You Can Change A Life…Today!

I sense a common theme among people I meet—one that resonates strongly within my own soul. We all have a deep desire to have our lives matter, and especially to have our life make a difference in the life of another person. It’s possible that you can’t experience this any more deeply, or regularly, than within the walls of your own home! Our spouse wants to know that they are valuable to us, our kids want to know that they are loved and that what they are feeling really matters. If given the chance to think about it, we want all that for ourselves, too! Wouldn’t you agree?

But all too often we get caught up in doing what has to get done, squashing the conflicts that arise, and putting out the fires of daily life. So how can we live with intentionality, realizing that everything we does has an impact on the people around us? I believe the first step is realizing this truth: What you do and say matters more than you realize.

Reading through Max Lucado’s “You Changed My Life” is so inspiring—it’s filled with story after story of people doing little things that are making a big difference. Max says, “No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.”

One man’s wife made a difference in her husband’s life…and has since affected the rest of our lives, as well. Max tells the story of Nathaniel Hawthorne. One day he came home heartbroken. He’s just been fired from his job in the custom house. His wife, rather than responding with anxiety, surprised him with joy.

“Now you can write your book!” she replied.

He wasn’t so positive. “And what shall we live on while I’m writing it?”

To his amazement she opened a drawer and revealed a wad of money she’d saved out of her housekeeping budget. “I always knew you were a man of genius,” she told him, “I always knew you’d write a msterpiece.”

She believed in her husband. And because she did, he wrote. And because he wrote, every library in America has a copy of “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne.

Who can you find to believe in today? How can you help someone else live out the passion in their heart—perhaps something they thought they had to file away under “Probably Not Gonna Happen?” Today’s your chance to begin.

You can change someone’s life.

If you’d like to read more inspiring stories about people’s actions changing the lives of others, click here to pick up your own copy of “You Changed My Life” – or give it as a gift to someone who has affected yours.

With Blessings On Your Journey,
Mark

Does Your Life Really Matter?

I have to admit, this is probably one of the questions I’ve most asked myself throughout my life. There’s a desire in me for my life to really matter, to have some kind of significance, for my existence to carry more than just a modicum of weight. Nobody wants to be a voiceless mass floating through time like some kind of satellite lost in space. Though I have felt that way. And I’m guessing I’m not alone.

I’m grateful for the grace-filled moments that have snuck up on me—times where there’s a clarity of focus, a clear vision of my life’s purpose. These moments all seem to stem from a slight change of perspective—a fresh understanding of my mission.

This is the focus of Andy Andrew’s stunning story in the beautiful giftbook, “The Butterfly Effect.” With example after example, Andrews convincingly makes the case that every single thing we do matters. Add to that, he says we have all been created in order to make a difference in the world around us. And I kinda believe him! At least I know my heart seems to jump a bit when I soak in these words.

Watch this video of Andy telling more about the book….

If you’re like me and you occasionally need to be reminded that you are indeed living on, and in, purpose…check out this powerful book. Or get one for a friend who you’d like to encourage.

With blessings of truth & significant purpose,
Mark

Jesus Calling Deluxe Edition Released

You all know I’m a big fan of this inspired devotional book. The unique way Sarah writes speaks so clearly to me about God’s love and passion for me—and His encouragement that I can trust Him more than I think I’m capable of doing. Well, a brand new “Jesus Calling Deluxe Edition” of this book has just been released, and I highly recommend it. It has a beautiful embossed imitation leather cover, a ribbon page marker, and a presentation page (if you’d like to “gift” this to a friend). Also, the pages are printed on a little more classic feeling type of paper. Other than these tiny cosmetic features, it is the same unique, uplifting, bite-sized devotions that will challenge and inspire you every day of the year.

Click on the “Jesus Calling Deluxe Edition” cover above to open a flipbook where you can read the introduction from Sarah, as well as several sample pages. You will quickly discover why so many people have connected with the blessings and truths found in this book.

And just in case you already have your own copy of this great book. Sarah has a few other titles that you might be interested in…click here for more info on Sarah.