Book Review: Finding The Real You

I have been a fan of Mark Batterson since I picked up his first book, In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day. I enjoy his straightforward style of writing that makes it seem like he is sitting across from you at a table having a one-on-one conversation. Based on his other books, I was excited to open up Soulprint and see where the conversation would lead…and I was not disappointed.

In Soulprint, he begins and ends with this thought, “There has never been and never will be anyone else like you. But that isn’t a testament to you. It’s a testament to the God who created you”.  Through each chapter the reader is taken on a journey of self-discovery. You will be encouraged to find your “soulprint” by looking at your life through the eyes of God. Using the example of the life of David in the Old Testament, Mark points out how God directed David to fulfill his destiny and, in the process, shows us how we can learn those same lessons. Each chapter is full of insightful thoughts on David’s life, as well as challenging and sometimes uncomfortable comments on how we live our lives today.

Soulprint is an excellent, easy read that will challenge you to examine your life in a bigger, God-sized view. I would consider this a must-read for everyone that is looking to have their life make an impact for God in their sphere of influence. Through your own self-discovery, you will see how uniquely God has made you, so that you can live your life to the fullest and honor and worship the God Who made you!

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Getting Ready - 2

Day 5
Deuteronomy 18:15-19 speaks of the promise that was to come. God promised that He would raise up a prophet that would come from among his own brothers. God also said that He would place His words in his mouth and that he would teach them all that God had commanded. This prophet to come is Jesus...He was born among His brothers (the Israelites) and He taught as no other man (He spoke as one who had authority).

Moses reminds his fellow Israelites (and us) that we are all "to listen to him". What a thought for this Christmas...that the reason Jesus came to earth was for us to listen to him. Not to question or critique or argue with what He said, but to listen to and to obey what Jesus taught us.

May we be good listeners this year.

Getting Ready - 1

Well, Christmas is almost here again. We prepare for everything...so, how is the preparation going for Christmas? I'm not talking about the decorations or the shopping, but rather, the heart...getting ready for the real reason...the Savior coming to earth in the form of man, a baby.

I, and others, are using a little guide to help us prepare this year. Its called "Christ in Christmas - Advent Devotionals". A simple Scripture reading for each day leading up to Christmas. I want to share my thoughts as I go through this process.

Days 1-4:
Genesis reminds me of the need for it all. Mankind was wonderfully created by God. We were to know Him and be known by Him. We were to enjoy an intimate relationship with Him, but that was all wrecked by sin. The sin had to be punished and that punishment is still with us all today. In the midst of God's dealings with Adam and Eve, hope is still evident...a promise is made...reconciliation is available.

As Isaiah said, "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned...For unto us a Child is born, to us a Son is given...and He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

WOW...in the midst of my sin, God still offers me hope, a promise and reconciliation. The God of the universe loves me so much that He would send His Son, His ONLY Son, to bring me back to Himself.

What a great moment in time, when God stepped into our existence to rescue us!

Sample of Catalyst Worship

Steve Fee & Catalyst Worship Band singing "All Because of Jesus".

Catalyst Reflections

This last week I received the CD's of the sessions from this year's conference in early October. It brought back so many great memories.

This was the first time I had ever been to Catalyst and it was all that I expected, PLUS so much more. God used the speakers to challenge my heart and my thinking. I definitely returned home changed.

I look forward to receiving the DVD's soon!

Larry King's Thoughts

Interesting to hear what Larry thought after his interview...

http://edition.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2008/08/08/lkl.about.thurs.cnn?iref=videosearch

Other Thoughts on Chapmans

Here are the thoughts from Jim Houser, Steven's manager. His blog is a "must read" through this whole tragedy.

http://chapmanchannel.typepad.com/jim/2008/08/impressions-of.html

Chapman Family on Larry King Live

We quietly sat last night with our family and friends to watch Larry King interview Steven Curtis, Mary Beth and kids. It was very, very moving...almost hard to believe that some questions were asked and then expected to be answered. I was on the verge of tears and also on the verge of joy as I heard the family speak. I love to see the reality of faith in Jesus Christ lived out, even in the midst of difficulty and pain. My desire is to be able to do the same, if God were to call me to.