I haven’t been blogging much recently, but I did want to mention a book that I received this month from Bethany House: Rhythms of Rest by Shelly Miller.

I’ve read several books on Sabbath and rest, but it was time for another. Things have been a bit busy in my life recently as I adjust to homeschooling my eldest along with other responsibilities. Sabbath, and setting apart time for rest is so important, especially when things are busy.

As I began reading, I couldn’t quite figure out what genre this book was – I mean, I knew that it was a Christian book, but was it memoir-style or a biblical look at Sabbath, or both?  Shelly writes from her own experiences, shares snippets from others’ lives, and uses Scripture to look at Sabbath.

I felt as if she was talking to me as I was reading, and I loved that – almost as if we were sitting together drinking some tea. The only thing I had trouble with is trying to figure out the overall structure of the book. I tend to be a pretty structured person and I do best when things are laid out in an organized fashion, and this book wasn’t that for me. However, I could’ve just missed it – I did read it rather quickly, and I would like to re-read it at some point.

All in all, I found this to be an easy, encouraging read.

*I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

I found it rather amusing to read a book entitled Reaching Millennials: Proven Methods for Engaging a Younger Generation, when I myself am a millennial. David Stark, is spot-on, however. I didn’t find any of the information or ideas particularly new to me, most likely because of my age. I will definitely have to find an older person to pass this on to, as Stark does express his ideas effectively.

I am always a skeptic when I start reading books like this – especially books that have words like “reach” in the title. “Oh great, another book about how to have elaborate programs so that people will come into a church building.” This is not a book about programs or simply about getting people to come into a church building. (Thankfully!) Stark points out that there is no one-size-fits-all model. The job of a leader is to figure out what a model that fits their particular context (place and time). What worked in the 50s in the neighborhood is not going to be so relevant now.

The biggest phrase or idea that sticks out to me is “How can we make it easy for people to come to faith?”  Not to say that faith or discipleship is easy, but what are things about the HOW we do church or build relationships that keep people from faith?  I know plenty of people that say that they love Jesus, but have been burned by the church, and that is terrible.

I love how Stark ends: “God is the one who draws people to faith, and our job is to love and engage them, not draw them.”  It really is about God.

*I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

I have been thinking about disciples and disciple-making recently, and then this book fell into my lap (or, my mailbox): Neil Anderson’s Becoming a Disciple Making Church: A Proven Method for Growing Spiritually Mature Christians. I am having a hard time coming up with an overarching opinion about it, so I think I will just describe some of the things I loved and disliked.

Things I love about this book:

• Anderson writes from his experience, and he has plenty of it. Recently I’ve tired of reading books from authors in my generation, because we are missing the longitudinal view.
• Anderson points out that we as people all have things that we have to work through, and leaders are not exempt. He writes “We can’t impart to others what we don’t posses ourselves” (p.28). I have seen this to be true in my parenting. I can’t expect to teach my children patience if I am frequently yelling at them to hurry up. And leaders in the church can’t expect to lead others towards a transforming relationship with Christ if they themselves have not been changed. Being a leader is more than just being able to manage programs and preach a sermon.

Critique/Questions:

• Anderson could do with less talk about how his Steps to Freedom program has helped people. I’m sure it has helped people, but I almost felt as if he was trying to sell me something. And, really, God should get the credit, not some special formula that Anderson came up with.
• How would a trained counselor or therapist read this book? Is it a balanced perspective between psychology and theology?

What is going to stick with me:

• “Wounds that are not healed are transferred to others” (p. 47). So true.

*I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

For much of my life, I’ve toyed with the idea of getting more training in counseling. Now is really not the time for me to pursue any sort of formal education (new baby, buying a farm), so books will have to suffice.

I recently finished Paul David Tripp’s Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands: People in Need of Change Helping People in Need of Change. It is a large book, and not necessarily easy reading (I could not read while feeding a baby or playing with a toddler), but so so insightful. I do want to read it again, or at least read through all the parts I underlined.

Tripp shares stories from his experiences as a professional counselor, as well as strategies for people involved in personal ministry. The thing I love most about this book is that it is not just written for professional counselors, although they may find it helpful, but for all Christians – since we are all involved in relationships with each other.

Some of you may know that Josiah and I recently purchased a farm, and will most likely be moving before summer. This is an interesting time to be reading a book about neighbors, but I did just finish The Art of Neighboring: Building Relationships Right Outside Your Door by Jay Pathak and Dave Runyon (it was on my book list for 2014).

  I loved reading all of Pathak & Runyon’s stories from their experiences with their neighbors. They shared the good, the bad, and the ugly, along with some tips & suggestions.

Perhaps the thing I found the most refreshing was their focus on motives. Christians can sometimes start connecting with people with a sort of hidden motive of “converting” their new friends. Pathak & Runyon have this to say: “In short, you need not make your neighbors your ‘pet project’; make them your friends. You simply need to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, strength, and body, and love your neighbor as yourself.. . . The goal is to faithfully tell your story, God’s story. Then listen to their story and ask God to lead you” (p. 116).  The pressure is off – for you and your neighbors.

I’m looking forward to getting to know my new neighbors. It’ll be a little different. . . more farmers and less families. I’m thankful for how David often breaks the ice and helps my introverted self initiate conversations. :)