The Lucado Inspirational Reader: A Review

I had never read any of Max Lucado's books. I know! That's crazy, huh? I've seen him in many Christian book catalogues, so The Lucado Inspirational Reader seemed like a great fit for me-- a (400+ pages!) sampling of his best writings.

It's a neat idea--compiling pieces from different writing and organizing by meaningful topics. Some are simple quotes, other are paragraph stories or several pages long. I have mixed feelings about the book, though. Many were beautifully written and gentle inspirations. Others were encouraging stories of real-life people. They warmed my heart, opened my mind, and made me smile. however, some of his writing took some artistic liberties that aren't quite my style (filling in with his interpretations of what God thought or said in certain Bible stories, in a casual, modern way). Others seemed repetitive or too sappy for my tastes (and I like sappy!). Also, there are several theological points woven in that I disagree with.

My final summary? A neat book, beautiful and encouraging writings, but lacking some truth and depth at times. I would read it as a side-dish-inspirational -book rather than a main course.

(Thank you to Booksneeze for providing a copy for review at no charge. These are my honest and original comments.)

Wisdom for Wednesdays

(Thank you to my amazing mom and to Pinterest for this quote!)

The Front Row Pew

I could see her from my seat in the choir. She sat stiffly in the front pew, neck brace restricting any movement. Her face was taut with pain from recent back surgeries and complications, but her eyes were focused on the altar as she sang and prayed and participated in the Mass. Amidst the pain, there was an unmistakable aura of joy and trust.

It was beautiful.

There’s something about that front pew that inspires me. Every church has one—the pew reserved for those with special needs.

Those who don’t see well.

Those who don’t walk well.

Those who are in the process of healing.

They sit in that front pew and unknowingly inspire me with their focus and attentiveness. But especially with their joy. Their physical handicaps don’t hold them back from coming to worship and to receive Jesus. Their suffering doesn’t keep them from smiling. Maybe because they know the One who gives meaning to it, the One who first picked up a cross and then told us to do the same and follow Him.

The more I think about it, perhaps we all belong in that front pew.

Read the rest of this article at The Catholic Young Woman

It's Giveaway Time!

I've been crocheting random little projects to use up my yarn leftovers. And you, my friend, just might benefit from my crochet craze. Now it's not much, but I'm giving away a homemade washcloth (for kitchen or bathroom) and a matching little-soap-bar-holder-scrubby-thing (can you tell I made that pattern up?!) for the shower.

The rules? You can either leave a comment on this post or email me. Since I'm a cardiology nurse and this is heart-health month, in your comment/email please share something you do to keep your heart healthy. This can be physical or spiritual. :) Make sure there's a way I can contact you if you win (email, blog profile, etc.).

The deadline to sign up is February 12th.

Wisdom for Wednesdays

Wisdom for Wednesdays

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

-United States Declaration of Independence

What to do with all those Christmas cards...

I know I'm a little behind most of you in just taking down our Christmas decorations last weekend, but I couldn't part with them! I love the twinkling lights on the tree in the dark mornings and evenings...

You may already do this with your old Christmas cards, or perhaps you like to save them or scrapbook with them, but I'll share this sweet tradition from my family anyway.

Instead of just tossing them into the trash as you take them down, gather them into a basket. Each morning, take one out and pray for the sender at that time and perhaps even throughout that day.

Thanks, Mom, for the idea!