Annie Get Your Gun!

Makenzie and Vicki had a wonderful time getting to know many in the Williamsport area while performing Annie Get Your Gun for the Community Theatre. What an honor it was for them. Lots of hard work but new friendships made. Being 7.5 months pregnant and with all the busyness of being a mother, physical therapist, and a pastor's wife, my wife continues to astound me with her energy and commitment. Next project is finishing the nursery. Abby Grace will be here in 6 weeks. I better get to it. YIKES!

The Fight of Our Lives by William J. Bennett and Seth Leiboshn

I just finished this interesting book. It is a non-fiction, and it is written on a topic about which I don’t normally read books. However, I do try to stay current on what’s happening around the world through daily newspapers and cable news, so it was not completely unfamiliar information to me. The Fight of Our Lives is by William J. Bennett and Seth Leiboshn. You might be more familiar with them through their “Morning in America” radio show where they deal with political issues of the day.

This book challenged me to re-examine some of my viewpoints of the current administration and its foreign policy.  However, I was disappointed by how outdated it seemed, even though it just came out a month ago. I felt as though I was reading an old newspaper or magazine. During the reading of this book, new facts about the pending withdrawal of 30,000 troops from Afghanistan came out and we also received the news of Osama Bin Laden being killed. But I understand it is difficult to write a book on this topic and get it into the hands of the reader before it becomes outdated or even inaccurate information.

I did appreciate the facts concerning the religion of Islam and how past and current administrations have tip-toed around the subject trying not to offend anyone. We need to speak truth, and I sensed the writers gave great insight, such as, “Those who wished to practice their religion here were welcome and free, provided they also followed the laws of the land, remained peaceful, and gave ‘effectual support’ to their country (108).” A powerful point is made in this book that I’ll end with: “Millions of Muslims never take up arms, engage in terrorism, or defend such violence. They should, however, be the first to loudly and unconditionally denounce their coreligionists who do. There are Muslims doing this, and we have the highest praise for their courage and moral clarity. But there are not enough (141).” We of all faiths need to speak truth about the violence and call it for what it is. Who is brave enough among us to stand up? Our American troops around the world are! For that, I am very thankful.

You Were Born for This by Bruce Wilkinson

I was truly inspired once again by Bruce Wilkinson’s writing. His way of tying scripture and grabbing ahold of one’s heart challenges readers to wonder why is it so hard to believe in miracles or the supernatural at work around us. Why aren’t these things happening on a regular basis in my life? The book has caused me to honestly re-examine the everyday situations I find myself in: whether it is driving to the store, talking on the phone, walking in the neighborhood, or counseling a young couple for marriage. I’m finding myself pausing to ask questions and being more aware of what is happening around me through the eyes of the Holy Spirit. These instances, I used to easily take for granted and not respond to, or if I did it would be by my understanding.

Bruce breaks down what he calls key questions and signals in a very simple way to respond to situations God places us in with the power of the Holy Spirit in order that we might be a partner in His miracle. Bruce writes,

• “God is constantly at work in supernatural ways in our world, and He has much He wants to get done.
• God is actively looking for loyal partners—people who consistently care about what He cares about.
• God is regularly nudging people to respond, but most people miss His intentions or simply say no.”

He describes seven keys which fall into two groups. The first group Special Delivery, which applies to specific needs and  the second group, Miracle Life, which describe internal actions that prepare you for a life of miracles. He chooses to deal with the Miracle Life group first in the book which includes Master, People, Spirit and Risk Keys. He writes, “These can become a habit that will radically change how you see the world and how you partner with God in the supernatural realm (49).” The Special Delivery group includes Money, Dream, and Forgiveness Keys. He describes these keys as external actions we take that lead to a miracle breakthrough for another person (49).”

Often times, I do not believe myself to be worthy of participating in a miracle for God or I see it as totally beyond me from participating, but this book helps the me to understand He is longing to do great things through me by the power of the Holy Spirit. We don’t need a perfect situation or opportunity or be perfectly trained. God is looking for those who are simply dependent upon Him to work through them.

At the end of the book, we are challenged by the thought, “You are a sent person (Master Key) who shares God’s heart for people (People Key) and who intentionally partners with the Spirit to do God’s work (Spirit Key) through acts of proactive dependence on Him (Risk Key) to deliver His miracle to others. So how does God see you right now? He sees you with pleasure and great anticipation (217).”

This book was a wonderful read that I’m still processing. How can I take each key and allow them to become a part of my life to see God at work through me in miraculous ways? I’m humbled by the thought. Who does God want me to go to and where does God want me to be at work next? May everywhere I go in everyday life be with the attitude of “Here Am I, Lord, send me!” Be sure to check out the online resources for this book as well for use with the discussion guide at the end of the book, http://www.ywbft.com/.