The Power of the Written Word and Reformation Day

In the beginning was the Word,

and the Word was with God,

and the Word was God.

~John 1:1

Quotes from some of the reformers...because it's Reformation Day. :) 

*****

Peace if possible. Truth at all costs. 
~Martin Luther 

A man with God is always in the majority. 
~John Knox 

 I defy the Pope and all his laws. If God spare my life ere many years, I will cause the boy that drives the plow to know more of the scriptures than you!

~William Tyndale

Christ will have no discharged soldiers, but those who have conquered death itself.
~John Calvin

You are a tool in the hands of God. He demands your service, not your rest. Yet, how fortunate you are that he lets you take part in his work. 
~Ulrich Zwingli

I believe that in the end truth will conquer. 
~John Wycliffe 

Be of good comfort, Master Ridley, play the man! We shall this day light such a candle, by God’s grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out. 
~Hugh Latimer

Trouble and perplexity drive me to prayer, and prayer drives away perplexity and trouble.

~Philipp Melanchthon

We should ask God to increase our hope when it is small, awaken it when it is dormant, confirm it when it is wavering, strengthen it when it is weak, and raise it up when it is overthrown.
~John Calvin

So when the devil throws your sins in your face and declares that you deserve death and hell, tell him this: "I admit that I deserve death and hell, what of it? For I know the One who suffered and made satisfaction on my behalf. His name is Jesus Christ, Son of God, and where He is there I shall be also!"
~Martin Luther

Seek the truth. Listen to the truth. Teach the truth. Love the truth. Abide by the truth. And defend the truth unto death.
~John Huss

*****

Grateful to these men and to all the other men and women who were willing to take a stand for the truth, despite persecution. For they proclaimed that through Scripture alone, we are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone to the glory of God alone.

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
~John 17:17

Sola Scriptura.
Sola Gratia.
Sola Fide.
Sola Christo.
Sola Gloria de Dios.

Because of Him...alone,

Kaleigh

Book Review: Wrestling Prayer

"God's concept of prayer is far more like picking up Ulysses's massive sword and swinging it with all the fire and ferocity of a desperately crazed warrior. God's version of prayer takes territory. It doesn't sit at home and clip spiritual coupons; it heads off into enemy territory to fight. Samson picked up the jawbone of a donkey and single-handedly slew a thousand Philistines, and we are supposed to pick up the jawbone of prayer and wreck untold spiritual havoc upon the enemy camp."

~Eric Ludy

My sister gave me this book for my birthday this year, and I finished reading it two days ago. Eric and Leslie Ludy write about how the Lord showed them what prayer really is: a pasionate communion with God. A passionate communion. Not just passion and emotion, and not just writing up a list of wants and needs to ask God about. They detail prayer that the evangelical world today does not know. It's the kind of prayer that the men and women of past church history demonstrated. The people who spent hours on their knees pleading for the souls of others before the Throne of Grace. 

Eric writes with passion, the passion given him by a powerful God through the power of prayer. The kind of prayer that doesn't sit back and nonchalantly watch God "allow" things to happen, but the kind of prayer that fights the battle against the spiritual powers of Satan. I love how this book takes many of the Old Testament characters (like David and Joab) and really details the lives of these men. Eric mentions the 37 men who were considered David's Mighties. The men who never gave in to the enemy, who never yielded ground, who would not turn from their commander, and who dared to do the reckless in God's strength. Only 37 of them in the thousands that numbered David's armies, yet they were some of his closest confidants, and they knew how to fight. 

Leslie gives three key ingredients for prayer: 

1. Praying God-prayers. Praying how God wants us and commands us to pray. Not just how we think or feel that we should. 

2. Praying with complete confidence (aka--faith). Doubt, suspicion, fear, and hesitancy are faith-killers. Remember it takes faith as big (or small ;) as a grain of mustard seed to move mountains--except that this culture doesn't exactly expect prayer to work miracles. 

3. Praying until the answer comes. This, too, takes faith. And perseverence and tenacity. It takes spiritual fortitude to keep asking when we don't see anything happening. Just because we don't think we see anything changing, doesn't mean that God isn't working. And sometimes your prayers aren't meant to change your circumstances or change the intesity of the battle. Your prayers might be what is necessary to change you. 

Like Jacob wrestled with God...

"Most of us have never even come to Peniel. We do our praying and our Christian thing in our own cunning and strength. But Peniel is the place where spiritual things truly get done. It's the place of wrestling, and that indimidates many of us. It's the place of holding on until the day breaks, until the victory is achieved--and that sounds tiresome. But this is the great secret to answered prayer." (Leslie Ludy)

Prayer also takes self-examination, as Leslie and Eric speak of. They knew they could not honestly face a holy God with known sin in their life, and as the Lord brought sin to their attention, they repented. Keeping a clear conscience between you and God is vital in a Christian's prayer life. As the authors put it, our Lord is a fearless Commander who gives no quarter to sin, and if we're going to be named among the mighty prayer warriors then we must be willing--no, not just willing, but desirious--for God's spiritual purging of our lives. 

The Ludy's also write about the power of prayer in our physical lives. It is not uncommon for them to spend hours praying through the night. Sometimes praying instead of sleeping. You would expect this to tired them physically and mentally, but prayer fuels their bodies as well as their minds and they would not give in until they were certain of victory through prayer. The Lord blessed them for their perseverance and gave them strength above and beyond what they thougth they had. They gave no ground to their flesh, and the weapon of prayer yielded a mighty victory. 

What does your prayer life look like? Is it a passionate communion with God? A spiritual tenacity that doesn't let go even when weariness sets in? Or is it just a to-do list for God so that maybe He'll supply the things we need and want? Is it a prayer in faith that claims the promises in Scripture? Or is it a half-hearted cry hoping that God will notice us sometime? 

***** 

All hell is vanquished when the believer bows his knee in importunate supplication. Beloved brethren, let us pray. We cannot all argue, but we can all pray; we cannot all be leaders, but we can all be pleaders; we cannot all be mighty in rhetoric, but we can all be prevalent in prayer. I would sooner see you eloquent with God than with men. Prayer links us with the Eternal, the Omnipotent, the Infinite, and hence it is our chief resort...Be sure that you are with God, and then you may be sure that God is with you.”

~Charles Spurgeon

Our prayers should be insistent. There comes a time, in spite of our soft, modern ways... when we must wrestle.... The Bible recognizes such a thing as storming heaven. 

~Cameron V. Thompson

As long as we have unsolved problems, unfilled desires, and a mustard seed of faith, we have all we need for a vibrant prayer life.

~John Ortberg

Groanings which cannot be uttered are often prayers that cannot be refused.

~C.H. Spurgeon

**Thanks for the book, Hannah. It's a great one. :D

The Bookshelf Tag

The Bible is not only a book of divine revelation; 

it is also a book of literary grandeur, 

sublime influence, human interest, amazing accuracy, 

perfect unity, and everlasting challenge. 

~J. Edwin Orr

Last month I was tagged for The Bookshelf Tag by Schuyler M at My Lady Bibliophile. Schuyler is a close friend of mine, and you all should check out her book blog if you haven't already. ;) Thank you for the tag, Lady B! :) 

I've been collecting books since I started to read, and I have many, many favorites. And I keep going into second-hand book stores to find more treasures--sometimes you find them in the oddest of places. I read a lot of fiction when I was younger, and I still definitely enjoy it; however, I do find more benefit from non-fiction, as I usually read to gain knowledge and to learn, and I have found that I get more out of non-fiction (during this season of life, anyway). You'll see my collection of books in the three pictures in this post. I do have many others online, but I tend to forget about them because I love reading an actual book instead of staring at a screen. 

I'm having a difficult time choosing other bloggers to tag, so if you are a reader (and a blogger ;), consider yourself tagged! :) 

1) Is there a book that you really want to read but haven’t because you know that it’ll make you cry?

Crying over books has never been an issue for me, because it's been my standard policy never to do so. :P I don't pick out books based on whether or not I will cry over them because I just don't cry, and I don't remember ever crying over a book in the past, either. However, I have read two books that I will not read again because of the terrible endings. The books were both works of fiction and were well-written with solid morals, but I did not enjoy the conclusions. I think books should have good endings, even when there are consequences for wrong actions. Personal preference, I realize. :P

2) Pick one book that helped introduce you to a new genre.

I haven't expanded my genre "collection" for a while now. I tend to stay within the realms of historical fiction and non-fiction, but I did very much enjoy The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. Those books introduced the meaning of allegory and fantasy to me. I have seen that reading fantasy that has a Scriptural worldview can really deepen your understand of the world we live in now in a way that fiction and non-fiction don't. And there are other books in the genre of fantasy that are on my to-read list.

3) Find a book that you want to reread. 

Actually a three-book series: the Crown and Covenant series by Douglas Bond. Except I might skip the ending of the third book. It's sad. :P

4) Is there a book series you read but wish that you hadn’t?

No, not a series. The two books I mentioned previously (that I wish I hadn't read) are Titus: A Comrade of the Cross by Florence Morse Kingsley (you can probably guess the ending to that book just by the title) and The Choctaw Code by Brent Ashabranner and Russell G. Davis. All the other books I have read have been more or less interesting, but those are the two I would not read again.

5) If your house were burning down and all of your family and pets were safe, which book would you go back inside to save?

Oh, dear. Schuyler changed this question a bit in her response, and I think I must do the same. Provided that my family, pets, and computer were safe, I think I would go back to save my three special Bibles. I discussed with a friend the possibility of being able to actually save the rest of my books because they are all in my bedroom which has a window, so I could potentially just throw them all out the window and be fine, depending on where the fire was, but I think that's overthinking the question. My Bibles, however, are in my work area, which would take some creativity to get to in an emergency. But I would try to save them because I've marked things in them, and they're the kind of books that I know where verses are because I can see the page in my head--where I've underlined or written things in the margins.

6) Is there one book on your bookshelf that brings back fond memories?

Well...there's this book I never got tired of as a little kid. I remember curling up on the couch or in my bed with my dad, who would patiently read and reread it for me. I'm sure I asked him to read it every night. I remember him reading it in all different sorts of accents (he was probably bored of reading it a million times, and wanted to make it more interesting for himself), and I would say "No, Dad. That's not how it goes! Read it properly!" And sometimes he would try to scare me during the scary parts. Or he would try to skip pages, but I always knew if he did. (Thanks for all the patience, Dad! ;) I can still see the pictures and pages in my head, and I can almost quote the first page from memory. There were parts I never understood as a child. For instance, I never did figure out if the "bad guy" was actually bad, but I didn't let that bother me because I didn't want to interrupt the flow of the story, and because I wanted to hear the end again. The ending was good. ;) My copy of this book has been taped and re-taped on the spine, and the front cover and pages are tattered, but I still have it. I actually searched it on Amazon.ca, and apparently it's worth 0.01 at it's cheapest (minus the shipping). Guess re-selling it as an antique isn't an option. :P I never heard of any other child who knew of the book when I was really into it, so I'm not sure it was very popular. But I lived and breathed it every night practically...for a few years. This book has other special memories along with it, but they aren't for posting on a public blog. ;) Oh, yes. The book's called Norman the Doorman by Don Freeman, and it's about ... a mouse. ;) 

7) Find a book that has inspired you the most. 

I think two books deserve a place here: So Much More by Anna Sophia and Elizabeth Botkin (most inspiring during the ages of 14-15), and The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges (most inspiring during the ages of 19-20). The former helped me to define my role in life as a Christian, sister, daughter, and friend. And in a way, the Scriptural principles it taught determined the direction I took during and after high school. The second book was especially encouraging as it laid out the definition of holiness, how we are to view it, and why it's vital for every believer. A short book, but a mind-changing one for me. And both of these books I intend to reread again in the near future. 

8) Do you have any autographed books?

I don't think I do. And if I do, it certainly wouldn't be because I went up to somebody and asked them for their autograph. At least, not yet--not in my current collection. Don't think I'm brave enough for that sort of thing, yet. :P There is one book I'd like to have autographed, though...and if you check out the blog I mentioned at the beginning of this post, you'll find recent snippets from the Work in Progress. And someday, Lord willing, I shall have a copy of it with an autograph inside one day. ;)

9) Find the book that you have owned the longest.

Oh, that would definitely have to be the aforementioned mouse book. 

10) Is there a book by an author that you never imagined you would read or enjoy?

No, actually. When people told me that I wouldn't like a book, I usually wanted to read it to see if they were right. And I usually *cough* liked it. And all the books that people were raving about...I usually liked those, too. So I don't think I ever went into a book thinking I wouldn't enjoy it. 

But no matter what books I have collected, enjoyed, or not so much enjoyed, there is still One Book that stands above the rest in all areas: the Word of God. God's revelation to man in the written word. Despite the books, genres, authors, and literary critics that have come and gone, God's Word still remains, and it will continue to stand the test of time until our Savior comes. 

"The Bible is of such universal and perennial interest that it will call forth comments and sermons without number, to the end of time. This of itself is sufficient evidence of its divine origin and character. It is now more extensively studied than ever before, and goes on conquering and to conquer in the face of all enemies. It is inexhaustible. It never grows old, but increases in interest and value as time flows on. Human books have their day, but ‘the Word of the Lord endureth forever.’"

~Philip Schaff

Coaching Goals and Obstacles

The single best way to develop leaders 

is to take people out of their safe environments 

and away from the people they know, 

and throw them into a new arena they know little about. 

Way over their head, preferably.

In fact, the more demanding their challenges,

the more pressure and risk they face,

the more likely a dynamic leader will emerge.

-Bruce Wilkinson

My Introduction to Life Coaching course finishes tomorrow. It was a good course, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I am taking a break from regular studying now until I prepare for and take my grade nine harp exam in January, but I will post my other two assignments here in the future. I think my biggest takeaway was the lecture and readings I did about trust. Establishing trust in a coach-client relationship is absolutely vital, but so is it also in the rest of life's relationships. Trust affects every area of life. It takes a long time to build, but a short time to lose. Trust must be at a higher level than the relationship itself: that's when the relationship will grow. If the relationship is above the level of trust, then there will be serious consequences; either it will not grow or one person will let the other down and disappointment and mistrust will set in. Trust is the oxygen of relationships. It has no cost (except for living a disciplined lifestyle), but if you don't have it, it will cost you everything. Trust begins with you, and it never ends. Either it grows or it does not. Trust is so valuable that you must guard it with your life. It's the most valuable thing you'll have (in terms of character qualities): A good name is to be desired more than great riches. 

But this particular writing assignment wasn't about trust. :) It was about obstacles--something that we all face, and something that is sure to occur in a coaching setting. And it was about goals--guidelines that must be in place if we're to overcome the obstacles. 

The writing prompt given me was this: Explain the importance of goal setting in Life Coaching. Describe how a life coach works with a person to implementing a plan to achieve goals. What are some obstacles that the life coach and the client could run in to, and what are some ways to overcome these obstacles? 

*****

Goals are vital in taking a client from where he is to where he wants to be. Sometimes people need accountability and guidance from another person in order for the change to last (Collins, 2009). A Christian coach will be able to provide godly advice and direction, so that a person can set long-term and short-term goals that enable a person to glorify God in his life choices (Collins, 2009).

A coach will help his client implement goals by asking questions that define the client’s passion, vision, and mission, helping the client clarify the end results and create a plan for moving forward (Collins, 2009). Together the coach and client will brainstorm ideas and ensure the goals are SMART goals: specific, measureable, attainable, realistic, and within a certain time frame (Collins, 2009). SMART goals create motivation and action toward the client’s desired end by providing either short-term or long-term goals. Short-term goals are goals that are to be met within a few months’ or weeks’ time. Numerous short-term goals could be created in order to reach the ultimate goal. Long-term goals usually span a year or several years, are much more detailed, and take longer to achieve.

By asking questions and providing food for thought, the coach directs the client to define where he is right now, where he wants to go, and how he needs to get there (Collins, 2009). Goals provide motivation and action, and SMART goals provide specific direction and inner peace with a step-by-step plan (Collins, 2009).

A coach and his client will most certainly face obstacles; therefore, it is important for the client to have the accountability of and trust in a coach who will walk alongside him and direct him through the obstacles. (Collins, 2009) Accountability comes through writing out SMART goals and discussing how the coach will hold the client responsible for his actions—whether it’s by the coach emailing a reminder or waiting for a follow up phone call from the client. A client who knows that a coach is holding him accountable will be much more likely to work toward his own goals since they have previously discussed how to face obstacles. Obstacles can be external or internal. 

External barriers could include distracting life events, criticism from others, or energy drainers, whereas internal obstacles include fears, insecurity, negative mind-sets, impatience, and resistance to change. A coach should direct his client to use these barriers to motivate him closer toward the end goal, by showing him how to face his fears or remove distracting events from his daily schedule. 

Goals are vital to establish a path and routine, but they should also be flexible, in order to allow time to work through obstacles (Collins, 2009). In addition, careful thought and prayer should be given to the way God is leading the client. Sometimes the Lord’s will is not the way a coach and client may have planned their goals. “A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps” (Proverbs 16:9, KJV).

Collins, G.R. (2009) Christian coaching: Helping others turn potential into reality. (2nd ed.). Colorado Springs, CO: NAV Press. 

*****

Coaches quickly discover that their efforts will not succeed until self-sabotaging mind-sets are recognized, challenged repeatedly, and replaced with healthier perspectives.

~Gary Collins

Puppy Update: In Conclusion...

(Toby and Kijah)

Dogs are like potato chips...

     ...you can't have just one.

Whether or not that statement is true depends on personal opinion; however, since June 2012, I've always had more than two dogs. This April brought 10 more dogs into my life, and it was a wonderful experience (and a great summer job!). But all things must come to an end sooner or later, and, in a way, I'm very thankful for that. Raising puppies this year took some multitasking, but I knew it wasn't permanent, and I enjoyed it while it lasted. And I plan to do it again in the near future, Lord willing. 

So, here is the final update of all my puppies. They have all found wonderful homes and happy families! 

Gracie.

Maximus (Max).

Jaeryn.

Zorro.

Sophie.

McKenna.

Danny Boy.

  

Sheena.

Blue and Rosie.

In Christ,

Kaleigh