Shine Bright Anyway | January Book Club

Shine Bright Anyway

I don’t care who you are or how charmed others think your circumstances to be, sometimes life is just hard. Sometimes it’s VERY hard.

If now is one of those times, my book club pick for January is arriving right on time.

“Shine Bright Anyway” by counselor, Faith Broussard Cade, is a beautiful book with 90 messages to inspire hope. Faith gained a large Instagram following when she started posting daily handwritten positive affirmations or “love notes” on her account as she grappled with recovering from a traumatic brain injury.

Following that success, Faith has written her debut book which promises to show readers that they are enough even when the world says they’re not. Faith's hand-penned notes came from a place of trauma and brokenness originating from a commitment to healing from a car accident in 2018, the effects of which she still deals with today. It hurts. It slows her down. It makes her feel emotionally vulnerable and overwhelmed sometimes. But every day she chooses gratitude, love, and hard work. Sharing her struggles on her Instagram account has helped thousands of others do the same.

In this full-color book she pairs each handwritten note with a longer message to help readers:

• Overcome the wounds of the past through honesty and humbleness
• Replace feelings of inadequacy with the truth of your worthiness
• Prioritize self-care even when life is demanding
• Celebrate each day with gratitude and appreciation
• Believe in yourself when others say you can't or that you don't matter.

If life has left you feeling you are not enough or you are haunted by past choices, circumstances, or labels, “Shine Bright Anyway” will give you the encouragement to change your narrative. The expectations you live with today do not have to define you. You are enough.

“Shine Bright Anyway” is a beautiful little hard-bound volume that would be a lovely gift for oneself or anyone you care about. Christmas may be over, but birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, and “just because” are not.

Give the gift of “Shine Bright Anyway”.

The Light That Shines Forever | November Book Club

November brings shorter, darker days. We “fall back” an hour placing sunset, especially for those in Northern states, just after the last school bell rings, and before the time clock strikes 5. We rise in the dark, commute in the dark, and might feel like we’re living much of our lives underground like moles… searching for the light.

My November Book Club pick then, is perfect, “The Light That Shines Forever”, written and illustrated by David T. Warner.

It’s the inspiring, true story of Sir Nicholas Winton, who ingeniously rescued hundreds of children before Hitler’s invasion of Czechoslovakia.

“The shadow of war was spreading across Europe. Hitler’s armies had marched into the borderlands of Czechoslovakia, forcing Jewish families, among others, to flee their homes and seek refuge in any location that would accept them.

When Nicholas Winton, the son of Jewish-German immigrants, traveled from London to Czechoslovakia to help the refugee families huddled in tents in sprawling encampments, an ingenious plan began to formulate in his head. By special waiver, children could leave the country without their parents, as long as host families abroad took them in. As word of his plan spread, parents lined the hallways and staircases of Winton’s hotel, begging for help. If Nicholas could get their children out of the country safely, the families would find a way to join them. Three weeks later, when Winton returned to London, he carried with him the names and photographs of hundreds of children—even babies—entrusted to him by their parents.

With the assistance of his mother and a growing circle of helpers, Winton began recruiting host families, raising funds, and securing visas. For nine months, he arranged for children to travel by train and ferry to England. Then war was declared, and the Czech border closed.

Fifty years later, Nicholas’s wife, Grete, discovered a long-forgotten scrapbook in their attic containing the names and documentation of 669 children. It was the only record of her husband’s remarkable rescue efforts. What followed was a series of equally remarkable events that allowed this heroic story to be told and for millions to learn the fate of these rescued children, all on live television.”

The Light That Shines Forever is a beautifully illustrated picture book, with primary source documents and photographs, that brings to life a remarkable wartime rescue.

The forward is written by one of my favorite British actors, Sir David Suchet (Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot 13 seasons). In it, he states, “So often, relious beliefs, cultural backgrounds, historical traditions, and so forth, are excuses to divide ourselves from one another. But, like light itself, God’s love shines on all people, everywhere. And when we share that light by serving others—including with those who are different from us—the light of goodness has an infinite reach and influence.” This book’s lesson and message invite readers to ask the questions:

What light will we bring to others?
What stories will fill the scrapbooks of our lives?

It’s a marvelous book that will help to shine some light into the dark corners during this dimmed season. Pick up several copies to share, but make sure you keep one for yourself!

The Light That Shines Forever

The movie, starring Sir Anthony Hopkins is coming out next month!
WATCH THE TRAILER

Even The Dog Knows | August Book Club

Even before I had my farm animals were a big part of my life. From birth to current day, every chapter of my personal story has had a family pet at the center. They are the other family members whose roles are vastly more impactful and important than we may ever fully realize.

My book club choice for the month of August speaks to that.

“Even The Dog Knows”, by New York Times best-selling author, Jason F. Wright, is about a family who’s been torn apart by grief.

Each member, now distanced, isolated, and lonely… and their dear old pup, who may provide the glue that can bring them together once again. The jacket reads: “A family’s old, beloved dog takes a final road trip to help his people find forgiveness and healing.”

“Meg Gorton finds herself alone and lonely in Florida. Three years earlier, she had packed what she could fit into her sister’s car and asked her estranged husband, Gary, to take care of Moses, their beloved black Labrador. Things between Meg and Gary hadn’t been the same after the loss of their only daughter many years ago. Even after raising their grandson, Troy, it was clear that if Meg wanted a new beginning, she would have to do it alone.

Haunted by the tragedy of his daughter’s death, Gary is stuck in his life in Woodstock, Virginia. He still owns and drives the bus for their hometown minor league baseball team, and he still thinks about the day his wife drove away.

Everything changes when Meg contacts Gary with a request to bring Moses to visit her one last time before the old dog passes on. Gary is reluctant, but Troy thinks it’s an excellent idea. They could even travel together in Gary’s bus. Along the way, Gary takes a detour to visit Troy’s ex-girlfriend, Grace. Gary might not know how to fix things with his wife, but he knows he doesn’t want Troy to make the same mistakes he did.

Although Moses is just a dog, he’s very observant. It doesn’t take long for him to figure out they are going on to see Meg. He knows he’s an old dog and that his time is near, but he also knows his family needs his help.

Even the Dog Knows is a novel that will take readers on a thousand-mile journey to find forgiveness, understanding, healing, and the meaning of true and lasting love.”

At a time when it seems as though every sound bite we come across is simply more depressing news, unplugging and immersing ourselves in feel-good moments are not just important but as necessary as eating healthfully and getting enough sleep.

Give yourself a dose of good medicine this summer. Find a moment, a glass of ice tea, pick up your copy of “Even The Dog Knows,” and travel along with Moses on the journey to unite his people.

ORDER: EVEN THE DOG KNOWS

3:16, The Numbers of Hope | March Book Club

Sometimes it would be so easy to give in to the negativities of the world and simply let despair wash over us like the incoming tide, if it weren’t for another far more powerful force, hope.

One of beloved author, Max Lucado’s, all-time bestselling books, 3:16, The Numbers of Hope, has been updated and gifted to us, just as we struggle into our third year of Covid 19 and the disruptions and losses it continues to deliver.

“We’ve all had our fair share of disappointments, loss, or hardships. But for every challenge there is a breathtaking promise: It’s going to be okay. How can we know? Because God so loved the world. “

In 3:16, pastor and New York Times bestselling author Max Lucado encourages us to study closely the “Hope Diamond of the Bible”: John 3:16.

Max says of his favorite verse, “Every time I recall these words, they are fresh and as stunning as my first encounter with them. The mind-bending awareness of God’s limitless love, his incalculable sacrifice, and the priceless teaching at the core. How can we not review it again and again? I want this generation, and all who come after, to look closely at the key promise of God and choose the gift beyond all gifts.”

Throughout this updated and expanded edition of 3:16, Max will invite you to:

• Stand in awe of how deep, wide, long, and high God’s love is for you

• Understand more fully the living hope you have through Jesus’ death and resurrection

• Rest in the assurance that salvation is a gift from God, not something you can earn

If you know nothing of the Bible, start here. If you know everything in the Bible, return here. Let John 3:16 become the banner of your life, so much so that the message of God’s unending and unbending love overflows from you to others. Each copy of 3:16 also includes a 40-day devotional designed to help you draw closer to your loving Savior. “

A glance at my bookcase shows the name “Max Lucado” on a great many of the outward facing spines. 3:16 is among the favorites.

As someone who has experienced great losses and trauma, I can be easily triggered by news of tragic events and become fearful. It is my faith and belief that He is in control that helps to steady me and allows me to experience the joy and promise of today, and the hope for a better tomorrow.

Give yourself the gift of 3:16, The Numbers of Hope.

Receive $5 off when you order HERE - while supplies last!

Join Max’s free Online Bible Study

(For the first time ever, Max reads the full-length audiobook,
look for the option when placing your order!)

Global Mercy® | Transforming Lives

Mercy Ships has been transforming lives for over 40 years. And now, they can do even more to help people who are suffering thanks to the launch of the Global Mercy® — the first custom built hospital ship of its kind.

So many people in the world have no access to healthcare and as a result they live in pain or fear of death while suffering from curable conditions. With the support of volunteers and donors, Mercy Ships goes to these communities to perform free surgeries that help mothers see their babies for the first time and little boys and girls run around with their friends. They change lives through the work they do.

The new Global Mercy will also have state-of-the-art teaching facilities so local healthcare professionals can get medical training — this will allow the work of healing to continue long after the ship leaves.

You have an opportunity to be part of Mercy Ships’ next mission. If you’ve ever had the thought that you’d like to do something that truly makes a difference in the life of someone, you can learn more HERE about volunteering with Mercy Ships.

Perhaps yours will also be the next life that is transformed!

Mercy Ships

MERCY SHIPS

So many years ago now that it’s difficult to remember exactly when, my eyes and my heart were opened to the people of Africa. A magical place of great natural beauty, culture, resources, and, unbelievable need. Since then I’ve worked with Point Hope and countless other worthy organizations to help create pathways to better education, services, nutrition, and health for those in Africa and well beyond.

I often say, “It’s when the sky is night-est, the stars are brightest”; there’s nothing quite like the luxury of star-gazing and reveling in the wonder of our heavens on a crisp clear night. It’s a metaphor for life. Those of us privileged to have access to the goods and services to meet our every need live in a state of clear skies and immense possibility, free to dance in the radiance of twinkling celestial bodies. But for many in our global community it’s difficult (to impossible) to see the light through the fog of very real hardships.

For over 40 years Mercy Ships has been serving as a beacon of hope, changing people’s lives. They turn ships into floating hospitals and journey to some of the poorest countries in the world, providing free surgical procedures — over 100,000 — to those with no access to medical care, aided by volunteers who come from all walks of life.

In doing so, they’ve also helped transform entire communities in Africa by training local doctors who continue the work long after the ships leave port.

The hope that Mercy Ships creates goes well beyond patients and their families. It also inspires the surgeons, nurses, and entire team of volunteers and donors who make this mission happen.

For everyone involved with Mercy Ships, from medical and administrative personnel, to engine room assistants, galley workers and housekeeping, the world gets a little brighter.

Over the next several weeks you may hear me mentioning Mercy Ships on my radio program, or see posts about them on my social media platforms. I’m also working on a podcast that includes the stories of volunteers who have served aboard these floating medical miracle-makers. I guarantee you won’t be able to listen without a box of tissues nearby.

The reason? Because I want you to know of this incredible group of medical professionals and ship volunteers who’ve joined a high-seas mission to hand deliver gifts of hope and healing.

If you’re looking to make a difference in the world, all it takes is to become involved with an organization like Mercy Ships. It’s one way ordinary people like you and me can do extraordinary things - one heart at a time – by helping to change the life of someone in need.

So be listening and watching as I do my best to tell the Mercy Ships story… I know you will be as inspired to become involved, just as I have!

Get Involved!

Come, Sweet Day | April Book Club

We’ve been waiting, haven’t we, for our sweet day to come?

2020 dished out it’s fair share of disappointment and despair. The isolation many endured (and are still yet enduring,) made tough situations even less bearable. Pressures mounted, support systems collapsed, and our physical, emotional, and spiritual health was assaulted. Julianne Donaldson, bestselling romance author of Edenbrooke, knows the longing all too well. Come, Sweet Day, a collection of poems and essays, reminds us that we are not alone.

Donaldson went through a period of time when things were happening in her personal life that many of us like to believe only happen to others; conflicts, challenges, and upheavals led to depression and despondency. Come, Sweet Day, was written to let others know they are not alone, that there is a light in the darkness, and days will be bright again.

”Compiled from years of inspirational words of encouragement to herself on social media and even bits and pieces of random musings written on scrap paper, this is a unique writer's journey through a life passage marked by cancer, a bitter divorce, legal battles with her ex-husband, mental illness, and persistent feelings of rejection and abandonment which also rendered her unable to pick up her career as a writer to support herself and her family.

Overwhelmed by sadness and almost paralyzed into inaction by despair, she slowly finds her way back to her writer's toolbox, unpacking the pain and sharing her innermost feelings as if revealing a character's thoughts in a novel. In her writing she begins to find rays of understanding and acceptance and eventually finds strength from knowing that God's love and His grace and guidance give greater meaning to our suffering and light the way to hope.”

A slim little book, with a bright happy cover, Come, Sweet Day, is suited to all of us that have known troubling times and might have wondered if things would ever get better. They will!

It’s a thoughtful gift for a friend or family member that you sense could do with a bit of inspiration and absolutely perfect for Mother’s Day. Here’s where you can get a copy (or ten):

Buy Link: Come, Sweet Day

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New Movie | "I Still Believe"

There is a phenomenal new movie coming to theaters this spring. “I Still Believe” the true story of Jeremy Camp, is available OnDemand, Friday March 27th!

OnDemand Download Here

Camp, as many of you know, is a Grammy-nominated Christian singer and songwriter. He’s sold more than 5 million albums and has fans world-wide. He, and his music, which includes singles “There Will Be A Day,” and “Overcome,” (as well as many many more) are so beloved, he’s become nearly legendary.

I can say the film is phenomenal because I was fortunate enough to get a sneak peak! (This radio thing has it perks!) It covers the very personal journey of faith, hope, love… and music that Camp undertook with his first wife, Melissa. It’s got a star-studded cast that includes K.J. Apa and Britt Robertson as Jeremy and Melissa, with Gary Sinese and Shania Twain portraying his parents.

The film does a beautiful job of demonstrating how God can, and will, carry us through the toughest of times.

Watch the Trailer on Facebook

You wouldn’t expect a film like this to have anything but incredible music, and I Still Believe doesn’t disappoint. Thankfully, the soundtrack will be available digitally on March 20, shortly after the film is released on the 13th. 

The Testament of Harold's Wife | October Book Club

Buy The Testament of Harold’s Wife

Grief demands a villain. A target. Something or someone to pour itself into, to rail against, to destroy. This I know. So does Harold’s wife, Louisa.

I found a kindred spirit in Louisa, a somewhat eccentric, aging, bereaved woman who finds solace in conversing with her chickens. Her heart is empty and her rage is full. Relatable. Loss does that to you.

Louisa finds her target; it is Larry, the drunk driver who killed her beloved grandson, Cody, which lead to despair so great in her husband, Harold, that he took his own life. A domino effect of pain and sorrow that has left only Louisa standing, alone.

This will not do, of course, so Louisa and her ol’ hens hatch a plan.

Alas, as Robert Browning pointed out many years ago, “The best laid schemes o' mice an' men / Gang aft a-gley.” Which is another way of saying, things don’t often work out as you expect them to.

In Louisa’s case, there was a couple of young bucks, one, a wounded creature of the forest, and a another of the human realm, that wandered into her path and distracted her from her mission. As the spring sun warmed the earth, so too did Louisa’s heart feel a creeping warmth and a something else that had been missing for far too long; the human connection.

She had lost that which could never be replaced, but she was learning that she too could FIND.

The warp and the weft of Lynne Hugo’s characters in The Testament of Harold’s Wife are woven into a rich tapestry of life, where the irreverent, unconventional, quirky flaws become the very thing that make it absolutely perfect and fills one with a sense of hope.

I think you’ll like as much as I did!

Get my October Book Club pick, The Testament of Harold’s Wife HERE

And, visit the Author’s Page: Lynne Hugo