Off the Bookshelf: WAVES OF CREATIVITY, by Allen Arnold

 

Allen Arnold strikes again, with a book of inspirational quotations, either his own thoughts or scripture references, having to do with the creative mind and soul, the creative journey, and spiritual growth.

Everything essentially leads back to the core principle of his teaching, which is that our best creating is always done WITH God. 

Sounds kind of simple, huh? Not really. It's a conscious, constant process of growth, of checking the compass, of looking around and getting back on track, and keeping the enemy from knocking us off course. We get distracted by things that shouldn't matter, unless they lead back to God. Things like success and popularity. Our measure of success needs to change to fit God's idea of success -- which certainly isn't what the world thinks it is.

While it might sound wonderfully spiritually to be working FOR God, that's what he calls the orphan mindset. We need to be working in partnership WITH God, in His power, seeing with His eyes, for whatever we do to really matter and make sense and mean something.

You should see my copy -- it's bristling with little page flags marking quotes and thoughts I need to go back to and read again and think over. It's partially color coded alphabetically, but that's not much help when there are more than 100 of them ... fortunately there's an index of topics, to help you find inspirational thoughts on whatever your current struggle is.

Like his other books, you're going to want to read it again and again. Thanks, much!

Off the Bookshelf: CURE FOR THE COMMON LIFE, by Max Lucado

Just shows how busy I've been -- for the last few years -- that I haven't read a Max Lucado book for quite a while. I really missed reading him, because his style is simple and easy to read, and he communicates so clearly, with humor and wisdom.

CURE FOR THE COMMON LIFE has the subtitle of: Living in Your Sweet Spot.

What's the sweet spot? It's that place where you're doing what you love. It's where a job is no longer work. When you're doing what God designed you to do, following your heart, using the talents programmed into you since before birth.

He talks about discovering your S.T.O.R.Y -- your Strengths, Topic (what you enjoy doing), Optimal conditions, Relationships, and your Yes -- when you look up to Heaven and say, "I was made to do this."

Then the last 1/3 of the book is full of tests and questions and fill-in-the-blank to help you analyze yourself and discover that sweet spot, where you were made to be, where everything works, and you're fulfilling your destiny.

Be prepared to have your eyes opened and your mind blown and your life path changed -- maybe getting on course for the first time in your life. Heady stuff!