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As most of you know, I am a part of the Chicken Soup for the Soul network. So, every time a new Chicken Soup for the Soul book is published I get to review it. I am sure that almost everyone knows about the Chicken Soup for the Soul books. However, for those that don't know, Chicken Soup for the Soul books are short stories sent in by real people about their own lives and experiences or sometimes about the lives and experiences of close friends or relatives. These books are at the top of the best sellers lists.
I love Chicken Soup for the Soul books. They are always full of such wonderful, inspirational stories and devotions. They always fill me with hope and joy. Well, this next book that I am reviewing, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Finding My Faith: 101 Inspirational Stories about Life, Belief, and Spiritual Renewal by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, & Susan M. Heim, doesn't disappoint either.
It came at the perfect time for me. I've been having some difficult times. I have let the bureaucracy of church to get in the way of faith. I need to stop doing that and worry more about my faith.
I don't know Chicken Soup for the Soul goes about picking stories to print, but they always seem to have the stories I love to read. One of my favorites in this book, is in the second chapter. It is about a young woman who came to know God's love through a caring circle of women. It sort of reminds me of when my husband and I joined our first church together. I don't really know why but it does.
I remember when we came home one day an found a mug with candy and a flyer about a new church that was having its grand opening. We hadn't been to church in years. We were both raised in one denomination, and I refused to go to that type of church again. My husband didn't really care either way. This church happened to be very close to the same denomination with some views that were different (the ones I was trying to avoid). This new church welcomed everyone, and included everyone that wanted to be a part of the church.
I felt like I had found a new home, a new family. The whole family loved our new home. Our family became closer to each other and to God. It was so nice. We knew that we could depend on others and that they were there to support us when needed. I will never forget how this church strengthened our faith.
I need to find this again. I have been letting people bickering and human failings discourage me from going to church. I allowed myself to be talked into working on a project, but told them that I couldn't afford to do some things, and that I didn't have a car to do things during the week. I would work on getting information, etc. I was then called and told I needed to come pick up boxes and mail them. I didn't have money to get items for my children for Christmas or to pay bills, but I was expected to pay to mail these boxes. I think, that was the final straw for me. I know its not much but it hurt me.
People have gotten away from being Christ like, and started pressuring people to do things they don't feel comfortable with. I know that I may be guilty of this at times. I just find it hard when church leadership does this.
With this book, I am learning to let go and let God, again. I know that I will find that perfect church for us again. I just have to be persistent.
Sorry, I kind of got off track. This book has brought back wonderful memories, and ones that I want to get again. I have to put my faith first, and help my children find theirs.
You will love the stories in this book. It is full of stories that will make you laugh and cry. You will always smile in the end.
There are so many great stories. You can search the book to find just the right story for your mood or read it from beginning to end. Here are the section headings:
- Finding Faith Through Family
- Finding Faith Through Friendship
- Finding Faith in God's House
- Finding Faith Through Loss
- Finding Faith Through a Stranger
- Finding Faith Through Signs
- Finding Faith Through Nature
- Finding Faith Through Fire
- Finding Faith Through His Word
- Finding Faith Through Miracles
- Finding Faith Through Service
If you aren't ready to buy a copy, you might win one. Check out my post where I am giving away 3 copies of Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Gift of Christmas: 101 Inspirational Stories about Life, Belief, and Spiritual Renewal.
Image Credit: Amazon
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