Controversy, Understanding, Wisdom - Who Knows?

There are so many controversial topics that touch my heart and mind these days. Today I prayed: Lord Jesus, speak to your people - myself included - in this present time about righteousness and discernment.

In Luke 12:54-57, Jesus said to a crowd of people:

"When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, 'It's going to rain,' and it does. And when the south wind blows, you say, 'It is going to be hot,' and it is. Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and sky. How is it that you don't know how to interpret this present time? Why don't you judge for yourselves what is right?"

It is so true.... We embrace weather predictions based on meteorology. When I am planning an outdoor activity, I pay close attention to the weather for days ahead of time, and I generally know what is going on with the weather from day to day. I often need to know the weather in order to dress appropriately, to pack my bags, to plan for a game, or to take the dog out before a downpour.

Yet, how many people pay close attention to our current cultural state for the purpose of understanding its impact upon our daily lives? Throughout history, there have been prophets making predictions - some biblical and some not. Who judges the accuracy of prophetic predictions for you? No one can say such knowledge and understanding isn't necessary for day-to-day living. We engage the culture everyday in making decisions! To take a neutral stance towards popular culture's affect on us is actually choosing a distinct position. Such a decision is to be ignorant, helpless, or overwhelmed - which is not Biblical.

Today I prayed: Lord, help me to glorify you in righteousness; help me to represent you well - drawing your children into deeper relationship with you. Colossians 3:16-17 says:

"Let the words of Christ, in all of their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and hymns, and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving thanks through him to God the Father."

Without you, Lord, I am legalistic. Give me discernment, make me righteous, and allow me to shine for you!

"Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun" (Psalm 37:3-7).

For me, these ideas point to a distinct difference between human wisdom and Godly wisdom. Human wisdom is enticing; it is logical; it is dead wrong. Human wisdom is approved of in this culture; in fact, it is worshiped. Human wisdom leads people to give up thinking for themselves, although it makes them feel as if they are thinking deeply - far more deeply than the "average" human. When people embrace and worship the wisdom of humans, the world as God intended changes before their eyes. It appears good for this present time. Human wisdom begets human wisdom.... Godly wisdom fades in importance when human wisdom is prioritized. Godly wisdom become the wisdom to popularly question....

"Stop fooling yourselves. If you think you are wise by this world's standards, you will have to become a fool so that you can become wise by God's standards. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God" (I Corinthians 3:18-19a).

In closing, Paul's words in Philippians are powerful:

"Pattern your lives after mine and notice who else lives up to my example.... There are many who walk along the Christian road who are really enemies of the cross of Christ. Their future is eternal loss, for their god is their appetite: they are proud of what they should be ashamed of; and all they think about is this life here on earth. But our homeland in is heaven" (Philippians 3:17-20a, TLB).

An Alternative to Fangs

After considering my previous postings, I have an alternative to the Twilight series for teen girls and younger. Check out Robin Gunn Jones' Christy Miller Series. I love these books!! Gunn Jones captures the innocence of young love and promotes high standards for meaningful lifelong relationships without regrets. Christy, Todd, and their friends exemplify the kind of lives that God meant for teenagers to live - fun, innocent, purposeful, and imperfect. The friends model how to approach real life issues while continually learning to trust God in all circumstances. I had a hard time putting all of these books down!

The Sisterchick Series is heart warming! Sisterchicks do the Hula is my very favorite. I envisioned a special Hawaiian getaway with my dear friend, Andrea, while reading this book, and I was actually sad when I read the last page....

The Glenbrooke Series also made me feel good about life! The female characters in this series overlapped with the Christy Miller series which made the reading all the more fun. All of Robin Gunn Jones' books have inspired me to grow spiritually in one way or another - even The Christy Miller series which is written for teen girls! I highly recommend this author for simple, pleasure reading with a purpose.

I believe this ends my "Blogging for Books" posts. For those who have followed, I hope you enjoyed the focus for the week. Now, I need to find some more books to read....

Faith & Fangs, Part II

It has been a long time since I have written a "book report," and I feel my "reporting" approach for the blog is less academic and more practical.... Touched by a Vampire: Discovering the Hidden Messages in the Twilight Saga feels a bit like the "Cliffs Notes" version of the Twilight Saga (I am showing my age, because these days the resource to use is "Spark Notes."). If I were more serious about this venture, I would have read the series and compared my thoughts with those of Beth Felker Jones, but that goes beyond my purpose. My motivation for participating in this "Blog Tour" was to think a bit more about how this immensely popular series impacts adolescent girls, and to possibly promote a resource for mothers of teen girls, youth workers, teachers, etc. For the later purpose, I highly recommend Touched by a Vampire.

I am a fan of modeling life lessons through the realities of life, when possible. If I had a daughter, then I would probably read the series alongside her and discuss the themes that Felker Jones presents. I think this resource would be useful for a youth group or book club to consider, as well. Felker Jones writes, "I hope you'll use this book for personal reflection. Maybe you have a group of Christian friends who can help you reflect on the powerful themes we're going to discuss" (p. 11). To highlight the themes, note the following chapter titles:

• Forbidden Fruit: The Allure of Dangerous Romance
• Dazzled: How Love Works in the Twilight Saga
• Body and Blood: Twilight's Take on Abstinence and Sex
• The Superhero and the Girl Next Door: Gender Roles in Twilight
• Baseball and Loyalty: Twilight and the Ideal Family
• For Eternity: The Good, the Bad, the Reality of Marriage in Twilight
• Monster Spawn or Precious Child? Children in the Twilight Saga
• Inhuman Strength: Twilight and the Good Life
• My True Place in this World: Bella's Search for Purpose
• Passion for God: The Power of Desire in Twilight and in Real Life

When I was young, I read many teen romance novels - Christian and otherwise. I was also extremely interested in dating. Looking back, I know the books awakened within me expectations and desires in dating and marriage that were impossible to fulfill. As a result, my heart was broken several times throughout junior high, high school, college, and into young adulthood. To me, such heartbreak is unnecessary, and I regret focusing on the need to be in a relationship during those years. From Felker Jones' perspective, the Twilight saga is like the novels I read, and then some.

I believe the foundational issue is discernment in guiding young girls to build dreams upon God's best plan, rather than on man's interpretation of His plan. In Twilight, Bella's desire for Edward overtakes her identity, her dreams, and her entire life. She goes against her parents' guidance, and Edward's hesitations, to focus only on her own desires. This is a horrible example for girls to be obsessed with in our culture. The relationship is dangerous, intense, and all-consuming. These factors alone provide me with some serious red lights.

I had heard, and Felker Jones notes, the "save yourself for marriage" theme that the book touts. As I read the synopsis of the saga, it appears that the boundaries represented in Twilight are similar to the boundaries represented in "everything but intercourse is acceptable before marriage." Legalism in daily living equals drawing imaginary lines that can not be crossed. Righteousness is seeking God's best in the dailiness of life to please Him believing that He knows us better than we know ourselves, and that we can trust Him to establish our boundaries. For example, I had a boundary that knew not to cross during my dating years. I did not cross that boundary, but I sure hit it at times. My primary motivation was to stay on the right side of the line, rather than to glorify God via my relationships. Looking back, the source of my pain during break-ups was the bonds I had created in giving away my heart too quickly. Had I focused on glorifying God, I believe those relationships would have started and ended differently.

Another theme represented in Twilight, that I believe is dangerous for girls in real life, is the idea that another person can complete us (Felker Jones, p. 31). When we enter into any relationship or position with the hope that it will make us full or complete, then we will be disappointed at best, and devastated at worst, every time. Aspects of life bring aspects of fulfillment, but apart from God, no person, position or activity will ever completely fill us. As adults, we need to highlight God as the source of fulfillment as often as possible among children and teens. We must give them life examples to show this Truth.

Young girls and adolescent girls need role models of healthy, loving relationships. Twilight does not offer such a model. In fact, according the Felker Jones, Bella and Edward's relationship models numerous signs of an abusive relationship - controlling behaviors, manipulative behaviors, isolation, possessiveness, and threats of suicide (p. 38). I have a problem with popular books that idolize such a poor representation of true love, but we can utilize the books to highlight the definition of poor relationships. As such, I would not want my daughter to wallpaper her room with pictures of Edward and Jacob, and I would be very cautious in viewing the movies, but I would not ban her from reading and critically thinking about the plot.

As you can see, I have only addressed a small portion of the themes that Felker Jones provides in Touched by a Vampire. The book offers discussion questions at the end of each chapter providing tools to facilitate a discussion. As I previously stated, I am not in favor of avoiding the Twilight saga. In fact, I believe the series provides a unique opportunity for parents, youth leaders, and teachers to address important cultural issues in opposition to God's plan. If you are in the position to interact with young girls and adolescents, I recommend that you read Felker Jones' Touched by a Vampire: Discovering the Hidden Messages in the Twilight Saga, and utilize its popularity to draw these minds into critical thinking and meaningful discussions.

If you are interested in the reading Touched by a Vampire, then I would love to send you a complimentary copy of the book. I have one copy to give away! Please either leave a comment or privately contact me and I will choose someone to receive it.

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Faith & Fangs

Vampires are big these days, aren't they? Even my young boys know of the popular cultural phenomenon entitled Twilight. I have not read the series, though I have certainly been tempted. There is no doubt that I would fall head over heels in love with with the adventurous, romantic plot; I would obsessively read each book from beginning to end leaving my family to fend for themselves (not really, but sort of...).

So, why haven't I read the series? Something has held me from borrowing the series and consuming them.... I can not put my finger on the reason precisely, but I am intrigued by the hype it is causing from young girls to middle age women. I will address these thoughts later this week when I review Beth Felker Jones' Touched by a Vampire.


We'll consider several thought-provoking themes Felker Jones provides for readers from a Christian perspective. Whether or not you agree, it promises to be interesting.

I have a peculiar childhood memory that relates to this conversation. There were only a few TV shows I was banned from watching as a child of the 70's and 80's. My mom forbid me from watching Three's Company, Charlie's Angels, and Bewitched. Quite an interesting combination, isn't it? Compared to today's raunchy television line-up, the former choices are quite tame (For the record, I actually did watch many episodes of all three shows - I was such a rebel!).

Just this summer, I happened to ask my mom about her logic regarding Bewitched, in particular. She had an interesting response that I now highly value. When Bewitched premiered, the TV industry did not feature witches of any sort. My mom heard a women speak of the dangers in diluting one's sense of evil in the culture. By featuring nice, ordinary, funny witches, the show's premise led people to think good thoughts about witchcraft, rather than critical thoughts. To dilute one's sense of evil, is to open the heart for further compromise. This argument transfers to many issues - violence, sexual promiscuity, disrespect towards authority, etc.

When I think of Twilight, and the obsession of so many girls towards the books and movies, I wonder about the areas of life the series dilutes. Are vampires, werewolves, and witches real? How does black magic relate to contemporary culture? Is love compatible with evil? I am uncertain of the specifics, but I know evil is very real. And, I know that when our senses are dull, we humans make poor choices.

Waterbrook Press invited Tracey Bateman to write a fictional story about vampires and love that glorifies God. I question the necessity of such a need, but I did read and enjoy the novel.

Nina Parker, a married alcoholic with two children, loses everything as a result of her addiction. In her effort to start anew following rehab, she returns to her childhood home. A man in town takes an interest in her, and relates to Nina's struggle for control over her addiction. Amidst the darkness of demonic forces, Truth is battled for in the lives of everyone touching Nina's life story.

While the focus of addiction in this novel is alcohol, there is certainly room to apply other addictions. "We all have sins or temptations that are harder to resist than others," says the General (a role model of sorts in Nina's life). He describes his fight like this, "When I came to end of my rope, God showed up. And when He showed up, I knew I wouldn't _______ again" (Bateman, 2009, p. 255). We all have something we could fill-in-the-blank with, but are we willing? Nina's journey is inspiring and promotes hope!

Evil is addressed, as well. Markus (the vampire) explains to Nina, "Stranger things exist in this world. Much more than people like to believe.... It's dangerous to close your eyes to something just because you've never experienced it" (Bateman, 2009, p. 279). Oh, how I believe these statements. Most of us in the U.S. carry on from day-to-day without a care in the world for the powerful battles occurring around us in the unseen, spiritual world. I believe with all my heart and soul that evil is real, powerful, and fighting to capture every human possible. For this reason, I recommend Bateman's novel, Thirsty.

Later this week, I will discuss Touched by a Vampire. Stay tuned and watch for a give-away! If you are interesting reading more about either of these titles, here are the links:

Touched by a Vampire

Thirsty

These books were provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

#2 Blogging for Books: Legalism vs. Rightousness

First of all, I would encourage any new readers to check out the 1st Blogging for Books entry prior to reading this one. I am planning a progression, of sorts.

I am not revealing the titles of my books, yet, for an important reason. I have some heart-issues to address. These issues revolve around the difference between legalism and righteousness.

"Our righteousness does not earn for us God's intervention, but God's intervention in our lives prompts in us a desire to live as one rightly related to Him - righteous, as one who truly trusts in Him" (Rothschild, 2003, p. 18).

I have been legalistic in my life - mostly as a younger person. Legalism is not rooted in Christ; it is not Christlike. The source of legalism is evil, and the outcome of "Christian legalism" is people who despise Christians, and avoid Christ. In other words, legalism neither attracts others to Christ nor glorifies Christ. This is the polar opposite of Christ's intention for His followers.

To counteract legalism, I focus on growing in discernment. I am sure my choices appear legalistic to some, but that is not my intention. The choices I make are outcomes of discernment that Christ develops within me. As a result, I feel freedom from rules. The choices I make that have the appearance of legalism provide me freedom from unnecessary harm, and wisdom to overcome evil because I trust God to guide me. So often, in avoiding discernment, people entangle themselves in bondage, addictions, and pain. Discernment involves living in the world without being of the world. I believe that sitting on the fence gives evil opportunity to simmer until our senses are dull and we slowly cooked to death.

Here are some examples to consider: I don't drink much alcohol. It is not inherently evil to drink alcohol, but my life experience points to the hurt alcohol causes in the lives of people. Even so, social drinking is becoming more commonplace among Christians. Some are calling for various denominations to lift the restrictions on it. In response to these proposed changes, a friend of mine gave me a different perspective. She wonders if the Christian folks who are pushing for the acceptance of social drinking have experienced alcoholism up close and personal. This dear friend has experienced it - she grew up in a home with an alcoholic father. She has many personal and heart-breaking examples of the hurt caused by alcoholism. Discernment leads me to put more weight on the destruction caused by alcohol than on my freedom to socially drink.

One day I heard a young man explain how he started smoking. A couple of his friends smoked occasionally "for the fun of it." Before he knew what was happening to him, this young man was addicted to nicotine. He regretted his choices. I am glad I am not one of those friends who introduced the guy to an "occasional smoke for fun." Personal choices impact others.

In high school, a boy who was raised in home similar to my own commented on the mystery and fun of a Ouija board. The mystery and intrigue of such a "toy" is no game. Evil in this world is very real. It may appear legalistic to draw firm lines, but discernment protects, provides, and promotes a kind of living that ushers in life rather than pain. It is called righteousness. Though righteousness has a negative connotation in our current culture, its meaning is very different from Christ's perspective.

One of the reasons I hesitated to read and blog about the books I chose is that I fear appearing legalistic. At the same time, I love people and I seek to tangibly exemplify the beauty of life in Christ. Our culture blocks pure devotion to Christ and righteous living that brings about real life. The question is: How should you and I respond? Do we draw firm lines between living in the world and living of the world? Do we focus on fitting in thereby straddling the cultural fence? Do we talk ourselves into believing some things really are not that dangerous; that no harm is done in controlled indulgences? Are all choices relative?

The books I will blog about are sure to step on some toes. Some may label me legalistic. Read on with an open mind. If you are a Christ-follower, seek Him for the answers. The issues of our present culture are serious, as they have been for all previous generations. Careful evaluation is wise. Wisdom and discernment are tools of Christ that advance righteous choices and real living.


Rothschild, J. (2003). Walking by faith: Lessons learned in the dark. Nashville: Lifeway Press.

Blogging for Books: It's a New World!

A few months ago I volunteered to do something new and interesting…. I responded to an invitation from Waterbrook Press to read books and write about the books on my blog. I love to read, I love to write, and I love evaluating the two. Plus, the company provides the books free of charge. It sounded like a good deal at the time….

I waited to jump on board until they offered a title that jumped out at me. Several weeks ago, two book summaries accomplished the feat of intrigue, and I ordered the titles to critique. As time passed, I did not pick up the books and I regretted my choice as the requirements began to feel like work, and I am tired of assignments with deadlines. This is the week of the blogging tour I signed up for, so last Friday I was forced to pick up the books and quickly complete them. Well, guess what, I am totally enthralled with the assignment now. In fact, I plan to write several blogs this week about the titles.

Check back soon…. Be prepared to hear about Truth in darkness.

A New Day!

Today was a new day; the day I began a new study! I love completing Bible studies, and I love beginning a new Bible study.... Today I did both - it was a new day and a good day!

A week ago, I searched Jennifer Rothschild's website in pursuit of my next study. "Walking By Faith: Lessons Learned in the Dark" clearly stood out to me as the study I needed. This promo touched my heart and mind:

"Walking by Faith: Lessons Learned in the Dark contrasts the evidences of walking by faith and walking by sight and encourages participants to take risks, give God control, persevere through hardship, receive God's gifts, be guided by the Truth rather than feelings, and seek God."

When I opened the study for the first time this morning, one of my 2009 memory verses was listed on Day 1:

"When my foot is slipping, your love, O Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul" (Psalm 94:18-19, NIV).

This discovery gave me chills! The Lord knows and cares for me - an amazing realization! Further along, I read:

"All these people (the faith-walkers in Hebrews 11) were still walking by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that were aliens and strangers on earth" (Hebrews 11:13, NIV).

Oh, how I feel like an alien and a stranger on this earth. I always have.... Rothschild (2003) writes, "Unless we trade our fear for fight, we may never find the treasures hidden in the dark" (p. 11).

Day 1 of this study, led me to my next memory verse, and it speaks to the core of my journey this year. I'll share it within my next entry.... Until then:

"Call out for insight, and
cry aloud for understanding....
Look for it as for silver,
and search for it as for hidden treasure.
Then you will understand the fear of the Lord,
and find the knowledge of God"
(Proverbs 2:3-5, NIV).