Untamed

Untamed by Lisa Harper is an interesting mix of in-depth theology, a conversational writing style, and inspiring life applications. The author clears away a lot of misconceptions regarding our Savior as she walks through various scenes of the four Gospels, narrating them in modern language and explaining the historical significance and controversy behind Christ's actions. She offers a glimpse of a Savior who is wild, controversial, compelling, and compassionate.

Though the writing itself is overly simple and rarely eloquent, Harper's message is significant enough to make readers look past the poor writing style.

If you want to learn more about Christ's earthly ministry and how it applies to our daily pursuit of Him, this is definitely a book you'll want to read.

WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group provided this book to me for free in exchange for this honest review as part of their Blogging for Books program.

writing, writing, going to class and writing. funfunfunfun.

Hey friends!

I'm currently on Day 7 of 12 at the Rhodes Summer Writing Institute! In the past 7 days, I've written 8 papers. Crazy! I've been learning all about post-modernism, feminism, the iceberg principle, analyzing literature, the meaning of literature, hipsters, spelling, and so much more! ha. Even though at various times this past week I have had cry fests in the community bathroom and promised myself I would never write another word after I got home, I've really grown in my love for the art. The people in my class are so incredibly talented that it inspires me to work to get better. Usually I'm one of the better writers in my grade and I'm near the top of my class, but here everyone reads impressive books and makes good grades and gets complimented on his/her writing ability. So, needless to say, I'm being really challenged and inspired.

And I'm also the only one who has never read Harry Potter. I'm not allowed, ok?! haha.

I was pretty nervous about coming here because of all the crazy medical issues I've been dealing with, but I literally rested for the entire week that I was supposed to go to the beach so I felt quite a bit better. And I prayed about coming here and felt really at peace with my decision to come. And I'm so glad I did!

I've learned so much spiritually, academically, and relationally. It's been a really big culture shock; I realized that I've never really been anywhere that didn't fall under the "Christian" umbrella...I've either homeschooled or gone to a private Christian school, gone to church, church camps, mission trips, etc. Here it's just...different. There isn't a devotional in the morning or a prayer before meals, no Christianeze or worship services. But I feel like having that freedom has strengthened my relationship with the Lord and my faith family. I might share more later, but trust me, the Lord has majorly, majorly, majorly (I repeat things for emphasis. Emphasis!) opened my eyes to a lot of things.

And some of those eye-opening things have been a part of the inspiration Kendyl and I and a few other people have had to plan a party for the girls in our youth group. I'm really excited to get to know the girls better. This week I've realized how imperative it is to not only be remaining in and seeking the Lord but also to encourage and support and live in unison with other believers. And I'm hoping this will help develop stronger relationships and everything. And if not, at least it will be fun! ;)

Well, I'm gonna head out and find something fun to do... that's another thing; I've been socializing so much this week...I'll have to write more about that later. haha.

Much Love,
Marissa Lanae

Not my will but Yours be done

"Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.'"-James 4:13-15

I would say that this verse sums up this whole year, particularly the past 2 months.

In January I thought my days of not being able to eat were over completely, but in February that terrifying nerve sensation came back and I haven't been able to swallow normally since. That was the first surprise. The next would come 2 months later.

At the end of my spring break, I wrote down different goals for the last quarter of the year. Things like "Make a 34 on the ACT," "Make an A+in every class," "Work out every day." Let's just say, I didn't really meet any of them...

The first week in April I went to a new doctor who made me cry gave me this new medicine to try that would heal me in three days and give me tons and tons of energy. I thought that sounded lovely, so I began taking it. Within 3 days, I thought I was going to absolutely pass out. It was horrible. I'm a high school student, so I know exhaustion all too well, but this was not exhaustion. This was fatigue. I could hardly think clearly and I literally felt like a 200-pound person was sitting on top of me. So I stayed home for a few days to recuperate and I thought I was good to go. Little did I know that the side effects last 6-8 weeks. Six to eight weeks, people! So basically, instead of meeting my over-achieving, self-glorifying goals, I was lying in bed barely able to move. Not fun.

Another unexpected event came my way this past Monday. I went on Facebook, expecting just to read lighthearted posts about summer and friends and the like. Instead I went on there and found out that 2 of my friends had died earlier that day. I was completely stunned. I still can't even fathom it. It's so, so sad.

And then there was yesterday... morning... My Sunday school teacher wasn't going to be there so she asked us to figure something out. So I volunteered. I spent quite a bit of time planning my lesson and practicing what I was going to say and I knew that the girls in my class love to talk, so I wasn't too terribly worried, just a little nervous. I love Sunday school a lot so I was really looking forward to teaching and saying a bunch of really brilliant things like other Sunday school teachers do. I prayed and prayed and prayed over my lesson and my classmates and that His will would be done. I had everything nice and neat and planned out and it. BOMBED. It was, hands-down, the most awkward class we've ever had. I won't go into all the gory, embarrassing details, but literally everything went wrong. Oh, Murphy's law and its accuracy.

And then there was yesterday...evening... I spent all day buying stuff for camp this week... all the stuff for my special diet... and more than ever I was ready for just a slight break from my surroundings. But I was completely and utterly fatigued. I still haven't gotten my energy back from before I took that horrible medicine. So around midnight last night, we decided I should just skip camp this year. I'm supposed to be on a bus right now heading for Alabama, but instead I'm sitting at home. Which stinks. I really, really wanted to go. But I know I don't have the energy for it... but it still makes me sad... but i know it's for the best. internal conflict ftw! ;)

Anyways, those are just a few of the many unexpected occurrences that have, in fact, occurred as of late. But I'm learning a lot and trusting the Lord and reminding myself that even if nothing is ever ok, one day everything will be glorious.

Much Love,

Marissa Lanae

P.S. "In their hearts humans plan their course,but the LORD establishes their steps." -Proverbs 16:9

In A Pit With A Lion on A Snowy Day Review

I honestly didn't expect to learn very much from In a Pit With A Lion on a Snowy Day by Mark Batterson, but I was very pleasantly surprised.

The main thesis of the book is that Christians should take risks and trust God, rather than giving in to fear or complacency. He encourages readers to change their perspective of trials and look at them as opportunities for God to do a miracle rather than as needless burdens.

Batterson uses illustrations from the Bible, history, and his own life to reinforce his points. His writing style, although not exceedingly impressive, is explicit and concise. Batterson possesses a great deal of knowledge, which shines through in this book.

If you're going through a hard time, struggling with a decision, or need some motivation to step out of your complacent zone, I highly recommend this book to you.

WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group provided this book to me for free in exchange for this honest review as part of their Blogging for Books program.