Summertime is movie time, and I recently talked my husband into paying good money to go see The Hustle starring Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson. Don’t come at me Hatha-haters, I think she is alright. The main reason I wanted to see it, however, is that it was marketed as a remake of the 1988 cult classic Dirty Rotten Scoundrels with Steve Martin and Michael Caine. I love Steve Martin and I LOVED this movie, which Rotten Tomatoes certifies at 89% fresh. Now, I don’t always agree with the Rotten Tomatoes critics, so I was undeterred by it’s paltry 15% rotten rating of new flick.
I should have been deterred. Rebel Wilson, who I think can be charming, has built her career thus far on the cheap and easy laugh. My husband hates that type. But he loves me. Bless him. So he endured what was, mercifully, a short cinematic disappointment. The stars, frankly, lacked charisma and the whole thing fell short of the wit and appeal of the original. I know, I know. Remakes are never as good as the original. Except sometimes they are. I loved The Fugitive (ok a TV show remake, but still a remake), the new Aladdin (critics didn’t really agree with me), Ocean’s 11, The Parent Trap, Freaky Friday and Hairspray! Even my beloved Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is a remake of a 1964 movie called Bedtime Story.
As much as I love a good movie (let’s face it, even a mediocre one will do), I think I still prefer reading for both entertainment and enlightenment. I post here often about my latest literary conquests, as I devour novels and comedic tomes as well as biographies, memoirs, and other forms of non-fiction. Perhaps my favorite, though, are contemporary works written about the Christian faith. By studying the stories and research of others, my beliefs are often strengthened, encouraged and challenged. Some of my recent favorites are:
The Louder Song: Listening for Hope in the Midst of Lament by Aubrey Sampson
Winning the Heart of Your Child: 9 Keys to Building a Positive Lifelong Relationship with Your Kids by Mike Berry
Stolen Jesus: A Unconventional Search for the Real Savior by Jami Amerine
Your Future Self Will Thank You: Secrets to Self-Control from the Bible and Brain Science by Drew Dyck
It’s a Love Story: From Happily to Ever After by Lincee Ray
Prototype: What Happens When You Discover You’re More Like Jesus Than You Think? by Jonathan Martin
Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands: People in the Need Change Helping People in Need of Change by Paul David Tripp
A Practical Guide to Culture: Helping the Next Generation Navigate Today’s World by John Stonestreet and Brett Kunkel
All very different and, in my estimation, excellent works.
It makes no sense to spend more time reading ABOUT the Bible than I do reading the Bible itself. But I’m guilty. I mean, when have I ever claimed to make sense? But I want to do better. Often, another author can give me insight into a scripture passage that I’ve never seen before, or add a personal story that gives me deeper understanding. These are good things and one of many ways we can encourage each other in the faith, but the BEST way to get to know God is to go straight to Him and His words.
I’m not cutting back on my reading habit. I wouldn’t know how! But I want to make sure I’m discerning and seeking God’s voice above all others. I read recently (yes, in one of my books – the last one in my list) that, “Christian is the greatest of all possible nouns and the lamest of all possible adjectives. it’s meant to describe a person, not a thing.” A person can be a Christian. A book, song or movie cannot. And just because someone is a Christian doesn’t mean their art has merit for me. Many Christians have wildly differing views of theology. So what is a blue stocking to do?
- Give weight to the source of a recommendation. Not everything labeled “Christian” is worth your time, money and intellectual energy. When someone I know and trust likes a book, I’m much more likely to pick it up than if I see a review in a magazine.
- Hold what you are reading up against scripture. Does it jive with what you know to be true of God’s character and His commands? If you aren’t sure about something, research it. Pray about it. Ask a pastor, friend or mentor for their take.
- Don’t just skim over scripture references. Look them up. Read commentary on them or reference the Blue Letter Bible (by app or online) for information on the meaning of words in the original language. Are the verses used in the appropriate context? Double check me too!
- Use good books to compliment your study, but focus your study on the Bible. God’s holy word. That is the true meat. Our daily bread. Everything else is gravy.
Happy reading!!
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The space around me feels different than it did when I started 2019. Not where I want to be, but maybe my feet are at least facing the right general direction. So all day long I have been replaying the events of this month and analyzing my head space and thought that maybe you, my online friends, might benefit from some of the things that are slowly starting to turn me around.
Our daughter Allie attended a youth retreat weekend at our church and invited 5 friends to join her! Two of those precious friends make decisions to live their lives for Jesus. The worship and preaching and serving is all my girl has been able to talk about! I remember those mountaintop experiences and the uncomplicated faith of childhood. My older, weathered heart knows that many challenges and difficulties lay ahead for Allie and her friends. Yet, I praise Him for the belief and conviction and hope they have right now. These are the roots that, with prayer and tending, will grow deep and keep them grounded in Christ during the storms that come.
During my personal study time with God I have been reading 
For visual entertainment, my sweetheart and I saw The Upside at the movie theater. It was less sad and more funny than I expected. At home, our daughter talked us into 
