Media Addiction

We're normal, media-consuming Americans at this house.  We love our iPhones, our Internet browsing, some texting, some TV.  And, randomly enough, we love to listen to audio books.  We don't read much fiction around here, but man can we listen to it.

Obviously, a good portion of this media time is pretty much unavoidable.  We have jobs where answering emails is a non-negotiable task.  I text my friends about meeting up at the zoo.  We coordinate churchy things via our personal email, and look up fairly important info online about the day's weather (AKA how do I dress my toddler today?) and the new Infant Tylenol dosing.

But honestly, both Josh and I feel a another fast coming on in our house - one that's media related.

Because we waste a lot of time with TV, blogs, sports-following, iPhone games, etc.

What activities might we be missing out on because we watch so much TV?  
What might we learn about where our priorities are if we cut way back on mindless media?
How might my personal times in the Bible and in prayer change if I wasn't spending so much darned time surfing the Internet?
How much more would I experience God's presence in my life if I didn't always have to have something "on" in the background?  Or if my mind wasn't ping-ponging between Facebook and TV and Pinterest in the evenings?

Also, now that we're responsible for a small developing mind here at our house, I want to set a good example.  What am I teaching my curly-headed toddler when I check my iPhone while feeding her lunch?  A bad habit, yes, and probably something about the importance I place on spending time together.

I discovered others didn’t need me to be as wired as I thought. Most of my media involvement is simply about me (blah).” Pg 116

Yes, I definitely resonate with this.  A lot of my media-related time spent is about me, and not even about my spiritual growth or encouragement or anything meaningful.  It's mostly about my entertainment.  More important areas of my life suffer as a result.  I know it. 

We're going to think and pray about what a media fast might look like.  A week?  A month?  Where do we draw which lines?  And how do we keep Jesus at the center of it, reminding ourselves that less for the sake of less isn't the point?

We've got 4 more days of our spending fast to complete first, before we embark on something new.  And let me just tell you, I'm dying to buy my baby some new shoes.  Just ask my friends.



More on 7:Read-a-long? Check here.

On clothing.

I'm a few days late in posting this.  I'd like to say that it's because I've been wrestling with what to write, thinking things through for days.  But it's because I forgot.  Forgot about it, yes.  And developed a serious Scramble With Friends habit at the same time.

Just keepin' it real.

So chapter 2 of 7 is about clothes.  The fast of the month for the author was to choose just 7 things (not including underwear) and wear only those 7 things for an entire month.

I'm not feeling a nudge to that.

In fact, for a while there I didn't think I had any issues with clothes.

I mean, I wear jeans and sweatshirts most days.  The same ones over and over.  Heck, I could probably embark on a 7-clothing-item fast of my own and not notice a difference.  The purple sweatshirt doesn't even get folded... it just gets pulled right from the dryer and plopped onto my body.

But then I got to thinking...

Sometimes I choose jeans and sweatshirts some days because I'm nervous about making the wrong fashion choice.  So it's better to look frumpy (ahem -- CASUAL) on purpose because at least it doesn't look like I tried too hard, and failed.

And then there was that family picture thing.  I wanted all three of us to coordinate for the picture we'd use on our Christmas card.  I thought WAY too much about which color scheme to go for.  I had birthday money to burn and went shopping, but then felt terribly overwhelmed because I didn't know what to choose.  I didn't (and don't) know what's in fashion.  And what looks good on me.  And I was totally self conscious/agonized about that.  Why?  Because I wanted us to look good.  Up to date.  Cute.  Not too matchy-matchy but coordinating.  You know, in the hopes someone would open our Christmas card and remark, "holy cow, look at that attractive, put-together Brown family."

Happy Birthday, Jesus!  God put his own Son on the planet so that we could have a relationship with Him, and what do I care about?  Someone thinking my family looks good.

In the end I didn't like the colors/clothing choices I'd agonized over, and made the darned thing black and white.

And then there's my own dissatisfaction with my body.  You know, the one God gave me.  The one that successfully grew a perfectly formed child.  The one that allows me to drive and work and cook and laugh and travel and hug my baby.  And the same body one that I get frustrated with because it doesn't look like I think it should.  All that to say, I hide behind certain clothes because I feel better about myself that way. 

Maybe I do have some issues.  With approval.  With how people view me, and how much I care about that.  With where my heart is.  Finding significance in things, instead of Jesus.

Why, yes I do have issues with clothing.

First world problems.  Right here.  Right now. 

I have a closet - and dresser - full of clothes, most of which I don't wear.  That represents a whole lot of spending.  And I regularly buy more.  This quote from the author was convicting to me (she was talking about how spending is widening the gap between rich and poor):

I am a part of the problem, a contributing member of inequality.  Every time I buy another shirt I don't need or a seventh pair of shoes for my daughter, I redirect my powerful dollar to the pockets of consumerism, fueling my own greed and widening the gap.  Why?  Because I like it.  Because those are cute.  Because I want that. (pg 65)

Another problem I have?  Not my clothes, but Caroline's.  I want her to look cute.  I can be super picky about her outfits.  I spend way too much time online, browsing overpriced toddler shoes.  And although I shop clearance and Once Upon a Child and Target often times, I know there's a part of me that just cares way. too. much.

There is this blog I followed.  And the kids are dressed so darned cute every single day.  Not in a coordinating Baby Gap way.  But in an adorable bohemian way I would never think to dream up.  I would look at those kids, and be truly envious.  ENVIOUS.  OVER KIDS CLOTHES.  When my daughter has more than enough to wear.  And most of it looks really sweet anyway. I had to stop reading that blog - and following her on instagram. I knew it wasn't good for my level of gratefulness and contentedness.

Issues, I tell you.

Where does this leave me?

I'm not sure.

I really need some clothes for summer.  I have zero summer bottoms (capris, shorts, skirts) that fit well.  And about that same about of shirts.  And I know from experience that when clothes don't fit well I spend the entire day thinking about how it.  Pick Caroline up.  Uh-oh, I have to adjust my pants.  Do dishes.  There I am fussing with my shirt.  Pull, adjust, twist, adjust some more.  I just end up thinking about my clothes, and my distaste for certain areas of my body, all the more when my clothes don't fit.  I don't think that's what God has in mind by simplifying.

I don't want to obsess.  I want to be more mindful of where I'm purchasing these things.  Fair trade?  Thrifted?  Homemade?  And probably some "normal" shopping too.  Gratefully I have a sweet husband who likes to shop with me as well as a couple of girlfriends that are willing to help me out, so I don't get so darned overwhelmed.  I want to purchase things that are appropriate, well fitting, comfortable, and at least marginally in-style.  But I hope to do it in such a way as to not place my feeling of self-worth into those items, or buy more than I need just because I want to and I can.

I also want to start running regularly so that more of my pre-baby clothes fit well again.  

Jesus, help me.

In the end...
“What I’m wearing and what you think of it pales next to loosening the chains of injustice and setting the prisoner free.” (pg 56)

Amen.

On fasting, finances, and food. 7, week two.

I'm still feeling those nudges.  Nudges away from self-indulgence.  Nudges toward generosity of spirit, time, and money.  I've felt that smallest bit of twinge in my heart when I pass up something I want.  And we're not talking big things here.

Like on Sunday after church.  All I wanted was a Wendy's burger and fries.  With a fountain Diet Coke.

But we drove home. And made something from our cupboards.  Something that didn't at all sound good.  It wasn't much of a sacrifice.  I get that.  But it did make me stop and ask Jesus for a content, thankful heart for the cupboards at our house that are overflowing with edible goodness.

I know my soul needs more moments like that. 

Here at the Brown Home we're on a fast, of sorts.  It's a financial fast for the month of March.  We're buying groceries (and staying within budget), paying bills, and covering emergencies.  And, of course, giving.  The idea hatched after Christmas when we were paying some bills and realized again that we overspend.  Often.  What doesn't feel like that big of a deal at the time (a lunch out with friends, a new pair of shoes for Caroline, lunch out after church, etc.) really does add up.  For the sake of financial responsibility, we need this step.

Gratefully Jesus opened up our eyes to the fact that this can, and should be, a spiritual exercise as well.  It breaks up the mindless rhythm of go where we want, get what we want, eat what we want. 

Here are the honest facts:

• We've already cheated once, and ate out.  It was a pre-planned thing with some friends and we didn't think it was right to back out at the last minute.  
• I scrounged in my car for $1.50 in change so that I could buy a Diet Coke at a restaurant.  I meet some girls there every week for lunch after a Bible Study, and still wanted "in" on the hanging-out-with-friends aspect of the lunch date.  Other than the D.C., I packed a lunch for me and Caroline.
• I ordered a birthday gift for my nephew today on Amazon.  

Perhaps these things are A-ok?  Or else justifications?  Call 'em what you will.  After all, we're not doing this to earn favor with God.  Because we know Jesus personally, our sins are wiped clean.  So the favor is already there, and there's nothing I could do to earn it anyway.  We're praying this fast just opens up a little more space for us to experience the true joy that relationship.

So far, the fast hasn't started out to be that difficult.  Except for that little Wendy's moment.  And really, on the scale of easy (1) to painful (10) I would put Sunday afternoon at a 1.25.  But little changes are taking place.  I feel more peaceful - and quick - about giving a little money here or there, because I know that there's a a little financial breathing room to do so.  I like that.  These days I immediately delete sales offers from Lands End, Piperlime, and Tea Collection from my inbox, and I've found it saves me from both wasting time online browsing and spending those moments in the valley of discontent with my own clothes or Caroline's.  I'm not saying that online browsing or shopping is always bad, but for me, right now, it's not always the best.   

Somewhat unrelated, I also started baking my own bread, and GASP it actually turns out okay.

Just typing those things out makes this fast sound so paltry.  And it totally is, as compared to what others have done.  And yet it's a baby step.  And I want to start somewhere.

In her book 7, the author limited herself to 7 foods for a month.  Although I don't currently feel compelled to mimic that particular fast, I do appreciate some of the wisdom she gained from the experience.

As I reduce, He is enough.  As I simplify, He is enough.  He is my portion where food and clothes and comfort fall woefully short.  He can heal me from greed and excess, materialism and pride, selfishness and envy.  While my earthly treasures and creature comforts will fail me, Jesus is more than enough.  (pg 19)

Part of why I desire a reduction of sorts is because it helps me remember this simple truth: Jesus is enough.  Somehow His enough-ness becomes clearer to me when I strip down some other areas of my life.  Jesus,

The careful study of the Word has a goal, which is not the careful study of the Word.  The objective is to discover Jesus and allow Him to change our trajectory. (pg 24)

I do like me some Bible study sometimes, but studying the Bible for the sake of studying the Bible is pointless.  Like it says in James, Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says (James 1:22).  I desire to be a do-er of the Word.  And, let's face it, I'm a little nervous for what that might actually look like in my life. 


When accumulation is not our bottom line, we are liberated to disperse our time and resources differently. (28)

I'm starting to see this change in a really, really small way.  And I'm thankful for it.  Lord, keep this up.  Goodness knows I'm apt to fall back into the American dream over and over again.





Looking for more about 7 and this week's read-along?  See here.

Nudge

Every once in awhile it sneaks back into my consciousness.  Mostly the idea lies dormant in my mind.  I feel a prick of conscience when I hear about orphans and homeless folks and refugees.  But then things go back to normal.

It's this idea that I'm greedy.  Rich, and greedy.

I've never missed a meal, been without health insurance, or been denied education.  We have two cars, and a house for those cars (also known as a garage ).  We have a large house for people too and the ability to heat and cool it and even decorate.  And it's filled with a whole bunch of stuff.

Our income is in the top 1% in the world.

And we still struggle to live within our means.  We're still hoping for that day when things don't feel so tight.  Why?  Because we want even more money.  And let's be honest, we want more money to spend on ourselves a lot of the time.

Over and over, I've been feeling it.  From church.  In conversations with friends.  When I look at our checkbook.  That God-led nudge (call it conviction) that something in my life isn't right and needs to change.  Where is my true hope and security?  Am truly grateful for all that I have?  And am I actually willing to give of myself, my stuff (the good stuff, not just the cast-off stuff), and my ability to buy more stuff?  Not because God needs it, or because I'm trying to "be a better Christian," but because these things are heart issues.  You know, that place I've invited Jesus into.  And because stuff and prosperity and the desire to buy Caroline something cute that she doesn't need have a tendency to distract me from Him and what He's all about.

Enter 7.   It's a book called "7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess."

Here's Amazon's description:

7 is the true story of how Jen (along with her husband and her children to varying degrees) took seven months, identified seven areas of excess, and made seven simple choices to fight back against the modern-day diseases of greed, materialism, and overindulgence.

The seven areas she focused on?  Clothes.  Shopping.  Waste.  Food.  Possessions.  Media.  Stress.

My bloggy friend Marla is hosting a read-along on this book.  Since A) it dovetails nicely with what I think God is trying to teach me and B) MAN do I need some accountability and C) Josh and I chose this book (and reading it together) as a small way to open up some space for God during Lent, I'm participating.  Oh, and we're starting a fast of our own here soon that's eerily similar to one of Jen's.

Per the day's read-along instructions, here is some of my (rambling!) commentary about a few key quotes:

“The day I am unaware of my privileges and unmoved by my greed is the day something has to change.” (pg 3)

Yup.  That's me. I have nothing to really say about this beyond the fact that it stings.

“7 will be an exercise in simplicity with one goal: to create space for God’s kingdom to break through.” (pg 4)

I think that's what fasting is all about.  It's not brownie points with God or earning favor.  It's just clearing away some of the rubble of life to experience a little more of God.  I know the clearing away part can be/will be painful and inconvenient.  But it's in those spaces that I have the opportunity to stop and invite God into my day that much more often.  

“My children are young… It is not too late to untether them from the lie of ‘more.’” (pg 5) 

I SO want to teach Caroline that stuff isn't actually connected to true joy.  That it really is more blessed to give than to receive.  And yet how there's a season for receiving gracefully.  I want to teach her how to model her life on the life of Jesus - true love, sacrifice, service, grace.  And how will I best teach her these things?  Starting right now with me, and us.  Like, even before she has lasting memories.

So, here we go.  Rambling thoughts for the day?  Check.  A stirring in my heart?  Yes.  Next steps?  Not really sure.

A book review: Receiving David

Tender. Sweet. Profound.

I loved this book.

It's an inspirational story of David Knol, born prematurely and with significant special needs.

Faye Knol invites readers into her family's story of raising their son. The terrifying, nightmare-ish birth. The struggles. The health concerns. The awkward questions. And the profound achievements that David was able to make. From his first triumphant steps, to his public profession of the Christian faith, David grew to overcome significant obstacles and inspire an entire community. Not only that, but his friendly, opinionated, and curious personality charmed everyone who took the time to get to know him.

The love of the Knol family, and the trust in an almighty God, shines through each page.

And although this is a serious story of a family, and a young man, I found myself laughing out loud at David's antics. He had a variety of quirks, from a passion for wood chips to a love for spatulas.

I grew up knowing David and his siblings. My mom took care of David from time to time, and his family was good friends with my cousins. I remember how he loved to sit on my parents' couch and listen to my mom working in the kitchen.

I appreciate that this book perfectly captures the story of God's faithfulness to a family. It tells David's story in vivid, delightful detail. And it is a wonderful read. Not just for parents of special needs kids. Not just for family friends.

It's a truly uplifting, God-honoring work. You'll be blessed to read it.

NOOMA Premier at Schuler

Any of you West Michigan folks looking for something fun and free to do tomorrow (Thursday) night?

Well, come on down to Schuler Books & Music for the premier of the newest NOOMA video. I'll be there - you can hang with me!

At Schuler's Books and Music on 28th Street in Kentwood.
Thursday, April 23rd at 7:00 pm.
There will be a question and answer time afterwards with some members of the Flannel Staff.

Wondering what it is about? Here is the synopsis:
Can success separate us from those who could use our help? Can it create a wall between those with and those without? Maybe we are only really successful when we can actually see who could use our help. And maybe when we give to those we see, we are reminded of what we have been given.

I've seen it, and I think it is spot on.

AND I have some more fun up my sleeve. Want a free copy? I'm giving one away.

All you have to do is A) post a comment below or shoot me an email; and B) show up. Then I'll enter you into the drawing. Easy peasy.

Thankful for Women's Rights

On my way out of town this week I stopped by the local library for some audio books and was delighted to find that A Thousand Splendid Suns was available. I have been wanting to read it ever since I finished (and loved) The Kite Runner, which is by the same author.

The book was my faithful companion during the drive to and from Chicago this week.  I loved every moment, almost to the point that I wanted to stay in my car and finish it instead of turning off the car and walking into my apartment at 11:00 last night.  Almost.

It is the tale of two women who endured extreme circumstances while living in war-ravaged Afghanistan throughout the 80's and 90's.  Despair, loss, and betrayal mark their lives in so many ways, yet they are able to retain a hard-fought glimmer of hope and redemption in the midst of such significant tragedy.  

What was so striking and fascinating to me about this story was that these women had virtually no control over their own lives.  Although this work is fiction, I am confident that the lifestyles depicted in this story was and is true for so many women.  It is sad and frightening to think about.  Each was forced into marriage with a selfish, violent man.  They were not allowed to be in public without a male relative, or show their faces outside of their home.  Not allowed to work for a living, even if it meant that their children would have to starve from lack of money for food.  Their fate was completely decided for them, both by their government and by their husbands. 

I've never been more thankful to live here.  And now.

Where I don't have to be afraid that my husband will be angry with me if our future children are girls.

Where I could pick the man I wanted to marry.

Where we can decide together when we'd like to have children.

Where I can work and make money for my family.  

Where education is important for both boys and girls.

Where my worth, in the eyes of society, isn't dependent on how many sons I have.

Where I can go where I please, when I please.

I tend to take these things for granted.  I was certainly aware, prior to reading, that women in other places and times didn't and don't have the same rights as me.  But through listening to this book it really hit home.  It is a significant blessing to live in such a place and time.  

Favorites: Books From Childhood

First of all, I want to thank you, readers, for your great ideas from my Writer's Block post.

A couple of you asked about books, which is always a favorite subject of mine. It always has been! Not surprisingly, I was a huge bookworm as a kid. My parents consistently found ratty books all around the house, dumped upside-down on countertops so that the correct page could be found later. Just ask - it drove them crazy. I've always had a habit of re-reading favorite books and as a result they tend to look more than a bit careworn after awhile. Worn bindings, pages falling out, food/water stains, you name it. My copy of Anne's House of Dreams doesn't even have a cover anymore.

But I digress. Back to favorites.

I can't bring myself to choose just one favorite children's book, so you'll have to settle for a top ten. They're in age order, from my favorites as a young child to a teenager.


1. I had dozens of Berenstain Bears books as a kid, and loved them all. My brother and I poured over every one, learning simple lessons about table manners, strangers, and telling the truth. A personal favorite was the story of when the cubs had a case of the "galloping greedy gimmies." To this day I remember a multitude of very specific plot details and illustrations.

2. I have fond memories of my mom reading the Ramona books to us kids before bedtime. Ben and I would also check the audio books out of the library to take with us on road trips. Ramona, for me, was one of those characters with whom I could really relate. She was delightfully normal, with squeaky new shoes on her first day of school, parents struggling to make ends meet, and misunderstandings with teachers. She always wanted to do the right thing, but didn't always get there.

3. The Little House books were favorites of mine because they took me back to a completely different time in history. It was fascinating to read about Laura's life in a one room log cabin, with her "Pa" hunting bears and "Ma" making cheese and storing food for long winters. I followed this family through the entire series, from the Prairie to Plum Creek to the town they eventually helped to found. I thought about what it would be like to load up everything in a wagon and take off, hoping for a better life down the road. While she shared some things about their struggles, I realize now that Laura wrote her history through a rose-colored, and often fictional lens. In reality, things were pretty rough for that family, with poor crops, bouts of fever, a baby brother that died, and little money to go around. But Laura was an excellent storyteller, and I dearly loved almost every book in this series.

4. Okay, so this is where it gets embarassing. Were they time-honored books for children? No. Literary masterpieces? Not hardly. But no list of my favorite books growing up is complete without The Baby-sitter's Club series. I actually had some kind of subscription where I received a new one each month. I devoured them, and to this day I'm not sure why. The plots were 90% the same from book to book, with almost identical first chapters in each book where the author described the "Club" and its members. There was Kristy, the smart one, Mary Anne, the priss with the overprotective dad, and Claudia the "cool" Japanese artist, just to name a few. They liked to watch kids and most of their adventures revolved around their babysitting experiences. Sigh.

5. Moving on to good children's literature. I have always been intrigued by the stories of friendship and bravery during the terrible years of WW2. I love The Hiding Place and Anne Frank and several others, but my favorite as a kid was Number The Stars. It is the story of two young Danish girls, Annemarie and Ellen, whose lives are changed by the German occupation. As the story progresses, Annemarie's family hides and protects Ellen, who is Jewish, and eventually helps her and her family make it to Sweden, a safe zone for Jews. While it is fictional tale, it reflects countless true lives of Jews and resistance fighters in that time in history. And I love it that the story is told through the eyes of an ordinary 10 year-old who is worried about her best friend.

6. Another book from Lois Lowry - I love her. The Giver is about a 12 year-old boy named Jonas, who lives in a fictional future society that has seperated itself from all pain. Jonas, throughout the story, comes to learn that his community is not only seperated from suffering, violence, and injustice, but also from love, family, beauty, and joy. Not only that, he learns about a systemic deception whereby deviant, sick, and elderly people are killed by lethal injection. Along with his mentor, Jonas devises a plan to help his community and save the life of an innocent child.
7. I first learned about The Westing Game when my fifth grade teacher read it aloud my class each day after lunch. I promptly bought myself a copy and read it to pieces. It is an ingenious puzzle mystery about the heirs of a wealthy recluse, Sam Westing, who find themselves playing a game - complete with teams, clues, and prizes - to figure out who killed him. A great, fun read.

8. Anne of Green Gables! The entire series definitely makes my list. The first book is the fictional story of a precocious, red-haired girl, set in the 1800s in Prince Edward Island, Canada. After being adopted by an elderly brother/sister pair, she names the nearby pond "the Lake of Shining Waters," tries to dye her hair black but ends up turning it green, and breaks a school slate over the head of her arch-rival, Gilbert Blythe. The following 6 books chronicle Anne's adventures in adult life through college, "courtship" and ultimate marriage to Gilbert, and motherhood. They're classics - very old school, very clean, and, in my opinion, timeless.

9. The high school classic: To Kill a Mockingbird. Since they do a good job of it, I'll let Amazon describe it for you:

"Set in the small Southern town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the Depression, To Kill a Mockingbird follows three years in the life of 8-year-old Scout Finch, her brother, Jem, and their father, Atticus--three years punctuated by the arrest and eventual trial of a young black man accused of raping a white woman. Though her story explores big themes, Harper Lee chooses to tell it through the eyes of a child. The result is a tough and tender novel of race, class, justice, and the pain of growing up."

Scout Finch remains one of my all-time favorite characters in all of literature. So much that I'm tempted to use "Scout" as a middle name for one of my future children.

10. Harry Potter. Harry arrived on the scene when I was in high school, and I soon found myself caught up in the craze. I quickly devoured the first couple books, and then eagerly awaited each of the next releases. I participated in an all night release party at Barnes & Noble with some friends for #3 (age 17) - and again for #7 (age 23). To this day I often have the audio books on in the background while I get things done around the house.

Yes, those are glow-in-the-dark Harry glasses. And, incedentally, that is Matt and Erin, fellow Potter fans, with us in that picture.

For those who are anxiously awaiting more of the Josh + Jessica saga, I plan to write more right around the anniversary of our engagement in December. Are you looking for a first kiss story? Or the time Josh punched me in the mouth (by accident, of course)? All in good time.

Stopping to rest in Pittsburgh

I’m just stopping by this little blog o' mine for a brief respite before I continue on my way.

Life has taken a sharp turn into crazy this month. It isn’t a surprise. We knew it was coming and were prepared… kind-of.

Josh has recently started interviewing for post-grad school jobs (are we really at that point already?!? I thought we just started this process), and he gets to juggle those between class, group meetings, and getting home once in awhile to let the dog out. In the past week my work has taken me to Charlotte, Cleveland, and now Pittsburgh, with planned stops in Cincinnati, Nashville, Memphis, Grand Rapids, and Chicago in the next week-and-a-half. It is exhausting to think about. Much as I enjoy my job, being gone 10 days out of 14 isn’t my first choice. Especially when it means that I don’t get to see much of my darling dog or my cute husband all dressed up in a nice suit.

But despite being away from my two favorite boys, I've enjoyed this journey so far. For one, time alone in the car is peaceful for me. I was able to rent an audio book of The Hiding Place from the library before I left, and the story, though terribly sad, is both refreshing and inspiring. I’ve read it several times before, and it has that effect every time. Here is a woman that loved God, cared deeply for His people, and was used by Him to touch thousands of lives. I love stories of God working through ordinary people. Not only that, listening to Corrie ten Boom's story of faith and courage helps me put my own life - whatever my frustrations, desires, and fears happen to be at the time - back in perspective.

On a more superficial note, I've also enjoyed spending ample time in excellent bookstores (don't worry, Josh, I only have two new books), my solo dinner of P. F. Chang's last night, and finding awesome new jeans on sale at the Gap.

By far my favorite part of this trip (and feel free to call me 75) is witnessing the brilliant array of colors along the road. Yes, it is my own mini color tour! The rolling hills of rural Pennsylvania were nothing short of incredible today, as I made my way down from Cleveland. I've been trying all day to capture a good shot but none of the pictures do it justice. Perhaps this is because I'm trying to take them with the camera on my phone. But in the spirit of cutting down on the number of electric devices and power cords I need to travel with, it is all I have with me.


Okay, so in this picture, the trees look past their peak. Some even look dead. So you'll just have to take my word for it.

Update: Bloggy Book Giveaway

For those of you who signed up for the Bloggy Book Giveaway #2, I have some good news!

You ALL get to participate!

If I don't already have your address, I'll be contacting you soon. I can't wait to hear what you think, so be sure to let me know when your review is posted. You have until Thursday, October 30 to qualify for prizes!



On another fun (yet unrelated) note, a special guest blogger has agreed to post about an awesome new website we've been enjoying. And who might this mysterious guest be? You guessed it - Josh will be making his appearance here for the very first time! Be sure to welcome him to the bloggy world!

Bloggy Book Giveaway #2!

That's right! I get to do a blog giveaway with Sin Boldly! I heart this book and am curious to know what you think about it, too! And I just happen to have 10 copies to give away.

Here is the deal:

1. Leave a comment on this post letting me know you'd like to participate! Be sure to leave your email address if it's not linked to your name. If more than 10 of you are interested, then I'll do a drawing for the winners of the free copies this Friday, October 3rd. (If you don't win one of the free copies, you can still write a review and be eligible for the prizes.)

2. Write a short review and post it on your blog, Amazon.com, or facebook by Wednesday, October 29. Then comment on this blog when you've done it! I'll post all of the links here.

3. On Thursday, October 30, I'll announce the winners (3 randomly selected reviewers) of the prizes here.

The prizes?
Your choice - A NOOMA video, book of my choosing, OR handmade stationery from yours truly.

Questions? Email me at jjbrown611 at yahoo dot com.


Please note: This is open to anyone and everyone who reads this blog! Are you a blog "stalker" that doesn't ever comment? A family member that doesn't blog? A person of faith? Or maybe not? I think you'll enjoy this book.

Next Generation of Books?

For all of you bookworms out there...

Do you have any interest in "going digital" with your books? Do you have, or plan to get one of these?

Sony's Reader Digital Book

Amazon's Kindle

Or perhaps you'd be interested in reading books on your iPhone or Blackberry? Or maybe, for you, a book will always consist of printed words on paper that has been bound up.

From both a personal and professional standpoint, I'm extremely interested to see how technology will continue to change the way people purchase, use, read, view, and think about books. I mean, there has already been a significant shift to online book perusing and purchasing. Libraries have also gone digital in some respects, and many have great websites with a lot of capabilities.

And then there's music. I mean, iTunes has significantly influenced the way people consume music. Is it a stretch to think something similar might happen with books?

A Sony Reader is currently on its way to me, and I'm wildly excited about it. I travel a lot and look forward to a time where I can just bring along a slim little machine instead of 4-5 heavy, bulky books. The reader can hold about 160 books, which is great for someone like me who is always in the middle of 4-5 books at any time.

I'll let you know what I think! In the meantime, what are your thoughts on all of this?

Book Signing

Grand Rapids bloggy friends:

Cathleen Falsani, author of Sin Boldly: A Field Guide for Grace, will be at Schuler's doing a book signing next week!

I'm totally bummed I can't go. But here are the details in case you can! I really enjoyed this book. Go out and get yourself a copy, and say hi to the author while you're at it.

Date: Tuesday, August 12
Time: 7-8:30
Location: Schuler Books & Music - 2660 28th Street in Grand Rapids, MI



Disclaimer: I don't plan on using this blog to highlight every book and event associated with Z, just the ones I'm personally excited about!

My Review: Messy Spiritualtiy

I really appreciate this book.

While I don’t think it is the last word on Christian spirituality, I appreciate the author’s raw honesty about his own messy spirituality. Goodness knows I’m a mess, too. But I’m learning that I don’t have to have it all together to seek God and to be used by Him.

One aspect of this book I particularly valued was how important it is to be authentic and transparent when it comes to spirituality. I know from experience how easy it is to put up a chipper façade of “everything is great with me and my walk with God.” This book speaks of truly seeking after and following God, and being honest about where and when things aren’t perfect along the way. Faking spiritual perfection doesn’t get us very far, especially because let’s face it, none of us truly has this spirituality thing nailed down. Isn’t that why Christ came? He knew we’d need saving.

I remember one summer I had a spiritual mentor on a missions project. And we just didn’t click well. I didn’t want to share with her what was really going on with me, nor did I want to hear her words of guidance. After weeks of trying to figure out exactly what was wrong in our relationship, I came to realize that I never got to hear about the areas she struggled with. She wasn’t at all transparent with me, and I didn’t want to be open and honest in return.

One day, in a way that I hope was gentle, I told her about this issue. She was remarkably gracious and not a bit defensive, and even beyond that started to share more of herself me. We both grew and were encouraged those last few weeks of the project. As I think about my own ministry, and the lives God might use me to touch, this story reminds me to admit my own imperfections as a way to encourage those around me.

I think true authenticity with others, and vice-versa, can lead to growth.

I don’t think honesty should stop with relationships. Messy Spirituality reminds us to be honest with ourselves, too. Spiritual imperfection is always going to be a reality this side of heaven, and seeking perfect spirituality only causes us to turn our focus inward. I know personally how easy it is to measure my spiritual life against some arbitrary mile marker, and start to focus on doing things – even good things – and forget to simply seek God. I get into “box-checking” mode, and lose focus of my heavenly father.

I can’t say this is my all-time favorite book, but I liked the author’s somewhat, well… messy writing style. I don’t think I agreed with every single point he made, and felt there were some areas of spirituality that could have been delved into further. But there is a lot that I really appreciated about what Mike Yaconelli had to say about the God who is able to meet me where I am and transform me in the midst of my messy, imperfect life.

Special Surprise!

You may have thought the fun and excitement of the bloggy book giveaway was over, but you'd be wrong!

The generous folks at margaretfeinberg.com have added to the fun!

In addition to the $25 Target Gift card, the winner (Lynn!) will receive autographed copies of two of Margaret's books!


I read The Organic God, by Margaret Feinberg over a year ago and really enjoyed it. I remember starting the manuscript on a flight home from Phoenix and not putting it down the entire time. At parts I even started crying and I'm sure my seat mates thought I was nuts. Margaret writes about stripping down her own "polluted" notions of who God is and starting to understand the true nature of who God is. Each chapter is dedicated to a different aspect of His character, such as "big-hearted," "talkative," "generous," and "stubborn." Her writing style is delightfully honest and engaging, and the book is full of introspective, personal stories about her own experiences with her creator. I remember being encouraged and refreshed after finishing the book.

I haven't read The Sacred Echo yet (Margaret's brand new release) but absolutely have it on my list.

Enjoy!

The Moment You've All Been Waiting For!

The Winners Are:

#1 - Lynn ($25 to Target!)

#2 - Bill (3 new books)

#3 - Jenni (2 new books)

Congratulations!

Bill and Jenni, here is your list of "Jessica's Picks" to choose from! Lynn, if you'd prefer books over Target $, you just let me know!

An autographed copy of The Almost True Story of Ryan Fisher by Rob Stennett (my review here)
Sin Boldly by Cathleen Falsani (my review here)
What's So Amazing About Grace by Philip Yancey

Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequist (my review)

Jesus For President by Shane Claiborne (my review here)

The Irresistible Revolutuion by Shane Claiborne

The Organic God by Margaret Feinberg

The Gospel of Ruth by Carolyn Custis James (my review here)

Rookie Dad by David Jacobsen

The Life You've Always Wanted by John Ortberg

A Bunch of Book Reviews

I've been on a reading kick lately. Or perhaps I'm always on a reading kick! But I've enjoyed some good books over the past month and thought I'd share some thoughts.

The Shack: I wanted to see what all the hoopla was all about with this one, and brought it along for a plane flight. I didn't really want to like it, but did. I cried (on the plane, no less) as Mack, the main character, works through the horror of his daughter's kidnapping and murder, his rocky relationship with his father, and ultimately his own relationship with God. By use of a fictional story, the author does an excellent job of unpacking profound truths about pain (and why God allows it), the Trinity, and God's incredible love for His people. The way the forward and epilogue are written are misleading/gimmicky, in that the author alludes to the book being a true story. Further internet research (on theshackbook.com) revealed that it was, in fact, fiction. That side of things was a little disappointing to me, but overall I'd highly recommend this book.


The Almost True Story Of Ryan Fisher: This was a quick and enjoyable read, but was still able to pack a punch. It tells the story of an average nonreligious realtor who stumbles into Christian subculture and starts to enjoy some of the benefits. This starts to snowball and ends up with "Ryan Fisher" pastoring a large church, although he really has no use for God or Christianity. This is a satirical, sobering, and yet hilarious look at American Christian subculture, and it is written well. I thought the story dragged a bit in the middle, but overall it was an enjoyable, somewhat though-provoking read.

Multiple Blessings: Any Jon & Kate Plus 8 fans out there? I sure am! I'm a sucker for those cute kids and their frazzled parents. Unbeknownst to many fans of the popular TLC show, the Gosselin family are strong Christians - and they have a story to tell about God's work in their lives. This book tells the story of their family - the marriage, the infertility, the twins, and then the sextuplets. It is mostly told from the perspective of Kate (the mom) and how much God has taught her along the way. She talks frankly about the agony of bedrest, their original fears about the health and well-being of the babies, and the difficulty of living with very little privacy. She goes beyond this to point to God's provision and blessing at every turn, for for money (especially when her husband lost his job a couple of months before the sextuplets came around), volunteer help, and just grace to get through the day. This is a quick read, but not overly light. The book does a great job going beyond just the Gosselin's story but reveals a lot about God's faithfulness.

*Update: I forgot to mention this before, but this book won't release until October-ish. Save it for a fall reading list!

Summer At Tiffany: A light, fun, true story about two WW2-era girls who landed summer jobs at the glamorous Tiffany's store in New York City. The first women ever employed there, these two fearless girls from Iowa find themselves living on a tight budget and yet having the time of their lives. This book chronicles their summer adventures, from glimpses of the Judy Garland buying jewelry to meeting handsome soldiers to almost losing priceless pearls. Fun and funny! Thanks for letting me borrow it, Lora!

The Gospel Of Ruth: I saved the best for last! This is my favorite in this bunch. It is a serious, scholarly dig into the Bible's book of Ruth, but reads so easily it was almost novel-like. I've read Ruth, studied Ruth, and even read other books on the topic, but this book brought my understanding of it to a new level altogether. Carolyn Custis James does an amazing job of setting the cultural backdrop, which really puts the story into a different light than I've ever heard before. She challenges "traditional" views regarding submission, the role of women in God's story, and even what the book of Ruth has to offer.

This book tells the tale of Ruth - her pain, her courage, and her dedication to her mother-in-law Naomi - while still demonstrating that God is at the center of the story. Instead of focusing on the love story between Ruth and Boaz, James shows the relationships between them, as well as Naomi, in a completely different light. She reveals how their actions were risky, courageous, and deeply self-sacrificing, done out of love for and trust in God.

James, through examining the well-known story, seeks to answer the question, "Is God good for women?" Even poor, barren, widowed women in a patriarchal society? Can God still have a purpose, and see it through, for women in painful circumstances? Instead of trivializing pain and giving trite answers, the author delves into the sorrows of infertility and losing a husband, and even shares about her own pain. In a very seamless and authentic way, she then leads the reader to examine Ruth's story, where God's purposes prevail against all odds. This book met me at many levels and profoundly affected my trust in and understanding of God's purposes in my life.

Book Review: Sin Boldly

Delicious.

Sin Boldly: A Field Guide for Grace is simply that. Cathleen Falsani’s new book explores the subject of grace in a delightfully personal way. Instead of talking about the topic directly too often, she hints toward it and points at it through stories of her own experiences. Cathleen, through courageous honesty and good humor, explores how grace can (and does) pop up in a variety of different circumstances – some exotic, some painful, some mundane. She shares a wide variety of experiences, from being “mothered” by courageous widows in Africa to falling in love with a tree (named Henry) in her backyard. Each story is different and simple and profound.

This book reminds me a little of Cold Tangerines (which is one of my favorites, so that isn’t a bad thing) because I walk away from it looking closer for grace in my own life.

I love what Lee Strobel, author of The Case For Christ, said about it:

"Here's an utterly original, unflinchingly honest, heart-expanding treatment of my favorite topic: the grace of God. I was so captivated that I missed church while reading it – and Cathleen's lyrical insights refreshed my soul more than any sermon could have. I won't be the same having read it."

This book is like eating a lineup of little delicious treats. I taste one chapter, love it, and can’t wait to see what she has prepared next.

Highly recommended.

It releases in August (mean of me to post the review now, I realize) but in the meantime, Cathleen has a great religion/pop culture blog you can visit. I do, on a daily basis.

Thoughts on Jesus For President

First of all, an excellent book. Scriptural truth woven through excellent storytelling is a great way to read non-fiction, at least for me. I think the questions this book asks are very, very important. Some might be tempted to dismiss this book as liberal (or even hippie), but they would be truly missing out. I love the idea that it doesn’t matter so much how you vote on November 4th, but rather how you live every day of the year.

Shane and Chris, in Jesus for President, do an excellent job unpacking the political framework of the world in which Jesus lived, and how he deliberately chose to do ministry a very different way. While he didn’t operate under standard imperial guidelines, he was still able to spin the political rhetoric of the day on its head. Fascinating to read about. The authors also make it clear that Jesus wasn’t passive toward the needs and frustrations and sorrows of people, but chose a different, creative way of going about his work on the earth.

“All of this is an invitation to join a peculiar people – those with no king but God, who practice jubilee economics and make the world new. This is not the old-time religion of going to heaven; this is about bringing heaven to the world.”

Amish for Homeland Security? An interesting concept. Shane and Chris make no bones about the fact that they are extremely anti-war. They artfully weave stories and quotes and truth about the fallacy of “redemptive violence” and demonstrate that creative non-violence simply works better to achieve life change and good in this world. It is a stronger argument for Christian non-violence than I’ve ever heard, and I love how they wrap anti-voilent/war ideas into their “pro-life” stance. As they view it, life is precious from conception to death. What I’d really like to hear, however, is their perspective on the significant war and violence we see sprinkled throughout the Bible – especially the Old Testament. While I agree, for the most part, with their stance on non- violence, I think leaving this issue out weakens their argument significantly. That said, I still think they’re on the right track. One little idea that sticks with me is this:

“I’ll die for you, but I won’t kill for you.”

A lot of the stories and ideas the authors use when they point toward what Christian political imagination could and does sometimes does look like are incredible – and a little overwhelming to me. They talk about alternative, intentional communities where sharing, debt cancellation, and mutual aid are the name of the game. They give examples of people who have changed their lifestyles to become less dependent on oil and cheap labor in Asia. Others refuse to live in the suburbs so they can live in solidarity with the poor.

“Our individuated lifestyle of single-family dwellings, a car per person, and a house full of “my” stuff purchased cheaply from China makes it harder to follow Jesus, even for those with the best of intentions. When your house is built on sand, you waste energy keeping it from being knocked over.”

“Perhaps there is no more dangerous place for a Christian to be than in safety and comfort, detached from the suffering of others” – Shane’s mom

There is a lot that I buy and eat and wear that has probably passed through the hands of someone that was mistreated. And yet I haven’t stopped doing normal grocery and clothes shopping. I don’t know if I could ever welcome an unrelated homeless woman with Alzheimer’s into my home to live with my family. Am I making lifestyle decisions to cut back on my consumption of oil, knowing that there is a significant connection between oil and war? Not really.

I haven’t yet made these lifestyle changes, and honestly don’t know that I will. But God is big enough to change my heart as He sees fit. Thankfully this book simply suggests some ways others are living out their faith, rather than trying to tell me my life needs to follow a 5 stop plan. Reading this book re-motivated me to serve those around me, walk the extra mile, and turn the other cheek. And to remember that the way of Jesus is always going to look quite different than the ways of this world. After all, my ultimate hope lies not in partisan political options but in Jesus Christ and His kingdom.



For more information, see the book's website or listen to Shane tell you about it himself. Also, I recently listened to a fascinating discussion about some of these topics between Shane, Greg Boyd (author of Myth of a Christian Nation), and Chuck Colson on Krista Tippett's radio program Speaking of Faith. I recommend it.

Finishing

I'm not great at finishing what I've started.

This includes closing dresser doors I've opened, reading to the end of books, and following-through on goals. Little things, big things, and in-between things. Mostly on a personal level. When the going gets tough, I don't always get going. How long have I been working on reading Jesus For President? And I really like that book! I don't know that I've EVER finished a devotional. (Fiction, however, I always finish. Quickly. Go figure.) There are times I knew I should get on track with regular times with God, and then let it fall by the wayside after a few weeks. And I hated every moment of running, so the mini-marathon fell by the wayside in January. Sigh.

I'm not proud of this characteristic of mine, and it rears its ugly head more than I'd like it to. This struggle reminds me of this verse, and makes me thankful for what follows:

Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!

And follow-through just happens to be one of those things God is really working on in my life. Remember when I talked about really wanting to get out of my rut and grow in my faith? I think finishing and following through on things directly relate to ideas of goodness, self-control, and perseverance. Some ingredients for growth.

I've heard that goodness (at least in 2 Peter) has a connotation of excellence. As in, the kind that athletes and musicians have. The kind that comes from practice and discipline and doing something (that may not be so exciting) over and over again. I'm bad at that. I usually find something else to do.

Self-control? Denying myself something good or exciting (for something better)? Like sitting down to watch American Idol instead of spending time alone with God? Or grabbing a snack instead of my running shoes? Yes, I could use an extra dose. Or ten.

And of course, the most obvious choice, perseverance. I don't have a lot of it. Not when it comes to unimportant things like shutting closet doors (yes mom, I still struggle with this!) or finishing books or even running. Or important things, like devotional times.

I think the practice of perseverance is one of things I may not immediately see the benefits of. At least in some areas. I mean, reading to the end of a certain book isn't a huge deal. Nor is cleaning the kitchen right after I bake muffins. But consistently making a point to follow-through in life's little areas may prove very worthwhile down the road when I need perseverance in friendships or my marriage or when my walk with the Lord becomes painful or difficult.



So where do I start?

My gracious heavenly Father hasn't convicted me of too much off the bat, thankfully. But He has laid on my heart to finish the Beth Moore Bible study I started in January. I had to miss several sessions for vacation and work, and I fell behind. My church group has long since finished it, and dang it, I'm going to finish too. I'm actually on the last week in the workbook. Such a good feeling. And the thing is, I'm learning and growing through those daily studies. I really enjoy them. I'm also tracking nicely on Jesus for President. And when we get to Michigan, I'm going to lace up those sneakers. Anyone know of a good 5K to run this summer or fall in Michigan? Julie, want to find one together?