I’m a wife, mother, and writer. I’m a daughter, sister, and friend. I’m a
reader, knitter, and scrapbooker. I’m a cook, maid, and seamstress. I’m an
engineer, manager, and bookkeeper.

With all that stuff going on,
you’d think I’d be fulfilled.

Nope. Not even close. More often than not, I
feel anxious. Desperate. Inadequate.

 
My task-oriented nature struggles to stay in the
moment. To focus my energy on one thing, without mentally scrambling to
determine the most efficient way to check off something else at the same
time.
 
But by refusing to do one thing at a time, I’m
not doing any one thing well.
 
And I’m robbing myself of so much
joy.
 
Jim Elliot is quoted as saying, “Wherever you
are, be all there.” I love that. I want that to characterize my life. I think
it’s another key to rediscovering joy.
 
Because something tells me that when Jesus took
on humanity, He was an “all there” kind of guy. Would you care to guess what
makes me think that?
 
Jesus spent nine months in a
womb.
 
NINE MONTHS.
 
Have you ever thought of the challenge that must
have been? To go from omnipresence to embryo. To grow inside a body You
created.
 
But He did it. He was all there. All God. All
man. All at the same time. All miraculously contained inside Mary’s swelling
body. The Word that spoke the world into existence limited Himself to baby
babble. The hands that carved out oceans and piled high mountains were content
to bang on a pot with a wooden spoon.

Wherever He was, He was all
there.

 
And because He became Immanuel, God with us, we
have Joy. True Joy. Not fleeting happiness. Not momentary pleasure.
 
Eternal Joy.
 
So as I stand in football field length store
lines or sit in gridlocked mall traffic, instead of chafing at the limitations,
I’m trying to practice being all there.
 
I’m not always successful, but when I am, I’m
discovering there’s so much Joy to be found in every moment.
 
So what about you? Do you feel up to a
Christmas challenge?
 
This week, join me. Wherever you are, be all
there. Wrapping presents? Be all there. At a party? Be all there. At a Christmas
program when you still have Christmas baking, shopping, cleaning, and wrapping
to do? Be all there.
 
I think you’ll find Joy there.
 
And when you do, please come back and tell us
about it.
edited from the archives

I’m no Scrooge. Far from it.

I’m a present shaking, Christmas music listening, holiday baking, 38-year-old wanna-be elf.

But even my twinkle light loving self has to admit that a part of me looks at the December calendar with more dread than delight.

There’s just so much to do! And so little of me to do it.

Which is why I have to slow down.

Yep. You read that right.

I didn’t say I needed a clone (which I do) or a housekeeper (yes, please!).

I need to slow down because God is going to keep throwing this idea in my face until I get it. He’s been really pushy about it for the past week.

It started while I was chatting with a friend. We were commiserating about how busy we both are and as we talked, I glanced at my Facebook page. Yes, that’s right. Now, don’t look like that. You know you do it to. It’s called multi-tasking and we’ve already established the fact that I’m very busy. 🙂

Anyway, there, right smack in the middle of the page was the following post from Lysa TerKeurst.

Spending some time getting quiet this morning can really be the best remedy for tangled situations. Taking a step back from all the emotion, frustration, and exhaustion to sit quietly with Jesus will do more to untangle a mess than anything else I’ve ever found.

I read it to Sara and we were both struck by the truth in her words . . . and the harsh reality that neither of us had time to do what she was suggesting.

Then, on Sunday, our pastor stomped all over my busy little life when he reminded us that we do make time for what is a priority, and that nothing should be a bigger priority than time in the Word.

I had already made the connection that God was getting all up in my busyness when my four-year-old raced out of the church doors and ten feet later crashed in spectacular fashion. As he cried, I scooped him up and carried him to the van. When he calmed down I asked him what happened.

His response?

“I forgot to slow down!”

Out of the mouths of babes. All I could do was shake my head and say, “OK, Lord. Point made.”

So as the holiday season spins out in front of us, I’d like to challenge you with this.

Don’t forget to slow down.

Slow down long enough to read the book of Luke. Or John. (Or both!)

Slow down long enough to relish the Joy that is ours because a virgin conceived, and bore a son, and called His name Emmanuel.

Slow down long enough to remember the first tree and the the Ultimate Gift that hung on it.

Slow down long enough to revel in the love the God of the Universe has lavished on you.

This really is the best time of the year…let’s slow down long enough to enjoy it!

Now it’s your turn: How do you plan to slow down?

Grace and peace,

Lynn

You may have noticed that the blog has been a little quiet for the past couple of weeks.

I am sorry about that, but I’ve been busy.

First, it was the stomach bug that attacked every member of my family. I’ll spare you the gory details.

But we recovered. I did laundry for a week.

And then…well…like I said, I’ve been busy.

Very busy.

I hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving.
Out of the Boat should return to regular programming next week!

Grace and peace,
Lynn

Placebo by Steven James

Placebo is the first book in Steven James’ new series, The Jevin Banks Experience.

Jevin Banks is an illusionist with a successful stage show, a wife, and twin sons. Until tragedy lays him bare.

Placebo opens with a first chapter that is so painful to read, I kept having to remind myself that it wasn’t real. The 2nd person voice enhances the agony. This experience is so vivid, so raw, that even the character living through it needs a way to distance himself.

Despite  the fact that we meet Jevin Banks at his lowest point, the story that unfolds is not depressing. And it is not a particularly gruesome story. Don’t get me wrong, this is Steven James after all! His bad guys are creepy. But while I usually need to leave the lights on and only read his books when I’m in a safe place, Placebo‘s plot kept me turning pages well into the night and left me eager for the next experience.

I never give away the plot when I write a review, but here are a few teasers for you.

1. Placebo deals with quantum physics and entanglement theory, but you don’t need a Ph.D. to follow the plot. If you ever read something you don’t understand, don’t worry. None of the characters in the story fully understand it either. That’s the point. Just keep reading.

2. The secondary characters are awesome. We meet everyone from a conspiracy theorist with a thing for cheese to a brilliant computer security expert with a wandering eye. Trust me, you’re going to love them.

3. The best fiction deals with questions that we all struggle with. Placebo asks some tough ones. How do we go on when people we love make horrible mistakes? What’s the point of getting up in the morning? How powerful is prayer and does it really work?

4. The very best fiction asks tough questions and doesn’t leave you depressed. Placebo is some of the very best fiction out there.

Get it. Read it. Experience it.

Available November 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

The super fine print: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

It’s November 1st. The day when writers all over the world flex their fingers and dive in to the wild and crazy ride that is NaNoWriMo.

In case you aren’t familiar with that acronym it stands for National Novel Writing Month and the idea is to write 50,000 words in 30 days.

I’ve done it in the past but I’m not participating this year for two reasons.
1. I’m a little too far into my work-in-progress. (The rules state that you are supposed to start on Word Zero).
2. I’m going to be on vacation for a week. (I’m not interested in trying to squeeze in 50K in 21 days).

Since I’m not NaNo’ing this year, I decided to talk about the ways writers like to procrastinate. And believe me, writers procrastinate in all sorts of “writerly” ways.

I’m over at The Write Conversation today, with my “You Know You’re A Writer When You Procrastinate By….” thoughts. I’d love it if you’d come over and say Hi. (And leave us your favorite way to procrastinate in the comments!)

~~~~~~~~~~~
Sneak Peek: Check back here next Thursday for my review of Placebo by Steven James!

Shelves waiting to be filled.

First, an update on Addie Reese. Her recovery has been nothing short of miraculous! She is currently on a rehab floor at the hospital in Charlotte, and they are already talking about outpatient therapies for her when she comes home. Thank you for praying for this sweet little girl and her family!

Second, you may or may not have noticed that the past few blog posts have come “from the archives.” I decided to take a few weeks off and pull older posts so I could focus on getting some things done around my home.

Boring things like laundry and cleaning out closets.
And fun things…like bookshelves! My dad outdid himself. I knew they would be awesome…I had no idea how awesome! (For those of you who don’t know, my dad can build anything!)

Way back in 1815, Thomas Jefferson wrote a letter to John Adams that included this phrase . . .
“I cannot live without books.”

All the books-finally out of boxes.

I understand that. Since we moved in March 2011, the vast majority of my books have been in boxes in my formal dining room. Over the past 18 months, I have opened every single box as I’ve searched for specific friends. And yes, I do think of my books as friends.

They have been my companions when human friends were few and far between, my escape from reality when life has pressed in hard, and my teachers on subjects that vary from theology to musicals.

My favorite spot!

I’ve missed my friends. And there’s something very satisfying about having them out where I can see and touch them. Their presence has already made this once unused space into my favorite room in our home.

Now, they wait for a new friend. I don’t know how long they’ll have to wait, but I’m confident that someday, they’ll be joined by a book that has my name on it!

It’s your turn…what’s your favorite book, series, author? I have four empty shelves that need to be filled!

I had something else planned for today, but it can wait.

Today, I would like to ask you to take the time you would normally spend reading this post to pray for Addie Reese and her family.

Addie Reese is the 7-year-old daughter of my friend Alexis. She fell from a tree on Saturday and cracked her skull. So far, all the scans have been promising, and she has spoken and even tried to sit up, but she has still not fully wakened. Whenever they back off of the sedation, she’s in so much pain they have to give her something that knocks her back out.

My mother’s heart is broken for my friend. I cannot imagine a harder path to walk than one that leaves you watching your own child suffer.

So please join me in praying for pain relief and full healing for Addie Reese. For comfort and a strong sense of God’s presence for Alexis and Nick and the entire family. And for wisdom and discernment for the doctors and nurses caring for Addie Reese.

Abba – I do not understand. But I know that You do. I know that You have experienced the agony of watching a child suffer and I know that You alone have the power to comfort, to speak peace to their hearts, to ease Addie Reese’s pain, to give clarity and insight to the physicians and nurses, and to bring something beautiful out of this. I do not understand, but I trust You.

Books: Finished The Meaning of Marriage by Tim and Kathy Keller. This should be required reading for everyone—single, dating, married—doesn’t matter. Amazing Biblical insights. (Available through the Greenville County Library system…just sayin’).

Writing: I terrorized a mall full of children this week. I’m not sure what I think of myself right now! (Disclaimer: No real children were frightened in the creation of this plot line.)

Family: My dad has been here this week building my bookshelves! He’s awesome!

Home: The bookshelves! Finally, my books can be released from their cardboard box prisons and breathe the free air again!

Food: My husband recently obtained a charcoal grill. Our gas grill may never be used again. The chicken he fixed earlier this week was A.MAZ.ING!

TV: I know politics matter. I have very strong opinions on the subject of who our next president should be. But I cannot bear to watch the debates. I try, but after a few minutes I find myself wanting to throw things at the screen.

Wonders: Are you familiar with the wonder that is the Monkey Hook? These things will change your life. No screws, no half-inch size holes in your dry wall. No hammers or drills. Just a tiny bit of pressure, a little twist, and you’ve hung a picture. No wall is safe from me now!

Weirdness: Um, see Wonders! 🙂

May your weekend be filled with wonders and weirdness!

Grace and peace,
Lynn

I like detailed directions.

Extremely
detailed.

If you ever need directions to my house, I don’t just say turn
left on this street and right on that one. Oh no. I include important
information such as “Approximately 8/10 of a mile after you turn left you’ll
come to a curve that makes you feel like you should put your turn signal on. The
curve is 1/10 of a mile from your next right turn.”

People love
my directions.

Okay. Actually, they laugh hysterically when the
read them, but the reality is, if I give you directions, you are not going to
get lost. At least, not if you follow them.

This need for detailed
direction is probably why I struggle with Psalm 119:105.

Thy
word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

I
learned the verse as a child and my mental picture involved an enormous
spotlight shining its powerful beam a good 100 yards down the path.

But
that’s not what we’re talking about here. Oil lamps don’t give off that much
light. We’re talking about just enough light to avoid stubbing your toe on a
root or slamming into a boulder.

And this frustrates me.

After all, God is quite capable of giving detailed
directions.

Have you seen the book of Leviticus? I mean
honestly. Talk about details. (I like to think I get my detail issues from the
Almighty—it’s nicer than admitting to being a bit OCD).

And talk about
lighting a path. This is the God of the Shekinah glory cloud and the pillar of
fire. God knows how to light up a path when He wants to.

And yet . .
.

He seems to prefer to give me just enough information to take
the next step.

No more. No less.

You can’t race along a
path with that little bit of light. Each step must be measured. Each foot
placement considered. You have to be on your guard at all times. And you have to
have faith that the destination is worth the harrowing journey.

Of
course, my faith is what’s at issue.

I have to trust that the One
who lights my path, knows my path.

So I continue to step out,
never knowing what’s next, but knowing He does.

from the archives
When A Heart Stops
Book 2 in the Deadly Reunions Series

Back in May of 2011, I reviewed Too Close to Home by Lynette Eason. It was the first in the 3-book Women of Justice series and all three were excellent. Then, I eagerly read When the Smoke Clears—the first book in Lynette’s new Deadly Reunions series—as soon as it became available. (You can read my review here).
 

So you can imagine how excited I was when I realized that the second book in the series, When A Heart Stops, is about Serena Hopkins. You see, I met Serena back in Lynette’s first series and I love it when a secondary character winds up having a story of their own.
And Serena’s story will have your heart racing. From page one.
In her job as medical examiner, Serena Hopkins sees death on a daily basis. But when former classmates start turning up dead, it becomes clear that someone is sending a message. And that she may be next.
FBI Agent Dominic Allen has known Serena since she was a little girl playing with his sister (Alexia from When the Smoke Clears). But Serena is all grown up and Dominic would love to get to know her better. Before he can see if there’s a chance for them to be more than friends, he’s going to have to find the serial killer who plans to make her the next victim.
Lynette ratcheted up the shiver factor for this one! The opening pages are intense and the serial killer is a long way past creepy.
When The Smoke Clears
Book 1 in the Deadly Reunions Series

As I’ve come to expect from Lynette, the story never ends quite the way I think it will. I had a pretty good idea who the bad guy was…but there was a twist!

Now, one word of warning. The Deadly Reunions series has a continuing suspense thread that has not been resolved. This doesn’t bother me one bit! I love it when a series answers most of my questions and leaves me hanging…just a little!
 
But, If you haven’t read When the Smoke Clears, it will be tricky to follow the nuances of the plot in When A Heart Stops. If you have read When the Smoke Clears, you might want to take five minutes to refresh your memory about the key players and the drama that surrounds Alexia, Serena, and Jillian.
 
Then, turn on all the lights, lock all the doors, and dive into When A Heart Stops. You’ll be glad you did. And you’ll be just like me…anxiously waiting for Book 3!
Special Note:
For those of you who live in the Greenville, SC area—Lynette will be signing copies of When A Heart Stops at the Lifeway store on Haywood Rd. Saturday, October 20th from 1-3pm. You won’t want to miss it!
 
The super fine print: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not obligated to provide a positive review. All opinions are my own.

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