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Two Reasons (Really Just One) to End a Conversation
If I were being honest, I would have to say that when I first picked up my friend’s book, Tools for Young Philosophers: The Elements of Philosophy by Dr. Paul T. Jensen, I was a little disappointed. It is TINY in stature—small pages in size, only 129 in total. Was it really worth the $18 I shelled out for it? (I wanted to support my friend, but really? Was it worth it?) Yes. Yes. A thousand times yes. If you have always wanted to understand logic, epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, and analytic philosophy, but you never knew where to start, then this is the book for you. Every word is essential.…
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Five Things Infertile Couples Want Others to Know
I appreciated Challies pointing to this article: Five Things Infertile Couples Want Others to Know It was an excellent reminder of many things I felt during our first nine years of (childless) marriage and also how important it is that I am careful (full of care!) in my interactions with others about this sensitive issue. Hope you enjoy.
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Peace and Optimism and Hope
In John 14:27, Jesus says: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. 1 Peter 1:3 says: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead … Dave Edling says: The biblical term ‘hope’ is NOT the ‘wishful thinking’ of the world. Hope is the confident expectation of future blessing based on the facts and promises of God’s Word. The…
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What we fear …
Just when I’m tempted to think I’m alone in my fears, I stumble onto just a few of the things women shared with me in 2011 at my “Fear Not” retreats. I summarize all of the feedback cards that I receive at each event. Listen to the content of just one sticky note summary: – I’m afraid of being alone. – I’m afraid of never being married. – I’m afraid of what people think of me. I’m so lonely. – I fear rejection. – I fear loneliness. – I fear I will fail my friends and family and they will reject me. – I fear reaching out to people and…
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And I Do Not Believe That I Will Find Peace In My Own Life … (be sure to watch ’til the end …)
Best 1 minute and 54 seconds of the morning. Thanks, Peacemaker Ministries, and darling Fred too (who loaned me this video). Be sure to watch until the end! I think I might start showing this at my events …
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Hooray for Valentine’s Day!
We’re on Winter break this week, so in addition to a super fun Valentine’s Day morning: We’ve had the joy of hosting five of our friends (all of whom are cousins to one another) for a playdate day and a slumber party night: And we got to sing happy birthday to Lilikoi because she is five years old today: Hope you had a great day too! Love and g’nite, Tara B.
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Not Just an Intellectual Exercise …
Just like when I first read Ed Welch’s When People are Big and God is Small, I was tempted to power through the manuscript for his forthcoming book, Shame Interrupted: How God Lifts the Pain of Worthlessness and Rejection, as a sort of quick intellectual exercise. Three line endorsement written? Check! Evaluated for potential inclusion on my event resource table? Check! Ready to recommend it to others because it will be SO helpful to THEM? Check check! But then (just like years ago re: “When People are Big and God is Small”), I was sorely convicted that I needed to slow down and read it carefully for me. Myself. The…
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Shame Interrupted: How God Lifts the Pain of Worthlessness and Rejection (Ed Welch)
I’ve received such a gift! New Growth Press/CCEF just emailed me the manuscript for Ed Welch’s newest book, Shame Interrupted: How God Lifts the Pain of Worthlessness and Rejection. I can’t wait to dig into it this weekend. Then, I may have the privilege of being included on its list of endorsers. But even if they don’t use my endorsement, what a joy it is to have this advanced sneak-peak! Fred and I have literally been praying for Dr. Welch specifically about this book for years now. I’m so excited that it is done and will be available soon. (You can pre-order now, but it won’t be available until April…
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How Do I Know If I’m Ready to Marry?
One of my all-time favorite things to do is spend time with couples who are considering marriage. I love to hear their stories, honestly answer their questions, encourage them, ask them hard questions, pray with them, enjoy them. With these dear friends in mind, I am definitely going to bookmark this article for future reference. It’s a keeper! How Do I Know If I’m Ready to Marry?
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According to the abundance of his steadfast love …
“I will recount the steadfast love of the LORD, the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD has granted us, and the great goodness to the house of Israel that he has granted them according to his compassion, according to the abundance of his steadfast love.” Isaiah 63:7
