Signed with the Cross of Christ

Matthew 16:24-25 "Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.  For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.'"

"If you willingly carry the cross, it will carry you.  It will take you to where suffering comes to an end, a place other than here...When you willingly carry your cross, every pang of tribulation is changed into hope of solace from God.  Besides, with every affliction the spirit is strengthened by grace.  For it is the grace of Christ, and not your own virtue, that gives us the power to overcome the flesh and the world.  You will not even fear your enemy, the devil, if you arm yourself with faith and are signed with the cross of Christ." (Thomas a Kempis)

52 in 2015: Update

Now that we are about one quarter of the way through the year I thought I'd do a quick update about the books I've been reading.  I've definitely made some progress in the past six weeks, and am still ahead of schedule, but am going a little more slowly now.  I read one book a week.

The entire list is below, with the books read since the last post in bold with some brief comments.

Non-fiction:

Every Bitter Thing is Sweet by Sara Hagerty

Interrupted by Jen Hatmaker

7 by Jen Hatmaker

Breaking Free by Beth Moore

A Long Obedience in the Same Direction by Eugene Peterson

The Envy of Eve by Melissa Kruger

Recapture the Wonder by Ravi Zacharias

Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott

Depression: Looking Up From The Stubborn Darkness (Edward T. Welch) – I think I will write a post just on this book.  It gave me a lot to think about, though I didn’t agree with everything.

Quiet: the Power of Introverts in a World that can't Stop Talking (Susan Cain) – a little dry but fun for an introvert to read.

The Fringe Hours (Jessica Turner) – enjoyable but not life-changing (for me, anyway. I can see how others might be wowed.)

Jesus the King (Timothy Keller) – a study of the book of Mark.  I learned a ton and saw some stories I’ve heard since childhood in a whole new light.

Fiction:

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie (Alan Bradley)

Big Little Lies (Liane Moriarty)

The Magician’s Nephew (C.S. Lewis)

The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe (C.S. Lewis) – I read the entire Narnia series as a child and plan to work my way through them this year as well.  This time I through I find myself paying less attention to the plot and maybe more attention to the deeper meanings and parallels.  I found The Magician’s Nephew particularly beautiful in this regard.

The Good Girl (Mary Kubica) – this book was on a list of recommended reading for those who enjoyed Gone Girl.  It wasn’t nearly as good (in my opinion) but did hold my interest and I read it quickly.

The Invention of Wings (Sue Monk Kidd) – I finished this one today.  AMAZING.  Really.  Get it now and read it.  This is a historical fiction novel and tells the story of Sarah and Angelina Grimke, two early abolitionists and feminists who grew up as slaveholders in Charleston.  It is fantastic.  I never read Sue’s other book, The Secret Life of Bees, but plan to now.

Currently Reading:

Sabbath (Wayne Muller) – reading through this one slowly, as the chapters are brief and meant for contemplation.

He Chose the Nails (Max Lucado) – I plan to read (and finish) this during Holy Week

Year of Wonders (Geraldine Brooks)

Total Finished as of March 28, 2015 -- 18.

Please leave comments with book recommendations!!!

My New Favorite Thing

Dear Podcasts,

It wasn't until this fall that I discovered you.  What was wrong with me that it took me so long?  I love you.

--Allison

Seriously, I think I was living under a rock until October.  I got taken in by Serial and my list of subscriptions has grown steadily since.

Here are some of my favorites (now that Serial is on hiatus):

The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey -- I mentioned this in my last post.  It's definitely my #1 -- I feel like I'm just eavesdropping on two friends.  It's fabulous.

The Therapy Show -- a brother and sister team talking about all things psychology and sociology.  It was made for me. 

That Sounds Fun with Annie F. Downs -- Annie is just so funny.  I wish she was my friend.

Stuff You Missed in History Class -- I don't listen to every episode, just the ones that look interesting, but they are short and I learn things.

And a few new (to me) ones:

World News Roundup -- a seven minute summary of the news each day.  Keeps me informed but keeps me from becoming a news junkie.

Finish Line -- this is a daily summary of the Boston Marathon Bombing Trial, so it won't be around for long.  Two reporters discuss what happened in the courtroom each day.  It's fascinating.  

I would love to hear what you're listening to.  Send me recommendations!

Before 30

I've been listening to podcasts A LOT lately.  I started with Serial and quickly moved on to several others.  I listen while getting ready in the morning, while I'm cooking, at the gym....pretty much anytime I can.  If I could get away with it at work I might even be tempted to do that... ;)

Anyway, one of my favorites is The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey.  She interviews some amazing women and I find it fun and inspiring.  I listened to an older one this morning, and during the episode, Jamie and her guest discussed an article from Relevant Magazine, "15 Things to Start Doing Before You're 30".  Since I am turning 30 in 11 short months (ahh!) I figured I'd see how I measure up.

1.  Wake up earlier that you have to

I try so hard to do this.  And I guess for the most part I am successful.  I always get to work earlier than I have to because I like to get settled and check my email and messages before kids start coming in.  I definitely want to make sure in the future that I wake up before my kids vs. being awakened by my kids.  I think it will make me a better mother.

2.  Save Money

I'm getting there with this one but I need to do better.  I put money away for retirement, but need to do better with my budget and adding money to my savings account, especially since I just took out a good chunk for my Italy trip.

3.  Actually care about what you eat

Do I actually care? Yes.  Do I consistently eat in such a way that proves this? No.  Am I better than I was at 25? Yes.

4.  Create a pattern of giving in your finances.

I give myself a B-.  I give regularly, but I've felt convicted lately about the amount.

5.  Becoming friends with people much older than you

YES!  I love my "old lady friends".  They are the best thing about Lexington to me, and I have been so blessed by their kindness and wisdom.

6.  Let go of baggage from past relationships.

Ask me when I'm 30.

7.  Be content with the life you have (while still trying to accomplish your dreams).

I think I've always done well with this.  I'm more or less content with my job and my ordinary, simple life.  However, I've got this dream of being a writer one day and I'm not letting it go just yet.

8.  Read the news every day.

Yep.  And watch the news.  Except recently.  I miss Brian Williams.

9.  Learn to unplug.

Ehhhh.  I do a pretty good job on the weekends. I try to set aside about 5 hours of uninterrupted time each week for me and I put my phone on "do not disturb" during that time.  I am attached to my phone but I am able to set my boundaries with this.

10.  Find organizations or causes to support long-term.

Young Life and World Vision are my big two right now and probably will be for a long time, but I am open to more, especially as I seek God's will for my giving.

11. Make exercise a lifestyle.

I think if a teacher was writing comments on my report card they would read, "Needs improvement, but shows good effort".  Ha.  I'm in the same place I am with my eating habits.

12.  Actively combat spiritual complacency.

Hmmm.  Can we ever say we've accomplished this?  It will be the fight of my whole life.

13.  Be intentional with relationships

Being a single woman in Lexington with a demanding job has made this a necessity.  I find that I am both naturally inclined to this and naturally disabled with this.  I'm an introvert, so I desire deep friendships and don't want to waste time, but I'm also an introvert so I like to go home from work and put on sweats and watch TV with my dog.  It's a blessing and a curse.

14.  Buy things that last

Slowly working on this.  I can only do so much since I live in a partially-furnished house.  I am saving for nice things though. :)

15.  Make margins in your life.

I've improved in this area dramatically since December.


And there you have it.  How is everyone else doing?  Anybody have any advice for me?

Coming Soon

Excited to be part of the Lifeway Launch team for this new Bible Study.