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- Hardcover: 224 pages
- Publisher: Zondervan (October 3, 2017)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0310348870
- ISBN-13: 978-0310348870
About the Book:
Is my ordinary, everyday life actually significant? Is it okay to be fulfilled by the simple acts of raising kids, working in an office, and cooking chicken for dinner?
It’s been said, “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the number of moments that take our breath away.” The pressure of that can be staggering as we spend our days looking for that big thing that promises to take our breath away. Meanwhile, we lose sight of the small significance of fully living with every breath we take.
Melanie Shankle, New York Times bestselling author and writer at The Big Mama Blog tackles these questions head on in her fourth book, Church of the Small Things. Easygoing and relatable, she speaks directly to the heart of women of all ages who are longing to find significance and meaning in the normal, sometimes mundane world of driving carpool to soccer practice, attending class on their college campus, cooking meals for their family, or taking care of a sick loved one.
The million little pieces that make a life aren’t necessarily glamorous or far-reaching. But God uses some of the smallest, most ordinary acts of faithfulness—and sometimes they look a whole lot like packing lunch.
Through humorous stories told in her signature style, full of Frito pie, best friends, the love of her Me-Ma and Pa-Pa, the unexpected grace that comes when we quit trying to measure up, and a little of the best TV has to offer, Melanie helps women embrace what it means to live a simple, yet incredibly meaningful life and how to find all the beauty and laughter that lies right beneath the surface of every moment.
My Thoughts:
You're not going to find a deep theology in a book by Melanie Shankle. I've read them all, so I know it's true.
What you WILL find is a friend. She can tell a story like nobody's business, and have you in tears of laughter in one paragraph and in tears of powerful emotion the next.
Her newest book, Church of the Small Things, is my new favorite. She opens with the story of the fish and loaves, and how Jesus fed the thousands with a small, impossible offering.
And points out that everyone gets mentioned in the story except the mom that packed the boy's lunch before sending him off for the day, with no idea her son would become a part of Scripture.
I was hooked.
To be fair, she uses one swear word (begins with 'h'), drinks wine, and is extremely knowledgeable about all things pop culture. AMAZINGLY knowledgeable.
She also writes with passion for God, His church, and family. And friends. And being her real, authentic self. I think of Shankle as Erma Bombeck with a smattering of Tina Fey, and a sprinkling of your favorite Bible teacher.
I love her books, and I especially love this one. That's why I'm giving it my "Oh, the Feels" mark of approval.
What you WILL find is a friend. She can tell a story like nobody's business, and have you in tears of laughter in one paragraph and in tears of powerful emotion the next.
Her newest book, Church of the Small Things, is my new favorite. She opens with the story of the fish and loaves, and how Jesus fed the thousands with a small, impossible offering.
And points out that everyone gets mentioned in the story except the mom that packed the boy's lunch before sending him off for the day, with no idea her son would become a part of Scripture.
I was hooked.
To be fair, she uses one swear word (begins with 'h'), drinks wine, and is extremely knowledgeable about all things pop culture. AMAZINGLY knowledgeable.
She also writes with passion for God, His church, and family. And friends. And being her real, authentic self. I think of Shankle as Erma Bombeck with a smattering of Tina Fey, and a sprinkling of your favorite Bible teacher.
I love her books, and I especially love this one. That's why I'm giving it my "Oh, the Feels" mark of approval.
Until the next page turns,
Deena
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