A Series of Dunkings

     I recently re-read the book, Crowded Skies: Letters to Manhattan by Tara Leigh Cobble.  She is one of my favorite authors, and writes about overcoming fear, loving Jesus, and finding your calling.  I wanted to share the following excerpt because, hello....were you here for my 2013?  ;)

     My Pastor, Tim Keller told a story once about a problem that some modern day shepherds were experiencing.  A rare kind of parasite started eating their sheep alive.  In order to protect them, the shepherds had to dunk the sheep in a tub full of disinfectant. 

     When they pushed the sheep under, the shepherds saw the looks of terror on their faces.  As far as the sheep knew, they were being forced into a slow, frightening death by drowning.   Even after they emerged from the tub, they still didn't have a full understanding of what had happened or why.  But without the shepherd to dunk them in the tub, they would've died a death far more painful than drowning.  The shepherd was saving their lives, making them stronger- but they had no way of knowing.  

    I also wrote about TLC here and here. 

She also wrote Here's to Hindsight and Orange Jumpsuit, and you won't find a bad read in the bunch. 

Love and hold your breath, 

You are the prize

     I'm not the one who originally said this, although I really wish I was.  This quote was made by a man named Lee the Pastor and can be found in Tara Leigh Cobble's newest release, Orange Jumpsuit.  

     You might remember last year, I read her second book and it prompted me to pray a prayer that changed my life in a way that I could never have imagined.  In fact, we are still navigating through those changes.  But I am trusting in God that we will have a happy ending.  Maybe not a happy ending, but an ending that will prove to be "enough."

This year, her third book as inspired me to spend 2012 focusing on God.  It's that simple and yes, it's just that complicated.  All rolled in to one.

     Anyway, it is interesting because you'd think this quote only applied to single women, but I find myself trying to live it's truth everyday.  I try to look at Tim and say to myself, "You are not his mother."

     And then, last week, I noticed he was gathering his things for the gym while still wearing his slippers.  Trying desperately not to be *that* wife, I refrained from reminding him to grab his tennis shoes.

     He is a good husband.  And because of that, I'm not going to tell you how the story ended even though it's pretty funny.

You can probably guess.

     With that being said, you should read her books.  You really should.  It feels like you are reading one long email from your best friend.

Go here for the down low.  http://taraleighcobble.com/#/home

Love and no more swords,
H.