Sacred Mundane: The Blog – Page 121

A Worthy Resolution: Life poured out

January 5, 2015 KariDevotional Thoughts, Sacred Mundane2 Comments0

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering …

—Paul the Apostle (2 Tim. 4:6)

Paul may be the MVP of Christianity. He was awesome. We aren’t all called to live lives of such severe suffering and service as missionaries, but we are clearly called to follow his example, his pattern of life (Phil 3:17). Most of the practical New Testament exhortation, on how to follow Christ and grow in godliness, is written by Paul.

And what characterized his life was this: Being poured out.

In Philippians 2:17 Paul says,

“Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.”

Here Paul is referring to a sacrifice in a very real way—losing his life. But all of Paul’s life was a drink offering, in that he was constantly and continually poured out for the sake of others. At the very end of his life, he says it again:

“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come” (1 Tim. 4:6).

Paul’s life was one long process of God pouring in to him and pouring him out. And we are the glad recipients, yes? It’s safe to say that we have the heard the gospel because, nearly 2,000 years ago, Paul was faithful to pour out his life. Everything he did, he did for the sake of the gospel, for his fruit to be picked.

Personally, I believe what separates the red-hot, radical, powerful, effective believers from the lukewarm, weak, ineffective ones is just this: A ready willingness to be poured out. We often wonder why Christianity in closed countries so rapidly spreads, why believers in hostile nations are so powerful and effective, why miracles happen in desperate third-world nations but not as much here. Could it be that those who embrace Christ in a way that costs them everything are readily accepting that being poured out isn’t an optional part of the gospel?

Here in America, we often treat this pouring out as Christian Extra Credit. It’s not really part of the gospel, it’s just for those who want to be spiritual over-achievers. In fact, in some circles we seem to celebrate this form of mediocrity, somehow equating it with humility.

The same way that the exceptional student may be ridiculed by his peers in school, the person passionately pursuing a life poured out for the sake of others can often be left open to criticism. It’s Tall Poppy Syndrome in the spiritual life. Paul had scores of people around him who criticized his choices, accused him of self-seeking or preaching for profit, but Paul didn’t care. He pursued a life poured out regardless of the mediocre mud-slingers all around.

But let’s just be honest, most often our problem is not that we’re being criticized for wholeheartedly following Christ. Most often my problem is I’m embracing some self-focused form of supposed sanctification that in reality only leads to greater pride and self-satisfaction. If a course of growth doesn’t lead me to greater desperation, to greater dependence, to greater giving, greater sacrifice, greater humility … then, quite frankly, it isn’t greater.

C.S. Lewis said it like this:

Whenever we find that our religious life is making us feel that we are good—above all, that we are better than someone else—I think we may be sure that we are being acted on, not by God, but by the devil. The real test of being in the presence of God is that you either forget about yourself altogether or see yourself as a small, dirty object. (Mere Christianity, p.124)

But the book title See Yourself as a Small, Dirty Object by Friday just won’t sell many copies. Right? No one wants to really understand how utterly depraved they really are.

And yet.

Freedom is found in understanding we’re worse off than we ever imagined and more loved than we ever dared dream.

Big, life-changing revolutions begin with small, day-changing resolutions which begin with even smaller moment-changing decisions. May you choose this week, moment by moment, to pour out for the sake of others, for the glory of God. Thanks for reading.

2014 Booklist & 5 Favs

January 2, 2015 KariBook Lover, Sacred Mundane4 Comments0

Happy New Year! One of the most powerful ways we shape our future and determine the direction we will go is by choosing who will pour into our lives. If each of our responsibilities and resolutions is a straw, drawing on us, each of the books we read (and sermons we listen to, etc. etc.) is one of the sources flowing into our lives, filling us up. Those who draw on our lives will either get garbage or goodness based on what we’re full of. If we pour in twaddle and TV, we won’t have a very nutritious or delicious milkshake for our families and others to draw from. But if we fill our lives with the truth of God’s Word, healthy relationships, Bible-based preaching and teaching, and quality books, we help ensure that what we’re giving out to others is only the good stuff!

Each year I enjoy composing my “nightstand” list for the following year, and for the past few years, you’ve been helping me! Thank you for your recommendations from last year. Here are the good books (i.e. I’d recommend them) I read in 2014. I’ve put * by my favorite 5.

Quest For More by Paul David Tripp. Fabulous books about letting go of our small Kingdom (which often masquerades as His Kingdom) in exchange for something bigger–the Kingdom of God. Excellent, challenging read.
Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay. Historical Fiction about a little girl in France during 1942 roundup of Jews in Paris and journey into the infamous Auschwitz concentration camp.
*No Compromise by Melody Green. GAH! This book is so good I can’t even talk about it.Challenging to the core. Must read.
Quiet by Susan Cain. Wow! Fascinating look at introversion/extraversion and how our culture has elevated the “Extroversion Ideal” equating it with success and health, even in the church! A fabulous, freeing read. Caveat: The book has 3 parts. I recommend the 1st and 3rd parts.
Making All Things New: An invitation to the spiritual life by Henri Nouwen. Quick read with classic Nouwen depth.
84 Charing Cross by Helen Hanff. Oh I love Helen! Literary lovers: read this. Quirky and clever, charming. So fun. If you love literature, curl up with this and a cup of tea and be delighted.
*Surprised by Oxford by Carolyn Weber. Oh this book! I wish I could buy a copy for every person I know. A captivating and honest look at a non-believer’s journey to Oxford and the authentic Christian community she encountered there. Please, read this!
Loving Our Kids On Purpose by Danny Silk. A quick, great parenting read. Silk basically takes Parenting with Love and Logic and teaches this method from a Christian perspective, explaining how God our Father parents us. This was very helpful not only in our parenting this year, but in how we “parent” adults who are in recovery from addiction or dangerous behaviors. Very helpful.
Restless by Jennie Allen. Fun, quick read about taking all the “threads” of your life (passions, gifts, suffering, experiences, places) and going through a process of watching God weave together these threads into something beautiful. We went through it as a women’s Bible study this summer and it was helpful to share our “threads” with each other, and speaking into each other’s lives. A good small-group book.
Undaunted by Christine Caine. Well, Christine Caine is just as legit as they come. Wow. I so enjoy her and to say her life challenges me is about the understatement of the year. This book is a one-sitting kind of thing. Read it for a powerful kick in the pants, GO FOLLOW JESUS PEOPLE! Caine is worth following.
Birthing The Miraculous by Heidi Baker. And if Christine Caine doesn’t kick you in the pants enough, Heidi Baker will! Oh my. This book is just nuts. A lot of it is outside my realm of experience, and I don’t know exactly what I think about it all, but it’s just insanely challenging all the same. Reading this book dared me to dream again, to believe God for whatever He wants to do.
Sacrament of the Present Moment by Jean-Pierre de Caussade. Written almost 300 years ago, this book wins the Oldest Book of the Year award. Wow. Perhaps because of my passion for the Sacred Mundane, this book is one of my all-time favorite reads. But it might not be your cup of tea. My hope is that Sacred Mundane takes these age-old truths and presents them in a way that’s accessible and appealing.
*Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin. Yay for Jen Wilkin! She has written a short, concise, clear text about how to study God’s Word. Fabulous overview of how to study Scripture.
The Keys to Healing by Etty Blaney. I’ll tell you straight-up: I don’t understand miraculous healing. But this book certainly builds one’s faith and shows that yes, God does heal today. Helpful and biblical.
The Christian Homemaker’s Handbook edited by Pat Ennis. I have to confess: This book was recommended to me by a woman I respect and admire, but when I got it I was like, “Really? A book on homemaking? What, is it going to tell me how to iron?” I was skeptical. And I kind of didn’t want to read it in public, “Oh I’m just reading some really meaty theological truth on … how to be a housewife.” ANYWAY, I was wrong (as usual). It’s a great book, and very challenging concerning the ways contemporary views of domestic life has caused us to overlook a sacred and holy calling.
Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss. I’m not sure how I’ve lived almost 35 years without hearing about this book! Apparently everyone knows about it. It’s fabulous. Written as a (shockingly honest) journal of a young girl struggling to follow Christ, it hits on pretty much every inward issue a women could face. It starts slow–stick with it!
Look Me In The Eyes by John Elder Robison. I’ve debated whether to include this, but here it is. I’d just say I don’t recommend buying it, but if you have a child with Asperger’s, it is a helpful read, so maybe check it from the library. The beginning and end are good, but the middle is pretty dark. I could have gone without it. But the beginning chapters especially really helped me understand my son more.
*Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne. You’ve already heard me sing this book’s praises for long enough. I’ve written about it a dozen times. Just buy it and read it. Today.
The Spark by Kristine Barnett. I’ve written about this too, but this is a fascinating read for any parent, not just those with kids on the spectrum. It starts slow also, but push through the first few chapters and you’ll be quickly enthralled.
Platform by Michael Hyatt. More confessions–I had this book for 2.5 years before opening it. I don’t like the idea of building a “platform” for ministry, when ministering is serving. However, this book IS great at learning how to make content more accessible to people, and I learned a lot. I do recommend it to any of you writers or creatives who are seeking to better serve a wider audience.
*Voice of Jesus by Gordon Smith. THIS is the hidden pearl of the year. Oh this book! I cannot believe it only has 5 review on Amazon because it is absolutely phenomenal. That said, it’s written by a theologian, so it’s not a quick read. I’ve actually been working on it for several months now. I read 2-3 pages almost every day and just chew on it. It is SO good. I keep it next to my Bible and read it during my quiet time. Wholeheartedly recommend!
The Homeschool Experiment by Charity Hawkins. I’ve already written about this here–a fun, quick comic-relief read for any mom of littles. Snag it on your kindle and curl up for a treat!

*I also re-read two of my all-time favs: The Pursuit of God (free on kindle!) and Disciplines of a Beautiful Woman.

There you have it! What a fabulous year of reads! I am so grateful for authors who have labored over these pages, making them accessible to us. Again, my top 5 favs are: No Compromise, Surprised by Oxford, Women of the Word, Simplicity Parenting, and The Voice of Jesus.

{And thank YOU for faithfully reading here. May 2015 be a rich reading year for us all.}

PS Would you please share YOUR favorite reads from this year? (Comment here) I need to make my 2015 Nightstand list. Thank you!

2014 Booklist & 5 Favs

January 2, 2015 KariBook Lover, Sacred Mundane4 Comments0

Quest For More by Paul David Tripp. Fabulous books about letting go of our small Kingdom (which often masquerades as His Kingdom) in exchange for something bigger–the Kingdom of God. Excellent, challenging read.
Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay. Historical Fiction about a little girl in France during 1942 roundup of Jews in Paris and journey into the infamous Auschwitz concentration camp.
*No Compromise by Melody Green. GAH! This book is so good I can’t even talk about it.Challenging to the core. Must read.
Quiet by Susan Cain. Wow! Fascinating look at introversion/extraversion and how our culture has elevated the “Extroversion Ideal” equating it with success and health, even in the church! A fabulous, freeing read. Caveat: The book has 3 parts. I recommend the 1st and 3rd parts.
Making All Things New: An invitation to the spiritual life by Henri Nouwen. Quick read with classic Nouwen depth.
84 Charing Cross by Helen Hanff. Oh I love Helen! Literary lovers: read this. Quirky and clever, charming. So fun. If you love literature, curl up with this and a cup of tea and be delighted.
*Surprised by Oxford by Carolyn Weber. Oh this book! I wish I could buy a copy for every person I know. A captivating and honest look at a non-believer’s journey to Oxford and the authentic Christian community she encountered there. Please, read this!
Loving Our Kids On Purpose by Danny Silk. A quick, great parenting read. Silk basically takes Parenting with Love and Logic and teaches this method from a Christian perspective, explaining how God our Father parents us. This was very helpful not only in our parenting this year, but in how we “parent” adults who are in recovery from addiction or dangerous behaviors. Very helpful.
Restless by Jennie Allen. Fun, quick read about taking all the “threads” of your life (passions, gifts, suffering, experiences, places) and going through a process of watching God weave together these threads into something beautiful. We went through it as a women’s Bible study this summer and it was helpful to share our “threads” with each other, and speaking into each other’s lives. A good small-group book.
Undaunted by Christine Caine. Well, Christine Caine is just as legit as they come. Wow. I so enjoy her and to say her life challenges me is about the understatement of the year. This book is a one-sitting kind of thing. Read it for a powerful kick in the pants, GO FOLLOW JESUS PEOPLE! Caine is worth following.
Birthing The Miraculous by Heidi Baker. And if Christine Caine doesn’t kick you in the pants enough, Heidi Baker will! Oh my. This book is just nuts. A lot of it is outside my realm of experience, and I don’t know exactly what I think about it all, but it’s just insanely challenging all the same. Reading this book dared me to dream again, to believe God for whatever He wants to do.
Sacrament of the Present Moment by Jean-Pierre de Caussade. Written almost 300 years ago, this book wins the Oldest Book of the Year award. Wow. Perhaps because of my passion for the Sacred Mundane, this book is one of my all-time favorite reads. But it might not be your cup of tea. My hope is that Sacred Mundane takes these age-old truths and presents them in a way that’s accessible and appealing.
*Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin. Yay for Jen Wilkin! She has written a short, concise, clear text about how to study God’s Word. Fabulous overview of how to study Scripture.
The Keys to Healing by Etty Blaney. I’ll tell you straight-up: I don’t understand miraculous healing. But this book certainly builds one’s faith and shows that yes, God does heal today. Helpful and biblical.
The Christian Homemaker’s Handbook edited by Pat Ennis. I have to confess: This book was recommended to me by a woman I respect and admire, but when I got it I was like, “Really? A book on homemaking? What, is it going to tell me how to iron?” I was skeptical. And I kind of didn’t want to read it in public, “Oh I’m just reading some really meaty theological truth on … how to be a housewife.” ANYWAY, I was wrong (as usual). It’s a great book, and very challenging concerning the ways contemporary views of domestic life has caused us to overlook a sacred and holy calling.
Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss. I’m not sure how I’ve lived almost 35 years without hearing about this book! Apparently everyone knows about it. It’s fabulous. Written as a (shockingly honest) journal of a young girl struggling to follow Christ, it hits on pretty much every inward issue a women could face. It starts slow–stick with it!
Look Me In The Eyes by John Elder Robison. I’ve debated whether to include this, but here it is. I’d just say I don’t recommend buying it, but if you have a child with Asperger’s, it is a helpful read, so maybe check it from the library. The beginning and end are good, but the middle is pretty dark. I could have gone without it. But the beginning chapters especially really helped me understand my son more.
*Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne. You’ve already heard me sing this book’s praises for long enough. I’ve written about it a dozen times. Just buy it and read it. Today.
The Spark by Kristine Barnett. I’ve written about this too, but this is a fascinating read for any parent, not just those with kids on the spectrum. It starts slow also, but push through the first few chapters and you’ll be quickly enthralled.
Platform by Michael Hyatt. More confessions–I had this book for 2.5 years before opening it. I don’t like the idea of building a “platform” for ministry, when ministering is serving. However, this book IS great at learning how to make content more accessible to people, and I learned a lot. I do recommend it to any of you writers or creatives who are seeking to better serve a wider audience.
*Voice of Jesus by Gordon Smith. THIS is the hidden pearl of the year. Oh this book! I cannot believe it only has 5 review on Amazon because it is absolutely phenomenal. That said, it’s written by a theologian, so it’s not a quick read. I’ve actually been working on it for several months now. I read 2-3 pages almost every day and just chew on it. It is SO good. I keep it next to my Bible and read it during my quiet time. Wholeheartedly recommend!
The Homeschool Experiment by Charity Hawkins. I’ve already written about this here–a fun, quick comic-relief read for any mom of littles. Snag it on your kindle and curl up for a treat!

*I also re-read two of my all-time favs: The Pursuit of God (free on kindle!) and Disciplines of a Beautiful Woman.

{And thank YOU for faithfully reading here. May 2015 be a rich reading year for us all.}

PS Would you please share YOUR favorite reads from this year? (Comment here) I need to make my 2015 Nightstand list. Thank you!

A 4-question quiz for determining this year's direction

December 31, 2014 KariDevotional Thoughts, Sacred Mundane1 Comment0

Scratching 2015 across the top of the page was about all I could muster. Goals? Resolutions? I’m so done. Anyone else?

This is the first year I haven’t had a burst of fresh self-improvement energy around Dec 31st. Why?

It’s all my church’s fault. (smile)

All year long we’ve been looking at the EPIC story of God, seeing the gospel woven throughout all of scripture and seeing that in every story and in every situation, Jesus is the hero.

So yeah. I don’t need to be a hero anymore.

This is also the year I quit the measuring madness. Of course some measuring is still inevitable in life. But this endless quantifying can just kill the joy right out of life. Enough with it! They say goals are only goals if they are measurable, and next thing you know we are measuring everything and forgetting to live. And wouldn’t you know it, when I eased up on the measuring, there was so much more space for joy to flow right in.

Lastly, I began seeing that everything I put down on that list of goals and commitments was essentially a “straw” stuck into my life. How many straws can one milkshake really handle?

So then, do you see my reluctance to make hasty resolutions? Sure, I want to pray more, read aloud to my kids more, go on more dates with my man, and maybe even clean the back porch. (Well, and write a book that helps women worldwide see the sacred in the mundane and find true transformation and life-change from the inside out. I suppose there’s that little item too!)

Anyway … in perhaps my favorite read from 2014, The Voice of Jesus, Gordon Smith presents a 4-Question process of determining where you most need to grow and how to take personal responsibility for your part of the growth. Here are the 4 questions. Instead of stabbing in the dark for direction, these questions helped me determine where I need to focus for 2015 in order to successfully partner with God, growing in wholeness and spiritual maturity. Here they are:

1. What do you tend to complain about? What tends to be on your lips when you are frustrated, particularly when you are let down by or disappointed by others?

2. What fundamental commitment lies behind the point of frustration? Your complaint usually reflects a fundamental commitment. It speaks of what you value and highlights your priorities. It tells you something about you.

3. Is there anything that you are doing or not doing that undermines your capacity to fulfill this fundamental commitment? In an honest review of your own behavior, we usually know about what we do, or the things we fail to do, that are inconsistent with our values, priorities, and commitments. In other words, rather than complaining about others, what is it that we are doing or failing to do that undermines our commitments? We move forward by taking personal responsibility for our own behavior. When we do, what do we see?

4. What lies behind this pattern of behavior? This is the most difficult question. As you look at that pattern of behavior, as what this behavior means. Here are are honestly identifying our own inner contradictions, where we do not live consistently with our confessed values. Why? Usually this is because of fears that lie behind our behavior.

This is a simple exercise, but it is helpful for sifting through the endless possibilities for self-improvement and goal-setting, in order to get to the essence of where we really need to change.

In short, what is it that I do or don’t do that most hinders my health, spiritually, emotionally, mentally, physically? And, what fear or false assumption lies behind that behavior. When we deal with the root we can effectively take steps of obedience to overcome that fear.

These small obedience steps of faith are what bring change.

And no matter how ambivalent I may feel toward resolutions, I never want to stop growing, stop changing, stop letting God conform me into His image.

Let’s let Him show us how.

{May 2015 be a year of unprecedented growth and transformation, spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically. Thank you for letting Sacred Mundane be part of that journey this year. Until next year, thanks for reading.}