Food for the Soul

Sometimes each of us just needs a dose of motivation to inspire us to be our best self. We need to discover our purpose in life, uncover our talents and live life to the fullest! Do you have your own Magnificent Why? Are you consumed with a passion that will leave a legacy? All I have to say here is:  if you DO know your 'why' then, Hooray!!  If you don't, then search it out and claim it.  Let's do some research. Let's explore ... Use Pathways to help you find your 'why' and start Living your passion today and tomorrow and that will make all you do truly wonderful.

We all are called to make a difference ... find yourself ... and do it with abandon!

Do Something: Make Your Life Count - Unabridged Audiobook on CD By Miles McPherson

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Be brave! Have faith! Follow Jesus with abandon and you just may be surprised where you'll end up and the amazing things you can be a part of!

If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat By John Ortberg Far too many of us have put our faith in a casual Christianity that never compels us to leave our comfort zones. But, deep within our hearts we know that Christ has not called us to comfort, but to an exciting, sacrificial and overwhelmingly fulfilling faith. In If You're Going to Walk on Water John Ortberg teaches us how to step out of the "boat" of casual Christianity so that we can faithfully follow the Lord who is calling us out onto the risky, exciting waters of the high seas. Let Pastor Ortberg teach you how to leave your comfort zone for a remarkable life of faith.

F LaGard Smith is one of the moving writers of our time. His writings are always moving and inspiring. I love this little book - peace in a world of turmoil.

Meeting God in Quiet Places: The Cotswold Parables

I've read the book below at least three times - each time I gain a new insight. I've put the prayer models to work as well and have have faith renewed time and time again.

The Life You've Always Wanted, Expanded Edition By John Ortberg The heart of Christianity is transformation---a relationship with God that impacts not just our "spiritual lives," but every aspect of living. John Ortberg calls you back to the dynamic heartbeat of Christianity---God's power to bring change and growth---and reveals both the how and why of transformation.

The Noticer: Sometimes, All a Person Needs Is a Little Perspective By Andy Andrews From the best-selling author of The Traveler's Gift comes an absorbing story of boundless hope! Struggling against poverty, personal failures, and lost dreams, the residents of Orange Beach, Alabama, believe their lives are meaningless. But when an old drifter mysteriously makes his way through town, he brings new perspective---and spots the miracle they're missing! Based on a true story. 167 pages, hardcover from Nelson.

This is one of the very best little books of all times - really! If you're a fan of the old classic movie, It's a Wonderful Life then this book takes that message down into your soul. Tap into those special gifts that make you special and unique and use them to God's glory! You may be surprised what a difference you make in this ol' world!

The Traveler's Gift: Seven Decisions that Determine Personal Success By Andy Andrews A unique blend of fiction, allegory, and inspiration, this book has motivated tens of thousands since its release in late 2002. Now this wildly successful parable is available in an affordable trade paper edition. This thought-provoking book encourages readers of all ages to reach their full potential using these simple keys to success.

The Young Traveler's Gift By Andy Andrews In his senior year of high school, Michael Holder hits rock bottom. Caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, he's suspended from the track team and loses his college scholarship. His coach is angry, his parents are disappointed, and he wonders if life is worth living. Will a once-in-a-lifetime journey of discovery stop Michael's downward spiral? 160 pages, softcover from Tommy Nelson.

I'm a huge fan of Norman Vincent Peale's writings. My Dad introduced me to him when I was a kid and I've been inspired by this little book many times. Believe in yourself! Have faith! It's a powerful thing - this little book is a golden nugget!

The Power of Positive Thinking, 50th Anniversary Edition By Norman Vincent Peale The Power of Positive Thinking has helped millions of men and women to achieve fulfillment in their lives. In this phenomenal bestseller, Dr. Peale demonstrates the power of faith in action. With the practical techniques outlined in this book, you can energize your life - and give yourself the incentive needed to carry out your ambitions and hopes. You'll learn how to believe in yourself and in everything you do, develop the power to reach your goals, break the worry habit and achieve a relaxed life. Paperback.

 And so, now, my prayer for you is that you will be ... Blissfully, and Magnificently Obsessed.

Living With and Surving Grief

Our church family started a new ministry this year offering a wonderful program to people who were dealing with grief as the result of death of a loved one. It has been a very good and fulfilling experience to be involved with this ministry. I've learned so much and I realize sometimes folks don't realize there are many books out there that provide understanding, comfort and empathy when someone really needs it.
Personally, within the past 10 years I lost several of my own family in death and excellent writings helped me understand what I was going through. A part of those grieving times was the experience of two miscarriages. My heart was so heavy and sad. Here are a few of my favorite books and others that may help you or a someone you know in their own time of grieving.

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Everyday Comfort: Meditations for Seasons of Grief, updated edition By Randy Becton People who are mourning the loss of a dear friend or beloved family member often feel alone. And those who want to comfort them can feel inadequate and at a loss for words. In Everyday Comfort, grievers will find thirty daily devotions to help them through their heartache. Respecting the griever's anguish and emotional turmoil, these devotions avoid platitudes and offer genuine empathy and wisdom. Subjects like recovery, facing death, normal grief and abnormal grief, and using the psalms daily will help those who grieve examine the path through despair and take the next steps toward living life again.

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Experiencing Grief By H. Norman Wright Sooner or later, we all face a dark journey - the passage through grief. Written to encourage anybody who's recently endured a loss, this brief, powerful book leads readers through five essential stages: shock, rage, despair, release, and finally peace. A thoughtful gift in lieu of a sympathy card. Paperback.  The following is a book about losing your Mom - no matter how old or young you may be, losing a Mother is one of life's saddest times. I miss my Mom every single day.

With Her and Without Her By Kimber Dailey

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It's Okay to Cry: A Parent's Guide to Helping Children Through the Losses of Life By H. Norman Wright When a child experiences loss, whether it be small (a broken toy) or traumatic (death of a friend or family member), he or she needs to know: it's okay to cry. Here is practical advice and assurance borne of years of experience that will equip you to assist those you love to grieve and to heal.

Our family suffered when I had two miscarriages - they were experiences of heavy grief and sadness. I made a memory book for our babies and because I actually delivered Jonathan with the family around me, we got to hold him, get his little feet prints and do all the precious things as we said our good-byes. The loss of our Jordan was first and definitely more traumatic. I had good friends I could talk with who had gone through the same thing. That helped. It also helped to read several good books.

I'll Hold You in Heaven Remembrance Book

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Grieving the Child I Never Knew: A Devotional Companion for Comfort in the Loss of Your Unborn or Newly Born By Kathe Wunnenberg Grieving the Child I Never Knew offers comfort and the reassurance of God's presence as you grieve the loss of a child you never got to know. If you've lost a child through miscarriage, tubal pregancy, stillbirth, or early infant death, this devotional will encourage you along your healing journey. Each chapter includes a journaling exercise. Hardcover.