The Return to {Relative} Normalcy

It feels as though it has been an eternity since I have been able to post anything here.  After a long departure, it's good to be back.  Why so little writing, you ask?  There have simply not been enough hours in the day for the past month.  I found myself burning the proverbial candle at both ends.....and was frantically looking for a third wick extending from the middle to keep everything afloat.

This weekend saw the closing of Germantown High School's production of The Secret Garden.  The experience was wonderful.  The colleagues I met will be invaluable.  The creative process was incredibly rewarding.  The physical demands combined with the normal strains of my life were exhausting.  I'm looking forward to some much needed recuperation in the coming weeks.

Ideally, I want to take it easy this week and let me body and mind recover.  The reality of the situation is that I have put other things on the back burner to survive the rehearsal schedule of The Secret Garden that I have to get back to those tasks in order to keep them from becoming overly urgent sources of stress.  But, for a few days at least, I'm going to be productive and accomplish a few tasks at a much more leisurely pace than I have been moving recently.

On Friday, Spring Break begins here at the college.  I'm leaving my last class and heading to the airport for a brief trip to Los Angeles.  Why am I going?  Officially, I'm meeting with a performer to discuss a possible engagement later in the fall.  Truthfully, that could have been done over the phone.  I need to get away, enjoy the beauty of a place I dearly love and visit with some friends that I miss tremendously and have been neglecting for the past few months.  I'm also looking forward to participating in an annual tradition at my Alma Mater.  I'll only be away for 5 days, but I am looking forward to it more than you can imagine.

And just like that.....I'm back in the mode of writing. Can you believe I was worried that I would have anything to say to you today?  I suppose it really is like riding a bike......

"Soar" by Kenny Luck

Soar is an amazing book that examines the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer.  Intended for use as a men's group study, Luck explains in concise language who the Holy Spirit is, the transformations He desires to make in believers' lives and the impact He will make on their world as the God Men follow the Spirit's guidance.  Whether you are looking for a personal study or a group investigation, Soar will definitely provide you with a challenge and alter your approach to living a God-conscious, Spirit-led life.

Who knew that the common situations of life could teach so much about the Spirit?  With humor and contemporary relativity, Luck's introductions include stories of his son's broken arm, an approaching tsunami, and Christmas surprises to unlock the mysteries of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives.  Regardless of your personal beliefs, the book is very approachable for all believers without making a stance on the controversies that divide us on this topic.

One of the best -- and most challenging -- books I have read in quite some time.  I plan to revisit Soar in the future as well as read the other volumes in Kenny Luck's God's Man series.  I highly recommend you check out this volume!

I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.