Lora G. Recommends...

1. MERE CHRISTIANITY by C.S. Lewis

C.S. Lewis has become one of my favorite authors because he represents the kind of writer I want to become: versatile, never redundant, flexible, and, most of all, always sharing his craft in light of the Lord. I've come across some of his writings: The Chronicles of Narnia, which spectacularly showcased both his skill and his faith in a legendary story both the young and the young-at-heart will love; The Problem of Pain, more of a string of essays that explain human suffering and the reason God allows it despite his love for us (definitely for a more mature audience, as his use of words in t his particular book can be rather intellectually intimidating). Larry has just started reeading The Screwtape Letters, another fictional book that brings about an entirely different topic and evokes quite an interesting mood (it speaks about how the workings of the devil's mind--I think C.S. Lewis was going after the "know how the enemy works" strategy) and says it's also a worthwhile read. I would recommend, though, to put MERE CHRISTIANITY on top of the C.S. Lewis reading list.

I've been glued to it not because of impressive prose and its potential to further improve my vocabulary and my writing. The book has become kind of a condensed "manual" for me, giving me a much simpler structure to cling to as far as living as a good Christian is concerned. Here, C.S. Lewis tackles the things those that occupy our thoughts and actions daily: our social lives, family, forgiveness, even love and sex. I know that reading books shrouded in Christian "Law" have a tendency to turn some people off because of the many preconceived notions about Christians being closed-minded, tunnel-visioned and downright preachy, but I do hope you give this book a chance. C.S. Lewis does not preach, he shares. He does not dictate, he educates. reading the book is making me realize just how far off some of my first impressions about Christianity are, and reaffirms a lot of the good I feel embracing Christianity will introduce me to. As I go along I wll write about my won reflections on some of the more hard-hitting topics in the book, but I pray it won't take that long for you to grab your own copy. Bottomline, it's the book you want to put alongside your Bible, especially when the tougher verses get to you and you feel like you're hearing God but are not sure you are fully understanding what He says--Mere Christianity will narrow down the perspectives for you to grasp, taking the guesswork out of living the Christian way.

2. www.ccf.org.ph

I've been attending Sunday service at CCF (Christ's Commission Fellowship) for more than a year now, and it is at this point in time that I feel compelled to share just how much those Sundays have been instrumental in bringing me closer to the Lord, and completely changing how I choose to live my life. I invite all of you to come and attend Sunday service at CCF St. Francis Square (here's a huge auditorium big enough to fit all of us, for sure)--you won't regret it. The best way to describe the first time I attended service is being woken up from a long, uneventful sleep and stepping into the livelier, lovelier times.

If you don't have the opportunity to come soon, you can log on to ccf.org.ph--they post transcripts of weekly messages (that are very helpful and hands-on applications of the BIble), and even do video streaming of the wackiest pastors strutting their stuff for all of God's believers every week! If you want to get into volunteer work or join different ministries in your free time--especially if you're where I'm at right now: the "What's my purpose?" phase--CCF may just open the right doors for you.

I do hopw I see you guys there, soon. :)

3. Larry's testimony at the CCF Anniversary: http://hoopstv.blogspot.com/2006/09/larry-fonaciers-story.html

I am still, frankly, in shock that my hugely private boyfriend decided to deliver his testimonly in front of thousands at the Araneta Coliseum last August 27. He's played in front of that many people, but to TALK was an entirely different story. By God's grace (and a lot of convincing and prayers from me and his mom), he was given the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share his inspiring story to people.

Larry and I have been together since we were seventeen, and this year maks the seventh year we've been together. I can't say we've had God between us the whole time--maybe that explains the many "turbulent" moments (his words) and the nagging doubts that kept us from simply loving each other WHILE doing God's work individually and as a couple until the past few years. Now, though, I am certain we were brought (and allowed to STAY) together for a very good reason: the Lord. As a sign of utter gratitude for keeping us together and making us even closer than we thought possible after so many years (and many trials,too), we would like to work hand-in-hand in bringing OTHERS close to God as well, and to stand as reminders that God also uses love and relationships as instruments to perform His work.

I asked his permission to post this link on this blog, and he said that he would say yes to anything that would magnify God's glory, so here it is: a video of Larry delivering his heartfelt testimony. I know it took so much honesty on his part to admit his past shortcomings to the whole world (perhaps also to me), and I think that already earns him the position he's at: that of someone people MUST listen to and allow to touch their lives. I am praying that I can muster up the same kind of courageone day and talk about MY story (though it definitely isn't as "interesting" as his) to people. Well, I maybe doing a bit of that now, but maybe one day I'll get the chance to do it LIVE. But I'd have to think about the Araneta deal for a bit. ;-P