In his latest, Empty Promises, pastor and best-selling author Pete Wilson examines the goals and ideals that many people (myself included) pursue, only to find that they don’t enrich our lives but, instead, often leave us feeling empty.

Through his own real life struggles, examples from people he has counseled over the years, and Biblical references, Wilson helps readers see the often difficult truth about what drives us and why.  He invites us to think differently about why we are drawn to achievement or power.  We learn about the temptation of emphasis on outer beauty or collecting wealth.  Warning: Don’t think this doesn’t apply to you until you read the book.  You might be surprised.

Interestingly enough, Wilson also challenges us to consider whether we are addicted to religion rather than a relationship with God.  He invites us to examine what or who we worship and if that is taking our lives in the direction we really want to go.

The entire book is a gentle challenge to the promises we make to ourselves.  If only ______, then ______.  How many times can we look back and say, yes, that’s exactly the way it worked? Probably not very often.

If only I get that promotion, then my co-workers would respect me more.  If only I had a bigger house with a bigger yard, then my family would be happier.  If only I made more money, then I would be happier.  If only I went to church every week, then God will love me.  If only…then…

Read this book to find out why those promises to ourselves and really empty promises.  You’ll also discover what really can add meaning and joy to your life.  That is not an empty promise.

Order the book HERE on Amazon.com.

(A free copy of this book was made available through the BookSneeze blogger review program, however, the opinions expressed are entirely my own, free of any influence.)

I’m not sure what drew me to this book when I first saw it.  Perhaps the Swindoll name, but not one of the preacher brothers?  The emphasis on the words “a happy life”?  The relaxed font and background color?

Whatever it was that drew me in, Luci Swindoll’s easy writing style, real life stories, sense of humor, and simple advice for life kept me there!  Inspired by the wisdoms of her mother, Swindoll’s short, two to three page chapters all have five word titles, starting with a verb - prompting action!  From Chapter One, “Start With What you Know,” to the last, “Live An Attitude of Gratitude,” the book is filled with common sense delivered with uncommon ease.

A sense of the book content can be found simply by reviewing a few of the chapter headings: Keep Your Word Every Time, Stay Proactive About Your Health, Write Down The Important Things, Build Yourself A Small Library (one of my faves!), Rise to The Occasion Often, Fight Resentment Before It Festers, Listen With Your Whole Heart. 

I finished the easy read last week while on a flight to Tampa.  The person sitting next to me asked if she could look at the book.  She ended up reading about a third of it.  As we were preparing to deboard at our destination, she reluctantly handed the book back to me, saying that she was going to buy a copy for herself so she could finish it.  That’s two recommendations to read this book – mine and hers!

If you would like a copy for yourself or to give as a gift (perfect for graduations!), order through Amazon, Barnes and Noble or ChristianBook.com.

Note: A copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson Publishers through the BookSneeze blogger review program.  Neither the author, publisher, nor anyone else influenced or reviewed the content of this post; the opinion expressed is entirely my own.

Do you ever think about when or how your life will end?  What about this idea: How often do you think about finishing your life well?  That is exactly what this book is about. Famed evangelist Billy Graham shares his thoughts on aging and nearing the time when he will pass from his earthly home to his heavenly home. 

At the age of 93 years, Graham continues his ministry by sharing the trials and opportunities of advanced age.  There are everyday challenges that come with diminished physical abilities.  There are emotional issues as friends and family members become seriously ill or die.  Yet, Rev. Graham keeps readers looking forward.  He reminds us that the best is yet to come and each day that goes by brings us closer to that best.

As one would expect, there are many biblical references throughout the book.  What I really enjoyed was the way those ancient stories are interwined with human experiences of today. Graham talks about what he learned from his wife about dying well, as he watched her suffer with dignity and humor.  Graham talks about the joys and responsibility of grandparenting. He provides ideas for retirement planning; planning to live an active life filled with hope.  He also discusses the very real struggles of aging; diminishing skills, fearfulness, depression.

The stories are told and lessons are offered as if author and reader are sitting across the kitchen table, engaging in conversation over a cup of coffee.  I could hear the quiet voice of wisdom from a man sharing what his life and faith have taught him.

Chapter seven begins with this quote:

Wise counsel to the young is the duty of the aged. -unknown

If that is the case, Reverend Graham has fulfilled his duty, and then some.

If you would like to order this books for yourself or as a gift, click on the link for Amazon or ChristianBook.com.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

My husband called his Dad later in the day to see how he was faring. We were happy to hear that one of Dad’s neighbors came over with a snowblower and cleared his sidewalk and driveway.  At the age of 79 and suffering from emphysema, clearing snow from a corner property is not what Dad should be doing on his own.

Dad’s neighborly “snow angel” reminded me that being of service doesn’t have to be through a non-profit organization,  or a community group, or any other coordinated effort.  Each of us can be of service to our fellow human being, if we open our eyes to see the need and open our hearts to fill it.

Here are simple ways we can all be snow angels.

Shovel a neigbor’s sidewalk, clear their steps, chip away any ice build-up.  If you have children, make it a family affair.  Think of the important lessons you will teach them kindness and compassion through your actions and enthusiasm.

If you are going to the grocery store, check if your neighbor needs anything. While you are talking to them, ask if their heat is working and if they have hot water, especially if your neighbor is elderly or in poor health.  Leave your phone number with them, just in case.

If you see someone struggling to push a shoppping cart through a slushy parking lot, give them a hand.  When you are done shopping, or perhaps when leaving work at the end of the day, you might have to brush or scrape your windshield before driving.  Take a moment to do the same for the car next to you.  It only takes two minutes to make someone’s day.

Imagine the possibilities if there were more snow angels, like my father-in-law’s neighbor.

What is even more impressive than what Dr. King preached, was how he lived.  He did not just talk about his ideals; his every action was rooted in them. Dr. King was not all talk.  He was action.  Peaceful action, but definite action.

Today, I am thankful for everyday people who demonstrate these same convictions through their daily lives. 

Chances are, we all know someone who, every day, stands in integrity, acts out of compassionate conviction, and lives to serve others.  Most of them are not famous. They are teachers, mail carriers, and truck drivers.   They are stay-at-home parents, entrepreneurs, and artists.  They are white collar and blue collar; light-skinned and dark-skinned.  They can be wealthy, they can be homeless.  Young or old, male or female, conservative or liberal; we can all choose to stand up for the right thing.

None of us will be Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  However, we can strive to live our lives in the same way.  We can choose to act with the courage of our convictions.  We can lead change peacefully.  We can serve.  We can have a dream.  We can make a difference.

We must, now.

This past weekend, thanks to a great last minute airfare deal, my husband and I traveled to spend New Year’s with our families.  Included in our weekend was a visit with Mom. 

Today, I am thankful that for nearly our entire visit, Mom sang a happy song!

One of these days, I know that my last visit with Mom will truly end up being my last visit ever with her.

Each time is difficult, and this one was no different.  She does not recognize me.  She doesn’t recognize my husband.  She occasionally mutters something in her native German, but any realistic communication is long past.  She spends her time in  her own world, lost to the rest of us; sitting in a wheelchair or laying in bed.  In several of our more recent visits, she didn’t even seem to see us.  This time though, she clearly made eye contact with my husband and I.  She did not know who we were, but she at least knew we were there.

And, how she sang!

My husband thought she was singing “hallelujah, hallelujah.”  It did sound a lot like that.  Perhaps influenced by recent Christmas carolers?  Maybe she was recalling the carols that she sang so joyously years ago?  I do not know.

What I do know, however, is that whatever prompted it, she was definitely singing a happy song!  I left with tears rolling down my cheeks, but grateful that somewhere deep inside, she still has a song in her heart and was sharing it with those around her.

That’s actually a lot like the Mom I remember.

Take twelve fine, full-grown months; see that these are thoroughly free from old memories of bitterness, rancor and hate, cleanse them completely from every clinging spite; pick off all specks of pettiness and littleness; in short, see that these months are freed from all the past—have them fresh and clean as when they first came from the great storehouse of Time.

Cut these months into thirty or thirty-one equal parts. Do not attempt to make up the whole batch at one time (so many persons spoil the entire lot this way) but prepare one day at a time.

Into each day put equal parts of faith, patience, courage, work (some people omit this ingredient and so spoil the flavor of the rest), hope, fidelity, liberality, kindness, rest (leaving this out is like leaving the oil out of the salad dressing— don’t do it), prayer, meditation, and one well-selected resolution.

Put in about one teaspoonful of good spirits, a dash of fun, a pinch of folly, a sprinkling of play, and a heaping cupful of good humor.

And, I would add…mix well and share generously.  Happy new year!

Time for New Beginnings - by Taylor Addison

This is a time for reflection as well as celebration.

As you look back on the past year and all that has taken place in your life,

Remember each experience for the good that has come of it and for the knowledge you have gained.

Remember the efforts you have made and the goals you have reached.

Remember the love you have shared and the happiness you have brought.

Remember the laughter, the joy, the hard work, and the tears.

And as you reflect on the past year, also be thinking of the new one to come.

Because most importantly, this is a time of new beginnings and the celebration of life.

I have the great gifts of an amazing family and a small, but mighty, circle of friends.  I have a network of professionals I respect and admire and an unending network of fabulous people I’ve only met in cyberspace.  I’ve been blessed with overall good health, as have my husband and children.  I have a job I enjoy, co-workers I adore, and a hobby I love. 

I seem to have a gift for helping people find peace in the most trying situations, and for that I am humbly filled with gratitude.  I’ve been told on more than one occasion that my willingness to simply listen, my compassion for the suffering, and my sometimes peculiar way of looking at the world has helped another through a dark time.

I love learning and have been blessed with many opportnites to do so.  I’ve had wonderful teachers, coaches and informal mentors.  I am thankful for the lessons taught to me by the words and example of the people I work with.  I love, love, love books and am fortunate to own many of them supporting my learning; my leadership library is one of my prized possessions.

Of course, not all is perfect.  But, by standing firmly in gratitude I am able to embrace challenges and see opportunity ahead, accept pain as temporary and seek possibility through healing.  Sadness comes and goes, but I always strive to get through it to the joy that I know waits on the other side.

I can’t possibly quantify all that I have to be thankful for.  I just hope that I honored those blessings enough in the past year, and that I never, ever take them for granted.

I hope all of us have a happy 2012; even, perhaps, a year filled with nothing less than joy and gratitude.  Happy New Year!

I took this photo last night after midnight mass at St. Mary Church, Columbus, Ohio. 

Merry Christmas to you and yours!