What I've Been Reading this Week - December 30

Here are some interesting reads and finds I've come across this week. Enjoy!

Daniel at Sharefaith lists seven ways to improve in the New Year.

John Owen quote about having a "holier than thou" attitude.

Download Johann Sebastian Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 for free from Alexander Street Press.

Here's a bit of book inspiration for your dream house.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Reading and Writing Goals for 2012

I have been working the past two weeks on thinking about (and looking into) challenges and goals I want to take on for 2012.

Here are two that I'm going to pursue:
- the Mount TBR Challenge 2012
The goal is to read books from your "to be read" (TBR) pile. I'm signing up for the Pike's Peak level.
- the 500 Words a Day Challenge
I have been participating in the 250 Words a Day Challenge this past year, and I have decided to step it up a bit for this next year.

What goals are you setting for yourself this year?

Equal Standing - Women in Luke - Part 10

Martha

- owned her own house
- sister to Mary
- welcomed Jesus into her house
- was distracted with much serving
- complained to Jesus
- Jesus pointed out that her sister Mary had chosen what was necessary

Amy Carmichel - "Love's Eternal Wonder"

"Lord beloved, I would ponder, 
Breadth and length and depth and height,
Of Thy love's eternal wonder, 
All embracing, infinite.

- from Amy Carmichael in Toward Jerusalem

You might also be interested in my first post about Amy Carmichael. 

Equal Standing - Women in Luke - Part 9

Jairus' Daughter

- she was 12 years old
- her father, Jairus, was a ruler of the synagogue
- she was his only daughter
- she was dying and died before Jesus reached her home
- Jesus raised her from the dead

30-Day Giving Challenge 2011 - Final Week

Here's my recap of the last week of the 30 Day Giving Challenge:

Monday - bought coffee for the person after me in the drive thru
Tuesday - volunteered at a local library
Wednesday - helped out at my church's Wednesday evening kids program

Just where has the time gone? I am finding it hard to believe that November has already passed and that December is cruising on by. I know that I have stated this before, but I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to be involved with this giving challenge this year. Honestly, at times this past month it really has been a challenge to give in specific ways. As happens to us all, I had many unexpected demands on my time come up, which really pushed me to decide whether this goal of giving was a priority. I'm glad that I chose to make it a priority, and I have been blessed by being able to give.

As we enter the Christmas season, my hope for us all is that we can maintain our focus on serving others.