Celebrating Brokenness by Jennifer Coffman

Celebrating Brokenness

By Jennifer Coffman

Imagine what could happen if you stopped trying to hide your brokenness and started inviting God into the middle of it. In a series of 30 letters, from one friend to another, the author explores the wide and deep and vast impact of extraordinary love on ordinary lives. Perfect for both personal reflection or group dynamics, Celebrating Brokenness helps us to see that nothing is out of reach when it comes to God - He longs to use all of us in His Kingdom building work.

How to Hug a Porcupine Edited by June Eding

I love the title and subtitle - How to Hug a Porcupine: Easy Ways to Love the Difficult People in Your Life. I came across this book in the new release section of my library and thought it would be beneficial for me. The books is full of suggestions on how to deal with the people in our lives that often rub us the wrong way. Find a copy of this quick read and discover some tips to make the relationships in your life that may be challenging just a bit better...

Back of book says: "Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around." ~ Leo Buscaglia

Andrew Flach, the book's publisher wrote, "Other people challenge us. Other people improve us. Other people make us better human beings."

ISBN: 978-1-57826-293-9

The Wednesday Letters by Jason F. Wright

This story set in the small town of Woodstock, Virginia challenges us all to become better individuals that we are today. When Jack and Laurel married Jack decided that his wedding vows weren't enough to prove his love to his bride, he committed then to write her a letter each Wednesday of their life together. The letters were sometimes details of his day and other times words of deep love or sorrow.

The book begins on the night of their death. Jack writes his last letter shortly after his beloved Laurel died and he joined her in his sleep. Their three children were brought together to say their final goodbyes. They came across their father's letters and found out that everything wasn't as it seemed and their world was turned upside down. Travel with Matthew, Samantha and Malcolm as they learn about their parents lives, choices, failures, secrets and love.

An excellent read that I enjoyed and highly recommend. The journey of these fictional characters, if we open our hearts and minds, can inspire us to share our time, memories and love with those who are important to us.

To learn more about the book, discussion questions, and Jason Wright check out the book's website.

Embrace Me by Lisa Samson

This is an out of the ordinary read. The characters are an interesting bunch - a tattooed monk, a scarred woman, a woman born with no limbs, a high power politician and many others. Little by little you learn about the losses and heartaches of these quirky individuals. They each have valuable lessons to learn and teach throughout the book about forgiveness, love, and reconciliation. The chapters alternate presenting information from different perspectives and time frames. It sounds confusing, but its really easy to follow since each chapter is marked telling the reader who is speaking and in what year.

One thing I enjoyed about this book was "knowing" a few of the minor characters from reading Quaker Summer by Lisa Samson. The material shared in Will and Lisa Samson's book - Justice in the Burbs is also presented in this novel. If you haven't read either of those books, I highly recommend them.

As the lessons of Embrace Me became plain I couldn't help but think of a dear friend of mine who gave up the luxuries of this world to serve others. She and her husband have traveled to third world countries and now live in the inner city of Chicago learning, loving, and sharing with their neighbors. They are an inspiration.

Who can you love and/or forgive today?

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

This is a painful novel - a retelling of the biblical story of Hosea and Gomer. It was challenging to read because it's my story and it's your story. The details may vary from person to person, but we are all: Sarah, Angel, Mara, Amanda…, etc. We have all suffered pain as a result of sin and we have all made choices that have ultimately hurt ourselves, others, or both. Many times the pain we have endured has tried to block out the light of God's love, but HIS love is unconditional and unstoppable - nothing can take away the reality of HIS love - NOTHING. God sent HIS only Son, Jesus to pay the penalty for my sins and your sins and then He lovingly welcomes us in HIS embrace. Even though we reject HIM he rescues and loves us. Read this book and experience HIS amazing love anew.

Celebrating Special Times with Special People by Gloria Gaither and Shirley Dobson

A while back I read a brightly colored, energetic book jammed full of ways to celebrate people and to help make them feel special. There were many refreshing ideas as well as some tried and true suggestions that have been used through the years. If you are into scrapbooking, you might find something interesting to add to your collection. All activities have a supporting Scripture verse and can be used for icebreakers at a party, uplifting a discouraged friend, and showering love on a family member for a special occasion or just to let them know how incredible they are in your estimation. If you would like to discover some memory makers, check your local library for a copy of this delightful book.