Read, Pray Softly, and Carry a Great Handbag!

So, once again, I have ended up writing a book in longhand, and so this week will be dedicated to transcription, which I hate. That being the case, I have decided to use this week on the blog to promote some books from a wide variety of authors, but since my time is limited, my promotion will consist of an excerpt, and you can decide whether you like it as much as I do. Some of the books are brand-spanking new, and a few others are books I’ve wanted to review for months amid too hectic a schedule.

Today, because the arrival of this cute bubble-bag** picked up my spirits just when I needed it, (and because, as I have told Teresa Tomeo, I think this is a cheeky title and a helpful little book), here is a bit from her latest, Walk Softly and Carry a Great Bag:

Life can be a lot like Limoncello. If we want to make something of ourselves and make our mark in this life for the Lord, it usually comes after a lot of pruning, peeling, processing, and soaking. God prunes those he loves. Just as the lemon trees along the Amalfi Coast are pruned to grow the perfect lemons, God prunes us to ensure that we, too, will bear fruit. We go through our own peeling, processing and soaking. A lemon eaten by itself can be very sour. And just like the sufferings and growth process, it isn’t exactly pleasant to experience. But the steps we take to enter into a relationship with the Lord also don’t come by just hanging around on some breanches, or at our local parish all day long. We have to allowe our good qualities to get steeped in God’s Word. We have to work on ou rprayer life, learn to forgive, and continually turn everything over to God. In other words, we have to endure some level of discomfort or suffering in order to get to the good stuff in the pretty bottles. Once we crack open the long-awaited treat, just like a better life in Christ, it is to be savored and greatly appreciated.

Prayer:
Dear Lord, please help me understand how suffering can bring great fruit in my life, if I allow myself to learn from the experience. In the midst of my struggles, let me bask in the warmth of your Son and know that when I come through the fermenting process I will have grown stronger, and wiser, and closer to you.

This is a nice little book of quick-read inspirational devotions — and handbag size, to boot! Too late for Mother’s day but, you know, summer is coming. Moms carting kids to the beach and to play dates and lessons might really appreciate a little “end of the school year” gift like this, which could well help them through the season!

**Some of you may remember the insanity I put myself through when it comes to buying a handbag. It’s not pretty.