... Even the worst heartaches can become heartstrings to God's hope, comfort, encouragement, joy, peace and love...

Welcome! As a fan of the cartoon character Maxine, I enjoy her witty remarks. But when I
read my blogs & other writing to her, she's not very responsive- even when I'm wearing my bunny slippers like hers! She just doesn't get it!
Although she's funnier than I am, I do pray that this site will bring encouragement to your day! I'd love to hear from you! Unlike Maxine, you can leave me a message via the Comments. Shalom, Connie

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Monday, August 18, 2008

Obama: a Book Review

Book Review: The Faith of Barak Obama
by Stephen Mansfield
Thomas Nelson Publishing, 2008


Mansfield offers an understanding of the Religious Right vs. the Religious Left, a comparison of Hillary Clinton and former Presidents' personal religious influences, and the basis for Barack Obama's faith.

He contends that Obama has gone through a journey of self-discovery, which was complicated due to being biracial and the conflicting religious upbringing by his parents and grandmother. A man with intellectual curiosity and doubts, but “dedicated to discovering his (God's) truth.”

Looking for a “vessel” for his beliefs, praying to “take stock of himself,” and “battling a lifestyle of detachment,” Obama finds religious commitment and an affirmation of his African heritage through Reverend Wright's mentoring and church. Thus, Obama states that he is “unashamedly black and unapologetically Christian.”

At the end of the book, Mansfield discusses the healing of our nation saying that Obama can distance himself from our country's history that affects the previous generations. But Obama's words that Christianity is “but one religion tree” and that he cannot impose his religious views on another, cause me to question, as others have, whether this is the “required religious dance” of all politicians or not.

For Barack Obama, or anyone in leadership, the knowledge of other belief systems in order to function within the world's diversity, is commendable and wise. But Obama's search for a vessel for his beliefs vs being a willing vessel for God poses more questions for me. I wonder whether St. Augustine's words are still unfulfilled in the life of Barack Obama: “You (God) have formed us for Yourself, and our heart's are restless till they find their rest in You.”

The Faith of Barack Obama is a worthwhile read in that I am able to articulate my concerns better. However, I didn't find the answers I was seeking. Maybe, you will.

Saturday, August 09, 2008

Open Mouth Inserft Foot Moment


I don't suppose you ever wish you had thought before you spoke. Recently, I wished my tongue came with an eraser. What I said was okay, but it was how I said it. Now, I am truly sad about that as I am an encourager- well, most of the time...

It reminded me of this :

Before speaking ask yourself, "Is it..... "
T rue
H elpful
I nspiring
N ecessary
K ind

A good reminder.
Selah...
Connie

Monday, August 04, 2008

Last Moment


Lord, You know a woman's work is never done. So I'll just drop this in the mailbox on our way...

This is my last letter, dear friends and family. I am taking this last second of my life to tell you that Jesus loves you more than your earthly minds can ever imagine. Do not grieve, for I am happy beyond measure and all my pain is gone.
Continue to drop those pebbles of love and compassion in the water called life & let their ripple effect never end until we see one another once again.
Gotta go... my journals are awaiting you.
With love even this writer cannot express,
Connie/Mom/Gramma

Sunday, August 03, 2008

Photo Challenge


This is a writing prompt. What caption would you you give it?

I'll add mine tomorrow. Connie