Make it Simple

A group of us got together this weekend for dessert and a little Francis Chan's "Crazy Love" conversation. As part of a Sunday morning class that is going through the book we find that a 50-minute discussion time doesn't allow for the depth of potential life-transformation that seems to be on every page. Chan challenges ones view of what surrender to God means.

Good conversation includes good coffee or tea - acai berry in this case - which I hear is something of a health thing in the detox world. (Check with Oprah if you want more info.) I had to give it a try, after all I'm also reading another book called "Detox" by David Putman. The author encourages readers to detox our religious lives and seek a real relationship with Jesus. A repeated phrase in the book is "following Jesus is about living like Jesus, loving like Jesus, and leaving what Jesus left behind (which is more people who live like him and love like him.)" I'm challenged to think of what is basic and essential, rather than what keeps me busy.

So I wasn't surprised when I looked at the book titles advertised in Thee Bookstore's spring catalog and "Primal, A Quest of the Lost Soul of Christianity" by Mark Batterson caught my attention. This book asks the question, "What would your Christianity look like if it was stripped down to the purest faith possible?" From what I've skimmed through it falls in line with the other two books.

It's kind of a spring cleaning idea - cut out the clutter of religious activity and allow a relationship with Jesus to determine our purpose. Surrender our agenda for God's agenda. Not new concepts for Christ-followers, but sometimes needed correction for Christ-believers.

I've talked with customers of all ages and stages that are engaging with these books. The chapters can push you individually, but sometimes simplifying life is easier when you have others helping you see what is excess. Ask a friend and clean out some clutter.

Our Spring Catalog's 20% coupon for one non-sale item even makes it more affordable.

From Boxes to Blog

Need to do some serious updating on what has been going on at the store. You know how a person gets busy with one thing and neglects another. I need to take a step back from the ordering, unpacking boxes and some re-arranging and spend some time here. Earlier this spring we got a large shipment from Melissa and Doug - a great company. Our customer's grandkids and kids are having fun with hopscotch, bouncing balls, sand toys and nature friendly bug houses, bug nets and garden tools. Of course there are also the puzzles, craft items, and play food that have been popular items - Melissa and Doug products make great gift items for birthday parties - quality at reasonable prices. We are happy to gift wrap it for you too.

Valentines that last

Flowers and candy are popular gifts to give for Valentine's Day, but it sometimes feels like one goes to waste and the other goes to the waist. I'm all for being impractical at times but I'd like to suggest an alternative gift that will last longer and make your relationship stronger. We have a new book this year called "Loving the Love of Your Life". It gives 30 ways to show HIM how much you care AND flip the book over and it gives another 30 ways to show HER how much you care. The idea is to do one of the 30 ideas and pass the book on to your spouse, they use an idea from their side of the book and pass it back. A valentine that could last for weeks or months.

I'll give you one idea for showing him you care - The book refers to the movie "When Harry Met Sally" and Harry goes into a speech at a New Year's party about why he loves her. "I love it that it takes you an hour and a half to order a sandwich." We all want to be unconditionally accepted. Your way to show him you care is making a top ten list of your favorite things about him and leaving it on his pillow. To pass the book on to him write on his side of the bathroom mirror "my favorite guy" with an arrow pointing down and leave the book on the counter. Now its his turn.

Some ideas may seem a bit goofy - but wasn't that the way you were when you fell in love?

Drop in a bucket and a crazy quilt

When the earthquake struck Haiti I found myself watching the news, amazed at the amount of suffering that could happen one place. After a couple of days I realized it was time to move from watching to DOING. I looked at Mennonite Central Committee’s website, saw the amount of relief kits they are attempting to gather and decided that would be my way of helping. But it seemed one bucket wouldn’t go very far in reaching the 20,000 kits needed by the end of February. So… why not give others an opportunity to join in. Maybe one person feels they can give a bar of soap, another a towel. If we put it all together we can do much more.
I also noticed the request for comforters – who wouldn’t need a “comforter” in the situation in Haiti. I can pray for them to experience the ultimate Comforter, but what if I sent one too. Thus the beginning of a Hillsboro community comforter that is going together at the store. Customers have brought scraps of various sizes and shapes and the craziness goes on from there. I’ve never made a crazy quilt before so I hope the quilting experts don’t stop by to critique it. But piece by piece we’re adding on until we achieve the 60x80 inch size that is requested and then it will be tied and finished.
All are welcome to join in. We will be collecting relief kit items until the last week in February. Go to mcc.org for more information. (Laundry bar soap is available at Dales Supermarket in Hillsboro)

Beth Moore title released

Beth Moore's "So Long, Insecurity: You've Been a Bad Friend to Us" is released today. Partly autobiographical in nature, Beth Moore uses stories, prayers, and practical ideas to nudge women out of insecurity and into knowledge of their God-given dignity. Beth' s passion to see God free women from their insecurities and fears evolved into an online survey of more than 950 women and 150 men that ultimately resulted in the publication of this book. Our age or place in life doesn't seem to make any difference, we all battle with insecurity.

I haven't had time to read through the whole book but in what I've read I see descriptions that resemble someone I live with - me. Looks like a great book - it would be interesting to go through it with a group of friends.

Thee Bookstore is offering 20% off on this new title through Feb. 13. It just may be the "Valentine" you or someone you know would appreciate.

VBS Kits Available

Friday's VBS Review Day did not have the kind of weather one wants when you are imagining summer Bible school. Some of you may have found the snow and cold too much. Please come in at any time and look through the VBS kits. You may check them out for a few days if it is more helpful to take them back to your committee for review. Several churches have made their choices and are on their way to summer fun. We are happy to help you join in.

VBS Review Day

The VBS kits are starting to arrive and we are preparing for our annual VBS review event. You are invited to the store on Friday, Jan. 29 anytime between 10 am and 7 pm to look at curriculum, talk with Nadine about the options and enjoy some VBS snacks.

There will be kits on hand from Group, Gospel Light, Standard and David C. Cook. Come on your own or bring your committee.

We will offer a 20% refund on the price of your kit when you place your regular VBS curriculum order. Remember, returns are also available for credit for unopened or unused materials. Information for credit return deadlines available at a later date.

You recruit the workers, let us take care of the curriculum... the kids will be waiting.