If God is Good

We have all asked the question and probably more than once, "If God is good, then why . . ." Why is there suffering? Why is there unfairness? Why is their illness? Why is there death? Job loss? Divorce? Sexual abuse? War?

Many books have tried to answer this age old question. Some authors use this question to "prove" that God doesn't exist. Some say God does exist, but he doesn't have the power to work miracles in the face of free will. Some say God has the power to do anything, but isn't entirely benevolent and, therefore, allows evil to exist. Some say God created the world, but then lets it run on its own and doesn't get involved with the day-to-day workings.

In his new book If God Is Good, Randy Alcorn attempts to answer this question in a scholarly and comprehensive manner. His book is very lengthy, detailed and attempts to leave no scriptural stone unturned or facet of the question unanswered. This book is an excellent resource for counselors, pastors, caregivers, and anyone who wants to help someone who's hurting. I wouldn't necessarily recommend it for someone in the midst of turmoil unless that person is the type who needs to process grief through intellectual undertaking. Because the book is so detailed and long, I can't imagine someone in the throes of trauma having the wherewithal to cull through it. However, since we all go through difficult times at one point or another, it's an excellent book to read so that your faith and understanding are more fleshed out when the time comes for you to undergo a situation that raises the question, "If God is good, then why . . . ?"

Unfortunately, I don't have a free copy of this book to give away. However, you can buy it here:

http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781601421326

Summary:

Every one of us will experience suffering. Many of us are experiencing it now. As we have seen in recent years, evil is real in our world, present and close to each one of us.

In such difficult times, suffering and evil beg questions about God--Why would an all-good and all-powerful God create a world full of evil and suffering? And then, how can there be a God if suffering and evil exist?

These are ancient questions, but also modern ones as well. Atheists such as Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, and even former believers like Bart Ehrman answer the question simply: The existence of suffering and evil proves there is no God.

In this captivating new book, best-selling author Randy Alcorn challenges the logic of disbelief, and brings a fresh, realistic, and thoroughly biblical insight to the issues these important questions raise.

Alcorn offers insights from his conversations with men and women whose lives have been torn apart by suffering, and yet whose faith in God burns brighter than ever. He reveals the big picture of who God is and what God is doing in the world–now and forever. And he equips you to share your faith more clearly and genuinely in this world of pain and fear.

As he did in his best-selling book, Heaven, Randy Alcorn delves deep into a profound subject, and through compelling stories, provocative questions and answers, and keen biblical understanding, he brings assurance and hope to all.

The Treasure Principle -- Book Giveaway Winner

Congratulations to Carol of Sylmar, California, our winner of a copy of The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn. Thanks to everyone who entered.

I have a number of additional book reviews and giveaways coming up in the next several weeks so please check back often and, as always, thanks for reading!

Got Gas?

Yesterday I read a statistic that really freaked me out.

Each year, Americans use 800 million gallons of gas to mow their lawns -- and we spill more fuel while filling lawn equipment each year than the Exxon Valdez spilled in '89.

The solution? Electric mowers which cost approximately $5 a year to run.
This statistic came from idealbite.com. You can sign up to have daily eco tips delivered to your e-mail inbox.

I'm getting rather used to being really freaked out these days. Why? I'm reading Thomas L. Friedman's new book, Hot, Flat, and Crowded: Why We Need a Green Revolution – and How It Can Renew America. I'm not even a quarter of the way through it and I want to run, screaming for my mommy, and hide under the covers until we humans, supposedly the "wisest" creatures, get a CLUE! I strongly recommend this book -- it is, quite possibly, the most important book of the century. Seriously. When I finish the book and get myself glued back together, I'll share some information from it. In the meantime, I can't stress this enough . . . GO GET THE BOOK -- READ IT -- TAKE ACTION!

REMINDER: I have one copy of The Treasure Principle to give away. To enter the random drawing, please send your name and mailing address to seewhykinsman@gmail.com. The winner will be announced tomorrow, April 10, 2009. Good luck.

The 7 Biggest Mistakes People Make When They Say No

I have blogged a lot about finding your authentic self and being true to it with your time, money and other limited resources. One problem we have in doing so is saying no to all the activities, causes and such that are not nearest and dearest to our authentic selves.

I recently read one of the best articles I've ever seen regarding how to say "No" in a respectful, decisive manner. Christine Kane is a singer and songwriter who blogs here: http://christinekane.com/ It is with her generous permission I reprint her article (and the photo to the left is her content as well). Enjoy and take her lessons to heart.



The 7 Biggest Mistakes People Make When They Say No
March 19th, 2009 by Christine Kane

Know what’s funny?

Many women will talk about anything when it comes to personal growth work. They aren’t afraid to “go there.”

But as soon as the topic of Saying No comes up, they’ll sit back in their seats.

“Sorry.”

“No can do.”

“I tried that. It didn’t work.”

“Huh-uh.”

In fact, it seems the only thing they’re willing to say no to is… Saying No!

But saying no is important as you move to the next level in your life. One of the items in the Tool Kit of my new Uplevel Your Life Mastery Program is called “The Natural No: Templates for Saying No Authentically, Clearly, and Graciously.” After all, it’s tough to uplevel if you don’t know how to eliminate and release!

Saying No isn’t hard. It’s just that many of us do it badly! Here are the seven biggest mistakes people make when they say no…

Saying No Mistake #1 – Waiting until they’re put on the spot

Most people never actually take time to ask themselves about their No’s. They wait until they’re put on the spot – and then they let their emotions (guilt, fear, anxiety) make their decisions for them!
While you can’t be prepared for every request that comes your way, you can get clear on your No’s in advance. I call this The Proactive No.

Write your list of Proactive No’s on a day off. “No volunteer positions on weekends.” “No more committees.” “No Sunday night dinner parties.” Get clear about how you want to honor your time and priorities. That way when you say no, it will be simple and authentic!

Saying No Mistake #2 – Over-explaining
Rather than saying a clear “No,” many people try to explain their way out of it. This only digs them deeper into the muck.

When you over-explain yourself, you embody uneasiness. Over-explaining says, “I don’t really mean this, so I’m trying to find proof.”

Saying No Mistake #3 – Using disempowered language
Language is a key element of effective “No-Saying.”

Empowered language is clear, firm, compassionate, and keeps the focus on the issue. Most people get so nervous and distracted that they ultimately do themselves a disservice by speaking at all. They ramble through the territory of the “sort of,” “kinda,” and “ya know.”

Empowered language stops the rambling. “I’m getting clear on my priorities so I’m cutting back on the extra activities in my life. In order to honor that intention, I need to say no. Thanks for understanding.”

Saying No Mistake #4 – Trying to get approval
Rather than simply turning something down, many people try to “campaign” for their No.
They want to say “No.” But that’s not enough.

They also want the parties involved to approve of their “No,” agree with their “No,” and not be mad at them for saying “No.”

Saying No means that some people might be disappointed in you. That’s their “stuff.” Accept that. Give them the gift of allowing their disappointment. Give yourself the gift of having preferences.

Saying No Mistake #5 – Hoping people will just ‘get it.’
Not responding at all. Putting the request off for a week. Avoiding eye-contact. These are the dances we do, hoping that people will just “get it.”

The problem with this approach is not that you’re not being “nice” to other people.

The problem is that you aren’t being complete with yourself. These little “Non-no’s” are actually draining your creative energy. Stop the leaks, and say no in the moment!

Saying No Mistake #6 – Promising something they don’t mean
There’s a “Friends” episode where Ross’s new girlfriend asks him where their relationship is “going.” Ross admits to his Friends that he doesn’t want the relationship to go anywhere. But rather than stating this to his girlfriend, Ross gives her the keys to his apartment and tells her he loves her.

It’s a funny episode because it shows how much energy and integrity we lose when we dishonor our own preferences and desires – all in an effort to avoid another person’s disappointment.

Saying No Mistake #7 – Giving in to guilt
When you say No, you might have to deal with some guilt.

At first, being on your own side is scary. This is why some people cave in as soon as the discomfort of guilt arises. Within a week, they change their mind and opt back into the thing they didn’t want to do in the first place.

Wavering and waffling sends shaky messages to everyone involved, including yourself. Allow the guilt, and just experience it. You’ll get more comfortable after a little practice!

—–
Let’s face it. Saying No is uncomfortable sometimes. But once you experience the clarity and space that comes from saying No successfully, then you’ll never want to go back to the way you used to do it!

REMINDER: I have one copy of The Treasure Principle to give away. To enter the random drawing, please send your name and mailing address to seewhykinsman@gmail.com. The winner will be announced April 10, 2009. Good luck.

Book Reviews and Giveaway

Experiencing the Spirit by Henry and Melvin Blackaby is a wonderful book which will teach you how to experience the power of Pentecost every day. Believers are supposed to have the same power as Yeshua (Jesus) as a result of the Holy Spirit coming to Earth to empower us. First century belivers had such power, but modern day Believers don't . . . at least most of them don't. The Blackabys explain why not and what to do to change that.

One quote I loved from the book:

Christians are "theological belivers, but practical athiests."

HOW TRUE! Painfully, sadly true. The key to change is by focusing on your relationship with the Holy Spirit, not the gifts of the Spirit. Gifts only come from relationship -- and only if your motives are correct. God's spiritual gifts are not for your benefit, but for His benefit -- so He can accomplish His will on earth. Finally, you need to realize that although we have certain gifts and talents, a lot of times God will use your weaknesses -- He will use you in areas where you DON'T seem gifted -- in order to grow you and to show His glory. This is an excellent book and is available from RandomHouse.com by accessing the below link or from your favorite booksellers:

http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781590529119&ref=externallink_mlt_experiencingthespirit_aeb_0309_01

Below is the summary from the publisher:

Summary Experiencing the Spirit:

Serve God as never before

The first Christians “turned the world upside down” (Acts 17:6) shaking the gates of hell even in the face of severe persecution. The result: People all around “were filled with wonder and amazement” (Acts 3:10).What can give Christians today the same impact?

God’s Holy Spirit is ready to answer that for us in an awesome way, as Henry Blackaby and his son Mel Blackaby make clear in Experiencing the Spirit. You’ll see how the proof of the Spirit’s presence is our awareness of God’s personal assignments for us, plus our supernatural enablement to carry out those assignments. You’ll find essential clarification on the difference between natural talents and spiritual gifts. You’ll explore the dynamics of being filled with the Spirit through intimate relationship with Him, committed obedience, and radical departure from sin.

Instead of considering what you can do for God with your abilities and talents, you’ll be encouraged here to seek what God wants to do through you supernaturally by His Spirit, empowering you beyond your personal competence and capacities. Release the Holy Spirit’s work at the very core of your experience of the Christian life.

The Lord loves a cheerful giver. But how can we be cheerful when we’re white knuckling it every month to pay the bills?! Randy Alcorn teaches us with 6 easy to apply principles in his book, The Treasure Principle. Randy relates that although 1/3 of Christians say they tithe, the accounting books show closer to 1/8 actually do. Yet Randy tells of numerous individuals and families that give away 50%, 75% or 90% of their incomes. The Treasure Principle explains what the Bible says about giving – why we are supposed to give, how we are supposed to give, and what we can expect from God in return. This is a valuable book if you want to be a good steward of God’s resources.

I have one copy of The Treasure Principle to give away. To enter the random drawing, please send your name and mailing address to seewhykinsman@gmail.com. The winner will be announced April 10, 2009. Good luck.

Below is the summary from the publisher. The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn can be purchased from various booksellers and from RandomHouse.com here

http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781590525081&ref=externallink_mlt_treasureprinciple_aeb_0309_01

Summary The Treasure Principle

Flip-Flop Your Concept of Giving!

Bestselling author Randy Alcorn introduced readers to a revolution in material freedom and radical generosity with the release of the original The Treasure Principle in 2001. Now the revision to the compact, perennial bestseller includes a provocative new concluding chapter depicting God asking a believer questions about his stewardship over material resources. Readers are moved from the realms of thoughtful Bible exposition into the highly personal arena of everyday life. Because when Jesus told His followers to “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,” He intended that they discover an astounding secret: how joyful giving brings God maximum glory and His children maximum pleasure. Discover a joy more precious than gold!