Going to The Shack

You've heard about the novel, The Shack, and perhaps you've read it. I was dubious until I saw William P. Young, the author, speaking about his life and why he wrote the novel. I was in tears.

Now I know people who hated this book, and I know people who loved it. I'm not sure there are many in between.

I am one who loved it. I love it when a book takes God out of "the box" people try to put him in.

Did you know that the place where Paul Young has set his story is real? There is a Joseph, Oregon, and there is a Wallowa Lake where the tragedy occurs.

Well, this coming Thursday my husband is driving me to Wallowa Lake where I will be speaking for a women's retreat Friday through Sunday. I will share my topic "Friends, the Silver Lining in Difficult Times," which is based on a song I wrote for the amazing people who lifted and carried me places in Israel I would never have experienced without their help. We were working together on an archaeological excavation team. I can hardly wait to speak to these wonderful women I've communicated with, and I can hardly wait to see some of the sites I have imagined in my mind while reading The Shack.

I've always been this way. After reading historical fiction I could hardly wait to see Andrew Jackson's home "The Hermitage" in Nashville, Tennessee. It met my every expectation. And since I've seen photos now of the area where I'll speak I know it will do so as well.

I hope if you've been afraid to read this book you'll take a risk and see what it's about. And let me know what you thought of it if you've already read it. I'll let you know what I think of the area the author describes after my weekend away!

I'm stopping for now--I spoke this morning and am a little tired.

Have a great week!

Jo

Christmas versus Happy Holidays

Snows blankets our trees, walks, streets and land, and its beauty hasn't ceased to amaze me since it began falling a week ago. We must have had over 12 inches fall since Wednesday along with layers of freezing ice in between the inches of snow. Since the Portland, Oregon/southwestern Washington area doesn't get lots of snowfall we love it! (And since I grew up in Colorado I love it as well.)

I do know that snow does not make for a wonderful Christmas. I've been to the birth place of Jesus--Bethlehem, Israel, and it rarely snows there either. So, I doubt it snowed on the eve or day of his birth, though it's possible.

For me, this time of year is Christmas--Christ/mas--the celebration of Jesus Christ's birth (though the date being accurate is irrelevant to me). This means I say, "Have a Merry Christmas" or "Have a blessed Christmas" not "Happy Holidays"!

I experienced two hours of MRIs (done annually due to the MS) two weeks ago, and when I was finished in the banging tube (TV does NOT do an MRI justice, you feel like you're in a war zone!) I told the technicians "Merry Christmas!" I was told, "Thanks! We don't get much of that." We talked about being "politically correct" and I said I am "politically incorrect!"

I want to wish you a Merry Christmas full of God's blessings. I wish you would put aside waiting to know about Jesus if you've been doing so--he has been my hope and joy since 1972--and I can't imagine life without his peace flooding my soul.

And if you want it . . . I hope you get snow as well!

Jo