Every once in awhile a book comes along that nourishes both the mind and the heart. Searching for Sunday – Loving, Leaving and Finding the Church – by Rachel Held Evans is one of those books. What I liked: I love reading material that makes me think. Words that haunt my thoughts throughout the day and help me clarify their meaning. Yet I don’t want to live just in my head – I also need fuel for my spirit and my heart – to grow in my passion and love of God. This book fits both needs. Searching for Sunday is a book about Rachel’s brave and vulnerable quest and exploration on what church means. She is honest with her doubts and difficulties and invites us to walk along with her. I love how she shares her stories. We have a God who loves to be with us – even in our struggling times and wants to hear from us. Shouldn’t the church be the same way? This book may challenge you, stretch you, but at the same time inspire you to articulate and clarify what church means to you. Be … [Read more...]
The Art of Work – Book Review
Last week I wrote about the connection, the two sides of the same coin, of wishing and working. Part of my thinking more about this topic arose from reading Jeff Goins’ new book, The Art of Work – a Proven Path to Discovering What You were Meant to Do. This is a book I have enjoyed slowly reading, picking different chapters, gaining new insights and leaving more encouraged and inspired. Jeff’s words stir inside of me a courage to state my dreams and take the risk to go after them. This is a book about discovering your life’s work and the task you were born to do. The Art of Work is packed with personal stories, case studies and current research on the topics of what motivates us and if talent is that all important. Each page will lift your spirit and make you think more about your life’s vocation, not just making it to the next pay check or to when you finally retire, but to do what you really want to do. “The process of finding and claiming your calling is a journey, one that … [Read more...]
Worry Less So You Can Live More
What? Me worry? Never. Not me. Not I. Well, maybe just a little. I do fret more about the kids now as adults then when they were younger. But that’s all. But again, I do watch the weather forecasts like a maniac visualizing the cancellation of events and spending useless time and energy thinking of Plan B and Plan C just in case…maybe even Plan D and F, too. But that’s all. Ok, I have starred out the window in the middle of night and paced the porch floor as multiple imagined far-fetched scenarios attack my sleep-deprived soul. Sigh. I guess I do worry. I crave more ways to find peace, joy and energy in life. Maybe that is why Jane Rubietta’s new book, Worry Less So You Can Live More, appealed to me when it appeared on the list from Bethany House as a choice for bloggers to review. I was thrilled to get this book, which hasn’t disappointed me. I want you to know I would have given it a good review even if I purchased it. This book will inspire and encourage … [Read more...]
Being Open to God
I was on retreat last year when I shared with the spiritual director my ongoing frustration of the divide between my head and my heart. I think too much. I deeply want to trust. I step out into life before seeking God first. I think I run the world, not the One who really does. Off with her head – I wanted to scream! My director calmly asked what image comes to mind when I ponder my head and heart. Immediately I knew – an hour glass. Open on top and bottom but constricted in the middle. She suggested I pray for a new image and see where God leads me. Odd prayer, isn’t it? Dear Lord, how do you want me to see my head and heart? How can I better visualize them working together not tearing my soul apart? Please show me, Lord. Over the next few days of the retreat God slowly showed me a new image – a tree. My heart is the roots, growing deep in his love. My head are the branches – intentionally reaching out to him in his light and love. In between where the restricted narrow … [Read more...]
Never Ever Be the Same – Guest Post – Kathy Collard Miller
Ever think back about who helped you when you were first learning something new? Who made you feel welcomed in a new area? Who gave you confidence to keep trying? Who left you never ever the same? I met Kathy Collard Miller at a CLASS workshop eons ago when I was just trying to figure out if this inkling to write and speak might be a direction God was calling me. Kathy was my small group leader who led us, modeled for us, encouraged us and gave us the tools and hope to take the risk. I am a writer and speaker today because of her and am honored to host her here today as a guest blogger. Kathy and her husband, Larry, have just released a new book, Never Ever Be the Same and I can certainly vouch for her skills and expertise in this area. Welcome to Healthy Spirituality, Kathy! What’s Your “Walker”? by Kathy Collard Miller and Larry Miller One Christmas when my ninety-year-old mother-in-law, Audrey, lived with us, our then-three-year-old grandson, Raf, was fascinated … [Read more...]
Books I am Reading in January 2015
I do love reading and confess I am a book addict. When I see someone reviewing or mentioning a new book I am lured to check it out. I love our local library but also have Amazon on computer speed dial. Yes I love books. I thought I would share with you today what is on my reading stand for this month. One I just finished, two are just being started ( Yes I am one of those who usually has more than one book going at a time,) and another one I read in late fall but am rereading to savor its wisdom. Make It Happen - Surrender Your Fear, Take the Leap, Live on Purpose – by Lara Casey. This is a new book by the editor of Southern Wedding magazine. The book is a mix of her own story and tips and encouragement to getting back on track based on what you want out of life and where God may be leading you. I finished this book quickly and feeling encouraged and uplifted. Did I learn anything brand new? Not really. I think her audience is younger adults – she is an editor of a magazine … [Read more...]
Faith Shift – Book Review
If we are really honest, we all face doubts about our faith at times. How our churches help us recognize, embrace, think through and learn from our uncertainties can make all the difference. When we journey with one another through the haziness of being unsure, often we all become stronger. I read Kathy Escobar’s new book, Faith Shift – Finding Your Way Forward When Everything You Believe is Coming Apart – with a great deal of interest. She deals with this topic – when we go through dark times of questions, hesitation and doubts – from both personal experience and from involvement in guiding others. And Kathy provides light for this difficult passage in a tender, nurturing way. It is often when we stay with our questions, that our roots grow deeper. When we cover up our doubts with platitudes, trying harder or denying that we are experiencing disbelief, we stagnant. This is not a self-help book to find God again in your life. It is a guidebook for transition times as your … [Read more...]
52 Little Lessons from Les Miserables = Book Review
Les Miserables is one of my favorites books and shows. I love the moving music that uplifts my spirit but even more I relish this tale's profound story of transformation through love. Since this story means so much to me I was intrigued to read and review this new book by Bob Welch, 52 Little Lessons from Les Miserables. I received this book from the BookLook Blogger program but in no way am I required to give a positive review. I enjoyed this easy to read, thought provoking book. Welch gives the reader a background about the story and its characters, so if you have never trudged your way through the 1000+ pages of Hugo’s book, you won’t be lost. But you may find yourself humming the tunes from the musical though. ( : Each lesson begins with a quote from the book and then an illustration of each chapter’s title. You get an inside glimpse of Hugo, of actors who played various parts and how this story has impacted others. The book is filled with inspiration such as: “You … [Read more...]