Mention Worthy Monday

I recently discovered a new (to me) author and I wanted to share her amazing work with you.

Her name?

Emily Nelson.

What I've read?

The Locket.

Favorite Quote:

"In the end, after time and

breath steal the rest away, some things linger still.

Some memories whisper in your heart forever. 

Love goes on, even when life doesn't."

What's the big deal?

 Emily is a Christian author. You do not have to worry about encountering foul language, inappropriate scenes or such like when you read her work. The Locket is a beautiful love story. Although it is short fiction, it is a true-to-life story of overcoming hardships and celebrating life's beauty. (And I'm going to go ahead and admit to reading this in one day. Yes, it was that good.)

What's on my list to read next?

Reflections: A Collection of Poems and Short Stories

When the Church Forgets to Blush

I cannot wait.

Tough Truth Tuesday - Living with Less

-->Living with Less: The Upside of Downsizing Your Lifeby Mark Tabb

                  Living with less is a concept many of us struggle with, which is why I decided to feature the book review of Mark Tabb’s work on tough truth Tuesday. I don’t know about you, but when I think about living with less, I get fired up. I’m one hundred percent in. It sounds great, but when it comes time to put that great idea into practice it doesn’t sound quite so wonderful. Tabb claims to be no stranger to this train of thinking. With the exception of a few doctrinal issues, Tabb does an exceptional job explaining that living with less is not a one-time-spring-cleaning event of our material possessions. Living with less is a state of mind we must develop within ourselves.

As always with my book reviews, I like to share a few of my favorite quotes, so without further adieu…

“No one wants to live a life that is pointless. Our souls are hardwired for something more.”

“The old English preacher, Charles Spurgeon said, ‘A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you, and were helped by you, will remember you when forget-me-nots are withered. Carve your name on hearts and not marble.’”

“Influence demands relationships and time. There is no other way. And both of these demand we clear all the unimportant items out of our way and make relationships and time together our priorities. They demand we take on the heart of a servant.”

Mention-Worthy Monday - New & Noteworthy (book review ed.)

-->

Overcoming the World In 9 Innings (Winning the Game of Life God’s Way) by Ben Stevenson

9 Innings: a game plan for life, but in terms of baseball. I admit I was a bit nervous at the beginning of this book. Sports is not my strongest subject and I worried that while this was a worthwhile read, it might be over my head. I am happy to report that even with my somewhat standard knowledge of baseball, this book has left me with countless lessons and advice.

While, this book offers something for everyone, I would especially recommend this for young people. Ben does a great job of laying out the “game plan” that, we as Christians need to follow and he does so in a way that is straightforward and easily understood. This is a relatively short book, yet filled with memorable quotes. I feel so blessed to call this author a brother-in-Christ (as well as a life-long friend) and I urge you to order a copy or pick one up from the Mars Hill bookstore in Florence, Alabama. Trust me when I say it will most definitely by worth your time.

I love to share some of my favorite portions of my reads, not to take anything away from the author, but because I feel it is just enough of a glimpse to perk your interest and because their words are always much better than my own.

“When we first become new Christians or after some big event like a revival, lectureship or church camp we get pumped up about living the right Christian life and hold ourselves accountable for the things that we do and do not do day to day. However, over time, when we are back around the world everyday we lose our luster somewhat and fall right back to doing the same old things the way we see fit.”

“We can have a laundry list full of goals and tell everyone what our goals are, but it is only when we get our priorities straight that we will really begin to see our goals achieved.”

“There are so many kids who want to be the starting quarterback or running back, but are built to be an offensive lineman. Not everyone can play the star positions, but that does not mean that their job is any less important.”

“Figure out your talent, use your talent, know your role, and help the church grow.”

“Too often, we lose all humility when we feel we have accomplished something great and we need to let everyone know about it…loudly.”

“A humble person shows his humility through his actions, not just his words.”

“We have to understand our purpose and understand that there is no greater purpose in the entire world than that of serving God and letting His light shine through us.”

“The choice of eternity leaves us with two options. Something to keep in mind-if earth was the place to be, Jesus would have stayed.”

Mention-Worthy Monday-A Recipe for Peace (Book Review Ed.)

-->

-->

Book Review: A Recipe for Peace by Janie Craun

This book is not what I expected. It is better. If you’re like me the thought of reading through recipes is not your favorite thing. Don’t let that prevent you from reading this book. Ms. Craun does a great job sharing her insights on the ingredients needed to obtain peace.

Some of my favorite quotes:

“True peace can live within the heart of a person even when things in the world are at their worst.”

“Our world is hungry for peace; the recipe is free and God wants us to share it.”

“Most of us who like to cook probably learned how in the same way- by watching someone else and following their directions. This is how we become adept at most any skill. We listen and watch; we learn and borrow.”

“Our souls need the spiritual sustenance that only Jesus can provide (John 6:35 50-51).”

“Being able to overcome bitterness is a sign of maturity.”

‘So often as Christian women we settle into a routine of family & work responsibilities. These tasks along with church work & other duties can cause us to neglect the joy that should be ours in Christ.”

“Forbearance is an expression of gentleness that does not fly off the handle easily or make a mountain out of every molehill…it is patient rather than contentious. Because we all often in many ways, we need the understanding of others (James 3: 2). That means we need to cut them some slack as well.”

“Jesus taught that God hasn’t just agreed to supply our needs; he wants to do it. What a comforting yet humbling thought.”

“Sometimes we lack what we need because we have never humbled ourselves to ask god for it.”

“You will find that the more you study the more your appetite for learning will increase.”

“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” (Winston Churchill)

“Thinking optimistically is impossible if we let ourselves become consumed with worry.”

“Solomon wrote that for some, a friend exists that will stick closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24). Paul was blessed to have such a friend in timothy. The Philippian brethren had such a friend in Epaphroditus their messenger and minister who was longing to return to them (Philippians 2:25-26). Job’s friends on the other hand proved to be miserable comforters in his time of need (Job 16:2). Their friendship was lacking and failed to comfort. If you want to know peace, develop true friends. To do that, Solomon says, you must first be a friend to others (Proverbs 18:24).”