Book Review - Tithing: Test Me in This

I have just finished reading the book “Tithing: Test Me in This” by Douglas LeBlanc. The tome is one of eight in The Ancient Practices Series. The book was nothing like I expected, which was a biblically-based history lesson on tithing. Instead, the author interviews individuals and couples from diverse backgrounds and denominations and tells their stories of why they tithe and how their lives have been enriched by the discipline.

Because the book is broken down into eleven different narratives, it is an easy read. It isn’t full of heavy theological concepts; it is simply a snapshot of people’s experiences with giving their first fruits to God. Ironically, although the author briefly touches on his history with tithing, he does not go into detail of how the practice has affected his own life.

When I first started reading, I was disappointed by the lack of mention of the Scriptures, with the exception of Malachi 3:10. I felt better as I continued, and was particularly pleased with the chapter on Randy Alcorn, as several verses were referenced. In his defense, LeBlanc does state early on that the book “is not an exhaustive treatment of tithing or the theology related to it” and does a good job demonstrating that tithing is a widely universal practice.

In general, this book would be good for introducing the concept of tithing to those unfamiliar with it. Examining different accounts of the practice may provide insight as to why believers choose to give and may inspire the reader to “test God,” as His Word challenges. Those who already take part in the practice may discover some interesting new concepts, such as graduated tithing and the multilayered tithing approach.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Confession: I am dreading Monday

On Monday, I go back to work. It will be quite a while until I get another break - probably in the spring. Part of me is simply dreading it. I truly wish I didn't have to go back. I wish I could make a fresh start in a career that suits me better.

Last week, I received a letter granting me provisional acceptance into the Massage Therapy program at CCBC. As long as I earn a 'C' or better in Anatomy & Physiology, I'm in. I had to turn down the acceptance, though. Number 1, I was accepted for a spring start - which is solely a day-time program. Number 2, I never finished A&P. Number 3, I realized that my desire to have more children is bigger than my desire to attend school.

I thought I was at peace with the decision, so I was a bit surprised when I started crying watching a commercial for the Baltimore School of Massage. There was just a real longing in my soul as I felt the possibility of becoming a massage therapist gently slipping away.

If I had only one wish, I would quit my job and attend the BSOM massage program full time. I could be finished in as little as 7 months! Wouldn't that be amazing?!?

Sadly, we're not in a financial situation that would allow me to do that. With the choices we've made, we can't live on Harry's salary alone. But I feel in the pit of my stomach that something needs to change. I only wish I knew where to go from here.

All I can do is give my career over to the Lord. He knows the plans He has for me. Plans to prosper me and not harm me. I trust He has everything under control. I just wish He would show me where to go.

New Year's Eve

This day snuck up on me. I wasn't really ready for it yet, but here it is. Normally on this day, I spend the day in reflection - looking back on my accomplishments of the past year and making resolutions for the one to come. This year, I can't seem to embrace the tradition.

Number 1, I am so disappointed in 2010. This was supposed to be my year of Action - the kickoff to a huge Ephesians 3:20 decade. It was anything but. This year was largely filled with darkness, depression, inactivity, isolation, stress, anxiety, and feeling lost. The year was nothing like I imagined it would be at the end of 2009, celebrating at the Melting Pot with my two best friends.

Number 2, every time I make a resolution, I break it. Not intentionally. But for whatever reason, I never seem to stick to what I set out for myself. (Perhaps there is a self-sabotage issue that needs to be dealt with - but that would be a totally different post!)

All that said, I am determined to see big Breakthroughs in 2011. In my faith, in my family, in my health, in my career. Instead of making resolutions I know I won't keep, I simply promise this at the cusp of the New Year: to keep my focus on God and His will for my life. If I do that, everything else will work out.

Back to the Grind

I came into work today. Our school is closed, so it's pretty much a ghost town here. I had to work because, although I am stationed at UMB, I am technically an HHMI employee, so I follow a different vacation schedule than my co-workers. Yesterday, I decided to work from home. After all, I didn't want to be the only person in my building. (Even the security guards and housekeeping staff are on vacation). That turned out to be a mistake. I didn't get a thing done. I used to work from home a lot when Bianca was younger, and I never had any problems. Now that she is running all over the place, it's not as easy.

Because I am under grant deadline, I had to bite the bullet and come into work today. Even though it's bothered me the past two years, today, it feels quite nice being the only one here. I have been super productive this morning. At this point, I have one slight budget issue to fix, and I need to have a meeting with one of the investigators on Monday to get some more of the technical details, but after that, it should be smooth sailing! Considering how awful my last grant was, this one feels like a walk in the park!

And since my supervisor is on maternity leave, this one is solely in my hands. I finally feel like I'm getting the chance to prove myself, and it feels good. Everything feels like it is under control. We should not only be able to submit our proposal on time, we should be able to submit early! Again, this is complete opposite of our last application. I am hardly stressing at all. Praise God!

I have a few more easy tasks to complete, and then I'm calling it a day. Bianca and I will be going to Harry's Christmas tournament tonight. His game isn't until 7:30 PM, though, so it's going to be a long night for our Little One. (Who am I kidding? It's going to be a long night for me, too!)

For about a month now, Bianca has been having trouble sleeping. Of course, that means Mommy has also had trouble sleeping. Last night, though, was wonderful. I had a terrible headache, so Harry told me to go to bed early. At 8:00 PM, both Bianca and I went to bed. She cried for about 5 minutes, then she fell asleep. I was out not much longer. She didn't make any noise again until 4:40 this morning! I was so happy! My headache went away, and I was able to get over 8 hours of constant sleep! Such a HUGE blessing!

Today, my sticky note from God says, "Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness. Psalm 112:4." It's making me quite giddy because it's reiterating the message my pastor gave on Christmas. Yes, 2011 is going to be my Breakthrough year, but it's only because Jesus is lighting the way. It is simply wonderful having something so tangible to hold onto!

cookies and ice cream and cake...Oh My!

The past few weeks (aka - the Holiday Season), I have been eating terribly. No treat has been too good for my belly! I have also been drinking lots of soda. My body is definitely paying the price: my pants are too tight, and my face is broken out. I definitely need to clean up my diet and start exercising. Every year I make a New Year's Resolution to do just that - and lose 30 pounds in the process - but I end up making poor choices pretty much right off the bat.

I'm hoping that 2011 - my Breakthrough year - will be different. Albert Einstein said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. It's clear that if I want to see real change, I have to approach my weight loss in a different way than I have been all these years. I only wish I knew exactly what it would take to make a lasting impact. If I had the answer, I would already be much healthier right now.

My Answer is Yes

I'm sitting in front of the fire, enjoying it's beauty and warmth, as Harry and Bianca are napping upstairs. Snow is coming down outside, covering the ground with a powdery white blanket. I just feel incredibly serene right now.

We had a wonderful Christmas. I loved the message our pastor gave during the Christmas service. He focused on Jesus being the light in the darkness and a fount of water in the desert. I won't try to repeat it, but it was simply beautiful. We turned off all the lights in the church, lit a single candle from the Advent wreath, and then passed the flame from neighbor to neighbor. By the end, the entire church was brightly lit. We then sang, "Jesus, Light of the World" as we held our candles high. Tears were pouring out of my eyes. We then had communion to remember Jesus' biggest sacrifice and the true reason He came to earth. Finally, our pastor challenged us. Jesus says "Follow Me." He wants either a yes or a no, not a maybe. What is your answer going to be?

I asked Jesus into my heart in 1999. And even though I was on fire for a few months in the beginning, I never truly committed to living my life for God. For too many reasons, I was living life as a lukewarm Christian - saying all the right things, but not truly surrendering my life. My feet were planted on two sides of the fence. I wanted to trust that Jesus could provide everything for me, yet refused to let go of the world.

But 2011 is my Breakthrough year. It's the year when I am going to make great strides in my life - all because I finally let go. I have surrendered my life to Christ. I give him a resounding "YES" this Christmas!

New Beginnings

Today, something amazing happened: I had new visitors to my blog thanks to a post on a new friend's blog. And while I was excited to receive comments by some lovely ladies, I was also a bit embarrassed. A blog should be an expression of oneself, and frankly, I don't like what I have been presenting to the world. I am truly ashamed of my self-centeredness and negativity. Just as Jesus came into the world to shine light on our sins, these strong Christian women shone a light on mine.

The good news is that new beginnings are possible. From this point forward, I hope to write with intention, taking the focus off of myself and putting it back on the One who deserves so much more glory than my little life will be able to show.

So, welcome to "Whole in Him." I still have the same goal to become healthy in mind, body, and spirit.....only now I will continue my journey with my eyes focused upward. I look forward to the changes that God will bring to me in my breakthrough year. And all glory will be His!! "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14 NIV