Every once in a while I have a moment of brilliance. Often it comes out of desperation. But, sometimes it comes with a combination of ideas along with that desperation. Here is one such moment.

One Wednesday after a horrible Monday (ever had one of those), I was paging through our homeschool curriculum. We were beginning our Adventure Genre unit, and I noted some activites in our Drawn Into the Heart of Reading manual. Suddenly, I had an idea! I combined the DITHOR activities for a scavenger hunt for travel supplies with our science review and our reading of Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne (inspired BJU Science and KONOS). After the boys had collected their travel supplies, I told them to take a walk "around the world" (around the block). They each picked a character to be. My oldest was Professor Lidenbrock, my middle one Hans, and my youngest Axel. Surprisingly, the characters they chose fit their personalities. When they arrived at their destination (home), they would be at Snaefells. While they were gone, I placed Earth Science review questions with clues in the basement (the center of the Earth). What made this more fun was the last clue placed by the phone, which had been missing for a few days. Once they found it, they traveled around the world again, backtracking. They had a great time! So did I...it was quiet for about 20 minutes, and I had time to fold the socks! We played this the next day without a friend using more questions and different clues. With this activity, we combined literature, science, gym, drama, and housework! It made me realize why I love homeschooling, which is always good after a horrible Monday!

This book is disturbing on so many levels! I find it to be heretical and contradictory. I doubt my opinion will change as I continue reading because it leaves me completely frustrated every time I pick it up. The one redeeming thing is that reading it has forced me to search biblical references to dispute Tolle's claims. But, there are far better books that strengthen faith and provide guidance. If you are looking for life's purpose, please don't look for it in this book.

I give this book more than five stars! Don't let the title fool you. There is more to this book than physical health tips. There are spiritual health tips throughout. I began reading this book simply to review it and found myself using it for my personal Bible study. Many of the truths Susie Larson states I have heard before, but that only affirmed my beliefs and confirmed some areas that require more diligence on my part. This book has truly blessed my life. I highly recommend this book to anyone struggling to balance physical and spiritual health within this very hectic culture surrounding us.

After reading Rob Bell’s Velvet Elvis and a few ranting and raving reviews, I’m not going to comment on the fine points of Bell’s theology. Some are fine, and some are brittle. But, I would like to comment on the spiritual trampoline metaphor from my own experience.

I had a friend who owned a trampoline. We neighbor kids spent many hours at his house. It was amazing to watch him do flips. He could go forward and backward as high or as low as he wanted. He tried to teach me. I could only manage to do a low, forward roll (is that a somersault?). I’m 6’2,” and I’m just not that flexible. So, I knew when to sit on the edge and watch him flip. I knew when to jump with him, the two of us feeding off a unified rhythm. It was great fun.

Until, one of our friends fell off and broke her leg. She healed, but the trampoline wasn’t as thrilling anymore. It was still fun, but not as fun. I didn’t turn into a complete coward and never jump again. But, I was certainly more careful when I did.

I also learned trampolines aren’t for everyone. I have three boys. My oldest—who is naturally cautious—and my youngest—who jumps with or without a trampoline—would probably be just fine. But, if my middle son—who has balance issues even when walking—got on one, we might as well file an insurance claim in advance!

So, I think this metaphor is a good one for this book. I’m thankful to Rob Bell for the opportunity to jump with him on his spiritual trampoline awhile. He certainly knows how to flip forward and backward better than I ever could. So, I’ll remember those moments of unified rhythm, but I also know I’m not as flexible as he is. And spiritual trampolines aren’t for everyone. For those cautious and more experienced jumpers? Maybe. For those who struggle with simply walking? No. My recommendation is just choose carefully when inviting someone to this spiritual trampoline.

I just read this collection to my boys at bedtime. I can relate to each of these stories. I've had those horrible, terrible, no good, very bad days that made me want to move to Australia. We are studying the value of money right now, so my youngest is learning that he used to be rich. I've stomped my feet about a few moves myself. But, best of all Alexander with his mussed hair and grouchy expression about life always makes me laugh. And somehow that makes the horrible days, empty pockets, and moves in life seem not so bad.

Thanks to all who attended my reading at Bethel. Special thanks to Assistant Professor of English Angela Shannon for coordinating the event. It was a great time to get reaquainted with former professors, meet new ones, and talk with students. Hope to see you at future events!

I just finished reading The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. It is not my favorite Lewis book. That would be Till We Have Faces, which I first read in college and then within the last year, loving it both times for its mythological and allegorical themes. As for this book, I found myself reading rather absently. Perhaps that is the ploy of demons, which is the theme of the book. They never really want you to know what they are up to, and distraction is one of their greatest means of keeping humans off their scent. However, they did not succeed entirely. Certain passages caught my attention. Most likely because they were immediately applicable. Sounded too familiar. Sounded all too true. Yet Lewis warns, "Readers be advised to remember that the devil is a liar. Not everything that Screwtape says should be assumed to be true even from his own angle." (Lewis 1976, Preface) In other words, don't believe everything you read. But, do read it!

See more of my book recommendations on Good Reads! http://www.goodreads.com