How often do you truly see that life is full of everyday blessings from God? Our Creator is present in our lives–even when we don’t realize it–and it is part of His plan that we have friendship and relationship with Him. So how does one live life with God, the omnipotent, omniscient Creator of all? In Tidbits and Pearls, Ladonna Shanks shares incidents from her life, recounting them in a way … in a way that touches the heart and enriches the lives of those who read these personal stories. Her insights and lessons learned offer profound yet simple wisdom, gleaned from her seventy-plus years of life experience. Many of her essays focus on her family–her children and “grandgirls”–as well as her personal gardening business. Her faith shines through the narrative as a shining light for others to follow.
Humankind was created to have a relationship with their Creator, and everyday life presents the opportunities for that to occur. Tidbits and Pearls is one woman’s record of how God manifests himself in daily life, with the challenge to look beyond the physical and seek the spiritual aspect of life. So take the first step in this journey and be honest with yourself and with God, for you are His instrument, and without Him you can do nothing.
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Oh the struggles of having a relationship is something I tremble at sometimes. I’m not very good at making friends and find myself as a loner walking this earth. In this book the author shows us how to have the most important relationship you can have. That relationship is with God. I may feel alone but I’m never really alone as I continue to deepen my relationship with Him. He accepts us for who we are and loves us unconditionally. This relationship is far more valuable than any I could have.
I liked how the author shared stories from her life. One particular story hit home with me. My mother had Alzheimer like her mother did. Our family was very dysfunctional and still is today. When I found out about my mother, I didn’t hesitate to step up and help with her care. It didn’t matter that my parents abused me and never said they loved me. What mattered to me was that my mother needed me and I would do anything to grasp a piece of a relationship with her. I took a lot of hateful words from my dad as I stepped in to help but it never swayed me to walk away. When she passed away suddenly, two of my brothers and I were in the same place at the same time with our dad. We didn’t immediately rekindle our relationship between each other, but it did make us realize how precious life is.
The stories the author shares are fun to read and give readers pause to think about all the relationships they have. We need to enjoy every minute and learn from our hurtful words or bad judgment. I loved getting to know the author and her family better. She shares triumphs and encourages others to not take anything for granted. She has a heart for others and finds ways to bless people. Her insights about her children and grandchildren are an example of a person who enjoys family and life.
Cherished moments are ones that touch you and give you fond memories. I loved how the author shares moments such as a hug from her child when they were young. I remember times when my boys were little. I treasure each moment I have spent with them and appreciate how they still give me a hug and say they love me even though they are adults now.
Each chapter is filled with wonderful, encouraging words that I couldn’t get enough of. If you are feeling down, grab this book and get a lift from God. This book now has a permanent place on my bookshelf. I will take it down to reread again and be reminded to “leave an invisible mark , one not seen with the physical but with the spiritual eye, a mark that is eternal.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Tidbits and Pearls is a compilation of thoughts and writings by author Ladonna Shanks. They are inspiration and are meant to help readers draw closer to God. Author Shanks is very open about her life experiences in this book.
As I read it felt like I was having coffee and chatting with a friend. The author has a nice, easy style of writing. Her words flowed off of the pages and gently encouraged me. A lot of her tidbits I had heard growing up. “You’re making a mountain out of a molehill” or “when it rains it pours”are two of the more common ones. She not only lists them but defines them.
The book has been divided into chapters that are also each different chapters in the author’s life. She begins with Family and goes on to Blessings and on through until Death. They are poignant and reflective. This lovely book provides much food for thought. It is filled with inspiration and directs readers to have a closer relationship with a God.
I enjoyed this book. It would make a nice group read. I wanted to talk about it as I was reading it. At times I would read some of it out loud to my hubby.
I highly recommend this book. It would make a nice gift or addition to any collector’s shelf. I rated it 4 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest words.
Tidbits and Pearls
The author talks about her life with being with family and without. There are bible verses at the end some of the sections/chapters. They are related to the reading of that section.
A section on her daughters, sons and grandchildren. On how things have changed without the years. I could definitely relate to that. The book is Tidbits from her life. I found the book very interesting. There is some nonfiction books that I don’t enjoy but I did this one. I may have learned a thing or two from it. I really enjoyed her outlook on life.
This is a book I hope to read again.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit. This book review is my own opinion.