The Friends We Keep

Last week in small group I was led to challenge my teenage girls to search for friends who challenge them to think right, do right and grow spiritually. I asked each of them if they have at least one friend to fit this category and they all agreed, if ever so quietly, they did. The next morning I posted my status on facebook as a "Friend Wanted: someone to challenge me to think right, do right and grow spiritually." I included II Timothy 2:22 "Run after mature righteousness - faith, love, peace - joining those who are in honest and serious prayer before God." (msg.)

Coming from a strong small group which met together for a couple of years, I felt confident that at least 7 people would say, "Yes! I am that friend for you." I cannot express the sadness and disappointment I felt to the responses that I received. One from that small group said she couldn't live up to the standard. At least she responded...none of the others did. I had 3 takers...out of almost 500 facebook friends. One was a friend of a friend for a season during college (20 years ago), one was a parent of my son's friend and the other is a friend in ministry in my hometown. None of the three have ever been part of my spiritual growth to this point, but I truly look forward to the ways my Savior is going to use them to make me more like Him.

The following is a review of the book "The Friends We Keep" by Sarah Zacharias Davis.

"During a particularly painful time in her life, Sarah Zacharias Davis learned how delightful–and wounding–women can be in friendship. She saw how some friendships end badly, others die slow deaths, and how a chance acquaintance can become that enduring friend you need.

The Friends We Keep is Sarah’s thoughtful account of her own story and the stories of other women about navigating friendship. Her revealing discoveries tackle the questions every woman asks:
• Why do we long so for women friends?
• Do we need friends like we need air or food or water?
• What causes cattiness, competition, and co-dependency in too many friendships?
• Why do some friendships last forever and others only a season?
• How do I foster friendship?
• When is it time to let a friend go, and how do I do so?

With heartfelt, intelligent writing, Sarah explores these questions and more with personal stories, cultural references and history, faith, and grace. In the process, she delivers wisdom for navigating the challenges, mysteries, and delights of friendship: why we need friendships with other women, what it means to be safe in relationship, and how to embrace what a friend has to offer, whether meager or generous."

I loved the book. The stories of real women and their relationships with friends is real and I could see myself and friendships I have had in most of the situations. It is an encouraging and inspiring book which helps you search out true friends and how to become one in the process. You can pick up your copy at RandomHouse.com.

The Friends We Keep

House Progress

Since moving into the duplex while our home is built, we are without internet. (SHOCK!! I know. Another thing the general population of our world takes for granted!) And, I am behind in showing the progress of our home. So, here are quite a few pictures. It is moving slower than I would hope, but "good things come to those who wait", and "slow and steady wins the race." Whatever else you can say to make me feel good about it all would be greatly appreciated! :)

Obviously, the pictures are not in sequential order. I have tried several times to correct this problem...but I have smart friends and you can figure it out. :)

The house is farther along than this, but the up-to-date pics are on my phone...I'm a work in progress.

New Home

We are finally beginning construction on our new home! We chose a floor plan... http://details.coolhouseplans.com/details.html?pid=chp-32450&FoundID=35&sid=chp2 ...of course, with slight modifications. We were blessed in finding our builder. Stanley Graves with United Contractors. We purchased our lot, and finally trees are being cleared to make way for our new home!

And, yes, we will be replanting the same number of trees that have to be removed. The trees just need to be strategically placed! Keep up-to-date on the progress here. And, offer feedback! I love to hear everyone's opinions.

"Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain." Psalm 127:1

Nothing as Planned

A personal day....aah! Doesn't it sound nice? A day for me. To do whatever I want, wherever I want, for as long as I want...or at least until it is time to pick up the kids from school. :) I grabbed my Bible, computer and school papers for good intentions of grading. Dropped the kids off at school and headed out. Bought a coke and kept my eyes open for garage sale signs as I scouted the perfect place to read and pray and write.

Unfortunately, that's as close to plan as my day is going to get.

In Lynchburg, Virginia, where I attended college there are several perfect spots to read and pray. A community of townhouses surrounding a quiet "lake" with a gazebo and picnic tables. The James River where God placed a perfect, large, flat rock which has an indentation which fits my body perfectly (at least it did twenty years ago!). Crabtree Falls.

In Kimberling City, Missouri, there is a rock cliff 300 feet above Table Rock Lake with a hidden spot where I loved being alone with God.

But today, I couldn't find a spot. I know God has a place for me in Longview, but it must not be ready for me. So, I headed to my sister's house. It is always a comfortable space with cozy furniture and no children. (Now, don't get the wrong idea. I love my kids!!!! Both my own and my class...but everyone needs to "Be still and know that I am God." And we all know that kids and being still DO NOT go together! No matter how hard we try to make them :) )

My arms were loaded down with all my stuff and I was struggling getting her door open. I'd like to blame it on her door, but using the wrong key didn't help matters. However, before the realization of trying a different key dawned on me, I took all my stuff to the van to have both my hands free. Out of habit I locked the doors and after successfully getting into the house and returning to retrieve my things I realized that the van key is on a separate keychain safely nestled in my purse. Inside the van. With locked doors.

Now, while waiting two hours for my van to be unlocked I realize that half my day is over and nothing I wanted to do has been done.

Except, I was forced to be still. The still wasn't as I had planned it, but it was how God allowed it. His plan not mine. He is always on His throne even when we make mistakes, even when we think we are in control, even when the world votes against us, even when what we want doesn't come about.

Be still and know that He is God. Yesterday. Today. Forevermore.

(In my mind, I just now said "Praise You, Lord!" and was reminded of Chloe going to the van this morning. She was singing her own creative "Bless You Jesus" song when she started singing of Dora and Boots. With her precious little voice, she said, "I praise you Jesus, for Dora and Boots. I praise you!" In all things, give thanks to God!)

Wild Goose Chase Review

As Steven Curtis Chapman inspires Christians through his recordings - such as "The Great Adventure", "For the Sake of the Call" and "Divin' In" - to live the abundant life that Jesus came to give us, Mark Batterson joins him in his written word; this time in the book "Wild Goose Chase." Mark challenges us to "reclaim the adventure of pursuing God."

He uses Biblical and modern day examples, including some of his own stories. He speaks of Nehemiah who followed the passion that burned in his soul despite his lack of knowledge or experience. We read about Moses who lost his life of leadership for the Israelites and became a leader of sheep until the monotony of his day was interrupted by a miraculous conversation with God. Mark reminds us of Abraham who saw God work in spite of his assumptions, and Peter who was transformed by God's grace as well as others.

There is an adventure awaiting us even after failure, in spite of our fears and emboldened by our faith. And, I have to say this fits me to a "T!" I have lived through seeming failure, at times feel strangled by my fear and yet enjoy Texas-sized faith. I don't want to set limits on how God can move in my life.

While I was reading this book (which can be read in one sitting, yet I have read piece by piece as I am getting ready for my first day of fifth grade tomorrow) I actually picked up the reins again on a passion that God has placed in my soul. A passion that continues to burn even after months of not thinking about it. I don't know what God has planned, or what will happen with the passion He has given me, but as Mark says, I am going to "go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention."

How about you?

Wild Goose Chase released today, you can purchase your copy at http://www.christianbook.com/ or http://www.amazon.com/. Also, check out Mark's website at http://www.markbatterson.com/.

You can even enter here for a chance to win a copy of the Wild Goose Chase by leaving your name and email address in the comments. I will number all the comments by the time stamp of your posting and then use http://www.random.org/ to determine the winner. I will announce the winner on Friday, August 22, 2008!

Good Luck and Happy Reading!!

Wild Goose Quote

"In the words of Andre Gide, 'People cannot discover new lands until they have the courage to lose sight of the shore.'"

Wild Goose Quote

I have been diligently working to prepare myself for my very first day as a 5th grade teacher, and watching Michael Phelps break records. So, Wild Goose is being digested slowly and deliberately to be sure. I'm only finished with chapter two and what a fun chapter! It is entitled "Goose Bumps!" I'll never think of them the same way again!

I'm sharing a great excerpt from the chapter to continue whetting appetites for the full review to be shared on the 19th! (Be watching!)

"God ordained passions often break our hearts. And they can seem like an overwhelming burden to bear. But pursuing our passions is the key to living a fruitful and fulfilling life. It is the thing that wakes us up early in the morning and keeps us up late at night. It is the thing that turns a career into a calling. It is the thing that gives us goose bumps - Wild Goose bumps. And nothing will bring you greater joy."

What gives you Wild Goose bumps? I didn't need a second to know the answer for me. One of those things is a book idea that the Wild Goose placed in my heart six years ago and fear of not being good enough has held me captive. After reading this chapter, I reached out to someone that I just knew would agree to be a part of the process of writing "Voice Lessons."

His answer was no.

At first I was confused. I was disappointed. I thought for sure the Wild Goose was leading me in a certain direction. Right then, my passion was breaking my heart. But I will keep on. Mark Batterson states, "Never underestimate someone who has the courage to come out of the cage and pursue a God-ordained passion."

My favorite verse is Joshua 1:9 "[Gay] have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage! Do not fear or be dismayed, for I am with you always!"

Don't underestimate me as I have "come out!" and will pursue the passions God has ordained for my life.

Reserve your copy of "Wild Goose Chase" today...www.christianbook.com