2016, 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.

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.

The lovely bride and groom on their beautiful day

Letting Light Shine

I 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.
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.
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.

On the Hunt

I 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.

Unstoppable

Just finished Unstoppable 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. 

If you're interested in this book, you can get your own copy here

I received this books a part of the publisher's blogging for books program.  I was not required to write a positive review.

His Timing

My 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."

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.  

My heartbeat

As 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.

I also just read Call of a Coward 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.

I received a copy of this book through the BookSneeze program.  I was not required to write a positive review.

A 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 Radical Together, 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.

The second part of the book, "The Radical Idea" focuses on how the church can become more effective together (very similar to Radical Together)  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.

Buy a copy here.

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.

A book about Grace

Im back into full book review mode again.  I just love reading all the different books I get the opportunity to review.  I just finished Grace 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.

I was able to review this book as a part of the BookSneeze program.  I was not required to write a positive review.

Eye Opening

There are those books that you genuinely look forward to reading a chapter each night.  A Sudden Glory 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.   Check it out!

Just not "Christian"

I just finished reading The River 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"

I received a copy of this book as part of the Book Sneeze program.  I was not required to write a positive review.

Twelve Unlikely Heroes

I enjoy reading pretty much anything by John MacArthur, and Twelve Unlikely Heroes 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.

I was given a copy of this book through the BookSneeze program.  I was not required to write a positive review.

My humblest apologies to my faithful readers :-p

Ok, 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.

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.

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.

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. :)

Go. Read this book. Right now.

I read the book The Perfect Love by Ruth Myers.  It was incredible.  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.  It was written in a way that holds your attention well.  This is a book I was able to pick up night after night and find something that I could learn from it.  This book was not just written about the love of God, it was written by someone who has lived it.  Myers is a woman with wisdom that amazes me.  Reading this book felt like an everyday meeting with a mentor.  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. 

I received a copy of this book through the Blogging for Books program.  I was not required to write a positive review.

 Buy it here

First Review in a long time...

More Lost Than Found by Jared Herd.  I picked up this book, not expecting much.  Most people my age are disgruntled with religion.  Even people in my circles don’t embrace their parents’ church or denomination.  We roll our eyes at certain subjects.  That also means there are a good number of books addressing the issue.  Herd challenges the believer to take a step outside what they’re used to and look at religion from a new angle.  It shows that the Christian life does not have to be a stale. 

That being said, the book doesn’t really say anything “new,” and it isn’t really coherent.  It wasn’t really intended for readers under the age of 30.  The author himself dreads turning 30.  As I am in my upper 20’s already, I didn’t really feel the book was geared toward me.

I received the book from the Booksneeze program.  I was not required to write a positive review.

 

First Review in a long time...

More Lost Than Found by Jared Herd.  I picked up this book, not expecting much.  Most people my age are disgruntled with religion.  Even people in my circles don’t embrace their parents’ church or denomination.  We roll our eyes at certain subjects.  That also means there are a good number of books addressing the issue.  Herd challenges the believer to take a step outside what they’re used to and look at religion from a new angle.  It shows that the Christian life does not have to be a stale. 

That being said, the book doesn’t really say anything “new,” and it isn’t really coherent.  It wasn’t really intended for readers under the age of 30.  The author himself dreads turning 30.  As I am in my upper 20’s already, I didn’t really feel the book was geared toward me.

I received the book from the Booksneeze program.  I was not required to write a positive review.

 

God Closes a Door

Yesterday, 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.

Last Great Hope

Life 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.

I just finished Our Last Great Hope 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.

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.

I received this book as a part of the Booksneeze program. I was not required to write a positive review.

Are 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.

Rummaging

Today 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.
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.

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.

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.

Mixed Feelings on Life

Ok, 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 :)