Spinning

Spinning
by

Michael Baron

Sometimes, I need a book that allows me to completely escape in the story.  Spinning was the escape I chose recently, although the escape was a hard reality at times.  The story follows the life of a young professional named Dylan who has lots of plates "spinning" when suddenly his life is turned upside down by the reentrance of a woman and her daughter into his life.   Her daughter, Spring helps Dylan realize that there is much more to life than a successful career and as the author so uniquely shares as Spring "waddles" while watching the ducks, "Life's too short not to waddle if you want to."

As Dylan learns lessons about life and love from Spring, he also teaches her what it means to be cared for and loved.   Together, they navigate some of life's hard realities but they also celebrate the moments when a little child jumps into your arms and you realize that things sometimes turn out the way they are supposed to, when you keep the right plates spinning!

Does This Church Make Me Look Fat?

 
Although the title is interesting what really intriqued me about reading this book was that I had read her previous book, Mennonite In A Little Black Dress a few years ago. In her first book Rhoda Janzen shares more about how she went back to her roots after a failed marriage and an accident forced her to heal physically and emotionally.  What Ms. Janzen brings to the reader in this book is the same laugh out loud humor right along side those heartwrenching sobs.   Ms. Janzen shares her personal life in a way that draws the reader into the story and we find ourselves rooting for this to become more than a story of survival.  She challenges us along the way to take a deep look at our own religious upbringing and to begin to look at what it means to make your faith your own.  Ms. Janzen, a university professor could have easily brushed aside the impact ones faith has on who we become but instead, she embraces a new church settting that was as opposite from her mennonite upbringing as dark is from light.  As she meets and begins a relationship with Mitch, a penacostal, the picture she writes about the healing services had me laughing so hard that my own family must have thought I had lost it (they think that sometimes anyway).   Just as soon as I was laughing about "throws up a lot" and "lady problems", I was soon crying over how these two insightful phrases would affect Rhoda throughout the course of the book.   As the author shares her illness, she doesn't focus on her illness, instead, we get to hear her passion for life.  She is able to recoginze gifts and gratitude, she is able to show us faith and trust.    All things that we can all grow from as we apply them to our everyday lives.   From "Little Black Dress" to "Double Choir Robes", you'll soon find that Ms. Janzen lives everyday to it's fullest and if the "church makes you look fat", maybe you need to reach back to your roots and see where they have planted you.

Not A Fan

Not A Fan

Teen Edition 

By 

Kyle Idleman

 

Recently my 12 year old daughter started reading "Not A Fan-Teen Edition" by Kyle Idleman. (We found it free on our e-reader).  As I write this blog, I write it to you as someone who doesn't want to be a fan but instead wants to be a follower.   Pastor Idleman does a great job of helping us sort out the difference and challenged me to look beyond my "religiosity" and instead look into my heart.  That's something I've been challenged a lot about in the last year, but isn't becoming a follower of Christ all about growing in the spirit-even from a "teen edition".  

 

You see, the underlying message of this book is all about our level of commitment, not the number of people filling our church pews!  Wow-think through that statement and think how counter culture that really seems.  In a society where we are numbers driven, it flips the whole concept of reaching others for Christ completely upside down. Instead of knowing all about Jesus, I instead need to know Him.The author states that fans often "confuse their admiration with devotion,mistake their knowledge of Jesus for intimacy with Jesus". He even goes so far as to align churches as "companies that measure success by the number of customers they have attracted...we want the product, Jesus to come off as appealing and comfortable".  "The message of the church sounds less like, deny yourself and more like have it your way".  Which message would you send to those that want to become followers of Christ? 

 

As Pastor Idleman shares the story of Nicodemus, he brings to light that for Nicodemus to become a follower, it "would cost him".  The costs weren't small-his powerful postion, the respect of co-workers, his source of income, friendship, family relationships, future dreams, and his popularity would all be lost.  The most telling question the author imposes that has left me searching for the answer is, "has following Jesus cost you anything?"  It most likely cost Nicodemus more than we can imagine, as is signified in John 7:51.  Nicodemus comes to the defense of Jesus and says, "does our law condemn anyone without first hearing him to find out what he is doing?" This was Nicodemus' defining moment...was he a fan or a follower?.  What is your defining moment?

 

In addition to helping me define the costs of following Jesus, Pastor Idleman also challenges us to look at our authenticity.  One of the biggest stumbling blocks we face as Christians is allowing others to see into the person that God created.  We want an outward appearance that follows the rules, that allows us to pretend we are more that we really are.  What we have forgotten, is that Jesus came to free us from religion. He shares a personal story of being in a weight room, and only lifting the lightest weights the machine will allow but moving the pin back to a higher level as he walks away from the machine.   As he illustrates so well, "this is what we do most of our lives-we try and reinforce this perception that we are really strong".

 

So where does the author lead us?  He leads us where Jesus went, "towards a sinner that others wouldn't want to be seen with, among the sick that others tried to avoid, criticized by some of the religious people in your life, finding that your family may think you are crazy, unfairly accused and unjustly treated."  Sound familiar?  It should, for if you are not a fan but a follower, you won't end up "covered in the dust of Jesus, you will end up covered in His blood"

 

I Am Amy And I Am Not A Fan  

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Life of Pi

Life of Pi by Yann Martel

One of my favorite things to do is read book before it premiers as a movie.  Earlier this year, I found a web site that told of the books begin made into movies for the fall of 2012.  As an avid reader, I always think the book is better than a movie but still, getting to see the images that I have formed in my mind come to life, or in many cases, be so different from what I imagined, makes both the book and movie more exciting. 

Life of Pi is a movie that I hope to see but in no way will it be able to compare with the images, I have developed in my mind while reading this book.   Although a little slow in getting into the book, by midway through, I found myself reading at any pause in my day, even the McDonald's drive through as I ordered my Diet Coke!

What fascinated me through the book was that at times, I found myself trying to distinguish between truth and reality, when in reality, the book is primarily fiction.   Through the author's writings, I quickly became engrossed in the story and loved the author's continued exploration into religion.   Although the author is never able to take a firm stand on faith, it is important to highlight some of his more insightful quotes.  Early in the story as Pi is discussing religion, he focuses on doubt.  He even goes so far as to say,"if Christ played with doubt, so must we".   He also reflects on the rituals of religion and addresses specifically that "religion is more than rite and ritual".  I have come to recognize that more and more as I look to Christ to help me find direction and clarity in my own life. 

As Pi and his family chose to move from India to Canada, Pi struggled with the changes that would be coming in his life but he addressed this fresh start with a fresh perspective, "The answer is the same the world over: people move in the hope of a better life".  He goes onto say, "because of the feeling that nothing will change, that the happiness and prosperity are possible only somewhere else".    I believe we all have moments in our lives when that, "fresh start perspective" is what brings us hope of a better life.

As Pi realizes that he is the lone human survivor of the sunken ship, he realizes the loss of his family and the pain that he experiences is intense. He describes it as, "I was not wounded in any part of my body, but I had never experiences such intense pain, such a ripping of the nerves, such an ache of the heart".   As the reality continues to become clear, he cries out in loss over his brother, which whom, "he would have shared the experience of growing old", his father, "the one whose guidance and help you seek", and his mother, "like losing the sun above you". 

Pi shares invaluable life lessons as he survives over 200 days at sea.   His recognition that survival must start from within himself came as he recognized there is a balance between hoping and doing.  One thing he wished he had been able to do while at sea, was read.  He recalls after his rescue finding a Gideon Bible and how he encouraged these Bibles to be placed everywhere, "I cannot think of a better way to spread the faith.  No thundering from a pulpit, no condemnation from bad churches, no peer pressure, just a book of scripture quietly waiting to say hello, as gentle and powerful as a little girl's kiss on your cheek. Pi learned during his time at sea, that adjustments must be made and happiness must be gotten where it can.

I believe the most powerful statement is near the end of the book.  After months of survival on the lifeboat with a Bengal Tiger as his shipmate, the finally land in a Mexican jungle.   The tiger, Richard Parker, bolts off into the forest, never to be seen again  Pi feels great remorse that the tiger, never looked back.  He says, "it's important in life to conclude things properly.  Only then can you let go.  Otherwise you are left with words you should have said but never did and your heart is heavy with remorse."  I have reflected on these powerful words, as I have reflected back on the times things have concluded in my life.   Many of those moments feel unresolved, or unfinished because I didn't conclude them properly.  As I continue to live each moment of my life, I want to insure that my endings are met with the same passion and energy as my beginnings.

The author spends most of his book telling the story of Pi and his time on the lifeboat with Richard Parker, but as the book is ending, the "story" is questioned and another "story", is told. One that is possibly more realistic, but most likely must more "normal".   As the book ends, and Pi is relating the the authorities his recount of the sinking of the ship, the authorities ask, "So what happened, Mr. Patel?  We're puzzled.  Everything was normal and then...?"  Pi answers them honestly and his words seem applicable to days when life seems to be spinning out of control.  His answer is simple, "Then normal sank". 

As you read this book, or see the movie, you will no doubt get caught up in the story of Pi but I hope that you can also see the life lessons that can be learned in the middle of the Pacific, with a Bengal Tiger, and Indian boy, and hope and faith.  I hope that you can put these lessons into action, when "normal sinks".  I know I am going to try. 

All Roads Lead to Austen by Amy Elizabeth Smith

One of the great advantages of owing a Nook is each week, they offer a "Free Friday" selection and typically it is a book suggestion that I typically would not have considered but who am I to pass up something free, especially when it's a book! 

Ms. Smith takes us on a Jane Austen journey through-out Latin America as she travels to teach and engage book lovers in book discussion groups.   Her book discussion groups take place with a variety of readers and locations.  Ms. Smith is a professor but as she states near the end of the book, "I'd set off from California as a teacher and quickly realized what a student I still was".  There are so many quotes from the book that made me begin to examine my life and my love of reading but one of the best is "I love teaching because I love learning, and none of us is a finished product". 

Since I still realize that I am definitly an unfinished product any lessons I can learn through reading, whether fiction, non-fiction, or personal memoir are invaluable.  In one of her first discussion groups, one insightful student shared a small gift with Amy as she left, a plage with a simple message, "Thanks to you, my world will continue to be a place full of possiblities and hope".  I hope that I have that impact on people I meet. I pray that I can help someone see the world of possibility and hope.  As much as I hope this, I am also a realist, as another quote from the book states, "But as Austen delineates so clearly, you can't stop people from making assumptions if they're so inclined.  You can only do your best to show your character through your actions and hope that other people will be capable of forming sound opinions.  And if you a realist like Austen, you'll also be wise enougth to realize how many people aren't up to it."   So again, I am challenged I need to show my character through my actions and allow others to form their sound opinions. 

One additional theme that runs through the Latin American Culture is loyalty and family.   In one discussion group, one participant states, "You expect your family to help and so many people in this book don't even treat their family right".  As the theme continues, Amy and her friend Diego continue the discussion and once again, the theme of loyality reigns true, "We care about love, but we care about family even more.  When you're hurting your family, that's no good."  These words are true and vital to the relationships we face everyday.  We need to all value our relationships this intensly.  The words that I loved most of all were ones Amy shared as she was ill and homesick.  She has loved the journey and the experiences she has had but as she talks about Jane Austen not having traveled much in her lifetime, she realizes there are compenstaions to being grounded.  She states, "there are compensations to living solidly within a family circle, one that contracts with deaths and expands with births but remains reliably, your family.  Reading was a resource Austen valued-but every one of her novels makes clear that the most important resource of all, bar none, is family". 

I'm learning that lesson daily.  I have so manh resources that I value but most importantly, I value family-close and extended.  A husband who loves me, children that I care for and love, parents, siblings, grandparents, nieces, nephews, cousins, and aunts.  These are the most valuable resources, these are the resources that help me see the possiblities and hope of what life may become.   As Ms. Smith learns lessons about life and love, she shares with me her love of reading, her life of adventure, and of course, she makes me want to add the Jane Austen novels directly to my Nook wishlist! 



The Best Care Possible

Recently I had an opportunity to participate in a book discussion group on The Best Care Possible, by Dr. Ira Bycok. Dr. Byock has had several years of experience in Hospice and Palliative care and brings his sense of humility and compassion throughout the book.  He weaves stories of patients he has treated, with humor and sometimes causing me to respond with tears but most importantly, he causes the reader to examine their own lives and the lives of their families.   As I looked back on my history of being a nurse, I wished I could have read Dr. Bycock's book 25 years ago, I think it would have not only made me a better nurse but have given me insight and greater compassion towards people in general.   Early in the book, Dr. Byock shares a story of a man recently diagnosed with a serious illness.   As he met with the patient and his wife, he said, "To state an obvious fact, I learned a long time ago that when one person gets a diagnosis, their family gets an illness".  I have reflected on those words as I have looked back on my experiences with those dealing with serious illness, it does affect the entire family and I am challenged to look at how we show love and care to each individual.   As a person of faith, this is where I see the Body of Christ extend His hands and feet.   Whether making a meal, caring for a child, driving to a doctor's appointment, or sitting quietly in a hospital waiting room, we must reach out and show Christ's love.  We are called to be a living example of Him and this is an arena where we can reach out and everyone wins.   Dr. Byock will be speaking at the Henderson, KY, fine arts center on October 30, 2012.  I'll be there, to thank him for reminding me that although I often look at things through a health care model, I must challenge myself to look beyond the illness and look at the life! 

unChristian

unChristian by David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons

 

“Living life together, learning to become the people Christ intended, being real about our faults-and our continual need for Jesus’ grace-are powerful antidotes to unchristian faith among a new generation”.   This is just one of the many powerful statements that author, David Kinnaman, challenged me with as I read his book.   Based on extensive research, he estimates nearly 50 million adults have significant emotional or spiritual baggage with so-called Christ followers, which in turn translates to having their picture of Jesus degraded.  I want to live my life differently!  I want my words and my actions to boost the reputation of Christianity but more importantly, I want them to boost the name of Christ.

 

Having grown up in the church, reading this book, made me rethink much of my faith and how I reach out to others.  I don’t want to live in my Christian bubble, while the next generation seeks diligently ways to penetrate that bubble and show me the world they live in is different.  I realized that I have spent much of my Christian life focusing on standing in judgment of those that don’t quite “measure up”, when in reality, I don’t measure up, that’s why I need Jesus! 

 

As Mr. Kinnaman led me through my thoughts on hypocrisy, homosexuality, salvation, politics, and judgment, I realized that change will not happen overnight, in fact, change will not happen over the period of the next few weeks or months, but if I press on towards identifying how Christ wants me to change, He will begin to make a difference.   As the author states, “we don’t please Him by pretending to be perfect or by taking offense at outsiders, we please Him by making Jesus real to people, even those who don’t like us. 

 

In the afterward of unchristian, Mr. Kinnaman asks several noted leaders in the faith what they hope Christianity looks like in 30 years.   Mike Foster, president of Ethur, states, “”I look forward to the day when Christian hangouts won’t just be Sunday morning church services or praise-band practices, but instead Tuesday night potlucks at the local homeless shelter.  One day they world will ask, “where are all those Christian freaks at?“  I pray our answer will be, “we’re over here helping in the ravaged slums of Africa and happily drilling wells in Haitian villages, and guys, we’re going to be here a while”. I hope that as I continue to seek how he wants me to live and how others look at my life, not matter where he leads me, that I’ll be able to answer, “I’m going to be here for a while”

Reading and knitting have always been a way to escape for me.  Maybe that explains the hundreds of knit baby hats in my closet and the jam packed bookshelves in my house!  Need an escape, open a book.  Of course, in additon to an escape, books can also help give me a clear picture on the person I am and the person I want to become.  So, I am reading!   In addition to reading God's word, The Bible for clarity of how He wants me to live, I am reading Unchristian, and All Roads Lead to Austen.  A pretty eclectic book selection, if I do say so myself but then again, my life seems to be a little eclectic right now.   I looked up the definition of eclectic.  According to www.dictionary.com, "not following any one system, as of philosophy, medicine, etc., but selecting and using what are considered the best elements of all systems."   I love the way this definition, defines who I am and who I want to become.  I think that as I have been thinking about my Christian faith, selecting and considering the best elements of all systems is right on target.  For the first time in my life, I have really been challenged to look at what God's word has to say on how we live.   As I am reading Unchristian, I have been challenged to look at how I live my life for others to see it.   In the past month or two, I've been looking at how other's live their lives-some walk in grace, some walk in denial. There are those who walk in humility and those who walk in pride.  There are those that seek His face and there are those that seek their agendas.   Are any of these the "best elements of all systems"?  I am doubtful but I am certain, that whether escaping though books, or yarn, the process of selecting and using what Christ set as the standard gives me hope in a hopeless time.  Hope that even if I am lost in "All Roads Lead to Austen", realizing we're not always speaking the same language that I serve a faithful God that will lead me on the Road to eternity with Him.  

The Chick Palace

Can there be such a thing as a coming of age story when the characters coming of age are mid-life moms learning to deal with the changes in their families?  Leslie Davis Guccione, author of  The Chick Palace, would say yes and she would very effectively prove it as she wrote her book!  The Chick Palace shares the lives of the two main characters.  Lilly, a twice divoriced mother of a college aged son, and Johanna, a married mom of two grown children, still in need of mom's input in life.  The story is set at their summer retreat and we are quickly drawn into the lives they are living and sharing their memories of summer loves past and college days.  Ms. Guccione doesn't sugar coat the hard stuff but she presents it with humor and the grace that we've experience from mothers and as mothers.   The Chick Palace, provided a much needed escape from my sometimes "coming of age" life and with the humor and ease I identified with the characters, I found myself wishing for my own "Chick Palace".  Maybe, I'll help build my kids a tree house this summer so when I am empty nesting, I'll have my own memories and stories to remind me life is about the adventure!

Looking Back-A Year of Reading

Already a week into 2012 and I am just now getting around to writing my reading blog.  I wish I could say that is because I have been so engrossed in reading that I couldn't put my book down to write but unfortunately, it's just been that life is so busy, I haven't been able to put life on hold long enough to sit down and write.  In the past year, I have written about books and life and sometimes they have gone hand in hand, but more often than not, the book provides the escape from the everyday and don't we all need a little escape once in a while?  As I was looking back on the year, I looked back on the books I had read, whether it was a book everyone was talking about, like Unbroken  or The Help, or a book that I read because the title looked interesting like, First There Was A River or Gap Creek, I found that each book gave me a moment of escape.  There were also moments when the escape in a book brought me instead to the crushing reality of the truth within the book.  It was at those moments, when I thought I was escaping that I found myself, reading the author's words and applying them to my life.  Do you have books that you have read this past year that brought you escape?  Do you have books that you read this year that challenged you?  Do you have books you read this year that made you laugh?  Do you have books this year that made you cry?  If you are like me, the answer is yes to each of these questions.  As you answer yes, I think you'll be able to see that books really do reflect life because I bet you've also had moments in this past year that you weren't reading when you escaped, felt challenged, laughed and cried!  A book is a remarkable thing.  If you allow it, reading through 2012 can bring each of us to moments we'd never expected and you'll look back on 2012's reading list and you'll be able to say-I escaped, I was challenged, I laughed and I cried.  Join with me and tell me your great reads-we'll share those moments together!