Baby Update

Well I just had my 31 week appointment and it went great! Baby girl is about 3 pounds and my doctor said she's growing perfectly. I was a little concerned with the whole weight gain thing, cause I've only gained  13 pounds and everyone says it should be between 25-30 pounds, but he told me that what's important is the length in inches and that I gain at least 10 pounds. He said he was really pleased with the progress. I also got back my glucose test results which were normal- yay! He could tell the baby was in the head down position, which was exciting because she was breech when we had the ultrasound. I know, I know, the baby can move at any moment, but it's still exciting to know she's normal for the time being!

5 most life-changing books, according to Lisa

I got to thinking about the question: "what have been the most life-changing books for you?" and decided to share my thoughts. Sometimes you read a book that is not just 'good' (as in moving, enjoyable, or meaningful), but is one that truly changes your life in some way. The following are the top 5 books I've read that fall in this category. Enjoy.

Money, Possessions, and Eternity by Randy Alcorn: this book is quite life-changing. If you've ever read a "Christian finance book" (i.e. Dave Ramsey, Suzie Orwell, etc) this book is not one of those; it's not a how-to manage your finances so you're 'set', throwing in a chapter on giving. It's actually quite the opposite. It's an unforgiving look into how our temporary use of money and accumulation of possessions directly relates to eternity, and according to Jesus, why it is one of the most important aspects of our earthly lives. It deals head-on with issues like materialism, debt, prosperity theology, etc. It will challenge you, irritate you and, if you can find the courage, change the way you live your life.

The Heavenly Man by Brother Yun:  an autobioraphy of Brother Yun's experience preaching the gospel throughout China. Remarkable story of God's call and power. I would say this book was life-changing because 1) it opened my eyes to the importance of writing scripture on your heart and 2) it redefined for me what it means for "the word to come alive" and change one's life on a daily basis through the power of the Holy Spirit, as evidenced by Brother Yun's vivid stories. He memorized almost the entire bible, and God used it powerfully throughout his life at key moments. This is probably one of the most incredible stories I've read... other than......

Brutchko by Bruce Olsen: an autobiography about a man who redefined missions and brought the gospel of Jesus to entire people groups in Columbia. It challenges the American Christian mindset that faith must be westernized, and instead shows the raw power of the gospel in reaching other nations when reduced to its simplest tenets of love, sacrifice, peace, joy, faith.

Heaven by Randy Alcorn: this book discusses the often glossed-over topic of heaven, and how indeed the bible has much more to say about eternity than we think, and how God wants us to live and yearn for our true 'home'. You may not agree with everything written, but it's very eye-opening.

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers: a fictional novel that powerfully portrays the unconditional love and redemption of God.