I’m looking back over the month to see what March has taught. It helps me see where I am, what’s changing and what God is teaching.
I realized all over again the huge shift that happens when a teen gets a driver’s license.
For most of this school year, I’ve spent afternoons driving my high schooler to and from football or basketball practice. That meant packing up books, activities and snacks for my younger two and killing time at parks, on errands or playing in the car while we waited. It was a LOT of time spent out of the house and most nights we dragged back to the house long after the dinner hour.
When I wanted to complain about all the driving, I bit my tongue, knowing it would one day be gone and I’d miss it.
Now I miss it. I’ve gained time in my day, but lost hours with my 16-year-old. I miss the conversations in the car. I miss the snippets overheard as teammates walked to their cars, sweaty and tired from practice, and the whole conversations while carpooling friends. It’s a huge step toward that fast slide that is independence.
I’m a paper planner kind of girl.
Last year, I started calendaring in my phone. It worked somewhat, but I missed too many important things in a paper calendar.
First, I need the month-at-a-glance feature. I’m a big picture girl and I have to see how all the weeks fit together. Plus, I have an end-of-the-year tradition where I go back through my calendar after Christmas to see the year’s sweep. What was unexpected, what prayers were answered, where were the hard parts and good parts? It felt so good to get all the dates color-coded on the calendar.
This quote is staying with me.
“Lesson from the cross…To all wanting a safe life free from danger in this world, stay away from Jesus.” David Platt
If I dig way down, much of my life I thought the Christian life meant comfort — because of blessing – and smoothish sailing — because of wise decisions. Though I never consciously articulated it, I’m pretty sure my goal was to live for Christ while dodging as many difficulties as I could.
My kids and I are reading through Acts and I realize more than ever that Christianity is blessed and adventurous, but not comfortable and smoothish. The experience of thousands of Christians around the world bear that out as well.
Do you ever feel our version of God is skewed? That we’ve fit Him into our 21st century, suburban American box? I’m no longer content with that. As I read through 100 Days with Christ, I’m begging God to remove my prejudice and preconceptions and help me see Him for Who He is. And then take Him at His word.
Instagram is a-changing
On a much lighter note, Instagram announced it will move from a chronological to interest-based feed. Just when Instagram was becoming one of my favorite spots.
Hmm. Do you remember when Facebook was chronological? Now I can go weeks without seeing some friends’ posts. And Pinterest has changed as well. I’m not a social media fanatic but I do like keeping up with my people. In the end, I’m sure we’ll get used to the changes and it will be all nostalgia like the giddy notification that “you’ve got mail.”
On the Nighstand
Top of the list this month is Beth Moore’s new release, Audacious. This book felt like Beth was in my living room. In her signature voice, Beth draws from the deep well that has been her walk with God to stir up women to really know the life God has for us. To live audaciously. With verve. And passion.
My favorite read this month was Kara Tippet’s posthumous release, And It Was Beautiful. Kara’s story is poignant but it’s also hopeful. Kara brings us into her hard questions and leaves us breathing the grace of God. Here’s my full review.
Walk Through the Fire, by Carly and David Bowers, was another book I read after being given a review copy. Because my daughter just started her first job in an ICU burn unit and we’ve had many emotional post-shift phone calls, I was intrigued to read David Bowers’ story after he suffered major burns from a work accident. In an instant, the Bowers were thrown into crisis and this book chronicles the hope, faith and joy they found as God walked them through the healing.
I’m also finishing up: Over It (just released); Kidnapped (to the kids); and I’m just about to start North and South (Elizabeth Gaskell) — the British novel not the American mini-series. 😉
I’d love to know — what’s on your nightstand right now? Tell us in the comments.
On my night stand right now is The life Giving Home by Sally Clarkson,& Child Training Boot camp by Pam Forster.
Sally Clarkson’s book has been on my list. Her book The Whole-Hearted Child was very formative for me. Thank you, Katrina.
On my Nightstand are two devotionals 1) Devotions for the Beach (and days you wish you were there) by Miriam Drennan 2) Unto The Hills by Billy Graham and Parables by John MacArthur. I am a participant in a six-month Leadership in Life Institute associated with my work. On THAT DESK is John Maxwell’s “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership”, Jim Collins “Good to Great”, Kouzes/Posner’s “Credibility”, Stephen Covey’s “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” , Jim Horan’s “The One Page Business Plan” and Tiffanie Kellog’s ” 4 1/2 Networking Mistakes.” I have assignments in those books every month for the next six months along with other videos and articles to read from various websites. So yes, I read a lot these days. One very thoughtful video was called “DASH” and found at http://www.simpletruths.com. I recommend this to everyone. You will find it of particular interest. Thank you for your encouraging words day by day.
Wow, Pam, that’s quite a list! I gave my college son Good to Great for Christmas. Glad to find your list as he’d probably like many of these.
On my nightstand is “The Unseen Realm” by Dr. Michael Heiser. He explores the divine council referenced in Psalm 82.
Wow, Naan. Sounds like a weighty book.
I’m reading the Mark of the Lion Series by Francine Rivers and my devotional is The Duck Commander Devotional compiled by Alan Robertson.
My boys love the Duck Commander! Confession: I rarely read Christian fiction unless I’m on vacation.
At the top of the stack on my nightstand is “Praying the Scriptures for your children”. There are 7 books/bibles on my nightstand.
Tanya, who wrote that? And I get it about the stack. 🙂
Just finished reading Ruth A. Tucker’s Black and White Bible, Black and Blue Wife. Alarming book about domestic abuse in the church, but also very informative.
I had the same response to my kids getting their license. One at a time, we lose one-on-one time with them. It has made me really savor the time I get in the car with the one remaining boy who is not driving!
Oh Michele, I’m sure those were some uncomfortable reads, but truth we need to know. Good to know I’m not the only mom who has those mixed feelings about the license. It is nice to send him to the store for that one ingredient I’m missing. 🙂 Enjoy your boy!
I’m sad to say that I haven’t had much time to read lately outside of the book release, but I usually have a stack of 3-4 books on the nightstand! I like to go back and forth between them, as opposed to reading each one straight through. My friend once said, it’s like taking a commercial break! LOL Next on the list will be Fervent and Come With Me:)
Yes! Your book release gets top billing right now, Kristine. Excited about reviewing that one!
What I learned in March. I LOVE the concept of looking back to realize the lessons Lisa.
Neighbors at Grace & Truth today.
May I invite you to share at DanceWithJesus linkup to bless someone there?
http://www.susanbmead.com/just-jesus-them/
Headed there now, Susan. Thanks!
Lisa, the part about what happens when a child gets his or her driver’s license really struck me this morning. We’re still a few years away from that kind of driving freedom for my older daughter, although she is learning. But here’s the thing. Except for in the mornings, when she’s pretty quiet, something happens to her when she gets into the minivan. It’s like a plug pops out and the words start pouring forth. When she starts driving on her own, we’ll have to be intentional about finding other times to talk. And between now and then, I need to be more intentional about listening and enjoying the verbal fountain. 🙂 Have a happy weekend!
I am currently reading ‘The Love Idol’ by Jennifer Dukes Lee. Earlier this month I finished ‘Women Living Well’ by Courtney Joseph and next on my list is either ‘The Good Girl’s Guide to Great Sex’ by Sheila Wray Gregoire or ‘The Live Giving Home’ by Sally Clarkson. I am currently enjoying the ‘At Home with Sally’ podcast series that goes with the book.
I have just found your blog and I really like this ‘what I learned this month’ post, what a great way to cement new learning to memory!
What a great list, Eliza. Did you know that Jennifer Dukes Lee has a new book coming out? The Happiness Dare. Glad to have you here.
Lisa, I loved this read. I’ve done this kind of thing before and ought to do more often. I think people enjoy so much getting a personal look into your life. Do you link up with Emily Freeman? She has an end of the month linkup along this line.
On my reading list? Suzie Eller’s Come With Me and Andy Stanley’s Communicating for Change. I’m dying to read Jen Hatmaker’s For the Love, but I don’t have it yet!
On my nightstand is One Thousand Gifts by Anne VosKamp and The Murder of Jesus by John McArthur. Such touching and amazing books. They seem to collide in such different yet in trudging ways.
Jama, so sorry I missed your comment earlier! I’m generally reading more than one book at once as well and like being able to switch back and forth.
Great post. I’m a paper planner too! 🙂 On my nightstand right now is: (rereading) “The Best Yes.” I’m delaying reading anything until after She Speaks this summer. So glad to connect with you from the Just Jesus Them Linkup with Susan Mead. Have a blessed week. 🙂
You will love She Speaks, Carolina! It’s part worship service and part professional conference. Such an encouraging and practical conference. Thank you for connecting!
Hello Friend. I love this glimpse into your month. Thumbs up on the reads. On my nightstand sits Abba’s Child, Come With Me, the Bible (of course), & After the Boxes are Upacked. I recently finished Over It as well as Max Lucado’s Next Door Savior. (Both good reads, by the way.) A good book is “almost” as yummy as a good piece of expensive chocolate. Mmm-mmm! #raralinkup
Yes and, really, book AND chocolate is the best! 😉
Loved your lessons from March. Like you, I am a paper planner person. I love to color code things! Pretty colors make me happy. As for my nightstand? Just finished Over It, and now have Suzie Eller’s new book Come with Me. It looks to be a good one. Visiting you today from Intentional Tuesday! Happy I was your neighbor!