Stories of Sharing the Gospel
Telling others about salvation through Christ is supposed to be so basic to our Christian walk. When I was little, I was so passionate about this. I remember once I wanted to go around and ring all the doorbells in our neighborhood and tell people the good news. I often talked about Jesus to my friends. I was very gung-ho for missions.
Now, I overthink it. I hear skepticism constantly. I hear people questioning every possible method of sharing the gospel. I’m faced with pluralism and relativism as I try to share the truth.
One of the most encouraging things for me is hearing stories of how others have shared the gospel – simply, obediently, joyfully telling the truth about Jesus and the salvation He offers. Even if there was no positive response at the time, it can still be an encouraging story.
So I’m asking you to share your stories about sharing the gospel. I’d love to hear who you talked to, how the conversation began, what context it was in, what response there was, how you felt about it, etc. Thanks in advance! 
Angry at America?
It’s pretty popular to be anti-American as a Christian right now (especially as a young Christian). We look at the big superpower we live in. We compare our standard of living to others’ around the world. We see the havoc wreaked by a war a lot of us don’t agree with. And we think, what is wrong with this country? Why aren’t Christians questioning this? Why isn’t America doing more good and less harm?
I’ve been in that boat, believe me. I think those are legitimate questions. But before we rush to condemn the U.S., I think there are two important things to remember.
The first is we don’t see everything our country is doing. For instance, for the past two school years I was paid by the federal government to tutor in inner-city schools. It was called community service work study – some of you may have heard of it. That’s just one example of many “behind-the-scenes”projects our government supports. I was also involved in refugee ministry freshman year, which gave me a glimpse into how many millions of people the United States does let in each year, who are desperate and have nowhere else to go. I know this doesn’t change what’s wrong, but let’s not forget that there is some good that is being done, and many people are overwhelmingly thankful for it.
The second and more important point is that we need to be more concerned about the church fulfilling needs than the government fulfilling needs. What bothers me isn’t that America is negligent. It’s that I’m negligent. The church is doing so much, and it needs all of our resources to do more. I’m the one who needs to be getting out there and doing things to effect change, instead of sitting around complaining about everything America isn’t doing. The church can be a powerful force for social change, as well as a herald of the gospel message, but that requires that you and I be the church!
Please don’t misunderstand me. I’m not trying to minimize the concern that many have over our nation’s policies. This is a democracy, and effecting change through government isn’t wrong, and definitely has its place. But let’s not throw out the baby with the bathwater when we’re disappointed with the U.S. There are many good things being done, and in the end it’s our responsibility to do more, primarily through the church.
Thoughts?
Grace on My Face
Before Jesus saved me, sin was written all over my heart. I imagine what that would look like if it was written all over my face. I think sometimes you could tell.
Now that I belong to Jesus, I have grace and forgiveness written all over my heart. I hope that others can see this beauty written all over my face.
Turning the Page
How can you tell if someone is paying attention to the book they’re “reading”? Simple: see whether they turn a page occasionally.
What does it mean to turn the page? It means absorption in the story, or a determination to finish. It means accepting a small change. It means forward motion.
How can I tell if I have a healthy attitude toward life? Simple: I need to see whether I’m taking small steps and making changes bravely.
What do these steps and changes mean? They mean I’m enjoying what God is doing in me, and I’m determined to embrace the rest of the story. They mean accepting change as part of life. They mean forward motion.
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It may be a tired metaphor to say that I’m turning the last page in this chapter of my life, but it’s potent just the same. I think of everything that happened in the “college” chapter, and what might happen in the next chapter. “The rest is still unwritten” in my own mind and plans. But God knows it all. I’m excited to turn the next page and see what it brings.
Festival of Faith and Writing (Day 3)
Well, the conference is over and I’m back in our little apartment. I really enjoyed the weekend there, and I’m facing the reality of homework again! But my writing muscles have been stretched a little, and I’m inspired to try some new forms. Thanks for all of your encouragement.
Yesterday, I attended three sessions again. The first was “Life Extension on a Budget: Reading and Writing Book Reviews” by John Wilson, who edits Books and Culture. There wasn’t much about the mechanics of writing book reviews, or things to remember and avoid, but I loved one concept he introduced. He talked about how C.S. Lewis said the purpose of reading was “extension of being” – that in essence, each book is like its own little world. Reading it is like entering that world. That concept is so inspiring to me, and it makes me enjoy the act of reading even more. I may write about it.
The next session I attended was an interview with Yann Martel, author of Life of Pi. I’d never read any of his work, but I’d heard of Life of Pi. It was an interesting interview. One thing he said really resonated with me. He said, “Art is not moral, it’s testimonial. They may coincide, but it’s just that – coincidential.” I would add that art is not necessarily moral. In spite of common grace, art can be immoral. And because of common grace, even secular art can have a certain morality.
Martel also shared something that resonated with what I’d heard in the first session: “Art increases our experience of life. You read a novel, you’ve experienced a life. It’s imaginative traveling.” I loved that too. Right now, I’m traveling with the Dinkas in Sudan and an inner-city kid in America through Sonia Levitin’s Dream Freedom. What amazing worlds reading opens up. Reading is a peephole, Martel said.
Finally, I went to an interview with Rob Bell. I’d never heard him speak before, and he’s so popular with my age group that I thought it would be good to hear what he had to say. He is a creative genius and a very gifted communicator. He has some weak theology for sure, but his ideas about art and creativity are dynamic and it was wonderful to hear him speak about what inspires him as a writer and the tools he uses. From a writing perspective, I would love to hear more from him.
A couple of points I especially appreciated from him were, “Central to good art is knowing what to eliminate” and “Pay attention to what grabs you” – be a good observer and comment on the little details that other people miss.
I really enjoyed the conference and am glad I had the opportunity to go, even though it made for a long three days away! It was great to get to meet some people whose work I’ve read, and to hear from so many prolific writers. I know it will take me some time to process through everything I heard, but I’m hoping it bears fruit in the future.
Festival of Faith and Writing (Day 2)
It doesn’t seem like Friday to me at all right now. But it is. And it was a good day at the conference. I didn’t get to interact with people a lot like I did yesterday, but I enjoyed the sessions I went to. I can already tell that my creativity is being fueled. I wrote a long poem while I was sitting in one of the sessions. But mostly I took notes.
I wanted to go to an essay writing session, since that is an area where my interest is being piqued, but by the time I got there the room was jam-packed. So I went to three others today – “Writing for Children” with Dorina Lazo Gilmore, Nancy Hull, and Kate Jacobs; “From Student to Writer” with Dorina Lazo Gilmore and Shauna Niequist, and “From the Underground Railroad to the Metaphorical Bridge” with Carole Boston Weatherford. All of them were really good. I took copious notes – for some reason, I just felt like writing, writing, writing, even if it meant taking tons of notes. I jotted down ideas for essays and children’s books and poems.
I think my favorite session was “From Student to Writer,” where two authors discussed the change from being an undergraduate to being a published writer. I loved these ladies and hearing what they had to say. Shauna Niequist read a selection about writing from her book Cold Tangerines, and I think the book would be worth buying just for that chapter! Some of my favorite phrases were risky and furtive, start where I’m stuck, and landed in the palm of my hand like a firefly. She also said some helpful things about not losing the “strong, pliant writing muscles” you develop as an undergrad.
Dorina read some of her poetry aloud, and these were favorite phrases of mine: chocolate, swirling eyes; red like the burning sun; deep river blue; ripe lemon yellow; curls crawl down; a mess of tears and hair. Very vivid descriptions of color and texture. I liked what Dorina said about believing in your projects and being brave enough to call yourself a writer.
I still feel very inspired as a writer right now, and I think I’m going to take advantage of it. Have a wonderful evening!
Festival of Faith and Writing (Day 1)
Today I had the privilege of attending the Festival of Faith and Writing. I attended three sessions – the opening session with Mary Gordon, a reading by Luci Shaw, and a conversation with Davis Bunn and Francine Rivers. I enjoyed all of them, particularly Luci Shaw’s. I jotted down some delicious phrases from her poetry:
abrasive syllables
stony rattle of gravel
your apricot silk
newly minted mother
glowing like blood cells
pale green voice
moist Italian twilight
brass-bright
smooth as a wing in flight
Delightfully, I was also able to meet three online friends – authors Lisa McKay and Nicole Baart, and blogger Ann Kroeker. Lisa and Nicole had been kind enough to agree to chat with me before the conference started, but I had no idea Ann was even going to be there, so running into her was such a surprise and a pleasure. I also got to talk to Lisa for awhile, which I really enjoyed. If you’re reading – thanks so much, Lisa!
I’m really exhausted right now and I’m not sure why, but I’m going to relax for awhile and try to sort through the many things I heard today.
A Look at My Blogroll
Here’s a brief overview of each of the blogs I have featured on my sidebar. I’m subscribed to quite a few blogs, but I’ve chosen to list some of my favorites from several different genres. These are wonderful reads, and I encourage you to check a few of them out if you have time. Here they are in alphabetical order.
22 Words by Abraham Piper
“Exercises in getting to the point (or avoiding it) by saying what I have to say in twenty-two words, not counting titles.” I love reading these succinct, funny, and thoughtful entries by one of John Piper’s sons.
Beauty from the Heart by Hannah and Lindsey
I have enjoyed reading this blog for almost a year now. Hannah and Lindsey have wonderful thoughts to share about true beauty and what it means to live a godly life. Young women will especially enjoy it.
Between Two Worlds by Justin Taylor
Taylor, an editor at Crossway, shares helpful links and thoughts about Christianity. This is a great way to keep up with good conversations around the blogosphere if you don’t want to subscribe to 150 blogs.
Boundless Line
The blog version of the Boundless webzine for young adults provides many interesting and stimulating discussions about singleness, relationships, culture, and more.
Challies Dot Com by Tim Challies
A very popular blog from an evangelical/Reformed perspective. Tim writes thoughtful articles and book reviews. There is usually quite a bit of good discussion in the comment sections, too.
Compassion Blog
More of an up-close look at the work Compassion International is doing with children around the world.
Desiring God Blog
The blog for Desiring God, the ministry of John Piper. A good way to keep up with events at Desiring God and read challenging or inspiring entries from DG staff.
Especially Heather by Heather
Heather is an amazing wife and mother who was diagnosed with brain cancer just over a year ago. She has three children, one of whom has health issues of her own. Through the last year of chemotherapy and illness, Heather has blogged consistently and has been a shining example of God’s grace in trials and strength in weakness.
ESV Bible Blog
Keeping up with updates and conversations on the English Standard Version of the Bible.
FlowerDust.net by Anne Jackson
Anne is a frequent updater and talented writer who always has something interesting and honest to say. Recently, she participated in the Compassion bloggers’ trip to Uganda, and has been an outspoken advocate for children in Uganda and Haiti.
Girl Talk by Carolyn Mahaney, Nicole Whitacre, Kristin Chesemore, and Janelle Bradshaw
The wife and daughters of C.J. Mahaney keep up one of the most popular blogs for Christian women, writing about what it means to be women of God in many different areas of life.
Heart of Flesh by Daniel
Daniel is a seventeen-year-old Reformed blogger who writes about theology and false teachings. There aren’t many seventeen-year-olds out there who are excited to get their picture taken with R.C. Sproul.
Journey in Foreign Lands by Jennifer
Jennifer is a seminary student in New England. She writes about the Lord, her life, and what she is learning. I always find her blog interesting and encouraging.
ModesTeen Blog by Ella and Erin
Another good resource for young women. ModesTeen provides a balanced and godly perspective about living in purity and grace.
Mommy, Inc. by Susanna
There are several “mommy blogs” I enjoy, and Susanna’s is one of my favorites. She loves the Lord, and is a talented writer and a faithful wife and mother. I hope to be like her someday. (Incidentally, Tim Challies is her brother.)
New Attitude Blog
The blog that goes with the organization that goes with the conference. New Attitude is a really helpful community for young Christians, and their articles and blog entries are always good.
Persecution Blog
The blog of Voice of the Martyrs. This is a good way to find out about needs and hear moving stories from the persecuted church.
Radical Womanhood by Carolyn McCulley
Carolyn is a single Christian who wrote Did I Kiss Marriage Goodbye? and is coming out with a new book entitled Radical Womanhood. In my opinion, she is one of the most realistic and balanced voices in the blogosphere regarding biblical femininity.
The Purple Cellar by Lydia Brownback
Lydia is also a single Christian woman, and also an editor at Crossway. She is the author of Fine China Is for Single Women, Too and two new women’s devotionals on trust and contentment. I love her blog; it is such an inspiration.
The Rebelution by Alex and Brett Harris
Speaking of inspiring, these teenage brothers are inspiration in a nutshell. They started this blog a few years ago to share their passion for “doing hard things” for Christ as young people, and it’s grown into a very popular site, as well as a book (Do Hard Things) and a conference. One of the best resources I know of for teenagers.
Unfurling Flower by Emily
I love Emily – she’s such a kindred spirit. She is a young woman my age who writes about similar topics – living for the Lord, biblical femininity, Scripture and prayer, singleness, modesty, etc. I am always blessed by what she writes.
So that was an overview of some of my favorite blogs. I hope you enjoy them! Let me know if you’ve made any great new discoveries through this list.
Mild Peril in Ice Age
Ice Age is rated PG for “mild peril.”
Hmm. What would you call it if you had to run away from a ferocious saber-toothed tiger while desperately clutching your screaming infant to your chest, and your spouse remained behind in the village to help fend off a pack of the viscious beasts? At the end of the day, maybe you’d sit back and say, “Man, I’m glad that peril was so mild today. I couldn’t have taken intense peril.”
So parents, just keep in mind if you want to watch Ice Age with your kids, there’s some mild peril in it. The adorable baby’s mom drowns. The animals crash into a wall of ice. There’s a fight between a woolly mammoth and a rhinoceros. Nothing major.
And what were the Official Movie Rater people thinking while they sat around the long, shiny mahogany table in the boardroom and made their executive rating decision about Ice Age? I’m trying to imagine the conversation.
“Well, it was pretty family friendly.”
“Some crude humor, but nobody cares about that anymore.”
“There was that one time when the saber-tooth almost ate the baby… do you think that might be a little scary for kids?”
“Yeah, let’s just say there’s some mild violence in it.”
“It’s not really violence, is it? It’s more like… peril.”
“Peril? Nice one, dude. Can’t tell you’re an intern. Let’s rate Ice Age PG for mild peril. Ha!”
And with that, I am now going to finish this entry up and turn in to watch some scenes of mild peril and great adventure as four brave creatures, separated by nature but bound together by the ties of mutual dislike, traverse across a prehistoric tundra in search of the land of milk and honey, warmth and sunshine.
Less Than Four Weeks
This impending graduation seems so unreal. On my way to class this morning, I thought about how I only have three more Mondays here. How could that be possible? Yesterday I was a nervous 17-year-old at freshman orientation. Today I’m 21, and I’ve almost finished my illustrious undergraduate career. 
I think I finally understand why adults are always complaining about how quickly time goes. It really does just fly by!
The changes looming ahead are terrifying, overwhelming, and exciting all at once. Everything in my life feels so chaotic right now, and I know the chaos is only going to increase over the next few months. I have such a desire to simplify, to have everything and everyone I love in one place, and to know what my life is going to look like in the future. But that’s not possible right now.
I have a couple of job possibilities on the horizon, one of which I’ve already interviewed for and should be finding out about in the next couple of days. The other possibility is the one I really, really want. Interviewing doesn’t begin until next month, though. Both jobs would start in July or August. I would appreciate your prayers.
Am I ready to be a full-fledged grown-up? I don’t really feel like it. I’m thankful for my parents and their support. My friends are scattering in so many different directions, from South America to Tibet. (Actually, not Tibet.) Yes, life is just going to be crazy for awhile. But He’s along for the ride, and more than that, He’s guiding me every step of the way. I have nothing to worry about. If only I could remember that more often.
