Outlive Your Life

OUTLIVE YOUR LIFE, the latest of the books by Max Lucado I have read, and one I  have been most challenged by. The challenge is to take a look at my own life and ask myself if I am doing all I can to make a difference. Much of the book is based on the lives of the apostles as recorded in the book of Acts. They went from tired, discouraged men to being totally brave and filled with a passion to tell others about Jesus. Are you willing to take the extra step to let others know that Jesus loves them?

Max tells story after story of common, ordinary people who dared to make a difference. Even those who feel they have nothing material to offer, have more than they realize. There are things that each of us are capable of doing though. First of all, you may have to step out of your comfort zone. Not that you have to change your lifestyle or give away all you have, but are there people you tend to avoid? What does it cost for you to look at them, offer a genuine smile, ask how they are....and wait for an answer instead of rushing past? Learn about people who did small acts of kindness and others who made a huge impact on thousands.

As an added bonus, there are discussion questions and an action guide prepared by David Drury. This would be perfect for your small group at church or Bible study group. Not only can you talk about what you have learned, but there are plenty of suggestions for both individual and group projects. This is your opportunity to make a difference in the name of Jesus Christ. Any age group can accept the challenge to step out and step up to do more than you have ever done before. Max does live by what he teaches. 100% of his royalties of this book go to World Vision and other ministries of faith-based compassion. To learn more about this, go to www.MaxLucado.com/.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 [...] : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

All About Me

A friend of mine just posted a few minutes ago about the 3 items her daughter selected for a class project called "ALL ABOUT ME". The instructions are to choose 3 items that will let people know about you. Ava had chosen a ribbon that everyone in her gymnastics class received several years ago, a small picture of herself, and a stuffed poodle (which was the last minute replacement for her original choice of mint-flavored dental floss). I would love to be in the class when she ties these items into an explanation of who she is!! :)

Cody did the same project several years ago....either Kindergarten or 1st grade, and I was  puzzled by some of his original choices as well.  I know I used my powers of persuasion to get him to broaden his perception of himself. Plus, if I remember correctly, all 3 of his selections involved Spiderman! :) I love Spiderman myself, but I felt that there was a little more to Cody than than one dimension.
In retrospect, though, was I just trying to push my ideas on who he is rather than letting him tell about himself in his own way? Hmmm. What does that say about me?

Reading Ava's choices caused me to reflect upon what 3 things I would select that tells others about me. Would I choose 3 things that tell who I want to be...or would I choose 3 that tell who I really am? Is what I say is my main focus what I really am actually focused on? It is so easy to get caught up in the busy-ness of doing that one loses focus on important things.

Paul sums it up so well in Romans 7:21-25~
" I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me.  Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?  Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin."

I thank God daily for His grace, mercy, and forgiveness. Also, for the prompting of the Holy Spirit who gives me these little nudges...and sometimes a HUGE nudge...to reflect upon if my words and actions are in sync. Tonight it was the reading of a cute anecdote that made me go from a humorous "what would I choose?"  (and a few things immediately popped into my mind over how I spend my time.) to a serious reflection of "what would I choose?" that sums up the woman I want to be. Perhaps it is once again time to do a little tweaking of my lifestyle. I want to be the woman God sees and says I will be. I may never get to where I would like to be on my spiritual journey, but at the end of my life....well, it is best said by the author of "Amazing Grace":

My memory is nearly gone;
but I remember two things;
That I am a great sinner, and
that Christ is a great Saviour.

John Newton (1725-1807)
English minister and hymn writer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqJsBRFdrA0

RUST

Jimmy Moore (Corbin Bernsen), a former minister, returns to his childhood  home. While some things never seem to change in the town of Kipling, some are vastly different from the town he remembers. Jimmy's best friend, Travis (Lloyd Warner), is now in a psychiatric prison after confessing to setting a fire that resulted in the deaths of an entire family. Everyone else in town accepts that Travis is responsible, but Jimmy doesn't believe it. Not only does Jimmy search for clues to clear Travis, but this is also a search for his own faith.

Corbin Bernsen, who wrote, directed, and stars in this film says that this is his most personal project. After the death of his father, Harry Bernsen, Corbin began to search for his own faith. RUST was filmed in Kipling, Saskatchewan and many of the roles in the film are portrayed by local residents. The acting is definitely amateurish, but I enjoyed watching the film. This is an uplifting film on faith, family, and community. A very strong message on friendship, trust, family, faith, and sacrifice is revealed throughout the story.



Runs about 95 minutes. Subtitles in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin, Korean, & Thai. There are also several bonus features. Rated PG.

If you are interested in having a copy of your own, leave a comment. I will be randomly selecting a winner from those who have commented no later than 10pm (CDT), Sun. Oct. 24th. Thanks!!

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   “Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Gospel According To Jesus by Chris Seay

Book Description

True Christianity is about restoring what is broken. The majority of Christians don't truly understand the true meaning of the word righteousness. Many believe it to be more about our behavior or attempts to abstain from sin.  Pastor Chris Seay (Ecclesia Bible Society) says that Jesus came to bring light into darkness.
True Christianity does not focus as much on the 'What Not To Do' as it does on how Jesus would treat others. God offers restoration to those who are broken and hurting and personal spiritual transformation for those who follow Christ.

Jesus met people where they are rather than demanding they clean up their act first. Actually, he was much harsher on those considered to be the religious or successful. He certainly did not shy away from the ones who were considered to lower rung of society.

Chris Seay, in this thought-provoking book calls upon each of us to consider our actions and reactions. Do we make an effort to treat others as Jesus sees them. He reached out to those who were most in need of a Savior. He brought a redeeming gospel of restoration that our world desperately needs.

Sprinkled with prayers, statistics, insights from some of his distinguished contemporaries, and some compelling drawings, this is a book that that I recommend to all who are trying to follow the rules rather than reach out to others. This definitely preaches the message that we are to act and serve rather than react with revulsion toward those we perceive to be different. If you want to know about transforming lives...including your own...and restoration, then The Gospel According To Jesus is a must-read.


  “Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or
       services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it
       on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally
       and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance
       with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the
       Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

THE WAY HOME

The Way Home is the inspiring, factual story of how both a family and a community were pulled together to search for a missing 2 year old boy. Randy Simpkins (Dean Cain, "Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman") loves his family, but lets all of the distractions of his job become his focus. While preparing for a family vacation, Christal (Lori Beth Edgeman) asks Randy to put their youngest child in the van while she does a final check before they leave. However, during the few minutes Randy checks email first, Joe disappears.

Expecting to find him nearby playing, the minutes turn to panic as the search continues. Prayer chains are activated, and enormous numbers of people, along with local and state agencies, show up to support the family and to find the missing child. Due to the realization that he may never see his child again, combined with the guilt of Joe disappearing while he was supposed to be watching him, Dean cries out to God. This is a powerful story of forgiving oneself and realizing what is truly important. Those who enjoy an uplifting story of faith and family are sure to appreciate this film.

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 “Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or
 services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

UPSIDE

 Solomon "Soli" White seems to have all a high school senior could want. He has his material needs met, is popular, and has several colleges eager to give him a scholarship based on his skills as a lacrosse player. However, a devastating injury during a game has Soli literally looking a things from an entirely different angle. An injury to his brain causes him to suffer vertigo and upside down vision. At a meeting for those with visual impairments, Soli meets Wren. She is a committed believer who has been blind since birth. As their feelings for one another grow, they teach one another to examine their lives from other perspectives. Wren, a teacher who has discovered Soli's creative and profound ability to express himself, and a writing mentor who has had to struggle to recover from personal losses all 3 help guide Soli as he explores this new world. When you literally can't believe what you are seeing, you have no choice but to find out for yourself what is true.



This is an inspiring film that causes the viewer to consider if it is time to look at things from a fresh angle. When life turns UPSIDE down for you, will you know what is important? This is a very interesting movie! There is one scene that would cause many to scoff, but is not totally out of the realm of possibility. There are moments of humor that add an absolutely delightful touch. I believe the film is enjoyable for preteens and up. And, it definitely can lead to discussions on how life can be unfair, and turned upside down, but there is always hope.

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“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Bringing Up Bobby

BRINGING UP BOBBY is one of the more unique faith-based films I have seen and I found it to be an absolutely refreshing change of pace.

Meet the Wylers-a family unlike any other, and way too much like your own! For a dozen years, James has served as both big brother and surrogate parent, trusting God for help in raising his three siblings - and hoping for a date some day! Andrea is hoping for more than her fair share. Dennis (make that The Dennis) just needs enough to keep the anarchists at bay (don't ask). And nothing would please Bobby more than just to impress Liz, the new girl in school. Mix in a hidden stash of cash, an attractive lawyer, and the infamous War Table, and you have a quirky story about family, faith, and friendship. (from IMDb) These 3 brothers and one sister are each unique and bring a fresh perspective into the family. Bobby is the one who is still trying to discover who he is and the search is both funny and intriguing.

The strong faith-based message is  presented as James, the oldest, challenges Bobby to discover for himself what he truly believes to be Truth and his own relationship with Jesus. The most astonishing thing about this film to me is how topics such as faith, family, friendship, neglect, addictions, greed, relationships, etc. are all handled in a manner that is not only  poignant and truthful, but absolutely hilarious! The first time I saw it, I was a bit puzzled by it but the characters and story did keep my attention. I loved it when I watched it again. (Some people like no prior knowledge of a film; I rarely enjoy a film the first viewing unless I have a lot of details.) The bottom line is that the Wyler family and their friends are people you will love meeting and you definitely will not forget them!

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 “Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”