AHA MOMENTS, WAKING THE DEAD, A CERTAIN RISK

AHA MOMENTS is a book about times when a sudden revelation surprises us with insight. Kyle Idleman shares three key elements that can change our lives for good.  The acronym "AHA" stands for Awakening, Honesty and Action.  Interesting read. 

Click HERE for 1 minute video by Kyle about this book.
Click HERE for related post on this blog. (Scroll down to AHA Moment)


WAKING THE DEAD by John Eldredge was on my reading list today.  John writes that the connecting point between you and others, and between you and God, is your heart. 

"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." 

John shares this illustration which is really true to life.  "Hyenas cannot bring down a lion in its prime. What they do is run it and taunt it and wear it down until the point of exhaustion.  Once they see it cannot defend itself they close in. 

The strategy of our enemy in the age we live in now is busyness. Ask the people you know how things are going.  Nine out of ten will answer something to the effect of "really busy".  The deadly scheme is this.  Keep them running.  That way, they will never take care of their hearts.  We'll burn them out and then take them out."
  

A CERTAIN RISK by Paul Richardson is turning out to be a fascinating read as well.  (This book was a present from my mama.) Paul was born and raised in a village carved out of the jungle in New Guinea, where his parents were missionaries.  He writes, "my earliest memories are of sitting on the laps of warriors in their thatch-roof man houses.  "I ran barefoot through the jungle, chasing egrets with a bow and arrow"  

Paul's parents relocated to California, but about 15 years ago Paul returned to New Guinea with his family.  "When I brought my family from California to the islands of my birth, I came with the intention to reveal God to others.  God brought me here to reveal his heart to me".  He, his wife and three children continue to live in this country they love.  Check out his vivid description of the tragedy that New Guinea experienced about 10 years ago:

"On that horrible morning, December 26, 2004 283,000 people were swept into eternity, while more than double that amount were left without food, shelter or clean water.  The tsunami was one of the deadliest natural disasters to ever assault humanity. 

Not long after the tragedy the author met with a group of elders that survived.  He wasn't sure how to encourage them but said, "From out of all the thousands of people who were lost, God chose to keep you and these others alive one more day.  That must mean that he has a purpose for each of you."  "I believe God is offering you the chance to help the next generation grow up to become men and women of strength and courage.  Imagine what might happen if they saw you creating, working, rebuilding your lives, and offering them a new hope."  Soon they were outlining their plan of action.

No conversation has ever affected me so deeply.  To this day, the stark contrast between humanity reduced and humanity rising is etched in my mind.  If individuals who lost everything can rise up and create after a tsunami, what prevents me from responding to a critical statement with a genuine expression of kindness?  If they can rebuild a city, can I rebuild a stranded relationship? 


That's it for posting on this snowy day in Dover, PA.....