breed remorse of conscience, and hinder your drawing near. Think with displeasure of all your sins in general, and more particularly bewail and lament your daily transgressions. And if time permits, confess to God in the secret of your heart all the wretchedness of evil passions. Groan and lament that you are yet so carnal and worldly, so unmortified from passions; so full of the motions of concupiscence, so unwatchful over your outward sense, so often entangled with many vain imaginations. So much inclined to outward things, so negligent in things inward. So lightly moved to laughter and unbridled mirth, so hardly to tears and contrition. So swift to ease and pleasures of the flesh, so dull to zeal and strictness of life. So curious to hear what is new, and to see what is beautiful, so slack to embrace what is humble and mean. So covetous of abundance, so niggardly in giving, so close in keeping. So inconsiderate in speech, so reluctant to keep silence. So unruly in manners, so fretful in conduct. So eager about food, so deaf to the Word of God. So swift to take rest, so slow to labor. So wakeful after gossiping tales, so drowsy at the sacred services of night; so hasty to arrive at the end, so inclined to wandering and inattention. So careless in observing the hours of prayer, so lukewarm in celebrating, so dry in communicating. So quickly distracted, so seldom thoroughly self-collected. So suddenly moved to anger, so apt to take displeasure against another. So ready to judge, so severe to reprove. So joyful at prosperity, so weak in adversity. So often making good resolutions, and yet bringing them at last to so poor effect.

These and other defects being confessed and bewailed with sorrow and great displeasure at your own infirmity, make a firm resolution to be always amending your life, and making progress in all that is good.

Then, with full resignation and with your entire will, offer up yourself to the honor of My name, on the altar of your heart a perpetual whole burnt offering, even your body and soul, faithfully committing them unto Me.

For more about confession see:

Samuel Johnson’s Prayer of Confession

Confession — It’s Good for the Soul

A Via de Cristo Prayer of Confession and Forgiveness

The Seven Whispers by Christina Baldwin–Book Review

My theme this month is teaching, and in my life, books have often been teachers. There is the Bible, of course, but also the spiritual experiences and insights of others. In this short but moving book, Christina Baldwin explores the spiritual practices that have become meaningful to her after years of listening to the Divine. They are:

1. Maintain peace of mind
2. Move at the peace of guidance
3. Practice certainty of purpose
4. Surrender to surprise
5. Ask for what you need and offer what you can
6. Love the folks in front of you
7. Return to the world

This book is for anyone who is struggling with a busy life when the really important things often disappear in our preoccupation with doing what seems expedient. It’s about taking time to listen and to discover who we really are. It’s about finding a purpose in life and pursuing that purpose with our heart as well as our mind.

VERDICT: 5 STARS. I loved this book. There was much food for thought and ideas for journaling. However, be advised that the author speaks of her beliefs and practices as spiritual, not specifically Christian, so you may have to filter her suggestions through your own theological lens.

For another book by Christina Baldwin see:

Life’s Companion by Christina Baldwin–Book Review

For more books about spiritual disciplines see:

Spiritual Discipline For a Spiritual Life by Donald S. Witney –FTF Book Review

Spiritual Formation by Henri Nouwen–Book Review

Shades of Light by Sharon Garlough Brown–Book Review

If you enjoyed Garlough’s Sensible Shoes series, you’ll love this book also.  It centers around Wren Crawford, a young woman suffering from anxiety, depression and panic attacks.  She lives in Kingsbury, about ten years after the events of Sensible Shoes.  You will once again meet Hannah, Mara, and Charissa and get some updates on their lives.  You will also learn the back story of their spiritual director, Katherine, who turns out to be Wren’s Aunt Kit.

If you or a loved one has suffered from mental illness, you will be able to emphasize with Wren and her family.  This is another story about surrendering to God — surrendering when life spirals out of control, or when we feel helpless to change the suffering and anguish experienced by someone else’s pain. How do we come alongside, yet still establish boundaries?  It’s also about unanswered questions and how to go forward in our lives when difficult circumstances lack closure.

Wren’s story is interwoven with excerpts from the letters, art and life of the artist, Vincent Van Gogh, as well as the biblical concept of Jesus as “the man of sorrows.”  It introduces the spiritual practice of visio divina –inviting God to speak to our heart as we contemplate an image.

I was disappointed that this book did not include any specific spiritual exercises or a study guide at the end.  There is a list of recommended resources with organizations that can help with mental illness as well as books on suicide, grief, the art of Vincent van Gogh and spiritual formation.

VERDICT:  5 STARS.  This book spoke to me on so may levels.  I highly recommend it.

If you haven’t read the other books by Sharon Garlough Brown see these reviews:

Sensible Shoes by Sharon Garlough Brown — Book Review

Two Steps Forward by Sharon Garlough Brown — Book Review

A Book about Surrender

An Extra Mile by Sharon Garlough Brown–Book Review

 

 

 

Two Steps Forward by Sharon Garlough Brown — Book Review

This book is the second in the Sensible Shoes (Sensible Shoes by Sharon Garlough Brown — Book Review ) by author Sharon Garlough Brown.  It continues the spiritual journeys of four friends who meet on a retreat — Hannah (single pastor on a long sabbatical), Charissa (perfectionist graduate student), Mara (mother of three boys in a difficult marriage) and Meg (widow and empty-nester).

As before, most people will find someone with a story that resonates with their own experiences.  These women fight common spiritual battles with anxiety, a desire to control, grief, difficulties in relationships, envy, and all the normal stresses and changes of daily life.

 

I had reserved this book from the local library, and it took quite a while for it to come in.  I told my reunion group sister that I was sure it would arrive at “the right time” and it did.  The plot takes place around the Christmas season and one of the themes is “making room for Jesus” in the mess and chaos of our lives.  Right before I read this book, I wrote a post on this very idea! ( see Make Room for Jesus).

If you’re in a book club or small group this would be a great read to study together.  There is a companion guide for prayer and conversation at the back.  It would be suitable to do either alone or with others.

VERDICT:  5 STARS.  It was hard to put down!  However, I would recommend reading the books in order, so start with Sensible Shoes.  

For reviews of other works of Christian Fiction see:

Jack by Marilynne Robinson– Book Review

The Beloved Daughter by Alana Terry — Book Review

white picket fences by Susan Meissner–Book Review

 

 

Sensible Shoes by Sharon Garlough Brown — Book Review

I’m not often a fan of Christian fiction, but this book was just delightful.  It’s an easy read, and you’ll soon be caught up in the story of four women:  Hannah, a pastor on sabbatical;  Meg, a widow and empty nester;  Mara, caught in an unhappy marriage, and Charissa, an ambitious and high-achieving graduate student.  They meet during a weekly spiritual retreat and find themselves becoming friends. You’ll probably see a bit of yourself and your own spiritual struggles in each one.

You’ll also learn something about spiritual disciplines, as the author discusses walking the labyrinth, the daily examen, lectio divina, reading the Scripture with imagination, having a rule of life and spiritual direction.  Since I’ve done most of these things in the past, it was a good refresher course.  It brought back many good memories from my own spiritual journey and encouraged me to think deeply about the disciplines I’m currently practicing and what changes I might make.

Each character develops and changes through their interaction with one another and with God.  You’ll find yourself drawn into their lives, and pondering the landmarks of your personal faith journey.  There are discussion questions at the end, making it a good pick for a book club.

VERDICT:  5 Stars.  I’ve already requested the second book in the series from the local library!

For more book reviews of Christian fiction see these posts:

The Beloved Daughter by Alana Terry — Book Review

a long time comin’ by Robin W. Pearson — Book Review

white picket fences by Susan Meissner–Book Review

 

Everyday Faithfulness by Glenna Marshall — Book Review

Think like a farmer.  This is Glenna Marshall’s advice when it comes to persevering in spiritual disciplines.  Just as a farmer must plant the seeds, water, fertilize, weed and wait, our spiritual growth is a slow process.  It requires steady attention even when we’re not seeing or feeling the results.

What is everyday faithfulness?  It’s pretty basic.  Follow Christ through regular Bible reading, prayer and corporate worship.  That’s it.  It’s nothing fancy and complicated.  Nothing that, as Christians, we don’t already know we should be doing.

Why is it important?  Here’s what Glenna has to say:

“I know now that unless we all commit to regular, daily faithfulness to Christ, we’ll be confessing our prayerlessness and dusty Bible covers for years to come ….”

If we aren’t persistent in incorporating spiritual disciplines into our daily routines, we’ll never grow and mature in the faith.

There are nine chapters which explain how to live faithful lives during challenging times.  For example:

• When it’s difficult to remain disciplined
• When you’re busy
• When you’re waiting
• When you doubt
• When you’re suffering
• When your spiritual life feels dry
• When you sin
• When you grow old

At the end of each chapter, Ms. Marshall gives a brief description of a woman she has known who exemplifies perseverance in the particular season of life described.  It’s not always easy to find the time, energy or motivation to read the Bible, pray and attend worship and other church activities.  However, the rewards of continuing them even when we don’t feel like it are great.  Once we learn to “think like a farmer” we’ll reap a plentiful harvest of peace and righteousness.

The theology is spot-on.  Ms. Marshall is quick to point out that God not only plants our faith in us, His Holy Spirit encourages and assists us in sanctification.  She also quotes from a number of sources that will encourage further reading on the topic.

VERDICT 5 STARS:  I loved it!

For more on this topic:

Bulls Eye!

Developing Spiritual Habits

Fanning the Flame #16 Personal Spiritual Discipline

The Lutheran Ladies received a free copy of this book in return for a fair and honest review.  Disclaimer pursuant to FTC 16 CFR part 255.

If you would like to purchase this book, follow the link below:

https://www.crossway.org/books/everyday-faithfulness-tpb/

 

Brave Enough by Nicole Unice–Book Review

Are you brave enough to extend and receive grace?  True grace, not fake grace?

Are you brave enough to commit to practicing the spiritual disciplines of worship, study, prayer and fellowship?

Are you brave enough to resolve conflicts and offer forgiveness, even to yourself?

Are you brave enough to discover and use your own spiritual gifts?

Are you brave enough to accept your personal situation and limits?

Are you brave enough to rely on God daily, whatever your circumstances?

Author Nicole Unice leads her readers through these challenges of everyday life as a called woman of God.  Each section ends with a “brave enough pause” with ideas for reflection, prayer or journaling.  There is an appendix listing many Bible verses that will encourage each of us to be “brave enough.”.  The themes include:

• God’s passion for us
• God’s power and protection
• God’s priorities
• God’s promises
• God’s provision

VERDICT:  5 Stars.  I enjoyed this book and would love to read it with a group of Christian friends.  The author really challenges women to understand and analyze themselves in the light of the Gospel message.  It was more than informative — it motivates and reminds us that everyone is “brave enough” to do what God asks.

For more on courage see these posts:

Women of Courage: a Forty-Day Devotional — Book Review

Afraid of all the Things by Scarlet Hiltibidal–Book Review

Here on Earth.