Book Review: Earthen Vessels

I recently read Earthen Vessels by Matthew Lee Anderson as part of Bethany House Publishers' book review program. Subtitled "Why Our Bodies Matter to Our Faith", the book examines various aspects of our physical selves and how they relate to our faith.

The book covers a variety of topics ranging from tattoos and sexuality to mortality and the spiritual disciplines. I have to say that I found this book a hard one to really get into. It's definitely not a light read by any stretch; it reads more like a senior thesis or dissertation and certainly provides a lot of food for thought. I do believe that our physical selves is a topic that is seldom addressed by the church but should be. However, I found this particular book on the subject to be a fairly dry read that will probably not appeal to the casual reader.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House Publishers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Great Is Thy Faithfulness

Although I don't normally consider myself a worrier, from time to time I do find myself fretting over certain situations. Over the past few days, for instance, I've caught myself worrying over several issues ranging from my workload to loved ones who are going through tough times. 


One of my all-time favorite hymns is "Great Is Thy Faithfulness." I've loved this song for years; it's one of those that I'd like played at my funeral as a reminder of, well, God's faithfulness. Not once but twice over the past week I've awakened to "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" playing on my clock radio. I couldn't help but laugh when I heard the song, as I knew immediately that God was reminding me that He is indeed in control and I have no need to worry.


In case you need a gentle reminder of God's faithfulness toward you, here are the lyrics to this old favorite:


"Great is Thy faithfulness," O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.

"Great is Thy faithfulness!" "Great is Thy faithfulness!"
  Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—
    "Great is Thy faithfulness," Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above,
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

© 1923. Ren. 1951 Hope Publishing Co., Carol Stream, IL 60188
www.hopepublishing.com

Adoption UPDATE!

Just last night I posted a prayer request for the Black family who are adopting two children from Russia. We just learned this morning that all of the necessary paperwork was approved, they received the children's visas from the U.S. Embassy, and they WILL be heading home tomorrow as originally planned! Praising God for moving so powerfully in this situation and rejoicing in this news.

If you had a chance to pray for them, thank you--many, many prayers have been answered on their behalf. You can read the update here.

More Adoption Prayers

Over the past year or so it seems like I've been surrounded by people who have adopted or are in the process of adopting children, some domestically and some from other countries. I've solicited prayers on the behalf of some adoptions in the past, and now I'm soliciting more prayers for another family who is expanding from three to five with the adoption of a son and daughter from Russia.

The parents are currently in Russia to finalize everything, with plans to bring the children home this Friday. However, there have been some major paperwork snafus regarding their new daughter, Olivia Ann, over the past couple of days, and they have sent several prayer requests about the problems. Thankfully, God has graciously answered many prayers already and has moved several mountains, but there is still the need for prayers as they wait to hear whether everything has been resolved. Please join in praying for the Black family, specifically that the paperwork will indeed finally be in order and that they will all be able to come home on Friday as planned.

You can read about their adoption journey on their blog here.