January 2010 Taste This!

What I Am In To Lately

 

This Java is a little late because I was stuck in ice-laden North Carolina with a dead computer battery!  We were there for the Greenville Fresh Grounded Faith event and had a warm, wonderful night on Friday despite the sleet and snow.  Lisa Whelchel spoke about being connected with God and each other.  She was so effective.  The women just loved her, and as her friend, I was so proud of the way God used her to encourage us all.  By the way, her new book is called Friendship for Grown-Ups, and it will be out in May.  I got to give it a sneak peak, and you will really like this inside glimpse into her world and how to enjoy friendships as adults. 

 

The big surprise of the weekend was spending it with Abby Rike.  She was on last season's The Biggest Loser.  What an adorable, funny, quirky, warm and wise woman!  She treated us with a surprise appearance on Friday night.  We sat at the bistro table on stage and talked about losing her husband, 5-year-old daughter and newborn son in a car wreck.  She helped each of us face our grief as she exposed her own and inspired us all to find our comfort in God rather than food.   

 

I look forward to her, along with Lisa, joining us for more Fresh Grounded Faith events this year. They both know what it's like to be in a pit and feel God pull them out. 

 

"I waited patiently for the Lord;

He turned to me and heard my cry.

He lifted me out of the slimy pit;

He set my feet on a rock.

He put a new song in my mouth."

 

Those poetic expressions of Psalm 40 are the basis for Beth Moore's compelling book, Get Out of That Pit.  That's the book I read this month.  Actually, it felt less like reading and more like being coached!  Beth helped me understand what it's like to be in a pit, how we get there, and how to get out.  She really does give straight talk--immersed in scripture and a southern accent--and she makes you feel like a friend.

 

If you ever find yourself in a pit, be it shallow or deep, seemingly permanent or temporary, you will really benefit from this stirring message of the sheer hope, utter deliverance and complete freedom of God.  I'm glad I gave this excellent "living author" a taste test!  I love Beth and this message was rich.

 

Speaking of rich, oh man, I am pumped about Sara Groves' new project--Fireflies and Songs.  It's an honest musical journey into her heart.  As usual, her lyrics explore the depths and nuances of our human relationships.  What I loved about this CD is she lets us into her life; but then I realize as I listen, "It's my life, too!"  My favorite song is "Twice as Good."  It reminds me of friends who've been loyal and loving, and who have invited me into their lives.  It reminds me of old friends like Lisa, new friends like Abby and makes me celebrate the women we hung out with in North Carolina this past weekend.  

 

Some of my most treasured friends are the awesome FGF team.  To deal with being iced in, we went to Target and bought scarves.  You must check out what happened to the green scarf, though. Maybe she is a new friend?   

 

"Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born." Unknown

 

So, give these things a taste test:

 

1.  Get out of That Pit by Beth Moore

2.  Fireflies and Songs by Sara Groves

3.  Come to one of our Fresh Grounded Faith events this year.     

     It's real women dealing with real life and connecting with the real
     God.  I would love to have you join us!