Skip to main content

Bittersweet

'This is the work I'm doing now, and the work I invite you into: when life is sweet, say thank you, and celebrate. And when life is bitter, say thank you, and grow.' S. Niequist

Less than seven weeks to go now, until Real 2012!

We're looking forward to welcoming Shauna Niequist and her family to the UK. They live in Illinois, USA and are coming over specially for the conference. Shauna is busy right now as she is right in the middle of writing her third book. She is also travelling and speaking at various events (but we're her only UK event!). Her two published books are amongst my most favourite reads - and great for re-reading and dipping into. She talks about her life, about the ordinary things that are part of our lives too. About how she finds God in the middle if it all - how she sees God in the ordinary and everyday; as well as in the bad (bitter) and the good (sweet).
I'd highly recommend reading Cold Tangerines or Bittersweet.
In fact, Bittersweet is this month's book choice for the Activate book club.
Why not read it too? You could come along to their event next Saturday evening, May 12th to discuss the book over some delicious nibbles and in great company. Pick up a flyer or look here for more information - you'll need to book your (free) place.
activate340nv

Still not sure if you should read it?
Check out this honest book review from my friend, Sarah Cooper
Bittersweet
I read Bittersweet because it’s the book our book club is reading at the moment. I probably wouldn’t have chosen to read it, because I’ve already read Shauna Niequist’s other book Cold Tangerines and didn’t really like it. So when I first started reading it I wasn’t really expecting too much. And that’s how it was to start with, I didn’t enjoy it. I found it irritating and I thought she should do what she suggested – get over herself. But about a third of the way through something changed. I was really challenged by her chapter on grace and I found myself warming to her and her honesty and vulnerability. I began to understand what she was saying and I really liked the way she appreciated the ordinary moments in life. I like the way she admits to not having all the answers but she is willing to share some of the ones she’s worked out. I feel challenged to visit friends who are far away and to spend more time with those who are close by. So I ended up really loving it  by the end, so much so that I'm now reading it again!

Popular posts from this blog

Guest Blog: Esther in Indonesia

I'm delighted to welcome Esther Ross-Watson to my Blog today! She is a dearly loved member of our Kerith family. She and her late husband Michael served as missionaries for many years. Esther bravely made the decision to travel again, and she has recently returned from Indonesia. Here's her story:  Whilst Michael was on his last days on earth in August 2017 he received a request from the Island of Madura, Indonesia asking us to return to the town of Pamekasen, Madura, Indonesia where we had begun our Missions work in July 1973 exactly one year after we were married. They were keen to have us see what God had been doing in the years since we’d moved on and we excitedly said ‘Yes’ we will come!   Obviously that had to go on hold for a while because I didn’t feel I could, or even wanted to go alone! Anyway around March/April time 2018, I begun to feel a gentle nudging of the Holy Spirit urging me to think some more about it! It was like a feeling of wanting to know...

Our Living Hope

Not sure what happens with my blog...or me writing my blog! Can't believe I've been away from it for almost two months. Oh well, no condemnation! Let's pick it up and start again :) Yesterday was a great day in Church! I was so challenged and encouraged - I love Sundays and all the different ways God shows His love and who he is to us. Natalie Jones preached at both our morning meetings in Bracknell , she gave such a good message on generosity, be sure to catch it when the podcast comes on our website, but for now, watch a  summary of Natalie's preach At the 6pm meeting, we had Paul Manwaring sharing about culture : the 4 Gamechangers - again, a really challenging message to check out if you didn't get to hear it live. I wore my HOPE earrings yesterday - sometimes I deliberately  choose to wear them as a practical symbol that I am choosing HOPE - that I choose Jesus, I choose trust, I choose hope. I'm so glad I did, as throughout the day I felt God speak ...

3 Little Bottles

Thought I'd mix it up today and do something lighthearted here. I popped into town this morning (as an aside, anyone else still incredulous that "new Bracknell / The Lexicon is so great and that it's really here to stay?!)  Anyhow, I popped into town for a quick wander and bought 3 "essentials" I'd run out of, so I thought I'd share them with you - and of course I'd love to hear about your 3 recent essential purchases. 1 Contact lense solution I've worn glasses since Secondary school, and contact lenses since I left Uni. Gas permeables - great for me - slightly perilous in swimming pools / the sea / other people's sinks (£80 to replace). They work for me - and so a couple of bottles of solution each month keep me going.I ran out a couple of days ago, so it was £4.70 well spent for clean lenses and clear eyesight. 2. "Buffet" by The Ordinary This was a new one for me, a present I received last Christmas. I LOVE it and ca...