Book Review: Miracle for Jen

Who is the author of suffering?  Is it Satan, as some would have us believe?  Or does God ordain suffering to accomplish His purposes? 

Jen Barrick was a godly 15 year old girl with talent and beauty.  She was shy when it came to sharing the Gospel, but she prayed desperately for God to equip her with boldness and desired to be used for His glory.  He answered her prayers.  A drunk driver hit her family's van head-on.  Jen experienced massive head trauma and was in a coma for 5 weeks.  Unable to respond to questions she began to express her innermost thoughts and they glorified her Heavenly Father.  Her first words were prayers and praise songs worshiping Her Father. 

Miracle for Jen is a book about the power of prayer and how God uses weakness to accomplish His purposes.  Jen's mom, Linda Barrick, authored the book (along with co-author John Perry) and she provides detailed insight into Jen's slow recovery from a brain injury.  The accident stripped Jen of her inhibitions and gave her a boldness to share her faith in public.  Jen will never physically be what she once was, but God has transformed her into a vessel He is able to use. 

I found this book difficult to put down as I was eager to learn what happened next as Jen struggled for life and then faced the challenge of learning to walk and function again.  This book will make you praise God for His goodness and thank Him for His people.  I am amazed to read of the selfless sacrifices made by those from Jen's church, Thomas Road Baptist Church.  It really reminded me how I need to be more giving when those around me are suffering from a long-term illness or injury. 

Jen's journals prior to the accident were full of prayers and praise to God.  They revealed what was hidden in her heart.  The accident caused what was in her heart to be verbalized.  Never was there any cursing or angry words, as is typical with most who suffer brain injuries. I wonder if you and I were to experience something similar, would we be embarrassed to have what is in our hearts revealed? 

I will be giving a copy of Miracle to Jen away on March 29th.  Leave a comment below to enter the giveaway.  Learn more about the book by visiting:  http://www.miracleforjen.com/



Disclaimer: Tyndale House Publishers provided a complimentary copy of this book to me. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255:“Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The New Normal, Or Not?

Jeff and I had a conversation tonight about the new "normal."  So many people accept that cohabitation is fine because everyone is doing it.   And single parent homes are "normal" also.  I had a young mom tell me that because she turned out fine without a dad in her life her son should be just fine - although she's already noticed how he responds and listens better to male figures in his life.   It's so sad to see young moms assume that single parenthood is "normal."  And I certainly realize there are circumstances that sometimes prevent the dad from being in the picture:  death, physical/sexual abuse, prison, military service.  But if dad can't be there then make sure a father figure is there, especially for the sake of your sons:  an uncle, grandpa, or a godly caring man from church.   And if you're single and you have children, put your child before yourself.  Please don't date the registered sex offender.  Please don't date the man who is a known cheater.  Please don't date the man who is an alcoholic.  Think about how the person you date will interact with your child/children. 

There is also an entire generation of young people who do not see the need for church.  They see it as completely unnecessary.  It's so sad to see the spiritual state of so many young adults ages 18-30.  But who has failed them?  Sure, their parents have failed them, but so have we, the ambassadors of the Gospel.   Are we boldly sharing the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ?  Are we seeking to build relationships with unbelievers so that we can point them toward the One who is their only Rescuer?

The brokenness we see in the world is not truly new, it's a remake of the same sinful patterns that have been followed for thousands of years.  There will be a day when all things will be made new, even my sinful nature.  Then life will return to the normal that God and Adam and Eve once knew. "Even so come, Lord Jesus!"

"There is no new thing under the sun." Eccl. 1:9 

March Musings

Sunday there was a discussion in Sunday School regarding the importance of John the Baptist and how he pointed toward the coming Messiah.  I left church thinking about whether I am constantly pointing others to Christ through my actions and words.  Even creation points to the Creator of the universe. 

Yesterday we enjoyed spending a warm day at the lake.  I took Abby for a walk and we examined rocks, the water, weeds flowers and listened to the birds sing.  I told her about her Creator and how He created all things perfect until sin entered the world.  We also saw signs of fossils and I told her the story of the Great Flood.  I'm sure she's too young to understand much of this, but I want her to see God in nature.  I'm amazed at God's love of beauty and His attention to detail. 

Abide With Me

Last night we took a quick trip out to the lake to see some waterfowl and the sunset.  It was a wonderful feeling to be able to enjoy a February day outdoors without being enveloped in a heavy coat.  Too quickly the sun had set and we had to hurry home to enjoy supper together.  The low light prevented me from taking many photos, but here are the best of what I took.

This afternoon I learned of my grandma's passing.  As I looked at these photos I thought of the song "Abide with Me."  It's a lovely song that's not sung in many churches now.  Here are the words in memory of my grandma:

Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.

Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day;
Earth's joys grow dim; its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see;
O Thou who changest not, abide with me.

I need Thy presence every passing hour.
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter's power?
Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.

I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless;
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness.
Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.

Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

Book Review: Uncommon Life

Tony Dungy needs no introduction.  He is respected in the secular sports world as well as in the Christian world.  Unlike many he seems to have found a way to balance both faith and "worldly" success.  In Uncommon Life Tony allows the reader to have a glimpse into his personal spiritual journey.   His passion for building men of faith comes through in this devotional.  He selected seven core themes to focus on:  core, family, friends, potential, mission, influence and faith.   The reader (most likely a man) is encouraged to connect with other men participating in the same study online, if they are not part of a church community. 

Each devotion is one page or less and is easy to read.  I think even the unchurched would find it appealing if they are a sports/football fan.  Tony and co-author, Nathan Whitaker, tackle (pun intended) some tough questions and topics in this book:  What defines you?  Who are you imitating? Where does money rank on your significance list? How is God pruning your life?  How are you sharing another's burden?  This book is not an in-depth study into God's Word, but does a great job using one or two verses to direct the reader into a closer walk with God and becoming a man of character and integrity.  

I somewhat enjoyed this book although I'm not a sports fan.  The One Year Uncommon Life Daily Challenge is definitely a male-focused book.  It seems that perhaps it could have been grouped together according to theme instead of using the seven day rotation, but that's just a personal preference.  I also think it would be nice to have included a page at the beginning or end that explained exactly what the Gospel is about and how one can have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  This was alluded to throughout the book, but I think it's important to be clear on this as there is so much churchese these days and the meaning of the word "salvation" or "conversion" is often unknown. 

Below is a short clip that introduces the book and it's purpose.  You can also learn more at www.tyndale.com or www.coachdungy.com. 

watch on tyndale.com

Disclaimer: Tyndale House Publishers provided a complimentary copy of this book to me. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255:“Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Life's Minor Irritations

Last week I went grocery shopping.  While we have a grocery store in our town I try to drive to Salina at least once a month to stock up.   One item on my list was a specialty item:  our favorite chili garlic paste.  I hadn't had it for several weeks as the old jar in our fridge had turned a grayish color and the expiration date was smudged out.  Time to toss it!   I was forced to skip making several dishes as it was a key ingredient. 

So I found my paste in the ethnic section of the grocery store and purchased it at the end of a long tiring shopping trip.  Imagine my dismay when I unpacked my groceries at home and discovered it hadn't been put in my bag.  By this time I had tossed my receipt in the garbage where it was covered in leftover muffin dough.  So I dug it out, washed it and scanned it to make sure I had indeed paid for the item.  Sure enough it was on there.  I called the store and they confirmed they had it and suggested I return to the store to pick it up.  Ugh.  This is where the frustration really began to rise.   I felt like telling the clerk to  "wait just a minute as I drive the 130 mile roundtrip journey to retrieve my $2.00 jar of chili garlic paste."  Instead I explained that it would probably be about two weeks before I might return and she was kind enough to tell me I could stop in and get my paste.

Even though the item was so incidental it was very irritating to have purchased something and not to have it in my bag.  I felt very cheated.  It's not as though the price was a huge issue, but I can't find this item locally.  I really felt like pouting.  Isn't it amazing how something so minor can tip us over the edge into such a frazzled irritated state?

Jonah had this problem.  His life was miraculously spared and in a prophetic way his stay in the belly of the fish foretold the Messiah's resurrection and death.  He saw thousands of people repent and the miracle of God's forgiveness bestowed on the once-depraved citizens of Ninevah.  God kindly allowed a plant to grow to shade Jonah as he sat and watched what would become of the city.   Then God divinely appointed a little hungry worm to attack the plant and kill it. Jonah failed God's test quite horribly and became angry enough over this dead plant that he wished himself dead.

And the LORD said, "You pity the plant, for which you did not labor, nor did you make it grow, which came into being in a night and perished in a night. And should not I pity Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also much cattle?" Jonah 4:10-11

Of course the book ends there and we never find out what happened to Jonah next.  God put Jonah's sour attitude into perspective as He reminds Him that he should be rejoicing in the mercy shown to thousands of people instead of complaining about his lack of shade.  Have you ever been guilty of this?  Have you skipped savoring God's blessing and allowed a minor upset to send you into a fit of irritation?

This morning my pastor preached on Philippians 2:14 "Do all things without grumbling or questioning."  Yes, it was convicting although often my murmuring and grumbling takes place only internally, but God still "hears" it.  If I am filled with the fruit of the Spirit by investing more time with God in His Word only sweet juice (a.k.a. blessings and praise) will spill from my heart when jostled by one of life's minor irritations. 

Grumbling is an evidence of little faith in the gracious providence of God in all the affairs of our lives. And little faith is a dishonor to him. It belittles his sovereignty and wisdom and goodness.  -John Piper

Today I'm linking up with:

Be Still My Heart

This evening I began reading some information on our freedom is being whittled away.  The stories shared by parents throughout the nation were somewhat alarming.  My mind began to move into high gear as I began to wonder how we would be able to raise up our daughter in this environment and what measures we must take to protect her.  I felt myself being enveloped in fear and worry.  As I conveyed some of my concern to Jeff I realized what I really was trying to tell him was "I am fearful."

But wait, there is One who can conquer all fear.  We have a Sovereign Lord who reigns over all.  Of course knowing this doesn't excuse inactivity on our part, but it does allow us to remain internally calm as we trust in the One who orders our every step.  While we wait on Him we can speak up for truth and defend the cause of those in need.  We can celebrate the freedoms we currently have and prepare ourselves for the persecution that will inevitably be directed toward Christians.  We also have a responsibility to be informed when it comes to political decisions and to exercise the privilege to vote.


Tonight I am headed to bed and I don't think I will have any problems sleeping (unless interrupted by a certain small female).  I know God will give grace to see me through any troubles I may face in the future. 

"But he knoweth the way that I take; when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold."  Job 23:10