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Lessons I Have Unlearned by Florence Gildea

Jun25

Faith, Hope And Love

Lessons I Have Unlearned by Florence Gildea is a powerful book about learning to be the you that God created. It is about focusing on what God says about you and not listening to the world. This book will aid you in your Christian walk.

The style is very personable. It feels like advice from a dear friend rather than reading a book.

The media exerts pressure on us all to look a certain way and to wear certain clothes and then we will be happy. We see thin, beautiful women, not realising that their lumps, bumps and imperfections have been air brushed out. Incidentally my daughters paid for me to have a photo shoot with them for my 50th birthday… the technician producing the photos preceded to air brush the shadows out under my eyes. The result is … a great photo that looks nothing like me, and everything like Linda Nolan! So you really cannot believe what the world shows you.

The author has experienced the pressures of the world, having battled anorexia in her teens. The media tells us the lie that to be skinny equals to be happy. God is more concerned with the state of our heart that our outward appearance. We need to listen to His voice that tells us that we are loved. His Son died that we might have life and have it to the full.

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Utterly Brilliant My Life’s Journey by Timmy Mallett

Jun22

You Me

Utterly Brilliant My Life’s Journey by Timmy Mallett is an utterly brilliant book about Timmy Mallett’s pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago in memory of his brother Martin.

This book is a powerful read as we learn not only about the sights along the way but also life lessons. The Camino de Santiago is a physical, cultural, historical and spiritual journey undertaken by many pilgrims each year, with some making repeat journeys.

Timmy Mallett makes his journey by e-bike, leaving markers in tribute to his brother Martin along the way. Using the map at the front of the book and the app Three Little Words, the markers are available for all to find.

Martin was born with Down’s Syndrome and not expected to make it far into adulthood. He actually made it the sixty four years and seven months. Timmy Mallett speaks fondly of his brother who loved life and lived loved. “Martin… had love in abundance… We sometimes wondered if that extra chromosome… is an extra chromosome of love.”

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You Left Too Soon by Julia Wilson

May16

Remembering My Nanny On The Anniversary Of Her Passing

Another year rolls by,

I still miss you.

You left too soon.

My earliest memories contain you.

Your smiling face

Your gentle voice

Your loving heart.

You taught me to love…

Books, knitting, Jesus and you.

Memories of happy days picking raspberries and making jam.

Going to church bazaars and whist drive,

Sucking polos and making dolls from rags,

Listening to Tales Of Binkle And Flip Bunny.

My childhood is full of you

And your love

But you left too soon.

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A Mind Of Their Own by Katharine Hill

May4

Sound Advice And A Personable Style

A Mind Of Their Own by Katharine Hill is a powerful book exploring how our children can not only survive but thrive in today’s world which is very different from yesterday. “Our children are growing up in a fast-changing world, light years away from the one most of us grew up in.”

The pressure to succeed is huge. “Young people feel under pressure to be the best.” As parents and grandparents it is up to us to help remove the added pressure. We need to lay down good foundations for all the family, providing love, nurture and care. We need to be there for our children when they succeed and when they fail – for it is only in failing that we learn some of our deepest lessons. “Failure is not what defines us, but how we respond to it will shape us.”

Today’s children have a huge pressure to achieve outstanding results. They believe “their worth is based on exam results.” We need to take the pressure off and let them realise that success is not always measured by pieces of paper and certificates in frames.

As parents we need to listen to our children. “Just because their voice is small, it doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t be heard.” We must make sure we are fully present and not have our eyes focused on something else.

Katharine Hill looks at the power of words. Our words can build up or tear down. “Positive words can change our thinking and our behaviour.” We often live up or down to the words spoken over us.

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