Thursday, May 24, 2012

As One Devil to Another ~ Book Review and Drawing!

As a fan of C.S. Lewis, I was familiar with this format of one "devil" corresponding to another with a glimpse of what that could possibly look like.  Richard Platt takes this method and does his predecessor proud.  As One Devil to Another opens, we see the plight of a possible demon whose sole purpose is to keep the soul of one woman from falling into God's (the Adversary in the tale) hands.

The tale is exceptional at explaining how Satan could be using today's issues and new norms to cultivate his seemingly winning war against God, specifically in developed cultures.  I was impressed to read the simple and direct line of thinking with regards to technology and sex that clearly shows a direction away from God's Word.  It isn't complicated.  In fact, it's too easy.  Along with these modern issues, Platt also uses this forum to explain a little about the deeper reasons for pain and suffering or loss.  In a humorous way, we see the plight of the demons thwarted by God's grace.

The writing was very easy to follow, though I must admit, I kept thinking there would be a 2-way correspondence, not primarily one.  Once I figured that out, it was pretty smooth sailing.  My only real complaint was with the drawings and the obvious comic bent they provided.  I'm not one to believe there is a demon around every bush, but I don't believe they are little "devils" with horns and a pointy tail.  For whatever reason, this overly-done cartoon view of demons makes me feel like telling the one who does the writing/drawing to be careful, but then again, I have nothing to fear either.

I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to any of my Christian friends.  Especially those who have enjoyed C.S. Lewis.  I am thankful for Tyndale Publishers for providing me with this copy.  If you would like a copy of this from them as well, please comment and I will draw a name to win a certificate for a free copy!  You can simply take the certificate into a Christian bookstore or mail it to them (instructions are on the certificate) and viola!  Don't forget to comment!

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Springing Forward...Someday

Spring has finally begun here in the land of the north.  I love my flowers, so it's no surprise that I get excited about the colors and textures that emerge from my basket at the garden center.  Most of this beautification is for me personally, but we are still trying to sell the house, and I hear that flowers help.  Whatever.  


 I'm feeling a bit snarky, and I'm a bit beyond tired of this snow.  It's May.  It clearly didn't get the memo.  I'm *this* close to getting the shovel out and spreading the snow out into the yard.

 I am truly finding joy and excitement (and hope!) in every little face that pops out.  It's a reminder to me that winter does end.  Life does move forward.
 My real frustration is that it seems to happen so much faster for others than for us.  It seems that I continually hear (though this is most likely perception rather than reality) of others selling their house in a matter of minutes!  I really don't doubt that we are on a path that God has ordained, and I feel peace about selling our home, I just don't understand why it is taking so long for God to sell it.  Surely if we are following His leading, we would be rewarded, right?  No.  God never promised anything of the sort.  Dang.
I can see how the time that has passed has brought us to a complete reliance of God in regards to planning.  I think we have looked at about 3 million different properties from Alaska to Kansas, and even areas in between.  We have changed our house plans from a tiny shed/cabin, to a slightly larger cabin, to simply buying a farmhouse.  We've looked at job opportunities in other places and tried to imagine life with much less, and being much more free.
Today we are in limbo with the prospect of moving to Ghana, Africa.  There is a Christian company, Vytrak, which is looking to create a vehicle that is simple and durable for use in Africa.  We are looking into being part of the team to go to Ghana and help set up the manufacturing of these vehicles.  Yes, this is pretty much my husband's forte, but I am pretty versatile as well!
Or, we will do something else.
We really don't know.

In the meantime, I will try to keep myself from resenting others' successful sales of their homes and keep my focus on what is directly in front of me, lest I miss the beauty of new life.
Try.