I serve as the Content and Community Manager for The Network, a role that I truly love. I have a passion for connecting people and am grateful to see how God is at work in the CRC and beyond. I'd love to answer any of your questions and help you get involved!
Amen! These three go together so well. I love how you sandwiched prayer in between patience and persistence (which may seem like opposites but actually go hand in hand).
I love this post, Michelle. I just a put a couple library holds on Kristen's books. I love her measuring sticks of gratitude and generosity!
Also, this, "One of the ways we (and our children) demonstrate our gratitude and our biblical understanding of the role our possessions and our bank accounts play in our lives is by holding them with an open hand." Amen! I also loved this quote, "The providence of God is equal to anything our children encounter as they serve God."
I also appreciate how she is not afraid to talk about burn-out and self care. Refreshingly honest!
Looking back on the books I listed back in January, I have only read Sheryl Sandberg's Option B. I appreciated her insights on tangible ways to show up (in actual helpful ways) when our friends and family face unexpected trauma. However, I'm not sure where it went from there. Good read but has not stuck with me like I thought it would.
I just finished the book Everything Happens for a Reason: And Other Lies I've Loved and would highly recommend. The author, Kate Bowler, writes in the most refreshingly honest way about her stage IV colon cancer diagnosis in her 30's (she is married with a young son). I would describe Kate as a strong Christian who is not afraid to ask the tough questions. She talks about theology as she also mentions that she has taken up cursing for Lent. She tackles church, the big questions (is heaven really better than earth? how could it be if it means I don't get to see my son grow up?), and doesn't offer any neat or tidy answers. Her faith and humanity (cancer sucks) are so interwoven. Check it out for sure. Bill Gates agrees.
My favorite non-fiction book I've read this year is The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. Though a bit older (came out in 2015) I just recently heard about it and it was one of those books I stayed up too late reading. The author paints such a vivid picture of life in Occupied France during WWII. The characters are real and the decisions they must make often unfathomable. Grapples with questions about bravery, sacrifice, and morality during wartime (or in times when all options are unthinkable). Highly recommend.
Posted in: Let's Talk Podcasts! What Are Your Favorites?
Thanks Theona! I'm intrigued by lots of these but will check out 'The Pivot' first.
Posted in: Let's Talk Podcasts! What Are Your Favorites?
YES to podcasts that help me discover new books!
Posted in: Let's Talk Podcasts! What Are Your Favorites?
I also heard Church Juice launched a podcast! https://churchjuice.reframemedia.com/podcast/
Posted in: October Is the New September
Sounds like an interesting audiobook, Wendy. Would you recommend for those leading youth in the church? or not necessarily?
Posted in: Worship Songs: Current Favorites?
Awesome God by Rich Mullins is one of my all time favorites!
Posted in: Worship Songs: Current Favorites?
Did you catch it? I missed it but am hoping to watch today...!
Posted in: Is Your Church Hosting a Trunk or Treat, Harvest Fest, or Other Fall Event?
What an incredibly cool night. I love that dinner is served and you have included both Reformation hymns and a pie-in-the-face. Sign me up!
Posted in: Let's Talk Podcasts! What Are Your Favorites?
I think we can totally count it, Anita! Any particular sermon you'd recommend if others wanted to check out?
Posted in: What Are Some of the Most Undervalued Leadership Traits?
Amen! These three go together so well. I love how you sandwiched prayer in between patience and persistence (which may seem like opposites but actually go hand in hand).
Posted in: The Beauty of Sacrifice and the Joy of Giving
I love this post, Michelle. I just a put a couple library holds on Kristen's books. I love her measuring sticks of gratitude and generosity!
Also, this, "One of the ways we (and our children) demonstrate our gratitude and our biblical understanding of the role our possessions and our bank accounts play in our lives is by holding them with an open hand." Amen! I also loved this quote, "The providence of God is equal to anything our children encounter as they serve God."
I also appreciate how she is not afraid to talk about burn-out and self care. Refreshingly honest!
Posted in: Halfway Through 2018: Books You've Read or Hope to Read?
Looking back on the books I listed back in January, I have only read Sheryl Sandberg's Option B. I appreciated her insights on tangible ways to show up (in actual helpful ways) when our friends and family face unexpected trauma. However, I'm not sure where it went from there. Good read but has not stuck with me like I thought it would.
I just finished the book Everything Happens for a Reason: And Other Lies I've Loved and would highly recommend. The author, Kate Bowler, writes in the most refreshingly honest way about her stage IV colon cancer diagnosis in her 30's (she is married with a young son). I would describe Kate as a strong Christian who is not afraid to ask the tough questions. She talks about theology as she also mentions that she has taken up cursing for Lent. She tackles church, the big questions (is heaven really better than earth? how could it be if it means I don't get to see my son grow up?), and doesn't offer any neat or tidy answers. Her faith and humanity (cancer sucks) are so interwoven. Check it out for sure. Bill Gates agrees.
My favorite non-fiction book I've read this year is The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. Though a bit older (came out in 2015) I just recently heard about it and it was one of those books I stayed up too late reading. The author paints such a vivid picture of life in Occupied France during WWII. The characters are real and the decisions they must make often unfathomable. Grapples with questions about bravery, sacrifice, and morality during wartime (or in times when all options are unthinkable). Highly recommend.
Posted in: What Do Words Matter?
I love this post! Thanks for the challenge and invitation to write boldly.