LIFE IN BLOOM

Learning How to Flourish in God's Grace


by Leave a comment

Book Review: God in Slow Motion

I tend to find myself in a hurry more than I’d like to be.  In fact, it was my own feelings of needing to slow down that led me to review this book “God in Slow Motion” by Mike Nappa.

I really wanted to love this book, but I really struggled.  While the book makes excellent points about delving deeper into our destiny and the purpose that God has for us instead of speeding through life at a fast pace, it never fully captured my attention.  Perhaps that is part of the struggle that the book is trying to get us to dissect; however, I felt that it took intense dedication to really get at the heart of what the book was saying.  At times, I found it to be too wordy, and I found the author’s writing style difficult to digest.  Thus, while the content was good, I struggled to actually enjoy it and found it difficult to read.

I would recommend this book, with reservations.  Because the content is good, I wouldn’t want someone to miss the message.  But because of the struggle that I had with the writing style, I would definitely be selective about who I recommended it to.  Nevertheless, I believe that the message of the book is worthy of us understanding and paying attention to.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from BookSneeze in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are mine. 


by Leave a comment

Hosting Thanksgiving

“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV)

Today Preacherman and I will host our first Thanksgiving as a married couple.  Last year we celebrated our first married Thanksgiving with his family, and this year we are excited for them to make the trip to visit us in Jacksonville.

While I love spending time with family and friends, I also enjoy time to myself.  It’s something that I have accepted as a result of being an introvert.  I’ve never been one to host events or have lots of people over, so today is a huge stretch for me, and I’m determined for it to be a good experience.

I recognize that devil can manipulate great situations, forcing us to miss the blessings in front of us.  Because of that, I prepared the following reminders to help me navigate this first thanksgiving hosting:

Lord, when I feel overwhelmed by the presence of people, help me to remember the blessing of family and fellowship.

Lord, when I feel annoyed by the dishes and the laundry, help me to remember the blessing it is to have food to eat and clothes to wear.

Lord, when I am disturbed by the noise, help me to rest in your quietness and remember the blessing it is to be able to hear.

Lord, when I feel frustrated and cramped in my home, help me to remember the blessing of having a home and having those to share it with.

Lord, let my fellowship and my conversation encourage others and bring You glory.

Lord, let us seek ways to serve others as a demonstration of our gratitude for all that You have provided for us.

Lord, let me remember that in every circumstance, you are in control.

Lord, let me have fresh eyes to see the beauty and blessings in every moment.

I’m believing that today will be a great day.  Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!

Be encouraged!  Peace and Blessings!