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| That's Emily. Not me. |
If it's Tuesday morning, you're likely to find me in no hurry to hustle into high gear. Chances are I'll be puttering around my room, listening to Emily P. Freeman's not-too-lengthy The Next Right Thing podcast.
Emily's become a faithful companion, a wise mentor so to speak, a spiritual guide to many of us, coming alongside as we make our way through life's sometimes unwieldy seasons.
As I smooth the wrinkled sheets, fluff the pillows, and gently fold the quilt, she's good company. She asks questions that make me think. She doesn't give advice.
I like that.
As I tidy the remnants of yesterday and wipe down the bathroom counters, she tells a story or two, speaking a gentle wisdom, coming up with observations and insights that are kind, spot on, profound ... and often humorous. And then she closes with a simple prayer that draws her listeners back to the Holy One who loves us deeply, the One who specializes in directing our steps, our dear Savior who whispers, 'this is the way, walk ye in it' {Isaiah 30:21}.
There's lots of 'aha' moments that let me know, with great relief, that I'm not alone in where I find myself on any given Tuesday.
And I couldn't be more grateful for the way Emily keeps me focused and aware of the Spirit's whispering and guidance in my life.
Even as I dress and peer in the mirror, fluff and finger-comb my hair, wield the black mascara wand and grab the nearest lip gloss, she reminds me that right smack dab in the middle of the dailyness, God is always there, guiding us through our sometimes messy, more-complicated-than-it needs-to-be decision making process.
In delightfully surprising ways.
*
Yay!
In its pages, Emily shows us how to make space for our souls to breathe so we can do the next right thing in love. 'This simple, soulful practice will help you
- clear the decision-making chaos
- quiet the fear of choosing wrong
- find the courage to finally decide without regret or second-guessing.'
For four weeks beginning on Sunday evening, April 28th, we'll be gathering here to share conversation over selected chapters. I'm excited to share my all-time absolute favorites for us all to savor and weigh in on. Past experience has taught me that you guys know how to have super-substantial conversations, for sure!
We'll be looking at chapters like Quit Something.
Stop Collecting Gurus.
Find a No Mentor.
Wear Better Pants.
Please mark your calendar, tell your book club and social media sisters, and grab your highlighter. You're going to need it!
Kindle - $9.99
Hardcover - $13.99
*** When you order or purchase The Next Right Thing anywhere you choose before April 5, 2019, claim your $129 worth of bonuses here!
*
Curious as to what Book Club around here looks like?
Becoming Mrs. Lewis: The Improbable Love Story of Joy Davidman and C.S. Lewis
Patti Callahan - February 2019
The Listening Life: Embracing Attentiveness in a World of Distraction
Adam McHugh - April 2018
Invitation to Solitude and Silence: Experiencing God's Transforming Presence
Ruth Haley Barton - February 2018
I know no better way to wrap up a quiet Sabbath ... or regroup from a chaotic weekend than to chase down a quiet corner, gather in the company of other like-minded souls, book and keyboard in hand, feet up and resting, a mug of your favorite beverage close by.
And no, you don't have to show up on Sunday evening ... any time is the right time. Like a good Open House, you are welcome to come and go as you please. And no, you don't even have to read the book or sign up to be included. That's how we roll around here.
I just can't wait to share Emily's brand new volume with you, my dear, enthusiastic, fun, and oh-so wise community. It'll be a wonderful way to celebrate that glorious season tucked in between Easter and Memorial Day. Please tell me you'll be joining us ...
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visiting
Yay! I'm receiving Emily's book sometime today and cannot wait. My Sunday evenings are semi-busy but I may be able to drop by - if not then, sometime through the week.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, Jerralea! Drop by anytime! Someone is bound to be hanging around ...
DeleteI'm glad you're in.
Sounds like a good book - I look forward to it!!
ReplyDeleteI don't know anyone who's been in a Book Club as long as you've been, Mah. How many years is it?
DeleteYou bring alot to the table.
So good to see you, Linda!
ReplyDeleteThe next right thing for me consists
of turning to face the pain,
and thus affirming my right to exist
as hell closes in again.
The next right thing's a fist clenched
and cocked and aimed and swung
against the demons of the blood-drenched
tumours that I live among.
The next right thing's no compromise,
no surrender and no fear,
no memories, and no crying eyes;
there is only hardness here.
Cancer bids me now to kneel;
the next right thing is shining steel.
I told you that I'd see you again, ol' friend!
DeleteI've been sharing this song about fear with some people in my world today ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8TkUMJtK5k
It's my gift to you, dear child of God. It comes with fervent prayers for your peace.
Linda, this is beautiful! Thank you so much!!!!
Delete'The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace'
Delete{Psalm 29:11}.
Linda, I must order this book. I have small group on Sunday evenings, but maybe I can get by later. Thank you so kindly!
ReplyDeleteYes, please do come by as you can! I'd love to have you as part of our discussion, Pam ...
DeleteLinda,
ReplyDeleteTwice, today, Emily's book and podcast have come up. Should I take the hint?? My husband has said this to me for some years now when I get stymied as to what to do next. So thankful God gives us the gift of discernment to use and if we go down wrong paths, He ever so gently guides us back to where we need to be. He even redeems hideous choices. Nothing can thwart His sovereignty. This looks like a good read for me. Thanks for sharing!!
Blessings Linda,
Bev xx
I'm guessing that you just might love this, friend ...
DeleteAnd you know I'd love for you to share your wisdom in our upcoming book gatherings.
;-)
I've only just begun hearing about this book. It sounds like a must-read for me. I'll pray about joining your book group, my friend. And, I'm going to begin listening to Emily's podcast too. :)
ReplyDeleteJeanne, hi! Emily is the only podcaster I listen to regularly. I dont like too much noise in my head, ya' know? I can't speak highly enough of her.
DeleteI hope you'll be able to drop in during our discussions. Based on past book clubs, I've got a feeling they'll be some really good stuff going on ...
It's that kind of group.
;-)
You're grabbing my interest again. I think I'd jump into to this one if we had a lighter schedule around that time. Hopefully, I'll be able to peek in now and then. I do enjoy and appreciate Emily's quiet wisdom.
ReplyDeletePeeking is perfectly acceptable, Debby!
Delete;-)
I could use some of her wisdom right about now.
ReplyDeleteI can encourage you to make full use of her resources, Nicki. For sure. I'm praying for you even as we speak ...
DeleteI always love your choice of books, Linda! This sounds like another winner. I'll have to look for it!
ReplyDeleteYou and I are bookish sisters, yes ...
Delete;-)
So much to read. Why can't they make a movie out of all these books?
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
BRILLIANT!
Delete;-)
I've heard so many good things about Emily Freeman but I've never actually read any of her books. I'll need to look into this one - I do tend to overthink decisions so it sounds like it might be helpful!
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking you'd absolutely love her, Lesley!
Delete;-)
I want to go through each of these comments and repeat your words to them about how good Emily's podcast is and now her book. I was on the launch team and loved getting to "know" Emily just a little bit better. You have made the perfect choice with this book for your next book club. I will be popping in because I believe it's my "next right thing". :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your 'thumbs up' on our next Book Club, Mary. It was a bit sooner than I thought ... but I kept getting that nudge that it was the next right thing.
DeleteNo pun intended!
I hope you have received your copy and have started reading. Can't you just hear Emily's voice reading to you?? Of course, if you're listening to the audiobook, it is Emily reading to you. :)
DeleteYep, the book came on Friday, Mary. Of course we weren't here and it sat in the box in the rain for too long.
Delete* sigh *
So now it's sitting under a heavy book and a bucket of wooden spoons, hoping to de-wrinkle ... along with Alia Joy's new offering.
They're keeping each other company.
;-)
Thank you for the wonderful book recommendation. I will have to check it out. sounds like a book I would enjoy and learn from.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad, friend...
DeleteSounds great Linda! I am going to check this out for sure!
ReplyDeleteI look forward to hearing what you think, Lynn ...
Delete;-)
I found Emily's blog years ago. Even then, her message was helpful. The book and podcast sound interesting. Thanks for sharing, Linda. Many blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteYep, I miss her blog posts ... but still love her What I Learned quarterly link-up! Great fun ...
DeleteLinda,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing :-) Got the book :-)
Yay! I'm so glad! Your wise input will be so appreciated, Dolly ...
DeleteBeautiful Girl …
ReplyDeleteUh ... ok ...
DeleteLinda, the more posts I read about this book, the more I realize I need to read it. I'm having to make a lot more decisions for my parents these days, and it's hard with the added pressure of considering what THEY may have done as well as what seems to be the right choice. Trying to determine "the next right thing" is often all I can do without getting completely tied up in knots about all the what-ifs and would-theys. I'm looking forward to your discussions about the book!
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking you'll find that Emily would be a tender companion as you make your way through this difficult season, friend ...
Delete"smack dab in the middle of the dailyness, God is always there," Linda, I loved this little line smack dab in the middle of a whole sentence. It means nothing I do is lost on Him, He cares not how we put on our mascara on but why we do it. Great post. Sound like a great book. I went to a retreat recently so I am working through the ones I bought there but...when I finish them her book is top of my list. Thanks for always giving us good leadership.
ReplyDeleteYep, our living Father is right there with us, never leaving, never forsaking.
DeleteHow blessed we are ...
Oops ... it should have been LOVING.
DeleteBut, praise God, He is absolutely alive and active!
I'm in, but late to the party! Looking forward to this read!
ReplyDeleteYou're never late, you're always welcome, friend!
Delete;-}
I was just thinking that I really need to find a group around this book or create one and here you are!
ReplyDeleteOh cool! Looking forward to getting to know you ... see you on the 28th.
Delete;-)