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...]
Playdates with God – Book Review
I, God, am your playmate! I will lead the child in you in wonderful ways for I have chosen you. Beloved child, come swiftly to Me for I am truly in you. Then I shall leap into love. Mechthild of Magdeburg (1207-1282) My daughter, Katie, arranges playdates for her kids with other children. They spend joy filled hours together, playing, learning and building relationships. Creating memories is perhaps one of the best gifts from playdates. Do you ever have a playdate with God? I tend to approach my time with God with a serious adult face (mask?) or an attempt at being more spiritual and filled with worship or occasionally with genuine humbleness seeking comfort and maybe forgiveness. After all this is God – our creator, the Almighty, the One and Only, the Savior. But I also think God loves the joy and delight of just being with us too. I love the quote above by Mechthild of Magdeburg – what an image – God as a playmate! I am enjoying reading a new book by Laura … [Read more...]
Soul Feast Update – Book Review
One book that has been a classic for anyone interested in spiritual practices and a great one for small groups is Marjorie Thompson’s Soul Feast. First released in 1995 this best seller has been recently updated and I had a chance to review it from a book review site called NetGalley. I was excited to see a new chapter on Sabbath keeping, as this has been a hot topic among many people lately. I also appreciated more information on the chapter about Rules for Life – a practice I learned when becoming a spiritual director, but have found many others never heard of before. The group study guide has been refreshed with new material also. Interested in learning more about spiritual practices? This is one of the best references for you. Practices include spiritual reading, prayer, worship, Sabbath, fasting, self-examination and confession, spiritual direction, hospitality and developing a rule of life. “Trust is the heartbeat of Sabbath, the bedrock of soul … [Read more...]
50 Women Every Christian Should Know
I love stories. I think we all do. Especially the biographies that show courage, transform attitudes and stir hope within our hearts. I love, love, love this new book, just released by Michelle DeRusha, called 50 Women Every Christian Should Know. I discovered new insights to old favorites and read about some women I never heard of before and their deeply moving stories. The book highlights 50 women across nine centuries. The chapters are just the right length for a quick read in a waiting room or just before bed. The book would make a great small group study too. Michelle is a blogger friend who graciously took the time to answer a few of my questions: Which woman surprised you the most or resonated with you the most? This is such a hard question, because I found things that surprised me about almost every woman in this book. But I’d have to say that Amanda Berry Smith is one woman who really knocked my socks off. Amanda was an African-American preacher in … [Read more...]
The Birth of a Book – An Advent Devotional
The birth of a book is a reason to celebrate for a writer. Look what arrived in the mail the other day from Barbour Publishing - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room - An Advent Devotional - written by of all people - me. Holding a book that you write is a humbling, exciting, scary, awesome experience all bundled up into one gigantic YIPPEE! Late last fall I woke up early, often 5 am, prayed for help and wisdom and pecked away on the keyboard on this project. Then months go by and you almost forget about it when it magically appears and brightens your day. I am giddy today! Now my prayer is that its words brighten the Advent season for all who read it. The book is available on Amazon and I am sure other sites. There are 28 devotions, plus quotations, prayers and practical tips for the Christmas season. I know some of you write reviews and I would appreciate any book reviews and passing the word around promoting it. I know I am jumping too far ahead on the calendar … [Read more...]