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Finding the Extra in Ordinary: Embracing the Beauty of the Christian Life by Jeff Simmons Book Review






This book begins by explaining how we are created to be extraordinary. We are more than just a number or a statistic. Each one of us has a purpose and a why we are here. He shared how the disciples were ordinary people. Until they met Jesus and their world was forever changed. In the book, he revealed how he received an invitation from a guy named, Steve. He was one of his church members. He personally asked him if he would help a couple renewal their 50-year wedding vows. They wanted him to officiate the wedding service. This turned out to be Dolly Parton and her husband, Carl. He shared how she has amazing generosity she decided to take pictures with her husband and sell the photos to benefit her Imagination Library program. This program gives and mails out free books to children until they are age 5. This program is all over national and it doesn’t matter the family’s income. He explained how Dolly lives a life that is anything but ordinary. She has a heart of gold to give back to others and she rose from poverty. He shared how Jesus chose people like Moses, Peter, John, and Mary to make a difference. It has been noted that Christ followers living for God’s purpose and not seeking their own has made the most influence and impact in the entire world. In the book, he explored fear, investing, choosing joy, make the most of every single day, listening, and much more. 

 




 

One of my favorite topics was about how words matter. Many of us can remember what negative words others have spoken about us. The words that are hurtful are the hardest to heal and the cut runs deeper. He realized how critical our words are and how impactful they can have on us. Scriptures remind us that we need to watch what comes out of our mouths. Good words can build up and can give grace to people who need to hear. He encouraged readers to always remember what is coming out of their mouths and be careful also with what we text. He also disclosed how we must watch what we say about ourselves. If we think and speak defeating words about us, we will live out what we call into being and be defeated. We are a new creation in Christ. 



 

 

 

I would recommend this awesome book to anyone who is tired of ordinary living and they are ready to truly live. I liked how the book discussed singles and married couples and ideas on how we can seek out others to help us to discover our passions if we are struggling on where to find it. I immensely liked how he discussed setbacks and how they can lead to a new start. I liked how he also included real life people stories and how they live out their lives. He also discussed Mike Fisher and Carrie Underwood, Dolly Parton, Tim Tebow, Kathy Lee Gifford, and much more. It was interesting to read some about their stories and how they live out their lives to help others. This book is excellent in helping you to refine your life and what matters most. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“I received this book free from Thomas Nelson for my honest review.”

 

 

 

 

 

If you would like to purchase a copy, check it out on Amazon.com:

 

 

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1646071077/

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