tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289697972024-03-07T18:23:11.113-05:00My Random RantingsThis is my life, nothing more nothing less. i don't pretend to be someone i'm not just to make someone happy. This may be random at times, but no one said you had to read it.Mary K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12957686549150963367noreply@blogger.comBlogger215125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28969797.post-66840292505777100342016-05-07T22:59:00.001-04:002016-05-07T22:59:02.430-04:002016, can you slow down?!Since my last post, life has been a little bit crazy. I was blessed to go home and witness the wedding of one of my very good friends. It was a whirlwind weekend made even better by the gruesome fact that I had salmonella poisoning. Let me tell you, if you've never had it, you don't want it. I didn't let that slow me down a whole lot, and in the 60 hours I was home, I had breakfast and lunch (though i didn't actually eat much due to good ol' sal) with my brother, spent a few hours with another friend from elementary/middle/high school, had dinner and ice cream with my family, visited my favorite coffee shop in Erie, met Brian's wonderful fiance and had a game night, went to the wedding, hung out with my family again, watched (more like slept through) a movie, went to church, and out to lunch with my pastor and his wife. Those events sandwiched between two ten hour drives made for a sleepy Monday.<br />
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All of that happened, and then suddenly, it was May. That blew my mind a little bit because I'm fairly certain we just rang in the new year about 2 1/2 weeks ago. I blinked again and we're already a fourth of the way through May. Time doesn't always make sense to me. Why do minutes in the morning go so much faster than minutes at the end of the school day? Why is our perception of time so incredibly different. Why when we're children do we dread the long years of adulthood, and then in our late twenties try to slow the clock to keep hold on our youth? The seconds are the same. We change. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="320" src="https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13076833_10156906176540311_8353673045819392690_n.jpg?oh=973b9795588db2dc72f0974df75278bb&oe=57AA9DEF" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lovely bride and groom on their beautiful day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14612434265933116817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28969797.post-28598214856292519632016-04-16T23:20:00.000-04:002016-04-16T23:20:09.729-04:00Letting Light ShineI started this blog a life ago, and I stopped updating it about a life ago. Over three years ago really. I considered throwing this whole thing away and starting over, but this is my life, and I think it's best to keep it all together. <br />
So, where am I now? Well, out of college, stepping toward the career I want, and living my life as best I can for Christ and others. I can't tell you how many times I've failed, but I'm thankful I have a God who forgives. As far as my last post, I found exactly what I was looking for. An amazing church full of people who love God and each other. <br />
For now I'm working to be a jar of clay that reveals the treasure we have is Christ, and that the surpassing power belongs to Him and not to me. Living to show sin is terrible, God's love is ultimate, and living for God's glory is always the right choice. Loving others to show them my love is a choice that isn't dependent on their choices or actions. I love Christ because He first loved me, and I love others because He loves them more. Mary K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12957686549150963367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28969797.post-59749840548012777712013-01-19T01:29:00.001-05:002013-01-19T01:29:14.858-05:00On the HuntI recently started church hunting, and wow, can it be tough. I joked at first that the church with the best pen wins, but it just takes a little bit more than that. While you look for a church that's a right "fit" for you, you have to remember you're looking for a place where you aren't necessarily always comfortable. You need to be challenged. At some churches, it's just too easy to slip in and slip out. I may have found one that is pretty great, and I feel that I could really serve there, and even better, it's super close by. I do find myself comparing my old church to every new church I visit, and during Wednesday night services, I tend to find myself figuring out where my kid's class is at in their night. So if you think about it, pray for me that I find a church that loves God and people where I can really serve and where I can bring people from work/life who are really searching for something.Mary K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12957686549150963367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28969797.post-79698733409985857202013-01-19T01:13:00.000-05:002013-01-19T01:13:00.569-05:00UnstoppableJust finished <i>Unstoppable </i>by Nick Vujicic today. My first thoughts about this book are a little bit conflicting. Don't get me wrong. I really did enjoy it. His story is INCREDIBLE, but I just had a little bit of a hard time pinning him down. I think I've decided "non-denominational" Christian. I think that was a little distracted through the book trying to figure that out. For those of you who don't know, Nick's story starts by being born without limbs. After battling depression and hopelessness, he gave his life to Christ, and now he is able to speak all around the world about the hope he found. Nick's abilities are only outdone by his strength to stand for Christ everywhere he is privileged to go. I really appreciated the chapter on surrender. Nick explained that surrender is not really "giving up," but "giving in" to everything Christ has for your life. Surrender doesn't wait for the time that's convenient or "makes sense." The book is filled with stories of himself and others dealing with depression, hurt, abuse, bullying, and worry. <br />
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If you're interested in this book, you can get your own copy <a href="http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?work=218361" target="_blank">here</a><br />
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I received this books a part of the publisher's blogging for books program. I was not required to write a positive review.Mary K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12957686549150963367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28969797.post-33127697189110277232012-10-28T01:34:00.004-04:002012-10-28T01:34:45.438-04:00His TimingMy roommate has a small card displayed in our house that says, "Faith in God includes faith in His timing." I've been reading it for a while, but last night He made it real. The store I work at closes at 9pm. Last night there was still a family of customers in the store at 9:15. I was getting increasingly frustrated. I had a terrrrrible week. Overly stressed, under-slept. The last thing I wanted to do was spend any extra time at work when I knew I had to be up in the morning. We cut off the music trying to encourage the family to finish up. They finally came to my register. I forced a smile and asked if they had found everything they were looking for. The woman sheepishly looked at me, and said, "no English."<div>
Suddenly, I started to smile for real. I knew this family was sent to me by God to brighten up my week. We had a ten minute or so conversation. I cannot wait to serve God for the rest of my life on the field, but I can help people here while I am waiting. I know that God's fullest blessing comes in His timing, and I refuse to force my way through some part of it or skirt around the outside. </div>
Mary K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12957686549150963367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28969797.post-14462976160779617972012-10-25T14:58:00.001-04:002012-10-25T14:58:12.236-04:00My heartbeatAs many of you know missions is my heartbeat. I have gone on two trips to South America, and now God is giving me an opportunity to go to Mexico for Christmas this year. I am so excited. Every day just shows me more and more how much my desire is to be in South America. Right now I'm in the waiting stage. I kind of feel like how the disciples may have felt when Christ told them to wait in Jerusalem. This is my "Be still and know I am God" time. I'm just rather horrible at being still. I have been able to attend two days of MBBC's mission conference. I cannot begin to tell you the blessing it has been. I really feel for those who don't take anything from chapel, and I remember the days when it was commonplace to me as well, but I guess it would be kind of like being in a place where you are given more water than you can possibly drink. You never thirst for it until you are removed from the abundance. <br />
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I also just read <i>Call of a Coward </i>by Marcia Motson. It was a great narrative of seeing God work in one woman's life for short term missions with a long term impact. When I first read the summary of it, I wanted to read it because it sounded like this woman was a little begrudging of her husband's call to ministry, but this was not the case at all. She was ready and willing though at times fearful. I think this is something many people struggle with when they know what they are supposed to do with their lives. It also discusses when they returned how her heart was still in Guatemala (a little like the continent of South America has taken mine). She wasn't sure how she would get back, just that it was her desire. She traced God's hand through her life, through different circumstances to take her back again in different roles. This book was an honest narrative of the joys and hardships, of the loves and losses, of the encouragement and discouragement of the field. I'm very glad to have read it. And i recommend it to anyone with any heart for missions.<br />
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I received a copy of this book through the BookSneeze program. I was not required to write a positive review.Mary K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12957686549150963367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28969797.post-38910234202452223352012-10-07T00:16:00.001-04:002012-10-07T00:16:11.061-04:00A Taste of Radical.I recently received a book that combined "The Radical Question" and "The Radical Idea" both by David Platt. I have already read <i>Radical Together, </i>so I was really looking forward to the new read. It wasn't really a new read at all, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it. This book is intended to give the reader a taste of what it means to be radical. The first part, "The Radical Question," looks at the disconnect in American churches today between spending a fortune on our comfort and convenience, and that of our church, and the desperate need of our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world. Between our entertainment and the souls of men around the world. Do not read this if you are looking for a fluffy feel good book. Do not read if you do not want to feel conviction. <br />
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The second part of the book, "The Radical Idea" focuses on how the church can become more effective together (very similar to <i>Radical Together</i>) It explains that church is the people not the program; discipleship is the responsiblity of everyone, not just the leaders in the church. One quote in the book said, "Why would we spend an inordinate amount of our resources on something that is never prescribed our even encouraged in the new testament?" Good question.<br />
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Buy a copy <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Radical-Question-Idea/dp/1601424892/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1349583310&sr=1-2&keywords=the+radical+question" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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I was given a copy of this book as a part of the Blogging for Books program and I was not required to give a positive review.Mary K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12957686549150963367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28969797.post-27120938315155132452012-10-01T21:19:00.000-04:002012-10-01T21:19:57.347-04:00A book about GraceIm back into full book review mode again. I just love reading all the different books I get the opportunity to review. I just finished <em>Grace</em> by Max Lucado. I have a fairly high standard for rating books, so maybe people shouldn't always take my opinion too seriously, but this is another book I just can't recommend. While the illustrations were helpful and some points made well, I felt the book had a sense of flippancy to it. There was a phrase in the book that said that God would love to lavish us in grace if we are simply willing to give God the nod. God doesn't just want a nod from us. He wants our entire life...pure and simple. He desires to have us completely. I do appreciate the transparency the author has. He is willing to share personal illustrations about his own life. He shows us snippets here and there of how he feels and even fails. I appreciate that, I really do. The book just didn't wow me. I wasn't drawn to be constantly picking it up. It wasn't one that i talked about with my friends. I don't really know how to describe it except it was one that I counted pages until the end, and I wasn't terribly sad when the end came.<br />
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I was able to review this book as a part of the BookSneeze program. I was not required to write a positive review.Mary K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12957686549150963367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28969797.post-41154562075447408242012-09-25T15:10:00.001-04:002012-09-25T15:10:43.436-04:00Eye OpeningThere are those books that you genuinely look forward to reading a chapter each night. <i>A Sudden Glory</i> by Sharon Jaynes was one of those books. It wasn't groundbreaking and new. It was an amazing reminder. It tore away any facade erected by religion and asked the reader to examine their relationship with the Lover of their soul. It talked about noticing the little things God gives us each day just to say "I'm here and I love you!" The book made me consider my day. What did God give me today? That amazing blue sky that I just sat in awe of? Yep, that was the gift of my loving Savior who is ever showing me that I am his. That timely text from a friend wasn't just from them but from God as well. She had other points to consider besides just the daily miracles we take for granted. Probably the most earth shaking point for me was that ingratitude is "a casual despising of God's sovereignty." Wow. My God has a plan. He is in control, and even those things I don't like in my life are working to make his BEST plan for my life a reality. I admit there were certain parts of this book directed at married women that I couldn't fully appreciate, but overall, I recommend it to Christian women who are feeling guilty for wanting something more. The problem isn't in the desire for something more, but in what we think will satisfy that desire. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1601424086/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img" target="_blank">Check it out</a>!<br />
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<br />Mary K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12957686549150963367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28969797.post-91834408728008474792012-09-20T00:04:00.000-04:002012-09-20T00:06:11.303-04:00Just not "Christian"I just finished reading <i>The River </i>by Michael Neale. I was really excited to read this book, but in truth, it kind of let me down a bit. If I was just reviewing this book as fiction, and not "Christian fiction," it would most likely get a better review. As for the story line itself, it was pretty good. I enjoyed it for the most part. The only real hole I found was a conflict resolved at the end much too quickly, but unfortunately, I'm not reviewing this book merely as a piece of fiction. This book is marketed as "Christian fiction." The premise of the book is that The River is calling to the main character throughout his life. He lives in fear of that very river because as a young child, he witnessed the tragic death of his father. Throughout the book, "The River" is always capitalized, ascribing to it some weight of deity. There are some good parallels to draw between God and The River, but there are also parallels to other deities of other religions. The book is vague about it. There is a higher power. I'm not the type who thinks every "Christian fiction" book should have the gospel of every page, but this book could honestly be successfully tied to any "higher power." I liked this book...as fiction, maybe even as "spiritual fiction", but I can't like it as "Christian fiction"<br />
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I received a copy of this book as part of the Book Sneeze program. I was not required to write a positive review.Mary K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12957686549150963367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28969797.post-54478794398732821632012-09-09T02:08:00.000-04:002012-09-09T02:08:00.014-04:00Twelve Unlikely HeroesI enjoy reading pretty much anything by John MacArthur, and <i>Twelve Unlikely Heroes</i> was no exception. I admit, when I first picked it up, I expected it to be about the disciples, but it actually pulls characters out of what many call the "Hall of Faith," and showcase how they were heroic. Some people don't like the term "Hall of Faith" because they feel that it exalts these Old Testament characters. It makes people think of lives like theirs as unattainable. MacArthur examines each of these twelve and shows how, despite being flesh, despite being weak or timid, despite being sinners, each person chose to stand for God in a time that wasn't convenient or easy. I have always loved the character of Jonathan. He was David's most loyal friend. He did the right thing even when all the authority in his life, the king and his father, were doing otherwise. MacArthur's chapter on Jonathan was incredible. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to know the true mean of the word hero (which the introduction spends a bit of time discussing a little more in depth), is studying the portraits of faith in the Bible or just wants to know that you don't have to be perfect for God to use them. <br />
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I was given a copy of this book through the BookSneeze program. I was not required to write a positive review.Mary K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12957686549150963367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28969797.post-22486825008661241172012-08-31T11:37:00.001-04:002012-08-31T11:37:37.057-04:00My humblest apologies to my faithful readers :-pOk, so, I don't exactly keep up with my blog. I admit it. I forget it's here sometimes. I get busy, and this poor thing suffers. According to Blogger, I have one faithful person who checks my blog almost daily. I humbly apologize. <br />
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I believe I haven't posted an actual, non book review, entry in almost a year. So there is a lot of catching up to do. I was blessed with another year of life. I am still subbing for the school districts around here. God has shown himself faithful to me everyday. I've grown closer to Him this year, and I cannot articulate in so few words as a blog post what He has meant to me.<br />
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I was privileged once again to travel to the amazing country of Argentina. God helped our team overcome countless obstacles to share the gospel with the people there. At first I wondered about our ministry. We weren't building water purification systems (their water there is just fine). We weren't a construction team fixing up an orphanage. I wondered about the impact that would be made by our trip. Then I realized, we were building relationships. We built earthly friendships with the Argentine people. I miss my friends there dearly! More importantly, we were helping to build eternal relationships. God allowed our team to share the gospel and plant seeds in the hearts of many people. God allowed us to encourage believers already serving. We weren't a professional choir by any means, but little is much when God is in it. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh62nDg1EyzuFJ71mrj3_yBqYlcH8_VuOPxmJlUAdNINd7oEEUcL_bqJm9ZIrQh8pAbdTyv_k532FDjFGPl_rUGaJ8aHCCVJNbWzwIJrRnQlpXL3iEsSPc0axehewODXXx4-XsS/s1600/DSC_00051+(10).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh62nDg1EyzuFJ71mrj3_yBqYlcH8_VuOPxmJlUAdNINd7oEEUcL_bqJm9ZIrQh8pAbdTyv_k532FDjFGPl_rUGaJ8aHCCVJNbWzwIJrRnQlpXL3iEsSPc0axehewODXXx4-XsS/s320/DSC_00051+(10).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
There was another impact from our trip that I wasn't quite expecting. Not because I was opposed to it, but because I thought I had already received my answer last time I traveled that far south. I firmly believe God's plan for my life includes long term mission work in the field of Central/South America. I'm so excited to see how He works out some of the details in the future. There are certain steps God has to present before I can begin taking some on my own, but all of that belongs in a different post. So, for now I'm trying to patiently wait, while serving my God wherever He puts me. :)Mary K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12957686549150963367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28969797.post-47886118382789569392012-08-29T00:00:00.002-04:002012-08-29T00:00:27.327-04:00Go. Read this book. Right now.
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I read the book <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Perfect Love</i> by Ruth Myers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
incredible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It highlights the love of
God in a way that does not negate the importance of the holiness of God, which
I have found to be a problem in many books about the love of God. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was written in a way that holds your
attention well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a book I was able
to pick up night after night and find something that I could learn from it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This book was not just written about the love
of God, it was written by someone who has lived it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Myers is a woman with wisdom that amazes me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reading this book felt like an everyday
meeting with a mentor. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a book I
have already recommended to friends, and I recommend it to anyone who desires
an honest look at the love of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I received a copy of this book through the Blogging for
Books program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was not required to
write a positive review.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Buy it <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Perfect-Love-Intensely-Overflowing/dp/1578562554/ref=cm_rdp_product">here</a></span></o:p></div>
Mary K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12957686549150963367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28969797.post-47512476617147054442012-08-28T23:46:00.001-04:002012-08-28T23:46:32.076-04:00First Review in a long time...
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">More Lost Than Found </i>by
Jared Herd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I picked up this book, not
expecting much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most people my age are disgruntled
with religion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even people in my circles
don’t embrace their parents’ church or denomination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We roll our eyes at certain subjects.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That also means there are a good number of
books addressing the issue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Herd
challenges the believer to take a step outside what they’re used to and look at
religion from a new angle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It shows that
the Christian life does not have to be a stale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That being said, the book doesn’t really say anything “new,”
and it isn’t really coherent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t
really intended for readers under the age of 30.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The author himself dreads turning 30.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I am in my upper 20’s already, I didn’t
really feel the book was geared toward me.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I received the book from the Booksneeze program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was not required to write a positive
review.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Mary K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12957686549150963367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28969797.post-24247576192437381922012-08-28T23:45:00.001-04:002012-08-28T23:45:26.311-04:00First Review in a long time...
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">More Lost Than Found </i>by
Jared Herd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I picked up this book, not
expecting much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most people my age are disgruntled
with religion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even people in my circles
don’t embrace their parents’ church or denomination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We roll our eyes at certain subjects.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That also means there are a good number of
books addressing the issue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Herd
challenges the believer to take a step outside what they’re used to and look at
religion from a new angle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It shows that
the Christian life does not have to be a stale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That being said, the book doesn’t really say anything “new,”
and it isn’t really coherent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t
really intended for readers under the age of 30.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The author himself dreads turning 30.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I am in my upper 20’s already, I didn’t
really feel the book was geared toward me.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I received the book from the Booksneeze program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was not required to write a positive
review.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
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Mary K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12957686549150963367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28969797.post-54650272622822365242011-09-30T12:19:00.002-04:002011-09-30T12:25:55.449-04:00God Closes a DoorYesterday, I faced rejection. I had applied and interviewed for a third grade teaching position in my district. I was nervous, and when I finished the interview, I did not have a happy feeling of accomplishment in my stomach. Yesterday, I got the call that the position had been filled. At first I was upset. I had wanted that position, but I didn't get it. I had prayed hard, but I wasn't going to be teaching third grade next week. Then I started to get excited. I still have my three months of fifth grade this year, and I have no idea what God has for me after that. This is really the first door God has shut because it's the first one I dared to really open. I applied for other teaching jobs last year, but I was terrified to move forward because I don't know what's ahead. Now, I'm confident that I can try doors, and God will shut the ones that aren't for me and let me walk through the ones that He has prepared. So, not only was the interview a good experience for me in the educational portion of my life, but just in life in general. Hmmmmm which door to try next.Mary K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12957686549150963367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28969797.post-10268808675494078622011-09-30T11:52:00.002-04:002011-09-30T12:08:22.462-04:00Last Great HopeLife has become busy lately...busy and distracting, but more of that in another post. This post is finally a book review. After posting one or two a week for so long, I can't believe it took me this long to post again. It wasn't the book's fault. I accept full blame.<br /><br />I just finished <em>Our Last Great Hope</em> by Ronnie Floyd. The book discusses the need for God's people to carry out the Great Commission. It talks about the urgency and the fact that the church has fallen asleep in the face of this great need. I feel like I can sum up the book this way, "what could you be doing that you aren't doing to further the Great Commission and see souls saved in your community and across the world? Question answered? Go do it!" It was convicting and heart breaking to see the things that we have really dropped the ball on, yet Floyd offers hope by encouraging his readers that they can only do what they can do, but if everyone does what they can do, the job will get done. Floyd is a Southern Baptist pastor that worked on a committee to design a plan that could actually accomplish world evangelism. Now his dream is to see that plan executed and world evangelism once again become a reality.<br /><br />The book was interesting. I can't say the writing gripped me, but the topic did. All that being said i do disagree with one premise of the book. That is that we are the last great hope. I know that this is not what the author intended, but I feel that I mus say it. God can accomplish His will however he wishes, but He has chosen to let us be a part of it. <br /><br />I received this book as a part of the Booksneeze program. I was not required to write a positive review.Mary K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12957686549150963367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28969797.post-80957542765837160222011-09-16T23:19:00.002-04:002011-09-16T23:27:57.586-04:00Are you Ready?!?Today I met the fifth graders that I will be working with for three months this semester. I can't wait! I learned all of their names today...short term memory anyway, and I can't wait until I get to be there everyday. Just like any class they come with their share of difficulties, but I felt as ready as I can be to work with them. God is so good to give me this opportunity. It felt really great to be called Miss Kauffman again (or Mrs. Kauffman depending on the student). I saw all my little third graders from last year...who are now bigger fourth graders. It's craziness I say :) I miss them like crazy, and it was so good to see them all. I was reminded today of how funny kids are. One kid, while making their scientist, sang "im gonna make my hands now" to the tune of "everybody dance now." I just stood there and smiled. I love being in a classroom more than anything else on this planet.Mary K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12957686549150963367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28969797.post-28703381388803345662011-09-11T00:06:00.004-04:002011-09-11T00:17:24.714-04:00RummagingToday I went to rummage sales. That's they call yard sales here in Wisconsin. Let me recount some humorous tales and then give you a few tips for your future rummage sale.<br />I am a people watcher. Today was a primo day for people watching. The very first lady i noticed was about 80 or 90 and she was walking around in a suprisingly fashionable blue and white striped dress (not something I would wear, but I was impressed). She seriously showed up at every sale we were at. Some times in a car and sometimes on foot. To be honest, it was a little creepy lol. The second was the lady in the huge knit poncho. It was 80 degrees out and this lady was walking around with a blanket on. I was dying for her!! I really wanted to suggest she buy something, anything to wear instead. There was also a sale from people who must have owned a bridal shop. I could have gotten my own wedding dress for $50 brand new. They had about 15.<br /><br />My purchases today included some Dr. Seuss stuffed animals for my future classroom, a coffee mug that you can write on with chalk, a new shirt, some jewelry, and a cool little cup from Japan.<br /><br />Now for my tips on yard sales... #1 Do not try to hike up the price on broken items. It's stupid and just makes me stop looking at all the rest of your stuff. #2 I don't care if you only used it a few times. If it's at a yard sale, on the curb, don't expect me to pay 60 dollars for something you paid 65 for. #3 having lunch available is genius!!! I didn't take advantage today, but good thinking. #4 Just be nice! Its not that hard! and finally #5 Advertise!!! We probably missed a ton of sales because we got tired of hunting for them.Mary K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12957686549150963367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28969797.post-58594031547496089842011-09-01T00:39:00.002-04:002011-09-01T00:44:55.026-04:00Mixed Feelings on LifeOk, so admit it. The year really starts, not in January as celebrated, but, at the end of August/beginning of September. New clothes in the closet. New ambitions, new goals, new friends, new teachers...etc. This year has been just a little tough....maybe just weird, but I'm not starting traditional school for the first time since I was three years old. Admittedly, I do start subbing as soon as the calls start coming, but for now I'm struggling with not having school as a "purpose" in my life. For those of you who don't know, I did get a three month, long term substitute position at the school I student taught at. I am unbelievably excited (and if i already mentioned this on my blog...get over it...im excited :) ) But that doesn't start until October, and I want to be in classes NOW. Teaching preferably, but learning is always a great experience that I truly love, so for now I'm busying myself reading and completing projects that NEED to be done. Hoping to get sub calls soooon :)
<br />Mary K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12957686549150963367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28969797.post-85823623866100503272011-08-23T00:36:00.003-04:002011-08-23T00:54:08.700-04:00A Vision for the world<a href="http://www.randomhouse.com/images/dyn/cover/?source=9781601423726&width=142"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 142px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 219px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.randomhouse.com/images/dyn/cover/?source=9781601423726&width=142" /></a> This is a book I would have never picked up if it hadn't been for the fact that I received it through the Blogging for Books program of Waterbrook Multnomah publishing. I had heard little things about the book <em>Radical</em>. Nothing bad, but nothing amazing either. I mean if you look at a book and its cover is modern looking and it has a one word title, its probably going to be marketing toward a crowd that I'm not a part of. Right? Wrong. I just finished reading <em>Radical Together</em> by David Platt about unleashing the church to do the will of God, and Wow...that's all I really have to say. This book isn't just about unleashing Gods people to do Gods work in their corner of the world. Its about equiping people to do the work of God all over the world. If you have ever had the pulling in your stomach for missions, this book will make you be on the field right now. At least it did for me. I was encouraged to look around me and see the natural ministries that God has blessed me with. The book really makes you want to open your eyes to the opportunities that you have where you are right now.
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<br /><div>As I was reading this book, I was expectantly waiting to turn the page and find something that made this author one of "those guys." Except he taught to sacrifice church growth if that's not God's will for your church. He instructed to evaluate if your amazing programs were the best choice for furthering the gospel. He talked about how we don't always have to find "just the right person" for this or that ministry and reminded his readers that God can use the weak things of this world. </div>
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<br /><div>You can (and i highly recommend that you do) purchase a copy of this book <a href="http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781601423726">here</a>.</div>
<br />Mary K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12957686549150963367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28969797.post-26202983634218945532011-08-19T23:54:00.002-04:002011-08-20T00:10:09.808-04:00Fresh Brewed LifeMy morning quiet time usually consists of my Bible, journal, whatever I'm reading at the time and a nice hot-ish cup of coffee. I curl up on our "new to us" couches and spend however long I have talking to God, reading his word, writing to Him and then reading whatever book I'm reading through. All the while drinking my Berres Bros. CinnaNut Island with cream and sugar. Imagine how perfectly a book called <em>Fresh-Brewed Life </em>fit into the equation. Im still not quite sure how i felt about the book. There are parts I agreed with and parts I didn't so much. I feel like this book hits an issue I have blogged about before in that our society needs to know what true love is before we can expect them to understand what Christ has to offer us. I do not agree with certain statements that downplayed the importance of the question of eternal residence by replacing it with a question of our temporal response to realizing His eternal love. Though the second question is important, perhaps the second most important question, next to the first, it pales in comparison.
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<br />Overall the book was well written to include anecdotes and journaling prompts that I found to be very helpful. The book is very much directed at married women, so there were parts I skimmed fairly quickly that were not meant for me at the stage of life I'm currently in. While the book didn't "blow me away," I am by no means sad or disappointed with it.
<br />Mary K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12957686549150963367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28969797.post-29024455861055000062011-07-31T22:48:00.002-04:002011-07-31T23:24:50.475-04:00Love You MoreAdoption is something that I have always dreamed of doing some day. Since I was a little kid, I have thought about holding a baby that someone else was unable to care for. Part of this was inspired by my aunt who has adopted several kids, but it's also been sparked by seeing families who have brought home little ones. I was given the opportunity to read <em>Love You More </em>by Jennifer Grant. The book tells of her story of adopting her daughter Mia from Guatemala. Since I have a good background in Spanish, I had another connection to the book :) My heart broke for her as she waited and waited for the paperwork to go through all the red tape. Though I didn't agree with all of her religious views, but the book was an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">insightful</span> look at the world of adoption, even if I<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">'</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error">m</span> a few years off from that possibility. The story of international adoption really made me consider this as a possibility for my future. I did find a few parts of the book that I would have changed. At times, I felt like the book was taking a few rabbit trails, and skipped around a bit. I'm a big fan of chronological order, but this book didn't always follow it. Overall, I would recommend this book to a friend who was considering adoption.<br /><br />I received this book for free as a part of the Booksneeze program of Thomas Nelson Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review.Mary K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12957686549150963367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28969797.post-50429317427722770312011-07-27T11:49:00.002-04:002011-07-27T12:05:44.924-04:00Book Review Wednesday!! (with a personal twist)Have you ever picked up a book repeatedly and wanted to put it down several times? Sometimes you just want to slam it down for added theatrical effect..except it wasn't because the book was bad or distasteful, but because it pricked at your heart in almost every chapter? <em>Enemies of the Heart</em> by Andy Stanley was one of those books for me. Just the premise of the book (keeping your heart clean of four emotions that want to choke out everything that God wants to do in and through your life) was convicting. Just this past Sunday I was able to lead a little girl to the Lord (which was absolutely and incredibly amazing, and I'll have to write about it later), and even in that incredibly joyous time, this book came to mind and pricked my heart. When I talk to someone about Christ, I always talk to them about having short sin accounts with God. I don't tell them to ask Christ to forgive future sins again, because He already did that, but I do tell them that they need to apologize for their sin, thank God for His forgiveness, and ask Him to help them not to commit that act again. This book brought to my consciousness how little I actually do that. This book takes a look at four negative emotions that pull our hearts away from our walk with God. The four emotions, anger, guilt, greed, and jealousy, and things that I didn't really think I had a problem with. Probably because I was comparing myself to other people. You can always find someone angrier, guiltier, greedier, and more jealous than you are if you look hard enough.<br /><br />When I started reading this book, I thought "please let this book be good! It's so funny!" And it was, but the humor didn't mask or downplay the importance of the contents. I highly recommend this book!<br /><br />I received a free copy of this book through the Blogging for Books program of Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers. i was not required to write a positive review. <br /><br />You can purchase a copy of this book <a href="http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781601421456">here</a>.Mary K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12957686549150963367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28969797.post-73761942335704897362011-07-23T01:53:00.002-04:002011-07-23T02:04:19.714-04:00200th post...without a catchy titleIt's almost 1 am. My fan is making this really annoying clicking sound as it oscillates back and forth. Lightning is occasionally peeking through the sky light, and i have yet to unplug the Christmas lights that encircle our ceiling. What am I still doing awake? The same thing I've been doing for about two weeks now. Wondering if time really does heal all wounds. Maybe its like physical wounds...sometimes you just always have that limp. Since January, my life has kind of been up in the air. Change keeps beating me around, while i feel like my life is acting like the old white mazda pickup we used to have when I was a kid. Stalled out at the intersection. Pain doesn't stop. Thoughts don't stop. Dreams don't stop. Good thing my God doesn't stop either :) I've never seen it more evident than in the past 7 months that my God is always here for me. Sometimes I envy those who start living the Christian life and convince themselves of the delusion that everything is peachy from there on out. I live in the land where God doesn't take away all of my problems, but He lets me crawl up in His lap on a hard day...and on a good day for that matter. Ok, so now its after 1 and I have a walk scheduled in the morning...followed by a very very busy day. Time to crawl up in His arms and go to sleep :)Mary K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12957686549150963367noreply@blogger.com0