This is a two-for-one Dear Reader,
Two months, one book.
Why? It’s summer of course and there’s much to do outdoors, which for me doesn’t lend itself to much reading when I’d rather be outside enjoying the sun; kayaking, paddle-boarding, swimming or even dry land fun like gardening. And since none of those activities lend themselves to a book in hand, yeah, yeah I know, technology and all that jazz but I’m a bit old school, preferring a book in my hand versus audio. All that to say that this months read is Susie Larson’s Fully Alive.
While I did whittle down my reading list so I could spend more time outdoors, my spirit hungered for more time with the Lord. Now I don’t know about y’all but around these parts, bible study groups are no where to be found from May thru the beginning of September. Obviously, that started cuz the kids and sunshine are out and no one wants to be indoors on gorgeous summer eves. I get it.
But…
I still was craving time with the Lord. Mainly because there’s things going on in my life that aren’t quite so filled with sunshine. So I went lookin’ for a bible/book study I could tackle on my own. Something that was meatier than a burger on the grill and as refreshing as an ice-cold pasta salad. Enter author Susie Larson. https://www.susielarson.com
Last Christmas a chain reaction started when I came across her study, Prepare Him Room. That book led me to her Podcast station, Susie Larson Live at Faith Radio https://www.myfaithradio.com/
and I’ve been an avid reader/listener ever since. And of course, one thing led to another, I was listening to her podcast and hungering for a deeper read for the summer when she mentioned her book, Fully Alive.
I’ve got to say, I am truly enjoying Susie’s transparency in everything she does. She doesn’t lead you to believe that she’s got it all together except for one thing, her love and devotion to Jesus and even that’s a bumpy road for her at times. What I enjoy most about Susie’s writing style is it’s like talking to your best friend, sister, and mentor rolled all into one. She lends a tender perspective that’s filled with a deep passion that we all experience Jesus on a deeper more meaningful level. She’s filled with Jesus-grace and encouragement and speaks to her readers like she’s your big sister sitting on the couch next to you, helping you through a tough time, with a serious dose of Truth from God Above.
She’s the big sister I don’t have and desperately need.
So far in Fully Alive there have been moments when it feels like she’s pulled me aside and said in a whisper, “I’m gonna tell you something hard, and you’ll thank me later.” That kind of friend, that kind of sister in Christ. She tells it like it is, with grace, compassion and a dose of firmness that pushes us to realize Jesus is our answer.
What I’m enjoying about Fully Alive so far is that it reads like a bible study. There’s plenty of thought-provoking questions, commentary, stories from Susie’s personal life and that Jesus-convicting-love that causes us to acknowledge areas we need growth, change and forgiveness and the truth that He’s gonna get us there.
Bring it on Jesus! This is the stuff I’m crazy about. I love digging deeper into the word, being convicted of areas I’ve buried and/or rejected while He changes my heart and life.
I’m tellin’ ya friends if you want a good dose of Jesus, pick up this letter gem and while you’re at it, go take a listen to her podcast. Pretty good stuff! But don’t forget your pen and journal, you’re gonna want to squirrel away some quiet time before you head out to the shore.
That’s it for now. Hope you’re having a great summer! Love you dear friend. I’m praying for you and oh! Don’t forget to love your friends, neighbors and families like Jesus would.
Hugs and best wishes,
