Learning again and loving it!

If you're not learning, you're getting left behind.

When I was a young adult, I desperately wanted to work in newspaper advertising design. Maybe it was in my blood because my dad was a pressman. Maybe.

I spent many years at print shops as a teenager getting paid one dollar an hour collating papers amongst the smell of ink and rolls of paper. I would sneak upstairs to the art department and be in awe of the compugraphic equipment, xacto knives, and sticky wax machine.

I only knew that I wanted to be a graphics designer and work in art. I wasn't sure how to get there, there weren't any schools for that field at the time, but I wanted to design.

I applied for a graphic design position at the local newspaper, but there were no openings with the exception of one in the circulation department so I took it. After a grueling year of answering phones and organizing paperwork, there was an opening in the graphic design department and I thankfully took it.

It was definitely a learning experience since I had no idea what to do with no training but I learned along the way and loved every step. The first two years I was at this job I was awarded an honorable mention in advertising design. I had found my "Element" as Sir Ken Robinson would say.

Little did I know then that the graphic design industry would change, and change, and then change again. I am constantly on the move to learn the next new kind of technology or way of doing business. These are exciting times and I can't wait for the next step.

In the meantime, I'll keep up with what's new instead of being left behind. Instead of an xacto knife, I'll be using my iPad2.

Bring it on!

Max on Life.... book review

“Max on Life” by Max Lucado was offered for me to review through Booksneeze.com. This book was an easy read and it was a good book to have around when I only had a short time to read. Hope and love resonate throughout this book and it’s clear that Max is truly a gifted spiritual writer.

I loved the letter from a young child, Sam, to Max. Sam is terribly sorry about pulling the fire alarm after one of Max’s church services. The open honesty and pureness of an innocent child rings (no pun intended) loudly and clearly. I can only imagine how hard it was for that small child to sit down, write that note and send it. It is much like how we feel about God. We are sorry for our actions, but it takes a lot of courage to ask for forgiveness. God will always forgive and many times it is hard to remember that. We get caught up in our own fears and disappointments and forget we have a truly loving God who cares deeply about us. He’s crazy about us!

Max reminds us that no matter what your age, you will always have questions, ask for forgiveness and receive grace.

In Constant Prayer Book Review

I chose In Constant Prayer, written by Robert Benson, to review for BookSneeze.

Initially, just looking at the cover of the book, I was excited to read this book. Any time I can read something to help me keep my promise to talk to and pray to God every day, I welcome it with open arms.

Robert Benson, the author, presents a structure where people can live in the reality that God is with us always. Too many people live their lives oblivious to the blessings around them. It is important to remember and see the blessings and wonder and joy that God provides on a daily, if not hourly, basis.

I am hopeful that others will find this book will create a deeper realization and fellowship with our Heavenly Father.

Book Review!

Book review for The Power Based Life, Realizing your life's goals and dreams by strengthening your body, mind and spirit, by Mike Flynt.

After reading this book, I feel like Mr. Flynt was speaking to me personally! I am at a crossroads both professionally and personally and have been looking for spiritual guidance along the way.

Realizing strengths and finding the career that's right for you is a great way to find your path. I am taking this book to heart and will be reading it again with post it notes and highlighters.

Sorry, friends. I usually pass on great books to you, but this one is staying with me. Get your own!

The Grace of God by Andy Stanley

Part of my 2011 New Year's resolution is to surround myself with inspiring and interesting people, read 3 non-fiction books a month and of course, lose weight!

So, you can imagine my excitement when I received this book for review from Booksneeze. I have been introduced to Andy Stanley through Dave Ramsey. Dave talks about Mr. Stanley's teachings and books on his radio show, "The Dave Ramsey Show". He has also had him as a guest speaker, which is rare for Dave.

Andy Stanley starts out saying that "God's promise of blessing was not anchored by the behavior of the recipient, but by the grace of the One who had made the promise." Like my community group leader keeps telling us, "You already have it". You don't have to ask for it, you don't have to want it.... you already have it."

With grace, comes faith. Such a strong statement in such a uncertain world. Believe.

I give this book 5 stars and will be passing it on to one our our church's small group leaders to share with her middle schoolers. Great read.

"You Changed My Life"

Book Review: “You Changed My Life” by Max Lucado. This is a wonderful Christian book to give to someone who has truly made a difference in your life. It is filled with inspirational stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. God uses common people to show his love and compassion in all circumstances and situations. I especially enjoy Chapter 5, stories of “Hope”. The book is small and broken up in sections so you can take it with you anywhere and quickly read a short inspirational story. I highly recommend this book to both share with someone special or as an inspiration read to have at hand when life throws a curve ball. Love, Kindness, Commitment, Compassion, Hope, Courage, Wisdom and Friendship. It covers all the bases for a well rounded spiritual uplifting. Truly, any book that Max Lucado writes is a must read for anyone who is seeking spiritual support and guidance.

Book Review!

The Portable Patriot. Documents, Speeches, and Sermons That Compose the American Soul edited by Joel J. Miller and Kristen Parrish will get you hooked on the second story, “Mary Rowlandson Recounts Her Captivity”. This young woman, the wife a pastor, was unfortunate to witness first hand the brutality of war. I will never understand her strength as she held one of her children and tried to protect them only to be shot with a bullet and die in her arms. Over the course of several weeks, Mary was held captive and relied on her strong faith to sustain her. Reading her story made me feel like I was right there with her. The other stories in the book are a great collection of American History wrapped up in the strong Christian faith that this wonderful country was built on. A good read.