Book Review: The Impressionist

The Impressionist
Becoming The Masterpiece You Were Created To Be

Tim Clinton and Max Davis


I have many of Tim Clinton's books and use them all the time for reference, research papers, and companion reading to my counseling classes. They have a place of honor on the "I use these all the time and need easy access" bookcase.  All of the books are in the Christian Counseling genre and full of life-changing Jesus-focused wisdom.

When I saw this novella the other day, I was interested to see how Clinton's insight and heart would be expressed in a work of fiction.

Wonderfully, of course!

This is a lovely textured paperback book, pretty pages designed to look old, very easy to read. I read it in two sittings and enjoyed every page.

Adam Camp is experiencing crisis.  His marriage to Paige is in shambles, his son addicted to drugs, Adam's life is falling apart. After a fight with his wife, Adam storms out of his house in search of escape...and meets an eccentric old man in the park, a meeting that changes Adam's life.

Jim Ed paints Adam's portrait in the park, all the while imparting words Adam needs to hear in his spirit. That very day Adam will make a decision that will change his life one way or another, forever.  Jim Ed recounts stories from his own life, decisions, injustices, and the impact the love of his life, his dear Christina made in his days.  Adam walks away from the encounter with the Impressionist's portrait in hand (how did Jim Ed see him?), toward an uncertain future, with a new-found understanding of who he is, but no clear answers as to what he needs to do next.  What does Adam do?  Read the book- and may we all have an encounter with the Impressionist!

Pumpkin Spice Dessert "Shots"

This is super easy.  Four ingredients.  That's it!

This is also super tasty, and super rich.  A shot or liquor glass make the perfect serving size.

Pumpkin Spice Dessert "Shots"

8 oz mascarpone cheese
8 oz pumpkin spice cream cheese spread*
1 oz sweetened condensed milk
ginger snap cookies**
whipped cream or cool whip, if desired

Combine the cheeses and the condensed milk. The longer you beat this, the fluffier it becomes.  Use a stand mixer and after ingredients are blended, mix on HIGH for about 5 minutes.

Spoon into the dessert glasses.  Refrigerate.  Top with the whipped cream and ginger snaps right before serving. Enjoy!


* I ran across this at Walmart - Great Value brand. One of my friends was not able to find this and substituted plain cream cheese spread and 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice.

** Since the shot glasses are small, Bud's Best cookies work great.

Jesus - The Ultimate Life Coach

"There is a God who made you for a reason, and your life has profound meaning! We discover that meaning and purpose only when we make God the reference point of our lives."
Rick Warren


Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for trouble, pain, shame, and grief..."


WAIT WAIT WAIT! DO OVER!!



"For I know the the thoughts that I think towards you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."
Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV

Jesus was all about some change.  Heck, He even split time in two! BC/AD.  Before Christ.  Anno Domini - in the year of the Lord.  Can you do that?

He does not change, but He calls us to change to be like Him.

"For I am the Lord, I do not change; therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob" 
Malachi 3:6

He showed us what to do:
Matthew 3:13-17: the baptism of Jesus.  Positive feedback - God was pleased.
Matthew 4 - Jesus was tempted.  40 days.  40 nights.  Fasting.  Tired and weak.  Satan tempted Him.  He resisted. And KEPT resisting.

STAND!

"Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might..." Ephesians 6:10-20. Read it, then do it.

Jesus showed us what to do- He stood on the Word.

Jesus.
An encounter with Jesus changed every person He saw
The leper
The centurion and his servant
Peter's mother-in-law
The men with demons
LAZARUS!

Some were healed immediately. Some had to make an effort, a contribution
The man with the withered hand had to reach out
The woman with the issue of blood had to 'fess up
The blind beggar had to tell Jesus he wanted to see
The man born blind had to wash the mud off

Why?

What makes them different?

I don't know, but let's look at it.  The woman with the issue of blood needed restoration of her esteem and for the "locals" to see she was cool as far as Jesus was concerned. The blind beggar didn't know he was talking to Jesus THE CHRIST.  He didn't even know who he was dealing with!

Some of these people were "brain stuck" in their situations.  Jesus' touch was the point that identified their need (the woman at the well)

What about you? Ever done anything stupid? What did you do after? Learn from the experience and never do it again? Get "brain stuck" thinking that mistake now defines who you are?

I can't tell you why you are where you are. I can tell you that Jesus provided a way to wholeness in Him. We have to avoid getting "brain stuck" in the mess and allow change, make change, let Jesus do His work in us.

Do you know why horses in races wear blinders?  So they can't see what's going on around them. So they can focus on what is right in front of them.  So they can't get scared or sidetracked from their goal.

What do YOUR blinders make you focus on? Jesus, or some mistake, injustice, or pain?

What's your goal? Jesus is calling you- do you hear Him? Go ahead, answer the call.  Jesus is the best Life Coach ever!

"Beloved, we are God's children now and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see his as he is.  And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure."
1 John 3:2,3

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.  The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.  ALL THIS FROM GOD"
2 Corinthians 5:17, 18. Emphasis mine.