Do I Really Believe?

I have recently been asking some tough questions of myself. Maybe you can relate, maybe not. But I thought I would share where I am right now.

Question #1: Why Do I continually choose to do things that do not matter in the slightest?

This question undoubtedly leads into the next question.

Question #2: Do I really believe Jesus is enough?

This second question is really a series of questions: Do I really believe that He alone will satisfy my needs and desires? Do I really believe that He has my best in mind and wants what's best? Do I really believe that it is worth it to forsake everything but Him? Do I really believe that His way is best?

I'm gonna venture an educated guess here and say that the answer is unequivocally and simply, no. I do not really believe Jesus is enough. I can't can I? If I did, my actions would be different. If I did my attitudes, thoughts and words would be different. If I truly believed that following Jesus first and foremost and forsaking the things of this world was worth it then I would be living way differently. I'm not saying I'm not a Christian. I know I am most definitely saved and forgiven. I know I am hard on myself too. But I'm judging myself by God's standard, not this worlds.

I don't know exactly how this is going to be remedied but I know something needs to change. I need to settle in my own heart what I know in my head. Yes it is most definitely worth it. I know this to be true. I know it. But I want to live it, not just know it. I will be wrestling with this for a while and hopefully sharing how God continues to prove His faithfulness.

The Title Says It All

It's been a while since I've posted anything other than book reviews. Does this girl do anything but read? I'm sure that's the question that's been burning a hole in your mind. Well to answer your question so you don't end up with a huge gaping hole in your head, yes. Yes I do much more than read, though I do love to read. We have actually been living out our blog title lately. Life has been a little crazy.

Initially, a while back, during the winter we began looking to purchase a home. Many moons later, spring arrived and with it a change of heart. (This is the very condensed version). We decided to keep renting, only we were still looking for a new place for many reasons, many of which include our awful summer here last year. You can go back and read that post if you'd like. Anyway, to bring you to the present we were finally able to secure a place that we like and should be a good fit for us. So now begins the fun time of getting all the details worked out. Packing, moving, getting all the utilities and mail switched over. We don't move in until May, but time is going fast.

We are excited though. It's an upgrade in space and is on the top floor of a condo complex. It looks as though we will have many older neighbors but very nice and very rule-abiding. The laundry will be in the same building as well, which is a definite move in the right direction. It's closer to my sisters place and to church and our favorite park. We are happy. I'll have to post some pics once we get all settled in.

In the meantime here is a picture of spring to leave you with.

Book Review: The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games

by Suzanne Collins

When Katniss Everdeen steps up to take her place as a contender in the Hunger Games she views it as a death sentence. 24 kids are placed as contenders this "game" arena every year to fight to the death as the world watches on, in horror and fascination. Who will win the games this year and how will it all go down? 

This book reminds me of a modern day "Lord of the Flies-esque" reality show. It's actually a showcase of humanity at it's worst. And I'd like to say that I wish we would never reach the point where we are so far removed that we forget we are all humans and all equal, but I know that will never be the case since we are already there. Maybe not you personally. However, since the beginning of time we have been guilty as humans as not treating each other as equal. With sin came death and murder. It is extremely hard for me to fathom why we view some humans as more worthy of life than others. 

This story was completely unique and like none I have read before. I enjoyed the fast-paced nature of it and was intrigued to see what was going to happen. I was horrified by the situation itself and so sad for the predicament that the main characters found themselves in. It was very violent, but I suppose there is no way to make a fight to the death un-violent. I am ready for the next book though...

Book Review: Room

Room 
by Emma Donoghue


I really enjoyed this book and I think the author truly accomplished what she set out to do. This tale is told completely through the eyes of a five year old boy, Jack. He is born and raised in "room" with his Ma. It's all he knows and all he's ever known his whole life.

As time goes on Ma starts to make him aware that there is a world beyond room. It's hard for him to believe but she plans an escape and life will never be the same.

Even though there is a terrible story that sets the scene for the book, it is portrayed with such innocence and gentleness that cannot help but draw you in. After all, a five year old boy is only capable of understanding and comprehending so much and yet at the same time it is his perspective on life that makes you realize how us adults sometimes can get things so wrong.

I definitely recommend this read. I have heard it might be made into a movie as well. You can learn more by visiting the book website. (The link is above)

Book Review: The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo

Do not read this book unless you have a really strong stomach, and even then, I can't say that I would recommend it. Yes..it is a good thriller. It does keep you guessing and wanting to unravel the mystery. However, that's about the only good thing I can say about it.

There's alot of sex and violence and often together. It's very graphic and there are things I wish I had never read. This surprised me somewhat because I've read some pretty violent and psychopathic books by Ted Dekker. What I think makes the difference is that Dekker's books have a redeeming quality. There is a reason, there is hope. This book did not have that hope. It's depressing and so awfully sad that I wanted to cry at every turn. The characters are so depraved and selfish. I could not relate to many of them.

Needless to say, I would strongly caution against the movie. I haven't seen it, but I can't imagine wanting to see this book come alive, I didn't even like it flat on the page. Please, save yourself the trouble on this one and let your mind dwell on more wholesome things.

Our "Moment"

Last Sunday we were at church for an event. Afterwards we headed out to the parking lot to leave and I noticed there was some paint scraped off on the back right side of our car. It looked like someone had side swiped the back end. Upon further inspection we noticed that there was a rubber part on the back end, near the tire, that was completely ripped from where it was supposed to be attached as well. We were poking and prodding  and pondering when this could have happened and how it would be that I wouldn’t have noticed it before now. Then I moved to the back bumper and noticed some more scratches and even some bolt marks. I was completely clueless and confused. It was about that time that John, after trying to unlock the car unsuccessfully a few times and looking at the license plate, came to the realization that this was in fact, NOT our car.

I’m not sure which I felt more of, relief or embarrassment. I think I’ll go with relief, since there was no one else in the parking lot. Thank goodness! As we walked a few cars over to OUR car we just both had to laugh at ourselves. We are a pair, that’s for sure!

Spring is Coming

Life is always a little crazy...hence the title of our blog. This past few months I feel like our decision to buy or not to buy (a condo) has been consuming our thoughts and actions. Soon it will come to a culmination.

Winter is ending and with it decisions will be made. Life will turn a corner and head in a new direction. I am sitting here this morning listening to the birds singing. Birds singing, a beautiful sound I haven't heard in a while, a reminder of fresh starts and change. A reminder that the cloudiness will give way to sunshine. A reminder that change can be a wonderful thing.

I am so looking forward to spring! I want to hear the birds sing again. I hate when my alarm wakes me up, but if the birds singing wakes me up, it's somehow much more soothing. I look forward to the changes that are to come. Bring it on Spring! I am ready for you!