The Grace Effect--A Must Read

For the last 2 weeks, there have been some rather disturbing stories coming from the Middle East.  There have been assassinations of Americans, protests in the name of religion, and violence.  Of course, this should not come as a shock to anyone--especially evangelical Christians. 

I'm surprised that in light of these events, we haven't heard more from our local atheists.  It's likely that atheists would use these events to demonstrate to us how organized religion is the problem with politics and societies.  After all, aren't all these protests supposedly about a movie insulting another religion?  If there wasn't conflict between religions, would this violence still be occurring?  Yes.  In fact, the violence is indicative of what happens to nations with little evangelical Christian influence.

A few weeks ago, I heard Larry Taunton on the radio discussing the concept of "common grace" and it's effect on a society.  In his recently written book, The Grace Effect, Taunton explains that common grace is "the idea that when there is a significant Christian presence in a given society, it brings tangible benefits not just to the Christian, but to society as a whole."  For example, in the United States, it's not uncommon to see people marching in protest.  But it's rare for these protests to turn violent, bloody, and literally explosive like they do elsewhere in the world.  Taunton points out that the moral sensibilities of our culture stem from a strong tradition of Judeo-Christian values that do not promote violence or chaos.  Instead, he says that our entire country and culture has benefited from the influence of Christianity.

This conversation was enough to peak my interest so that I bought his book.  But when I read it, I literally couldn't put it down.  Mr. Taunton used his family's experience trying to adopt a Ukranian child as the illustration for his contrast of a godless society versus a society that has been touched by "the grace effect."  This book made me laugh. It made me cry.  It gave me a whole other view of Communist Russia.  And it made me take a serious look at the international adoption process (which legally speaking is very fascinating).  But more importantly, it made me realize what an amazing impact that we, as Christ-following Christians can have on our communities and culture and why we should take a true interest in fighting the anti-religious left that seeks to turn our nation in to the next godless regime. 

The Grace Effect is a must read.  To learn more or to order your own copy, visit http://graceeffect.com/.  I promise that you won't be disappointed.

Enjoy the Work Week

I heard an interesting conversation on the radio recently while I was sorting through medical records for work (yes I can multitask).  It was a conversation between a radio talk show host and his guest, who was a friend of the late President Reagan.  The guest (whose name has completely slipped my mind) is apparently known as being a very strong Christian and also a wise economist.  The guest was discussing America's economic crisis, but he also addressed a huge problem that he sees in our country.  That problem is the concept of RETIREMENT.  He said that we create our own problems when we view work as something that we do until the ages of 60-65 and then retire.  Mainly, because we were created to work.

I guess I had never considered the truth that we, as humans, were created to work.  But if you go back to the garden of Eden in Genesis chapter 2, it clearly states that "The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it."  This was before sin.  In God's perfect creation, man was made to work the garden and name the creatures in it.  There's never any mention of the concept that man was created to sleep in, play golf, or to indulge in Creation.  Instead, he had a job to do--and he was given a helper to assist him with that job.  It wasn't until after the fall of man in Genesis 3 that the work became toilsome and hard. 

This point about us as humans being created to work is interesting to me in light of the John Piper book I just finished reading entitled, Don't Waste Your Life.  In it, John encourages believers to not waste their lives working so that they can spend the last 30 years in stagnation and personal serenity.  Instead, he encourages all believers to view their lives as tools for the ministry at all stages of life.  He specifically calls out to those in the workplace and retirees to stay busy doing kingdom work.

As I reflected on the radio conversation I heard and the book I read, it occurred to me that I have been blessed by examples of godly men in my life.  Both of my grandfathers have stayed busy post-retirement working and making a difference in the lives of others.  One actually went oversees on short terms missions and has faithfully led Bible studies in his local nursing homes for years.  The other has worked in a variety of jobs--including a funeral home--and has been not only a glowing example of a godly father and husband, but has also been an encourager to others.  As if on cue, when my own father retired from 30+ years with one company, he went back to school and took a new job handling financial auditing for lots of local churches and faith-based non-profits.  And despite years of hard work, these men all seem happy.  It's because they're doing what they were created to do--WORK.  And not only that, but they're all doing God-honoring, kingdom work!

I used to think that I was a sick person because I like to work (this includes Mommy work).  But maybe I'm just experiencing the satisfaction of doing what I was created to do.  What an awesome truth to consider this week as I am mopping my floors, doing the laundry, bathing my toddlers, answering emails and meeting my professional work deadlines.  I can be filled with joy and contentment knowing that I am doing what I was created to do: to glorify God in my work! 

And to all you fellow kingdom workers in whatever vocation or household role that you fill, have a great week too, knowing that as you work, you are obeying your Creator!!!

Family Football--The First Home Game

Saturday night we enjoyed our first family outing as college football season ticket holders.  Everyone but our 2 year old dressed up in the required white attire (white dresses, dress shirts, and cowboy boots) for the first home game of the season. 

As is typical at these types of outings, you never know how 2 little boys are going to do.  Sometimes the experience is enchanting and exciting to them, and sometimes they're bored to tears.  But this outing turned out to be a blast for our 4 year old.  Mainly, because Daddy has been teaching him football (via the X-box) and also because we allowed him to bring his camera.

A few months ago, my little guy got his hands on my camera and took about 80 pictures of himself and his trains.  So, for his 4th birthday, Grandma and Grandpa bought our little guy his first REAL camera.  Then Grandma taught him how to use it.  Since that time, he has been honing his skills.  And I must say that seeing life through the lens of a 4 year old (literally) is quite interesting. 

So enjoy some ballgame photos courtesy of my 4 year old...

Ok, so he really like the band more than the football team.  And he really like the pony (who was too blurry in the pics to post).  And he was super excited by the fireworks that went off after each touchdown (didn't quite get the camera out in time).  And he was absolutely intrigued by the tailgating sorority/fraternity students who were slightly intoxicated and dancing everywhere (we kept the camera in the bag when we saw them).  And he was super excited by the famous SMU Boulevard Tailgate festivities (It's like a huge red, white, and blue festival in the middle of campus where thousands of people are dressed in dresses, shirts & ties, and  cowboy boots and are enjoying Texas' finest foods--it's a rather unusual form of tailgating). 

He was really bummed when we decided to leave a little early.  But we promised him that he can enjoy more college football at the home game on the 15th.  As it turns out, season tickets have been a great success already!  Thanks Dear Husband for the brilliant idea!

Sing Like Never Before

Sometimes it's a blessing when a song gets stuck in your head.  This week I've been singing the words to Matt Redman's 10,000 Reasons.  I just wanted to share this song of praise...

Bless the Lord, O my soul

O my soul

Worship His holy name

Sing like never before

O my soul

I'll worship Your holy name.

The sun comes up its a new day dawning

It's time to sing Your song again.

Whatever may pass, and whatever lies before me

Let me be singing when the evening comes.

You're rich in love, and You're slow to anger

Your name is great, and Your heart is kind

For all Your goodness I will keep on singing

Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find.

And on that day when my strength is failing

The end draws near and my time has come

Still my soul will sing Your praise unending

Ten thousand years and then forever more.

 Bless the Lord, O my soul

O my soul

Worship His holy name

Sing like never before

O my soul

I'll worship Your holy name.

To listen to Matt Redman's original version, please check out the You tube link below: