Wrestling Prayer

Impressed with the Ludy's books on relationships, I was intrigued when I saw they had written a book on prayer also. I've enjoyed many Ludy books over the past couple years, as I find they have a way of wrapping solid Biblical truth into easy-to-understand language. Their writing is compelling, without being overwhelming.

Leslie uses the introduction to explain why when Christians pray right it is more like a wrestling match than the simple spouted off prayers that most of us are used to. "Christianity has confused catching mice with the real work of the kingdom," She states, "which is more like hunting lions. We've lost the sacred work of prayer. And we no longer know how to wield the power of God in this world. Lions, bears and blaspheming giants are having their way in the church today, and it is high time that we start doing something about this travesty."

As you can see, they don't pull punches. But the Ludy's never do.

Eric takes the first chapter, setting the foundation of the book by explaining which two generations he calls "the generations of mighties." Historically (Biblically) he tells us there are two generations that stand above the rest in their commitment to the Lord, and in their great acts of valor. What do these generations have in common with us? What can we learn from them? And what do those generations have to do with learning to pray? These questions are introduced in the first chapter, and explored in depth through the entire book.

I really enjoyed how Eric and Leslie took portions of the old testament, a part of the Bible that many writers and Christians are unfamiliar with, and make it just as integral a part of this book as new testament heroes. They take snapshots of heroes of the Old Testament (many of which are unfamiliar to most of us) and put a magnifying glass to their commitment to Christ. Not only do they use the entire Bible--not just the parts that are seen often--they fill the pages with quotes and lessons from the lives of more recent heroes of the Faith such as George Muller, Mary Sesslor, and Corrie Ten Boom.

Another part that I loved was the way Eric and Leslie divided the writing portions. Eric took the first part of each chapter, usually the lions' share, and spent it introducing and supporting another Biblical concept about wrestling prayer.  Leslie took the second portion of the chapter, and used it to both support Eric's portion and to put street shoes on it. Eric built the supporting structure, Leslie fleshed it out in real-world practicality. I think the book was much more effective with that style of teamwork than it would have been had they written the book in a single voice.

Wrestling Prayer exceeded my expectations. It challenged me to rethink my priorities and place prayer in a much higher place. The Ludy's reminded me that most of the time it isn't the Bad but the Good that is the enemy of the best. While there may be nothing sinful in the way we choose to spend our time, if we don't have time to pray--really pray--than our priorities are in the wrong place.

Quotables: Speech

The nature of someones speech tells a lot about them and where their life is headed. There are distinct differences in the speech of a person who directs their life (proactive/wise) and someone who lets their lives direct them (reactive/foolish). The reactive individual talks of wishes and hopes whereas a proactive individual talks of plans with definitive actuon. The reactive individual talks of people, things, gossip and "tabloid" news whereas a proactive individual talks about concepts, opportunities and meanningful current events. The fools speech consists of vain babbling, flattering, and slander whereas the wise speak of righteousness, praise and wisdom. [...] What subjects fill your conversation?

~Preparing to be A Help Meet

The Respect Dare

I settled on this book by Nina Roesner originally because I assumed it was associated with The Love Dare, from the movie Fireproof. As far as I can tell the two have nothing in common, except a desire to build strong Christian marriages. The "love dare" can be used for men or women, the respect dare is specifically for wives (not interchangeable).

The Respect Dare is based around the fact that scripturally wives are called to respect their husbands (eph 5:33). Elsewhere in scripture husbands are called to love their wives. I believe the reason the Bible calls husbands to love and wives to respect is that that is what their spouse MOST needs. More than respect a wife needs her husband's love, and more then love a husband needs his wife's respect. There have been a number of WONDERFUL books written on this topic, For Men Only and For Women Only (by the Fieldans) come first to mind, along with Created To Be His Help Meet (Debi Pearl). If the concept is a new one to you PLEASE look into the subject, as it is one that can radically transform your marriage.

The Respect Dare, unlike the above mentioned books, is not an indepth study on the husband/wife relationship. Instead, it goes straight to the heart of practical application. In a series of "dares" a wife is challenged to learn what it means to respect her husband on a day to day basis. Some of the dares are surprising, in that it is hard to see how exactly they tie in, but as each day is worked through it becomes clear that each dare is essential.

My first impression of the book was that it was similar to The Five Love Languages in that it is more benificial to couples who have been married for longer than my husband and I have. My second impression was that the first might not have been entirely accurate.

Many of the dares include a woman asking for feedback from her husband, and then quietly listening to his answer without being offended or justifying. While it can be challenging to request feedback and not respond when fault is found, these  can be some of the most educational dares. They really challenge a wife to consider carefully what effect her absent-minded words and actions have on her husband.

This book is a good one for ANY couple. Yes, some of the dares assume that the couple isn't newly wed, but many of them are good either way. If this book can encourage a young bride to understand the nature of respect and apply it to her life for the long haul, it could have an incredible effect on a marriage. And for those who already have years of marriage behind them? This could be the first step toward a wonderful new beginning for their marriage.

Quietness

My blog has been quiet the last week. Not because I don't want to write, or haven't been writing. I have been. I've been writing down post ideas on the new-to-us laptop my husband and I got--the small one that I take to work with me and type away on when my boss is too sleepy to talk.

I've been writing down my list of joys--one by one. Numbering them in my mind and heart, then numbering them on paper.

But I haven't just been writing...

I've been doing laundry, cleaning house, making the bed. I've been putting away the valentines decorations... and the Christmas dishes. I've been making dinner.

I've been learning. Canning. Living simply. Bread-making. Economics--worldwide and local. The value of the dollar, and what that means to us.

And that's why the blog has been silent. I hope next week I'll have time to post some--there's enough material to keep me busy for awhile. But for now I'll leave you with one picture--and if I'd have to put down a few of the 1000 words this picture is worth they would be, "Slow down and enjoy life!!"

Because the reason this bread didn't rise is that
I was too busy to remember the yeast. :-P

Have a lovely weekend, everyone!!!

Worthwhile Reads

Here are some things I've read the last few weeks that are worth passing on. I imagine this will be a continuing feature, as there are so many good things out there! Enjoy!!!

In Heaven as on Earth "I live with these human eyes, and with these human eyes of mine I label. I label one thing as good and one thing as bad. I label moments as blessing or burden. And I forget that all this labeling, it is not my right, not my place, not mine to do. To declare what is a gift in my life and what is a curse is to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, to sit in the garden full of abundance and beauty and choose the forbidden. The knowledge of good and evil, that was never intended for me. Could I, like Jja Ja Maria just quit my labeling and say, "Whatever God wants. Whatever HE wants!"

Secrets of a Former Credit Card Thief --Concerned about identity and/or credit thieft? You should be!! An interesting article from a former ID and credit thief


Sometimes He Flops --It's easy to love your man when he treats you like a princess. But what about when he messes up? "God knows HE is the only one who can love you the way you need to be loved.  In His lovingkindness, He gives you someone who will help you draw closer to Him, not replace Him."  


12 ways to love your man without saying a word -- Some great ideas, and an even better reminder to actively find ways to love our husbands.

His Future Wife -- For those young women who don't yet have husbands to "love without saying a word?" Don't be so sure. There are things you can do NOW for that man who, God willing, will be in your life someday.

QUOTABLES: Prayer

My life is one long daily, hourly record of answered prayer. For physical health, for mental overstrain, for guidance given marvelously, for errors and dangers averted, for enmity to the Gospel subdued, for food provided at the exact hour needed, for everything that goes to make up life and my poor service, I can testify with full and often wonderstricken awe that God answers prayer.

 ~Mary Slessor, Missionary in West Africa in 1876

Birthday party!

But not mine. :P

Two girls in our church, twins, had a birthday recently and decided to have a park day at the church. The weather was perfect to be outdoors, and we had tons of fun. I've wanted to have a church picnic for awhile now, but this is the first time the church has done a picnic since I've been here. It was LOTS of fun to play games together. The first game we played was capture the flag. Capture the Flag happens to be one of the few games my competitive side comes out.... That and Monopoly. This is a little known fact about me, but in previous games of Capture the Flag I went by the code name "brave heart." *ahem* Anyway, I was too busy during that particular game to take pictures, but after that I stayed busy with my camera. Here are a few (okay, a few more than a few) of my favorite shots:

Little brother learning to serve

"You can't hit girls (with the ball)!
We should get that point!"

In an amazing dive Kate gets the ball over the net!
The crowd goes Wild!!! 

"Got it!!"

They don't stand a chance now!!

The movie star pose--my husband agrees that we
should change the background and make this a book cover.

Three-in-one