'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.
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!