I'm Officially a Lion Chaser

I am reading Mark Batterson's book right now, and I'm not real sure why. I had a list of about 5 books as I entered Half Price Books last week, but this was not one of them. Actually, the store did not have a single book on my list, and then I saw it. I have seen many pastors I listen to and respect talk about this book. I thought to myself, "I'll pick it up for Skip." However I forgot one of my man's cardinal rule's - "Don't tell me what to read. Leave it there on my nightstand for 3 to 6 months so I can finally see it, think it was my idea, then I read it." It's a sick, silly attitude, but such as "our agreement."

Anyway let's get back to Mark's book. Wow! Started reading it and right away he tried to lose me by talking about battles with lions and other manly warrior topics. I stuck with it a while longer and now I can't put it down. It is so relevant to man, woman, pastor, pastor's wife, Joe plumber, Jane school teacher, stay-at-home mom, writer, wife to Skip Mozisek. You get the point.

Mark is making me think, making me evaluate my life and situations, reflect on my past, envision my future and especially see my awesome God in a whole new light. It's just a book, I know. It's not God's Word. But what it is, is one of those encounters that happens in a Christian's life that makes you stop and take notice of this journey that your on. It's making me see that I want to fully embrace my fears, my obstacles and my purpose that God has designed just for me. And guess what? I'm only beginning Chapter 4 of 9.

Just a few key quotes of Mark's that I must share:

"God is in the business of strategically positioning us in the right place at the right time. But the right place often seems like the wrong place, and the right time often seems like the wrong time. (Can anyone else relate-Amen, I love this! I have felt this many times in my past.-Good stuff)

"How you think of God will determine who you become." Over the last year God has shown himself so Big to me, so unmeasurable and so Holy. Therefore, I am becoming more confident in who I am as a wife, mother and friend. Leading bible studies is more than an honor and privilege. Serving and loving my husband is big in God's eyes. Being there to support, love and encourage women behind the scenes is worthy and admirable. Writing out my thoughts for the few readers I have is still writing and for His glory, not man's.

"It is the failure to unlearn irrational fears and misconceptions that keeps us from becoming who god wants us to be." Too much here and too personal.

"Someday we may be as grateful for the bad things as the good things, because the bad things helped prepare us for the good things." This quote is in Chapter 4 that I'm reading right now. Feel like I could write a 150 pg book in a day about this quote alone. Like you, I have had hurts and trials that were unfair and totally had me stuck and without hope. But...But...things things over time I see were for a purpose and have prepared me thoroughly for the days that were ahead.

I have to share just a few examples from the quote above. You can come up with your own if you think for a minute.

*Marrying a man who believed in God, but did not have a "personal" relationship with Jesus. Skip is now a pastor and relates to the lost in a way some others can't.

*Had a very sick child with health problem after health problem. Now my son is thriving and I can help other mom's who are dealing with similiar circumstances.

*Was told I could not serve women in the area of ministry that was my passion years ago. This hurt more than anything, but it gave me the desire to seek God even more, study his word and work on my weaknesses. God gave me the platform despite man's opposition. I love encouraging women and will do it till the day I die-and no one can stop what God has purposed for my life.

*Had our life turned upside down for a while and fell into deep financial uncertainty. Cut back on everything, learned to be more content with the simple things in life, and became more aware of what it means to rely on the provision of God.

Thanks for letting me share my "manly" find with you. Take a chance and chase some lions with me. Hey, maybe they sell a pink bow and arrow set somewhere out there .