Dear Terrible Intentions, I’ve seen it played out in a myriad of conversations but it keeps playing out in my mind, namely, instead of giving people the benefit of the doubt when it comes to their vocal intentions, I assume that there conversation directed toward me carries with it the worst of intentions. Terrible intentions, I wish you would vanish like the light that steps aside in this cold, dark December. Yet, I know that assuming the worst of people only gives me freedom to feel better about myself and worse about them, because they are the one with the terrible intentions. Why do I do this? Could it be from a lack of really listening on my part? Yes, it could be. But, the more insidious part about this, terrible intentions, is that in ascribing the worst possible intentions to my conversation partner, I never allow myself to hear the beautiful truths of others, the praises and joys of their words. Might I add to this that the gr...
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Jesus Daily: 365 Interactive Devotions by Aaron Tabor, MD Every day we are bombarded by a list of things to do, one more activity to finish just before the deadline. In the midst of all this running around, we often forget how significant time with our Savior is each day. This new devotional called Jesus Daily by Aaron Tabor, MD, is a wealth of help to get us focused on the one who loves more than anyone, Jesus. With Scripture, a short devotion, and an actions point, each is filled with wisdom, inspiration and a better way of seeing Jesus in everyday life. The entry for today is all about saying yes to God even when we don’t have all the details. Obedience is not always easy when we’re sure of the end result, but when we know a call is from God, obedience flows out of a heart of service. Aaron writes, “Therefore, we when she heard him say something that didn’t quite make sense, she was ready to obey because she knew it was from God.”...
Urban Apologetics: Why the Gospel is Good News for the City by Christopher W. Brooks Campus Dean of Moody Theological Seminary in Michigan and Senior Pastor a church in Detroit, Christopher Brooks is well versed in the reason cities need the gospel. Even more, he is painfully aware of how apologetics is necessary for the advancement of the gospel in urban soil. In his new book, Urban Apologetics , Chris puts together a wise resource for those interested in the debates surrounding ethics, sexuality, and cultural issues. The book ends up being wise in its approach, biblical in its approach, and winsome to those who offer up opposing viewpoints on these hot button issues. In approaching ethics, Chris takes on the oft-cited suggestion that evil is outside of us and usually covers some outside entity such as Communists, Marxists, Republicans, Progressives, etc. This fallacy, the goodness fallacy basically people as basically good and ‘we only misb...
http://www.christianfocus.com/item/show/1687/e55f79330bfa07c210588399e80f335588b92444/c_740 Pastor Zack Eswine of Riverside Church in St. Louis, Missouri has a book coming out on December 20th, 2014 that is sure to be a help to those suffering from depression. You won't want to miss this resource from Zack.
Dear Depression, Dammit, couldn’t you wait until the Santa Baby’s and Mistletoe were hid under the shelf. No, you had to bring your grubby hands and mess up the only thing waking up for, that rich cup of coffee in the morning. Not that I wanted you to go away entirely, but I just don’t want your face peeking over my shoulder at every opportunity, even in morning prayers. Nevertheless, you are here basking in the glow of my self-deprecating spirit, mired in the fibers of my black attire. I was certain that you were just an out-of-town friend staying at my place for the week, but upon arrival you showed your true colors, or shall I shall true venom. But really, I do appreciate the state of mind I’m in, for I use the stupor state I’m in as a shield to all the hard and messy things in life, like kids, marriage conversations, and those oh so friendly in-laws. I suppose that’s a good thing, my former self would’ve gone ape shit on others, discarding the...
Made in the USA by Alisa Jordheim Child sex trafficking is a despicable practice. Yet, we often don’t realize is that this activity happens right on our doorstep every day, on our streets, and in our local businesses. Yes, child sex trafficking is rampant in the good ole USA. Alisa, founder of the Justice Society and advocate for these young children caught in the heinous web of violence and abuse, has written a book that brings understanding and hope to those willing to look into this awful practice. Her book, Made in the USA chronicles the practice of child sex trafficking, its victims, and the web of deceit that entangles these young ones. Alisa begins by identifying what the problem of child sex trafficking is, what locations around the world are engaged in the practice, and how this happens right here in America. Alison writes, “The average age for a girl lured into sex trafficking is twelve to fourteen; for boys and transgen...
The Underground Girls of Kabul: In Search of a Hidden Resistance in Afghanistan by Jenny Nordberg Take a country who rejoices in the birth of a boy and buries one’s face like at a funeral at the birth of a baby girl and you have Afghanistan. Journalist Jenny Nordberg treads the path of the streets of Afghanistan in search of a common activity in the country, namely bacha posh. This action taken by many families amounts to treating a young girl like she was a boy all the way until puberty. She dresses like a boy, eats like a boy, and even carries herself and all her mannerisms like a boy. What seems like a terrible and frightful thing is in fact, in some circumstances, a way of shielding one’s children from harm. In the begging we meet Azita, whose fourth daughter Mehran, is turned into a boy. Azita is very well to do parliamentarian in Afghanistan with a solid education behind her. Early on, Azita says, “They gossip about my famil...