Our world is filled with communities of people who are suffering from a variety of social problems. Could you hold the answer? Is God impressing upon you that it s time to do greater things, and to bring help and transformative solutions to your community? Does that thought overwhelm you? In 1998, Linda Pulley Freeman took a leap of faith to leave her career as environmental engineer, and become the Executive Director of the Peacemakers Family Center in Miami, Florida. Over the last fifteen years, Linda has learned how to maintain a strong marriage and raise resilient children while building a vibrant, community outreach ministry. By sharing the lessons she learned along her journey, Linda s desire is for you to be encouraged to step forward in faith, and do greater things.
Linda Pulley Freeman's newest book definitely lives up to its name: Inspired for Greater Things. The book is comprised of 17 short devotionals, each about 2 pages long, with accompanying Scripture passages and relevant quotes. There is also a short space at the end of each entry to jot down your own personal reflections.
The devotionals include a good blend of practical daily suggestions (ie, being intentional about resting), spiritual insights (ie, reflecting God's nature), and encouraging personal illustrations (ie, developing Big Ideas). Each is written from a distinctly Christian worldview, with a strong emphasis on obeying God and trusting Him at all times; and each includes relevant, thought-provoking application to daily life. Although there is no obvious order to the entries, they do seem to build on each other - beginning with inner character, moving through circumstantial issues, and ending with outward compassion and service toward others.
I would definitely recommend this book as an accompaniment to your regular daily devotions. It could also be useful in a small group or one-on-one discipleship setting.
*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for sharing an honest review. All opinions expressed herein are completely my own. Review post simultaneously on Amazon.
I am a fan of clear, simple, and easy things which result in big positive changes ... that's why I like Linda Pulley Freeman's approach to change.
Linda uses her life experiences, not to overwhelm us with details, but as quick and focused inspiration to help us make our own way ... with a little help.
As with her previous book "Thrive!", Linda again uses a clean and simple approach. Her formula is easy to follow and yet it results in strong learning, which in turn fuels strong change.
In short (two to three pages mostly) doses, we are asked to consider a focus, read a short scriptural reference and a slightly longer commentary, then reflect. This is effective learning for change, at its most uncomplicated.
The book is small and easy to carry with you, so you can digest a specific topic or focus anywhere you happen to be or when you really need to clarify your thinking.
For example, one of my favorite chapters was "Be Pruned". The scripture (John 15: 1,2) talks about the need to cut off unproductive things and to prune productive things to keep them going. Far from being a gardening tip, this short consideration of the need to continually evaluate what is in our lives and what needs to either go or be reshaped applies to just about every aspect of life: work, school, commitments, marriage, children, and so on. Even troubles are noted as welcome aspects of growth, painful as they might be.
Go ahead ... spend a little money and a lot of time reading and reflect on the messages for your life which will almost jump off the pages of "Inspired For Greater Things." Linda has done it again:) ...