The Shack

Since I have been on a reading kick the past few weeks, I feel its necessary to give an idea of what I am reading, and whether or not it is worth you taking time out of your busy life to read as well.

A little over a week ago, I finished reading The Shack. Now, I started this one because I wanted something different to read, and it was on all kinds of bestseller lists.

I had some doubts initially that this book would live up to all the hype surrounding it. I was incredibly entertained from the beginning , but just a couple chapters in I was wondering if it could keep its momentum, especially as the main portion of the story, the interaction with God at the shack, would unfold.

Well, I will say it did keep its momentum. It was thoroughly engaging, and really made me think about the way I view God, from issues of time to the trinity to relationships to love. Now, this is not a book of theology, and doesn't claim to be. Still, there were truths from scripture woven throughout without a direct reference.

This shouldn't be read as an actual account of who God is, more of a creative way to view God and His goodness, with literary freedom taken. I would encourage you to read this book and have your mindset challenged. Then, go back to the Bible and investigate for yourself how what you have read reflects who God is.

It definitely challenged how I perceive God, and how I act towards God regardless of what I say I believe. If you have some time, this is a read that is well worth your time.

The Big Visit

Well, as usual, life has been insanely busy and I have gotten behind on my blogging...

But I'll at least try to catch up some today! :)

So here is the update on the much anticipated Garton visit:

It was AWESOME to have my sister Jenn and her entire family come in (yup, including hubby Heath, 6 yr old Isaiah, 4 yr old Joel, and 2 yr old Silas!). As I said in my last blog, I was a bit nervous about my first time hosting people for a weekend in my new smaller apartment. But all worked out well. The sleeping arrangements were a bit more cramped than any other visit might have been, but there was no complaining, and I think all in all they all had a great time. I know I did.

And apparently my oldest nephew decided he wanted to move to West Virginia, and become a rock climber. Yeah, I know, I'm not sure what gave him that idea. Apparently Cooper's Rock had a huge impact on him. So much so that we had to go back another day. And he has even decided he wants to save his money to get a much needed chalk bag (we heard a lot about him needing one on the trip!)

It was nice to get to see them all again, I can hardly believe it had been 7 months! It was great to see them explore Coopers Rock, have water gun fights, decorate birthday cookies, watch movies, and even learn to play DDR. Yes, I attempt to influence them in weird ways anytime I see them. I know it will probably be Thanksgiving before I get to see them again, so for now I will just enjoy reflecting on the awesome time we had together here.

Downsizing from so much stuff

So I moved from a large 3 bedroom apartment to a moderately sized one bedroom apartment in the middle of May. So, I have been in my new home for about 2 months, and I must say I love it.

The picture is of about half of the stuff I gave away, either to people I knew who could use it, or to Goodwill (man was that a couple of insanely large trips!)

It is so much easier to have less stuff! Seems odd, but its true. It is just easier to stay organized and keep things clean (which I will admit I still have trouble with some, but it is much better than it has been in the past!). And, I actually feel less stress having less stuff just laying around.





What do I need all the stuff for anyway, right?





Well, as of the last couple days I have had my first worries of my new apartment. You see, I love to host people, have people over to hang out, spend the night, whatever. I have a fairly open door policy. But tomorrow night my sister and her whole family are coming to stay with me.





Now, I am really excited that they are coming. I will get to see my nephews for the first time in 7 months (and based on the pictures I've seen they have grown up a lot in that time!) and it will be the first time my brother in law gets to come visit Morgantown.





Still, I am worried because this means that I will have 5 extra people in my little one bedroom apartment. Thank goodness the weather is looking like it will be good so the boys won't be couped up inside all day! But there are little things I never had to worry about in my old apartment. Where to fit everyone to sleep? Where to do dinners (since I no longer have an actual kitchen table, just a bar table with 2 stools that it is likely the boys will fight over)? What about nap times? Where do they play?





Well, I'm sure all these will be worked out with relative ease, and it will be much wirth any craziness to have them come visit.