Monthly Archives: September 2009

Book Review: A Million Miles in a Thousand Years


Posted by meganstrange

As a part of the Thomas Nelson Book Review Bloggers, I had the privilege of receiving an advanced copy of Donald Miller’s newest book, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years.  I have read two of his other books, Blue Like Jazz and To Own a Dragon.  I enjoyed A Million Miles in a Thousand Years because of the way it reminded me to live my life with great care to not miss anything.  The book is a quick read and keeps the reader engaged with a variety of funny, somber, and crazy stories that are easy to identify with.

Anyone that has ever been to a funeral will be able to identify with Miller’s desire to live a life that matters and to be able to demonstrate accomplishment of some grand adventures.  One of my favorite parts of the book talk about a parade he heard about through a neighborhood.  One of the main rules of the parade is the fact that “no one is allowed to watch the parade, you are only allowed to participate.”

I had this book sitting on my desk for a week or two and then ended up with a few hours of unexpected free time.  I sat down and read the book in one sitting with no trouble at all.  Miller’s writing is like having a conversation at Starbuck’s with an old friend.  If you are ready to live a life that matters and encourage others around you to do the same, then this book is for you!

To read an excerpt of the book, click here.

To follow Donald Miller on twitter, click here.


Goal for Today


Posted by meganstrange

My goal for today is to live up to the challenge  laid down in Ezekiel 24:14.

“I am the Lord. I have spoken; it shall come to pass; I will do it. I will not go back; I will not spare; I will not relent; according to your ways and your deeds you will be judged, declares the Lord God.”


Flood Relief Need: Paulding County ASAP


Posted by meganstrange

I just received this email from my neighbor that teaches in a Paulding County School.  I know it is last minute since this is for tomorrow, but if you could help out or even spread the word, that would be awesome!  This is a great opportunity to share Christ by meeting some practical needs.

Hello Neighboring schools,
It was said that humanity often comes together to help one another during time of crisis, I wish we held that philosohpy all of the time. However Crisis has hit our Paulding Families and we need to come together to help them. Today, Connie Plunkett-Thompson and Myself went to Carrington Lakes and Cantebury Subdivisions (off Baker’s Bridge Rd) to survey the damage from the floods. It was devastating to see families living in tents in their front yard and emptying their belongings and memories into dumpsters. We stopped and talked to families and asked how we could help and what their immediate needs are. The consensus was cleaning and storage supplies. To help our families in need we are setting up a Flood Relief Day at Austin Middle School this Saturday from 9-12. We will distribute any donated items to the families in need and provide hot breakfast for the families. If you would like to participate in this cause please bring items to Austin Middle School on Friday or Saturday morning at 8am. Thank You for your help.

Needed Items
Bleach
Disposable Diapers
Spray Bottles
Rubber Gloves
Work Gloves
Brooms
Paper towels
Sponge mops
Sponges
Buckets
Heavy Duty Trash Bags
Fans
Storage Tubs
Boxes
Packing Tape
Bottled Water


Emma: 10 months


Posted by meganstrange

This has been a really big month for Emma.  She has started doing so many cool things and she is such a blast to hang out with!  The day after Emma turned 9 months old, she decided it was time to start crawling and hasn’t stopped since!  She crawls really fast and is quite the explorer.  After a couple of days of crawling, Emma decided that it was time to stand up and pull up on everything.

This month Emma also got her first two teeth.  They have been trying to come in for a while and she woke up one morning and one had broken through and then the other one a few days later.  She seems a little confused by the teeth and keeps running her tongue over them.  Hopefully some more will break through soon and then she can start eating Moe’s, pizza, and everything else she has been staring longingly at!

We also had a bit of a scare this month.  About a week ago, Emma woke up during the night with a really high fever and a high pitched barking cough.  We haven’t had that yet, so we took her to the emergency room since it seemed that she might be having trouble breathing.  They were super nice at the Pediatric ER at Kennestone and we were in and out and on our way home within about an hour and a half.  I guess it helps to go at 1:30am!  Emma had croup.  They gave her a steroid and some instructions for us to help her be more comfortable.  We laid low at home for a few days and she was back in action in no time.

Emma went to the doctor the other day for her 9 month checkup and we were told that she is in the 95th percentile for both height and weight.  She is growing like a champ and has the funniest sense of humor.  The other night I was putting Emma to bed and she was standing up in her crib while I was putting some of her stuff away.  I told her that it was time to lay down so that she could go to sleep.  She laughed and shook her head no.  I am sure that the baby books would tell me I should correct her, but instead I decided to join her and laugh hysterically.  After that, for the next few minutes, she shook her head and I laughed.  We had a blast!

Here are some pictures from the past month.  Clint and I remain totally amazed that God would chose us to raise this precious little angel!


Book Review: You Were Born for This


Posted by meganstrange

I had the privilege of receiving a copy of You Were Born for This: 7 Keys to a Life of Predictable Miracles by Bruce Wilkinson in the mail.  After Prayer of Jabez, I really wasn’t all that sure if I was interested in reading anything else by Wilkinson.  I have never really been a fan of picking one Bible verse and crafting a whole movement from it.  Perhaps I just became a little jaded after seeing all of the Prayer of Jabez socks and Christmas cards in the clearance bin at my local LifeWay Stores.

I have always heard great things about Bruce Wilkinson and am sure that he is a man of God, so I decided that it was time to try another of his books.  You Were Born For This turned out to be an interesting read.  I definitely didn’t agree with all of Wilkinson’s strategies, but his overall concept of making sure that you are ready and prepared to be a blessing to someone else is definitely something I can resonate with.

Wilkinson did a great job unpacking 7 keys to being prepared to help deliver a miracle to someone else.  The majority of the preparation has to do with being so close to God that you can recognize when He is calling you to act in a situation.  There are also some great points in this book about being responsible with your finances.  If you are broke, chances are you can’t help others even when you feel God leading you to.

There are a lot of stories in this book that will challenge you to look for ways that you can help meet the needs of others.  I believe that God desires for us to be in a position spiritually and financially to be His hands and feet in different situations.  Once you have witnessed God do a miracle in the life of someone else, you will recognize that You Were Born for This.


Passion 2010


Posted by meganstrange

Be sure to check out this promo video for Passion 2010.  God is doing amazing things in the hearts and lives of college students and young adults through this movement.  I have had the privilege of attending some of the Passion OneDay and Conference events.  Their desire is Isaiah 26:8 that this generation would truly be one that is united for His renown.  Pass the word along to any college students and young adults that you know!