[Book Review] Praise Habit

I have to admit, I've been meaning to do this book review since like February...but there was school, Spring Sing, and a mission trip.  I also have to admit that Praise Habit has been on my bookshelf since high school.  Let me just say, I'm so glad I finally took the time to read this book!  It was really good, and David Crowder (the author) shared many insightful thoughts that challenged me to reflect on my faith and my praise habit.  What I didn't realize getting into this book was that it incorporated 21 days of lectio divina.  If you don't already know, there's this theory that if you do the same thing for 21 days in a row, it will become a habit to you--it will be a part of you.  "Lectio divina" can be described as the practice of scripture reading, meditation and prayer intended to promote communion with God and increase one's knowledge of God's word.  Rather than treating the Scripture as words to be studied, lectio divina emphasizes the Scriptures as the Living Word.  This sounded brilliant to me.  21 days of spending time with God and increasing my knowledge of His Word.  Then, it would be a new habit for me.  Second nature.  Unfortunately, I have not kept up on a daily basis.  I did all 21 days in a row.  I made it a few days past that.  But then I didn't know what passages to read, what to focus on, so I'm back where I began.  With that said, I would really appreciate it if you shared any good devotional guides or reading plans with me.  I seem to do better when I have a plan for what I'm suppose to do everyday.  That's why I have to do workouts with plans and numbers (e.g., P90X).  I'm to OCD to miss a day.  So while it's not the cure-all for inconsistent devotional time, I would encourage you to read Praise Habit.  And make sure you have a pen, or pencil or highlighter to mark things as you go! Here's a couple of the thoughts I marked:

"A habit is influenced not only by elements that bring the behavior about but also rewards or punishments that follow the behavior." (p. 25)

"But the wonder and the joy and the surprise are that even in the middle of darkness and loss is the unexpected presence of God." (p. 43)

Be looking for new posts that will be coming soon (hopefully)!

• [Book Review] Jesus for President
• Flourless Chocolate Cake
• Spring Sing 2012
• Mexico Mission Trip 2012