This is the first of Liz Curtis Higgs' books that I have read, so I didn't know what to expect with her writing style. In short, I loved it! I tend to gravitate towards books & studies that are more Scripture-driven that topic driven... maybe its the Bible College student in me, I don't know.  Because of that, I have read a handful of books, devotions and commentaries on the book of Ruth.  This is by far the most engaging, entertaining and enjoyable study on the subject that I have encountered.  Liz has a way of writing that takes an exegetical approach, but crafts her words and the information in such a way that it reads almost like a novel.  I particularly enjoyed that this book goes verse by verse through Ruth.  Again, that's the kind of study I prefer when I am focusing on a particular book of the Bible.  But what I loved most was the way the author slipped in historical information in ways that didn't seem like a long, boring history lesson.  When studying books of the Bible, so much of the historical significance can get lost through the modern-day eyes we read with.  Liz was careful to not overlook the cultural and historical high points, and in an eleoquent, engaging way, she brought that past to life. This book dives into the depths of the true meaning of the Scriptures.   

The Academy Awards are only 9 days away!  If you are wanting to check out some of the nominated movies before you make your best guest on your Oscar Pools at work, here is a chart that has all the nominated movies (in the main categories that will be awarded on the show).  I've left a spot on the far left for you to check each movie off when you've seen them, and on the far right, I've told you where you can see all the movies.  A couple of them are in transition between theatre and DVD (which, in my opinion is really stupid & poor planning, but I don't entirely know how all that works) but most of them are available to watch in some form or fashion.  One really cool thing is that all of the animated short film nominees are available for FREE viewing on YouTube right now, until the day of the Oscars.  So far I've only watched "Head Over Heels" but I really enjoyed it!  I'm about 1/2 way through this list, so we'll see how far I can get in the next week!  What about you?  How are you doing on your #Oscarnomswatchlist ?


PS- I've never used Scribd. before so let me know if you have troubles downloading/printing the chart!

I saw this on pinterest and pinned it months ago.  I just knew I had to try it as soon as I saw it!  This quilt is so beautiful!

I want to tell you about an organization that is making a difference in the world; there is also an opportunity for you to help RIGHT NOW in that effort.  Here is a little about Blackbox International (from their website):

Blackbox International is a Christ-centered, faith based organization that exists to holistically rehabilitate sex-trafficked boys ages 16 and under. Blackbox exists to provide the aftercare component for boys rescued from sex trafficking. Initially we are looking at the specific issue of boys that are involved with sex tourism. Blackbox seeks to help these boys find healing from their past, joy in their present, and purpose for their future. They need help emotionally, physically, academically and spiritually. They need to learn what it means to be a Godly man. They need nothing less than Jesus, and the hope, joy and peace that comes from him. We believe that they will not only be restored from the hurt and confusion that has been inflicted on them, but we believe that they will one day be men who will change the world.

Why do I care about this organization?  A couple of reasons: For one, National Human Trafficking Awareness day was this month.  At the Passion 2013 conference, 60,000 young adults were challenged to do something about human trafficking.  This modern day slavery is an atrocity of our current day, and we all CAN make a difference.  Supporting this organization is one way you can do that.  As Americans, we have way more than we need.  We are blessed beyond measure.  I can say this, even though we live on only my husband's minsterial salary and things are tight.  Finding "extra" in our budget to do what we can to help in other corners of the world is just part of being a good steward with what God has given us.  So don't tell me you can't give up Starbucks for a month- or even a week- to contribute to this cause.  You all CAN, its just a matter of if you will.

Secondly, I know many of the people behind this organization.  When money is tight, and giving beyond our tithe is indeed a sacrifice, I want to be assured that my money- as little as it may be- will be having the greatest impact it can.  I want to be obedient to giving sacrificially, and to the hands God leads us to.  Several men on staff at Blackbox are friends from college or husband to a dear friend.  A few of their trustees are professors at my Bible College, and one is the minister at the church where I grew up.  I can say with what knowlege I have, these are Godly, upstanding, wise and God-seeking men who I absolutely trust not only with my money but also with the vision God has given them for this ministry.  Finding something like that to support is a rare gem, and I just want to shout it with great enthusiasm that if you are looking to get involved in making a difference in human trafficking, this is a great way to do so.  Their strategy has been well thought-out & researched.  Start by making a donation TODAY to their 50/50 campaign.  Then just see where God leads you from there.  That's what we've decided to do.  I hope you'll at least take a few minutes to check out their website and consider your role.

Erotic fantasy novels seemed to be all the rage this past year.  Racy, elicit tomes that were once reserved for a dark corner in a dusty bookstore now found themselves on best sellers lists and film versions made their way to the tops of entertainment charts.  Things that were once taboo to talk about- lusting, sexual self-fulfillment, and fantasies- were suddenly front and center at every girlfriends' get together, office lunch and even *gasp* church small groups.  As the back of this book says, "Erotica has invaded more than our minds-- it has exploded onto our bestseller lists and into our bedrooms."

image via

Do you ever have those moments where you feel- even in the simplest ways- that this life collides with the eternal?  It happens in those moments of sadness or grief, when something whittles its way into the darkness and begins to cast a shadow, ever so slight.  It may take you a few moments to realize it, but those shadows are not a part of the darkness... how could they be?  For darkness is just black upon black upon black.  Shadows indicate the presence of something greater... light.  And its in those moments, where shadows dance around us- scary as they may seem- that we begin to hope again.