In November of 2014, I read a blog post encouraging persons to set aside a bookshelf for all the books read in a calendar year. As the year goes by, you see the shelf filling and are reminded of time well spent. (I wish I could remember who to thank.)
The project was so rewarding I’ve continued it every year. I’ve found the process of adding books enjoyable and helpful. Sometimes you forget a really good book.
Another option is to set up a profile on Goodreads. Be sure to fill in a start and end date for each book you complete. You can even set up a reading challenge for the year.
This year’s list includes books I read and books I listened to while traveling. There are wonderful, free audiobooks available through your local library and via streaming if you subscribe to Amazon Prime.
This year, I’m using an affordable audiobook subscription service called Playster which provides far more titles than are available through the library.
So my friends here’s my 2019 bookshelf. I hope it encourages you and that you find a treasure or two. Should it be helpful to you, I’m glad to provide more feedback on specific selections. Just leave a comment below. Also, feel free to leave your book recommendations in the comments.
Happy reading. Happy exploring. Happy growing. – Lisa <><
Faithful One
Your covenant is steadfast
Your promises are true
You fulfill, even when we fail
Forgive us and renew a right spirit within
We hear you offering relationship again
How great is your heart
Your patience
Your desire for the everlasting to be made real in us
We bow in awe
We stand to proclaim and welcome
Yes!
Fulfill your desires in our Yes
Fulfill your desires in our obedience
Like the sand, so many brothers
Like the stars, so many sisters
Together heirs of your grace and generosity
Together heirs and family
Together
Our home is in you
Based on Genesis 17:3-9
God’s covenant with Abraham, Sarah, and their descendants (physical and spiritual)
In November of 2014, I read a blog post encouraging persons to set aside a bookshelf for all the books read in a calendar year. As the year goes by, you see the shelf filling and are reminded of time well spent. (I wish I could remember who to thank.)
The project was so rewarding in 2015, I continued it in 2016, 2017, and now 2018. I’ve found the process of adding books enjoyable and helpful. Sometimes you forget a really good book.
Another option is to set up a profile on Goodreads. Be sure to fill in a start and end date for each book you complete. You can even set up a reading challenge for the year.
This year’s list includes books I read and books I listened to while traveling. There are wonderful, free audio books available through your local library and via streaming if you subscribe to Amazon Prime.
This year, I’m using an affordable audiobook subscription service called Playster which provides far more titles than are available through the library.
So my friends here’s my 2018 bookshelf. I hope it encourages you and that you find a treasure or two. Should it be helpful to you, I’m glad to provide more feedback on specific selections. Just leave a comment below. Also, feel free to leave your book recommendations in the comments.
Happy reading. Happy exploring. Happy growing. – Lisa <><
We live in a missionary age. Less than 20% of the American population actively practices the Christian faith.
So where do we begin as hometown missionaries? We begin by hanging out with people, really listening, really caring. Treat people are people, not projects.
As we share back and forth, needs are revealed. This leads to praying. Hometown missionaries need to know how to pray out loud when the moment presents itself.
1. The questions
Be gracious and humble. Prayer is never imposed or forced on someone.
How can I best pray for you?
May I pray right now? May I offer a blessing?
May I touch your shoulder? May I hold your hand?
Take your time. Make space to help the person realized God is already present. Look the person in the eye.
The witness of prayer: When I was in seminary, I was walking with a classmate. I shared a concern and asked for prayer. He stopped in the middle of the sidewalk and said, “Let’s pray now.” It was so meaningful, I still remember is 20 years later.
2. Pray out loud
A. Offer a Sentence Prayer: Name for God + Verb + Name of Person
Lord, help my friend Steve
Jesus, strengthen Lori
Holy Spirit, fill John with wisdom
You’ve been listening to the person, so you know the need.
B. Offer a blessing: Consider memorizing Numbers 6:24-26 (The Priestly Benediction/Blessing God gave to Moses and Aaron). Write the blessing on a piece of paper and put it on your mirror as you brush your teeth or near your computer screen.
Here’s what it means:
24 The Lord bless you and keep you;
May the Lord constantly bring good into your life
May the Lord protect you and guard all that is sacred and precious about you
25 the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you;
Imagine how a person’s face lights up when they hold a baby. God’s face shines on you in the same way. This is a reminder that God delights in you. May you know how beloved you are.
Justice is getting what we deserve. Mercy is not getting what we deserve. Grace is getting better than what we deserve. We all need grace. Grace upon grace.
26 the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.
Imagine you walk into a room and a person is working at a computer. The person stops what she’s doing and looks up at you, giving you her full attention. God is fully attentive to you. God is here, already at work, already reaching out to you, loving you.
May you know God’s presence and peace
Remember to continue to make space after the prayer or blessing. Often, the realization of God’s presence causes the person to want to talk more, to share even more deeply.
3. Follow up – The Evidence of Prayer
As in the story, promise to continue to pray. Follow up with the person with a written note, text, call, or Facebook message. A written prayer can be read again and again. Offer something simple- I’m praying for you. I’m here for you
When you see the person, offer something simple like “It’s so good to see you.” Leave space to let them lead the conversation.
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I’m excited to now offer mp3’s of my Sunday messages. A huge thank you to Sean and my brothers and sisters at Trinity United Methodist Church, Sarasota for all their help in making this possible. If you’re ever in Sarasota, please drop by for worship Sundays at 9:00 am or 10:30 am, or join us live on our Facebook page at 9:00 am Sundays or drop by during the week for a chat or small group. You and those you love are always welcome.
In November of 2014, I read a blog post encouraging persons to set aside a bookshelf for all the books read in a calendar year. As the year goes by, you see the shelf filling and are reminded of time well spent. (I wish I could remember who to thank.)
Faithful One
In November of 2014, I read a blog post encouraging persons to set aside a bookshelf for all the books read in a calendar year. As the year goes by, you see the shelf filling and are reminded of time well spent. (I wish I could remember who to thank.)
Revlisad.com 