Monday, February 18, 2013

Book Review: Just Like Jesus Devotional by Max Lucado

Jeff
Here is my book review of Max Lucado's Just Like Jesus Devotional, a handy partner to his book Just Like Jesus (see my Just Like Jesus book review here). Since this is a devotional, you do not go through this book in one sitting. It is divided into 30 days of reading designed to be read daily for 30 days. 




There is a format to each day’s reading, starting out with the part where you read writings and explanations of Max Lucado. Next is the “Thinking” part. I think this part can be best appreciated if thoughts or answers to questions are written in a journal. It is then followed by the “Hearing” part where a passage from scripture is prescribed as a reading for the particular day.  If one's mind is like a tote bag, you get your fill of your custom tote bags heree. “Reflecting” which is similar to the “Thinking” portion except that the questions here are totally about the passage given in the “Hearing” part. The last portion for each day’s reading is the “Speaking” part. This is the part where a reader can pray the suggested prayer in the book. 

I like how basic the format of each day’s reading is. This is perfect for new believers and even for those who’ve been in the faith for a long time and are starting back into the routine of daily devotion. This also will be a great support as you read the Just Like Jesus book by Max Lucado.

Monday, February 11, 2013

Civil Registry Authority to Solemnize Marriage (CRASM) Renewal

Jeff
After days and weeks of going back and forth to National Statistics Office (NSO) Makati City and following up at the Civil Registrar Information Management Division (CRIMD) located at Philippine Bible Society along Aurora Boulevard, my Civil Registry Authority to Solemnize Marriage (CRASM) was finally renewed. Although I haven't claimed the documents yet, it can already be verified online at the NSO's site, particularly on their Solemnizing Officers Information System (SOIS) page.



My renewed CRASM is effective from January 3, 2013 to December 31, 2015. I've learned my lesson to renew at least 4 months before its expiration so I can have allowance to complete renewal requirements and wait for its processing and release.

My CRASM can be viewed at the SOIS website by searching for my surname or it can be viewed directly here.

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Book Review: Just Like Jesus by Max Lucado

J.
Just Like Jesus by Max Lucado starts off with a confession of the author on some things in his life that he has started that never got to finish. Good things like books on speed reading, power abs and a health supplement. Max Lucado clearly got the message across through this confession that it is not uncommon for us, imperfect human beings, to not always finish what we start. We are not alone. The book further encouraged me to press on reading when Max said, "My desire is to encourage you to finish the right thing. Certain races are option - like washboard abs and speed reading. Other races are essential - like the race of faith. Consider this admonition from the author of Hebrews: "Let us run the race that is before us and never give up." Hebrews 12:1