Clutter Rehab

This is not a book review. It's a book preview and I will tell you straight up that it looks like my kind of book. This is also my attempt to win the book for just hyping it. So, I look forward to winning it from Rachel Anne over at Home Sanctuary; she is kindly promoting it for author Laura Wittman.

Hmm. Do you think that if I write a book someday someone will promote it? I think it might be called something like Housekeeping Tips from the Grave of a So-So Housekeeper: Confessions of a Woman Who Said She'd Get Her Home in Order if It Was the Last Thing She Did. Of course most publishers don't like to sign posthumous contracts with an author who is still alive.

But I digress, because my thoughts are so organized...

I like the books that don't make you feel like a loser just because you're not anal about organization. I mean, I can get a system going and that's fun to me, but keeping it going? That's a whole different monster.

So here's hoping the book Clutter Rehab is a big success, and that I get my hands on a copy, courtesy of my chum Rachel.

My Men are Pictured in a Book !

How often does this happen? You buy a book and see some of your family members pictured within? I feel like a celebrity. Well, okay, a celebrity's wife.

Yet Another Radical and Respectful Response

If you read the post below, it was my personal response to both three-quarters of David Platt's book, Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream, and JD Greear's tempered response to the book.

Here is yet another gracious response to some of the more challenging (and possibly guilt-inducing) assertions made by Platt. The exchange is between author/preacher Kevin DeYoung and Radical's author David Platt. The two men know and like each other personally, and in most every way, agree theologically. I appreciate their articulation of the finer points that I stumbled over in my heart, points that seem fine as grains of sand, but when that sand gets in your bathing suit at the beach and stays there all day till you walk away chafed, it can be easy to forget what a lovely day at the beach you had overall.

If I could say one thing to Kevin DeYoung, though, it's "Why in the world did you throw the word antinomianism into your review?" Man, I was cruising along, nodding with understanding, appreciating the prose as if on a tour of Italy, when all of a sudden--POW! Antinomianism rose up out of the concrete like a speed bump on steroids. I'm all about learning new vocabulary words, but I don't like to click out of the screen to check dictionary.com.

Okay, back to the review. I must say it's worth every bit of your time to read Radical, and then to read the balanced responses to it from Greear and DeYoung.

Oh, and just so that you can sail over that babble-icious, uber impressive theological term with a modicum of understanding before you read DeYoung's otherwise-comprehensible essay, you might want to get acquainted with antinomianism via the Berean Wife's blog. (I happened upon the blog in a cursory search for a quick explanation, but know absolutely nothing about the blogger or her blog, so this is not an endorsement. Just one wordsmith trying to show other wordsmiths where to find a satisfactory definition.)

Reading Reviews 2010, Part 2

To continue my post from yesterday, here are two more books I read this past year. Both receive my personal five-star rating.


Because He Loves Me (Fitzpatrick) --I knew I had to read this book after taking copious notes while attending a 2-day conference at our sister church a year ago. Elyse Fitzpatrick is not what I'd call your "typical" women's conference speaker (she's hard hitting but not condemning, uses personal anecdotes with self-deprecating humor, and skips the triteness that sometimes gets sloshy coming from women afraid to "tell it like it is." )

This book is not just for women. Being a person who struggles with feeling unloved and as if I have to "do more and try harder" to measure up to God and certain humans, this book helped put me on a path to liberty. I'm not there yet, but God used this book and conference to reinforce scriptural truth to me. He loves me because He does. He loved me first. He loves me regardless what I do. He loved me before He created me.

This book helped me think more of God's thoughts and what it means to be hidden in Christ. I can still picture Elyse's hand motions when explaining the phrase " hidden in Christ." She put her left hand in front of her, palm facing her, and then tucked her right hand behind that (so audience couldn't see right hand). The left hand was Christ, the right was every follower of His. When God looks at Christ, I am "clothed in His righteousness" and hidden in Him. He treats me just like He treats His Son. I could say more, but this book was pivotal in my spiritual growth. It catapulted me into seriously believing God loves me for His sake, and I benefit exponentially! Why couldn't I "get" that before? *****


Organizing for Life: Declutter Your Mind to Declutter Your World (Felton). I have read countless books on home management, time management, organizing, decorating, and topics of that ilk. Many have spurred me on temporarily through systems and suggestions, but this book revolutionized my thinking because it dealt with heart issues. Make no mistake, dealing with these issues got ugly. Coming to terms with why I "struggle" with housekeeping. The main one? Rebellion. I won't get into it, but basically it comes down to one primary truth: we all want control in our life. Some people (not just women) find control in cleaning and organizing everything in sight. Others find control by not doing that if they feel the other partner has the upper hand by being a "neat freak". It's like anorexia; not eating is a form of control.

The secondary truth I came away with from this book was that good housekeepers prefer beauty over practicality. They want their home to be first and foremost nice to look at. That feeling doesn't necessarily come from simply having everything in its place. You can have an organized home that's dull and lifeless, but if you strive for beauty, order will be part of that. I was also reminded that God is a God of beauty. I grew up hearing He is a God of order (and, the unspoken corrolary, rooted in my Mennonite and Baptist heritage, "beauty is frivolous.") He indeed is a God of order, but one look at nature reveals beauty first! He loves to change the colors of the sky every day and night, He loves to put blue feathers on some birds, and accessorizes some animals with spots, and installs showy "lightbulbs" in certain bugs. He made the human body a thing of beautiful shape and line, not just marvelous DNA and symmetry. He didn't just design nature to function practically and in orderly fashion, although how perfectly He created beauty as well, and saw that it was good. If He says so, who am I to squabble?

How freeing to confess my rebellion, and then to sense God's approval in our spending some money to make a pretty family room (my decade-old dream) in 2010 so that I'd feel "at home" in my own space. I plan to reread this book rather soon as a refresher course since I've not arrived yet as a domestic diva. But I'm loving the beauty as well as more order in my home, thanks to Felton's quintessential book on the subject.*****

Reviews of my Reading Choices, 2010; Part 1

Let's see if I can remember. I knew I should've reviewed each book as soon as I finished it. But in hindsight, if a book is truly memorable, that's a great review in itself, right?

I'll do a star-rating, too, like others have.


***** Superb. Worth owning. Would give as gift to a like-minded person.
**** Very good. Memorable. Would highly recommend to others to get from library.
*** Good reading, but not excellent writing. Will recommend for certain merits, not the "whole package."
** Fair. Waded through.
* Why did I bother to finish it? or I didn't finish because it was too boring or too poorly written. I can't be editing everything in my mind and still enjoy the thing.

Many were read, reviewed, and recommended by fellow bloggers. My apologies for not looking up the authors unless I remember them. I'm lazy.

3000 Degrees-- (non-fiction) Story of six firefighters who (shall I spoil the ending?) lose their lives fighting an inferno caused by squatters in a New England warehouse. The writing is not superb (a lot of cliches, if I remember correctly) but the real life drama captivated me. I read it in two days, something I can't say of 98% of the books I read. Made me grateful for firefighters and that none of my loved ones has chosen that profession. I couldn't live with the fear. ***

Amazing Grace in the Life of William Wilberforce --(biography) John Piper wrote this excellent little book about the man responsible for abolishing slave trade between Europe and America. On his deathbed he received the answer to a lifetime of prayers and hard work. His singleminded drive and relentless prayers to God on his behalf changed history for thousands upon thousands of people. Piper's handling of the English language in prose or preaching never dulls me, and always rivets me. A few parts (politics) slowed it down for me, but overall it's one I'd highly recommend to a Christian history buff. ****

Amy Carmichael, Rescuer of Precious Gems (biography)-- This book is from my favorite missionary bio series by Geoff and Janet Benge. Written on a 5th/6th grade level, the plot and dialogue are perfect for me either alone or aloud with my students. Carmichael remained single all her life, but became "Amma" ("Mother") to hundreds of orphans in India by the power and will of God. I laughed and cried, and my faith was increased by reading this true account. ****

The Holiness of God (Sproul) -- I resisted reading this for years, thinking it'd be too heady or academic to be practical, even though I love RC Sproul's preaching. To the contrary, nothing increased my thinking of how to live my life practically in light in God's holiness. It's not like there is an academic God and a practical God. He is One. Sproul has a keen gift for weaving Greek and Hebrew teaching with personal anecdotes in a way no one parallels. I could quote endlessly from this book if it were in front of me, but what I walked away with was a greater appreciation of God's holiness. He is holy loving, holy gracious, holy just, holy forgiving. Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty! *****

Okay, this will get too long. I'll review more at another time. I know how it goes: you see a really long post and decide to skim it or skip it. Vain me, I'd rather hold your attention! (Maybe I should reread that last book I mentioned.)

Short Term Mission Trips: Helpful or Hurtful?

I can't get enough of the front-lines reports of God's work in Haiti via the blog called Sit a Spell, by Heather Hendrick. (She's on my blogroll, at the bottom of this page.) I don't know her, but I feel I'm getting to know her, and I really appreciate her insight, candor, humor, and wisdom.

In her latest post, she reviews the book When Helping Hurts, and gives her own gracious but candid opinion from her vantage point of a new, long-term missionary to Haiti.

Sure makes me rethink the place of a short-term mission trip that a church spends thousands of dollars on. Not that it's all bad. But I always thought, before now, that short-term mission trips were all good. I took one to Russia with my daughter, and it changed us. All three of my older kids have to been to Mexico on a STM trip. But I hadn't thought of the ramifications that our brief, albeit well-intentioned, appearances may have had in the orphans' lives.

I love being challenged to think, even when it hurts my heart.

For as Heather puts it so poignantly, "We always want hearts to be broken for the orphan, but never at the expense of the orphan."

Amish Proverbs

My friend Bonnie always gives me a thoughtful little gift for my birthday, along with a sweet card. I've been reading through the book she gave me, and thought I'd post some of my favorites thus far. These are from the first two chapters, "Time" and "Money."

You only live once, but if you work it right, once is enough.

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One thing you can learn by watching the clock is that it passss time by keeping its hands busy.

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Patience is a virtue that carries a lot of wait.

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Money talks, but it doesn't say when it's coming back.

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Fortune knocks once, but misfortune has more patience.

Speaking of time and money, it's time for me to bid adieu to the blog for a week. Lord willing I will catch my flight to Kansas tomorrow, and catch it coming back a week later, with layovers in Dallas in which I get to meet Rachel Ridge , a blogging friend. (There, Rachel, satisfied? I mentioned you by name in my post!!!! BBQ at DFW for ZMZ and RAR!)

I only live once, and "working it right" means making special memories.

The clock's hands are busy, and mine need to get that way. Typing on the computer doesn't really count right now.

I've been patient from the time Paul said, "Sure, you can go..." till now. Boarding jets is one of my favorite wait-loss methods!

If I return (and Lord willing, I shall), I'll bring you some photos and stories. If I don't, I hope to meet you "on the Other Side." In the meantime, I'm thanking God for His kindness to me in the form of a husband willing and able to afford me this time away for a "friends retreat" that I've dearly longed for. Thank you, Paul !!!!

Transforming Books

Once in a great while I have the privilege of reading a book that has lasting impact on me. It's one I want to recommend to any person who has expressed a genuine desire for a similar impact. Or maybe even more powerful than that--a transformation. It seems this kind of book crosses my path once every five years or so, but this summer it's like the Lord has put three into my hands, one after the other. This summer of great books, coupled with experiencing an emptier nest, has been like one long treatment of spiritual growth hormone.

I don't have time to blog about the books now, but stay tuned. The titles are:

1) Because He Loves Me, by Elyse Fitzpatrick;

2) Organizing for Life: Declutter Your Mind to Declutter Your World, by Sandra Felton

3) The Holiness of God, by RC Sproul

Reviews coming soon.

My Reading List from 2009

1. the backs of cereal boxes
2. the price tags at my favorite stores (Ross, Marshalls, and Target)
3. the menu at every restaurant we went to
4. too many blogs
5. too many Facebook statuses (or is it "stati"?)
6. Birds & Blooms in the bafroom
7. Guideposts (regular font, tragically realizing that "senioritis" is not just for 17 year-olds)
7. my Bob Jones Heritage Studies 6 Teacher's Manual every Sunday night
8. art books for children
9. two personal letters, six birthday cards. and a dozen Christmas cards--the extent of "real mail" in my lonely curbside receptacle.
10. a college essay or two for a child who bribed me to actually write the thing
11. anything that started with the words, "Congratulations, you've won..."
even if I knew they just wanted my money.
12. a few good Christian growth books, a novel for each hand I possess, and a couple of cookbooks (not cover to cover, mind you)--none of which I can really remember. Oh yes, I do. I remember Love to Eat, Hate to Eat (which, for the most part I was convicted by, but which was too wordy in places, which is ironic coming from the Lady of Liberal Locution, which if I were giving stars for rating, would give it 2.5 out of 4). I also read Anne of the Island and can fairly say I don't hold a proverbial candle in the Gift of Gab category compared to Anne Shirley, but I am kindred spirits with her and wish I had her "scope for imagination" at all times.

I know I read other things--honest-to-goodness good books-- but I am a very slow reader and have a poor memory and should've reviewed them as I went. I guess I was too busy reading Facebook stati.

Here's to a more bibliophilic new year .

(I think I just made up that word. It's got a red underline under it. Anne Shirley would be proud.)

Heaven for Kids

How many times do I say to myself, "If only I had my camera with me!"

On Thursday night Paul and Stephen took Joel along to worship practice at church until I could pick him up at 7:30. To occupy our boy, Paul grabbed a new book from our shelf. It's called Heaven for Kids by Randy Alcorn. It's about three-quarters of an inch thick. The reason I bought it was to read it as a reference for the questions that are sure to arise. Never did I imagine that Joel would read it all by himself before I did!

But lo and behold, when I arrived at practice to pick Joel up, he had his nose in this book. Paul smiled at me and said, "Do you know he's read 30 pages since we left home?" (We live 14 minutes from church.) A couple days later I asked Joel if he was still reading it. He had read over 100 pages.

Lest you be overly impressed, I must tell you our short conversation before bedtime last night. Again, I wished I'd had a camera. Joel was deep into the book between Paul and me on our bed, while each of us had our own books.

I paused, seeing that he was nearing the end, and asked, "So, Joel, what have you learned about heaven?"

"Nothing," he replied. "I don't learn or remember anything when I read. I just read."

Paul leaned close to Joel and whispered in his ear, "You're supposed to read for comprehension."

To which Joel said, "That's no fun."

Reading Rewards

For the past two summers, we have offered Joel rewards for reading x number of books.
This past summer he wanted Blendy Pens as seen on TV. They were cheaper at Target, but he agreed to read 50 books to earn them. The summer before, he read 50 (shorter, but age appropritate) books, to get a Star Wars sticker book ($12.00 or so at Barnes & Noble).

He could read alone, to, or with someone, but he had to do the reading. We kept a list. It was so gratifying to all of us. His sister, Sarah, was especially elated. I remember her words before Joel was born: "I'm going to make him a reader. I won't let him ruin his mind with dumb video games." (To which his brothers voiced their values: What's wrong with video games?") Funny thing now is, when his brothers catch him gaming, they say, "Hey, Joel, don't you have anything better to do than that? Like read or play football or something?")

At any rate, Joel found something at a store not long ago that he wanted instantly. I said no, also instantly. I don't remember what it was (something Star Warsy, I'm sure). But I do remember his next question: "Well, if I can't have it now, can I read for it and get it later?"

Big hugs all around, a smacker on the soft, soft cheeks, and a "Sure, you can!" sealed the deal. I need to go ask him what it was. I'm sure he'll remember.

Did I Tell You I'm Writing a Book?

I just started last night. It's actually part of a well-known series. Our care group was talking about wonderful books to give new moms to help start their child's own library.

Titles that were thrown into the mix included Goodnight Moon, Make Way for Ducklings, The Ox-Cart Man, Love You Forever, and Mars Needs Moms. (Mitzy, with a flair for the melodramatic, was suggesting the tear-jerkers.)

My Paul, never a sap, chimed in with "How about If You Give a Mouse a Cookie"?

Great one, we agreed. And so are its companions, If You Give a Mouse a Muffin and If You Give a Pig a Pancake.

I said I'd write the next one. It's called If You Give a Wife a Credit Card.

Remarked Paul, "Now that's a tear-jerker."

Private Justice

Never in my life have I read a book so fast. Certainly not one with 375 pages.I'm normally a slow reader. But I inhaled this one in about two long evenings.

It's a murder mystery that grabbed me. I mean g-r-a-b-b-e-d. Me. And I'm not easily grabbed by novels. To be honest, I've poo-pooed many novels, especially mysteries because they tend to be either (1) too predictable, (2) filled with cliches, or (3) not redemptive/a complete waste of time except for entertainment alone. (Entertainment is okay, but I like to think than even fiction has taught me something. I'm a fuddy-duddy that way, I guess.)

For some strange reason, I wanted to read a novel last week (probably to celebrate SCHOOL BEING OUT!!!) and saw this one on my shelf. I was just going to sit on the porch swing with it and wait for dinner to finish in the oven till Paul got home. I was thinking "Oh, a chapter or two and this'll just prove my point about mysteries."

I was wrong.

When Paul pulled in the driveway, I could barely lift my eyes off the page to kiss him hello. I also didn't want him to be far from me because the plot was getting scarier. If I hadn't had nail polish on, I probably would've bitten a nail or two.

Published in 1998 as the first book in the Newpointe 911 series, Private Justice could be old material if you're into mysteries. It's not been my genre, as I said, so it's new to me, and I can't wait to check out book 2 called Shadow of Doubt.

Terri Blackstock is the author. The main plot is that someone is killing the wives of firemen in Newpointe, Louisiana, and no one can figure out why they are the target or who will be next. The mystery is Christian fiction and there is some low-key but (for me) much-needed marital counsel tossed in it as a subplot. It's not preachy counsel, but it is biblical and smoothly woven into the text. Go figure. A good Christian murder mystery. Oxymoronic? Maybe, but totally gripping.

Check it out. Private Justice, by Terri Blackstock.

Free Books

I'm not gonna make you take a dumb quiz, but I'm giving away the following books:
All Creatures Great and Small (James Herriot) oldie but goodie
George Muller (Basil Miller)
For the Children's Sake (Susan Schaeffer Macaulay) brand new....I have another copy
Quilts & Totes for Little Folks (thin, oversized pb) by Creative Keepsakes Designs
Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty (hb) oldie but goodie; not something Joel appreciates
Dave Dravecky (pb autobiography of the Giants' one-armed pitcher.. 4th/5th grade level)
I'll be happy to mail these by media mail if you pay shipping . I take Paypal, must be paid by Friday, and you must be a blogger I recognize. Local folks pick up by Friday.

Blue Like Jazz

My current book of choice.

Anyone who thinks about evangelism and loving people--or not loving them well--should read this. I'm just two chapters into it and am gobsmacked by Don Miller's hard-hitting style. No cliches. No Christianese. No tepid phrases that let your mind wander off the page and into your dinner plans.

It's not for everyone. But it's just what I've been looking for.

I had to go to the Baltiimore County library system for it. Ebay also has some copies, but I'm into free.

Andrew Slate, from Mercy Ministries Russia, reoommended this book to me. (See my comment to Jessi in the comment box beneath "Meet the Dolls.") That's how I first heard about it. Thanks, Andrew!

Anyone want to read along?