The Bookbag * August 2018



For some of us, books are as important as almost anything else on earth.  What a miracle it is that out of these small, flat, rigid squares of paper unfolds world after world after world, worlds that sing to you, comfort and quiet or excite you.  Books help us understand who we are and how we are to behave.  They show us what community and friendship mean; they show us how to live and die.
Anne Lamott

*

I've finished ...
35 books this year.  24 were fiction.  Mmm ... what's that saying?  


I'm savoring ...
Grace: More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine by Max Lucado, during my morning devotional time.  Once again, I'm realizing my unworthiness even as I'm bowled over at the undeserved grace God continues to lavish on those who love Him, even if we don't do it as well as we could.  A true refresher course for long time believers ... and a down-to-earth invitation to faith in Christ for those who've never been touched by His sweet unmerited favor.

Max is substantial, yet not at all ponderous.  He writes with a smile on his face and freedom in his heart.  Joy flows from his pen.  Thanks to a kind son-in-law for loaning me his copy.


I'm peeking at ...



My dear friend Pam Ecrement sent me a copy of her brand new Bring Me a Vision: A Story of Redeeming Hope, a real life chronicle of her connection with Becky, whose life was 'broken in childhood, shattered by repeated abuse and emotional neglect, marked by loneliness and disappointment, and scarred by shame and darkness.'

As a counselor, I'm particularly intrigued at gaining additional insight into the power of the counselor / client relationship that wends its way through this book.  If your own personal experience resonates with Becky's, if you're curious about what counseling might look like, or you're already a fan of Pam's deep wisdom via her blog, do order your copy right here.

I'll be sharing my review soon.  Promise.


I pre-ordered ...
by Myquillyn {The Nester} Smith  

AND 

by Anne {Modern Mrs. Darcy} Bogel

If you preorder either of these books, there are all kinds of truly generous goodies that are yours for the asking. 

Click here to find out about Myquillyn's Free Cozy Minimalist Home Seasons + Celebrations Online Classes {$116 value!} ... October 3 deadline!

And click there to check out Anne's Free 7 Days to Get More Out of Your Reading Life class and the Free audio version of I'd Rather Be Reading ... September 3 deadline!

Anne is also sharing a free PDF of the introduction and first chapter.  What a lovely 20 page gift for all her fans awaiting the book's debut.  Click here for the sneak peek.


I downloaded ...
The Listening Life Study Guide 
This 8 page, free downloadable guide is welcome news for all of of us who benefited from Adam McHugh's best selling The Listening Life: Embracing Attentiveness in a World of Distraction.

Get your Study Guide here.  It's filled with soul-stimulating questions and powerful conversation starters.  For sure, the book and the guide would be a dynamic way to kick off your fall leadership meetings, book club, or small group.  Thanks, Adam.

And if you missed our Book Open House discussion on this best seller, go right there to catch up on the conversations.  Thanks to your candor and wisdom, I do believe those posts have been one of this blog's highlights in 2018.


I'm thinking of my NY Book Club friends ...



&
Sarah DiGiulio

Emily Freeman

The Editors of CT Pastors

Joel Friedlander

*

What's in your bookbag?


*



*

sharing good reads with
Mary .  Anne  .  Holley

*