The Damsel’s Files

Tips to Achieve Spiritual Development

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to cultivate a better relationship with God and yourself? Do you feel that there is a deep abyss inside you that cannot be conquered by things in this material world? Are you having doubts about the way you are living your life and finding your purpose? Perhaps what you need is to nurture and develop your spirituality.

In the broadest sense, spirituality refers to the sense of connection to a particular thing that is so much larger than you. This doesn’t focus on how you socialize or how intelligent you are. Instead, it centers on the acknowledgement of an emotion or principle that there is another thing bigger than you, which may transcend the human physical experiences. It could refer to the feeling that there is a broader whole that you are a member of, which could be divine or heavenly.

So, if you want to look back on your past decisions and desire to aim for spiritual growth — then here are the essential tips that you might want to consider doing.

Take time to reflect

Personal reflection is crucial. However, many tend to take this activity for granted. Everyone is too busy to hustle and bustle that they often overlooked the value of reflection. While you are reflecting on your past actions and future goals, you can also look for the more profound meaning of things and explore your spiritual core. You may ask yourself questions that often puzzle you and perhaps evaluate why and where those came from. The moment that you identify the root of your problems, and then it is also the time that you can recognize your mistakes, acknowledge your strengths, and realign your goals.

If you want to know more about spirituality, its importance, impact, and such, then you can read books and other materials that revolve around it. The book about poems with spiritual advice by Alvina Platt Gregory is one of the best books that can guide you on your reflection journey.

Explore new things

There are people who tend to lose their sense of purpose because of doing the same thing every day. If you are one of these individuals, then you might want to start exploring new things to uplift your spirit and ignite some inspiration. This could bring so much difference on your spiritual health because you are offering yourself brand-new things and experiences that may give light to your questions and doubts. Thus, you could try meeting new people, trying another craft, going places, and other activities or things that can make you happier and look forward to better days. You will never know how big of an impact this could bring to the development of your spirituality.

Refresh your mind

The mind is a powerful yet vulnerable asset of a person. It helps everyone think, decide, move, and more. Basically, you couldn’t survive without it because you will be like a computer without a control processing unit. There are times that your mind becomes too polluted with bothering and negative thoughts. Oftentimes you cannot sleep well at night or function well on days because of those thoughts and flashbacks. It can decrease your confidence, lose your spirits, and make you less enthusiastic about everything. But when you decide to take a quick breather to refresh your mind, you can be more powerful than those traumatic experiences and negative bubbles in your head. All those doubts and fear will surely be gone, making you more motivated and high-spirited to face each day with a head held high.

Use affirmations daily

On times that you are on your lowest and on moments that you are on your highest, using affirmations is definitely a game changer. By simply saying “I am love,” “I am beautiful,” “I am strong and kind,” “I am capable,” and more, you will see develop a more positive mindset that can radiate all throughout your day. Your once down spirit will be lifted up pushing you to conquer the day with a refreshed mind and happy heart. Through affirmations, you can also increase your motivations, focus on your goals, and influence other people.

Insightful Books for Your Growing Reading Pile

Books are among the most convenient and best source of knowledge. In today’s time, the growing number of books already equals to the increasing number of readers. Given that the pandemic somehow trapped people in their homes to avoid contracting the virus, many tend to find ways to be productive and books become one of their means of learning and productivity. Delving into different stories and narratives can definitely develop your mindset and give you a bunch of insights that you can apply in your life.

Most of these literary pieces tackle different yet important aspects in the world, which can greatly affect everyone’s way of thinking and living. So, if you are looking into the books that can offer you more knowledge — then, here are some of the best and insightful books that you should check out.

Stations of the Risen Christ: Resurrection Meditations by Frank Heelan

Stations of the Risen Christ by Frank Heelan is an inspiring book with the goal of encouraging every reader to pray and meditate on the passages on the Holy Scripture that associates with Christ and his rising from the dead and succeeding appearance to more than 500 followers. Furthermore, it contains more than a dozen of vignettes from the Gospel writings of Luke, Matthew, and John. Subsequently, a corresponding Scripture reading meditations follow, which equally match the count of the vignettes. Hence, readers will definitely be inspired to pray and meditate so that they could obtain a better grasp on the divine mysteries.

The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom

Best-selling author Mitch Albom penned another meaningful book that influences a generation of readers. The book is called The Time Keeper, which is an inspirational fiction published in 2012 by Hyperion Books. It follows the story of Dor, who is known to build the first clock ever. However, he was punished for attempting to measure the time. He was casted away to a specific cave, where he stayed for thousands of years. By that time, he turned into Father Time and needs to listen to each individual who howls on time-related concerns — particularly not getting enough time to live. As time goes by, Dor was finally given the opportunity to redeem himself and be free by giving aid to two diametrically opposite persons to understand the importance of time management. Would he succeed?

Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

This award-winning book is authored by renowned psychologist and Nobel Prize winner Daniel Kahneman. The first edition of Thinking Fast and Slow was published in 2013 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux. It is an essential book that has turned the lives of the readers upside down. The author uncovers the points where everyone can and cannot depend on their intuitions. He also tells the readers the ways of tapping the perks of slow thinking and shows timely and substantial insights on how options are created in both a person’s business and private life. Kahneman, moreover, includes some details on the methods of utilizing various tactics so that everyone can protect themselves from the mental glitches that always get them into trouble.

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

Brave New World is a promising science fiction book written by Aldous Huxley. It was published in 1932 by Chatto & Windus. The setting of the tale is a futuristic World State. The people in that area are environmentally built to an intelligence-based social class. Hence, the book expects a big scientific progresses in reproductive technology, classical conditioning, and other scientific aspects that are mixed together to create a dystopian society. This particular society is being challenged by only one protagonist. Moreover, the book was classified by Modern Library as rank 5^th on its 100 best English-language novels of the 20^th century in the year 1999. It was also recognized as rank 53^rd of the top 100 greatest novels of all time by Robert McCrum for The Observer.

As the world continues to progress, everyone should also get along with the development regardless of how big or small they are. Knowledge, for one, is among the most important aspects in this world that people must acquire and enhance. And, reading has truly proved its use and essence in giving everybody more insights and learning as time passes by.

Why Faith is Important in the Christian Family

In this lifetime, the word “faith” has been uttered multiple times. Some use this term in relation to religion while others utilize this word for encouragement. But, have you ever wondered what faith is in terms of the latter — specifically in Christianity? The term “faith” in the Christian community refers to the state of believing in the words and promises of the Almighty Father. Most members of the Christian family trust in his power and faithfulness, as well as depend on his character and love.

Faith is no longer a word in the dictionary but an aspect in everyone’s life that can turn the tables around, especially when they manifest and associate it with God. It is the agent that gives you assurance that everything will be alright or other circumstances that you have hope for. This particular thing also becomes your proof that not everything remarkable is can be seen by the naked eye.

Ephesians 2:8-10,” For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” This particular verse shows how faith — abstract and invisible, in action can lead to wonderful things.

Believing in Him and trusting His ways can bring light in darkness and spring hope in uncertainties. Moreover, there are also different mediums that talks about faith in different perspectives and purposes. Inside the Catholic Family: Reflections of a Parish Priest, a book about intertwined poems and stories of faith by Fr. Peffly, is among the many examples of the said means.

So, you already have heard the word multiple times and known the basic definitions of faith. Aren’t you wondering about why it is important? If you are, then here’s what you should know.

Makes you walk a better path

Many have lost their faith because of various reasons. As a result, these individuals start to stray away from their path and begin to walk towards the darkness. A person that doesn’t have faith in Him would continue to get drawn to the dark and lose his beliefs and identity. But, if people — including you, begin to rebuild their faith, they would start to walk in a better path.

According to Psalm 89:15, “Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, Lord.” Directing yourself to be in the light with Him shows the favor of God in the course of your walk. Walking on a path that is away from darkness makes you feel His presence and guidance, as well as leads into a greater and more desirable destination.

Helps you create a better relationship with God

Your relationship with God can be among those bonds that are taken for granted. Although we are not generalizing this idea; but, there are definitely individuals out there got easily deceived by the sparkly and pretentious things in this material world. However, as everyone try to recalibrate their decisions and start to view the bigger picture — many would see how important God is in our life.

The moment that you came into this world is also the time that you received the birthright to receive Christ’s light. To give back to that privilege, everyone should nurture your relationship with Him and put your faith in Him regardless of what you are doing and pursuing.

As stated in 1 John 1:7, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin” So, always put to mind that your faith is one of the binding agents of your relationship with God.

Improves your understanding on Christianity

Christianity is broad. What you may know about your religion might be insufficient. The lack of knowledge might lead to unintentional sin, which is not an excuse because everyone has the responsibility to be a good Christian. So, when you develop your faith in the Lord — you tend to gradually get a better grasp on the Christian family and Christianity as whole.

Must-read Motivation Booster Books

You probably have heard of the word “motivation” several times in this lifetime. As a kid, the term didn’t have that big of an impact; but, now that you are approaching or are in the adult stage; you tend to crave for it. You may not see it at first, but motivation is playing an essential role while you are overcoming the struggles and savoring the success in life.

So, are you looking for the best books that can boost your inspiration and will do things that you are passionate about and to conquer life? Then, you should check these books out.

Overcoming Adversity: Resetting Goals by Nelson J. Fowlkes

Nelson J. Fowlkes’ notable memoir titled Overcoming Adversity: Resetting Goals was published in 2019 by FriesenPress. The book aims to give light to the question: what would you do to rise above unfavorable circumstance? Fowlkes will take you to a journey that evaluates the engaging dynamic and discerning techniques, employed to hit his goals and aspirations regardless of the great barriers and difficulties. With the inspiring experiences that he had, you will definitely learn the significance of unfaltering faith, constant perseverance, and internal fortitude. The story also showcases the important events on the author’s life, such as finishing two post-graduate degrees, receiving two professional certificates, serving in the Army Medical Service Corps, and more.

Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable by Tim S. Grover and Shari Wenk

This book is the first book of the Tim Grover Winning series; and, was published in 2014 by Scribner. The notable trainer of many strong and popular basketball players in the NBA uncovers what it takes to acquire full mental and physical dominance, as well as teaching you the ways to become relentless and make your wishes come true. Grover shows detailed information on the things that will make you become unstoppable, meaning you never quit even if people expects you to, you flourish under great pressure, and you keep a strong mind that doesn’t allow feelings to bring out your weaknesses.

The 10X Rule: The Only Difference Between Success and Failure by Grant Cardone

The 10X Rule: The Only Difference Between Success and Failure by Grant Cardone was published in 2011 by Wiley. The book features the principle of what they call as the “Massive Action,” which will enables you to go through clichŽs and risk-aversion of your business and take slow steps in hitting your goals at the same time. Moreover, it highlights the ways individuals become stagnant at the first three circumstances and the methods to turning the 10X Rule a discipline. Upon reading this book, you will discover the place to begin, things to master, and ways to monitor every step you take in your business endeavors.

The Choice: Embrace the Possible by Dr. Edith Eva Eger

Dr. Edith Eva Eger’s The Choice: Embrace the Possible was recognized as the winders of the Christopher Award and the National Jewish Book Award. This book narrates the personal accounts of the author when she was still a teenager who was sent to Auschwitz. Hours following the death of her parents, the Nazi offer forced her to dance for his desire and for her survival. There are different events that molded her into the person she is now, such as struggles, pain, healing, and success. This moving book will definitely give your hope and comfort, which will complete your reading experience, as well as the encouragement to achieve mending no matter how long it takes.

Rising Strong: How the Ability to Reset Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brené Brown

Rising Strong: How the Ability to Reset Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead is a bestselling book by renowned author Brené Brown. According to this book, when everyone dismisses their stories, those start to define them. But, when everybody takes ownership on their tales, they are given the chance to write their endings. Going through your personal story of pain and survival can make you feel threatened and trigger other negative intense emotions. However, the process of recovering your footing in the middle of challenges is the best moment where bravery is being tested and your values are casted. Hence, this book basically helps us discover more about ourselves.

Best Books to Read This Summer

Reading has always been one of the famous and great past times. Although many think that it is underrated, those who have the heart to explore different worlds, know various stories, and learn a wide array of things will always look into books and other forms of literature. There is just so magical and wonderful about reading, books, and everything in between that catches people’s attention. Many factors lead everyone to choose reading as their favorite leisure time regardless of what season it is.

Spring is out, and summer is in. Do you have enough books to fit the brand-new season, or do you still have an adequate amount of books that will sustain your year-long reading list? If the answer is no, then you should fill in your shelves and edit your reading pile with new titles that can make your summer and other seasons more exciting, such as the ones below.

No One Is Talking About This by Patricia Lockwood

This National Bestseller and Women’s Prize finalist by Patricia Lockwood was published by Riverhead Books last February 2021. No One Is Talking About This talks about a woman who lately gain and developed prestige for her social media posts. She becomes swamped with the task of familiarizing and handling the new language and etiquette of the thing that she calls “the portal.” Hence, this book serves as a love letter to the infinite scroll and a deep and modern reflection on love, relationships, language, and more.

Mike Honeycutt’s World of Hunting and Fishing by Mike Honeycutt

Mike Honeycutt’s World of Hunting and Fishing was published in 2018 by Trafford Publishing. There is nothing that can top the fun of remote trips with ethereal sceneries for author Mike Honeycutt. Thus, this travelogue narrates his personal experiences and passion for exploring the world, meeting locals, hunting and fishing exotic species. What makes this book more impressive is its ability to bring you to different parts of the world through the author’s narration of his travel accounts. Among the places mentioned are New Zealand, United States, Cameroon, Old Mexico, Mongolia, and more. Honeycutt also provides a wide array of wisdom and observations about his experiences that might encourage and help you plan your future trips.

People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

Emily Henry authored an excellent book titled People We Meet on Vacation. It was published on May 11, 2021, by Berkley Books. The story revolves around Poppy and Alex, who are entirely two different people yet are best friends. For how many years, they live far from one another and only meet every summer. Hence, for ten years, they take a week off to have a magnificent vacation together. Everything was perfect; 2 years ago, they did something that destroyed their incredible bond. Poppy, however, wants everything to make it right; so, she tried to ask Alex to take another vacation week together and make everything right. She only has seven days. Would it be enough to fix what’s been broken?

All Adults Here by Emma Straub

All Adults Here by Emma Straub is a New York Times bestseller, Washington Post notable book of the year, 2020 Parade best book, and 2020 Housekeeping best book. It was published in May last year by Riverhead books. It is a funny and sharply insightful book on the life cycle of a particular family where the children turn into parents, grandkids turn into teenagers, and a matriarch challenges the legacy of her faults. All Adults Here contains the author’s one of a kind enchantment of knowledge, wit, and insights united in a profoundly remarkably tale revolving around family, relationships, life, and more.

The Turnout by Megan Abbott

Megan Abbott, the bestselling and award-winning author, penned the thriller book Thee Turnout. The setting of the story is against the hothouse of a ballet studio managed by a particular family. Marie and Dara are the offspring of the founder of Durant School of Dance. After their parents died in an accident, they started to man the helm of the school, along with Dara’s better half. Marie teaches the younger learners while Dara teaches the older ones. However, an eerie accident happened during the onset of the yearly performance of the school.

Heartwarming Poetry Books to Add to Your Reading Pile

Poetry has always been the safe haven of both readers and writers. There is something about this genre that really catches the hearts of its targets. At first, many might be only interested on the aesthetics that poems feature. But as they go deeper, readers tend to realize how magnificent poems as they are able to hide and show great stories and messages all at once.

In today’s day and age, readers are more drawn into poetry than ever. There are also wide array of poetry books that captivate the hearts of their targets, helping them feel understood and aware. So, if you are looking for the best poetry books to add to your summer reading pile, then here are some of the best ones.

Jaime’s Inspirations: Poems From the Heart & Mind by Jaime P. Fidler

Jaime’s book on Collection of poems that comes from the heart was published in 2019 by FriesenPress. The published poet whose poems were part of the National Book of Poetry acquired inspiration to write the book from her kids and furry friends. At various times of your life, you have experienced feeling different strong emotions. Each individual finds their personal methods of dealing with both highs and lows of life, as well as the consequences related to these events. However, everybody starts to get a better grasp and relate to these intense feelings with the help of poetry.

Break Your Glass Slippers by Amanda Lovelace

Amanda Lovelace, best-selling author of Women Are Some Kind of Magic poetry series, has penned another remarkable poetry book. Break Your Glass Slippers centers on conquering events when people don’t recognize your worth, even if that particular individual is also yourself. Another thing that the book tells everyone is that you are the most essential character in your story and others are forgotten footnote. Moreover, this book is the book 1 of Lovelace’s new series called You Are Your Own Fairy Tale. The illustrated edition of the book was published by Andrews McMeel Publishing last March 2020.

The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem for the Country by Amanda Gorman

The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem for the Country by Amanda Gorman is an Amazon, New York Times, and USA Today bestselling book. The first edition was published by Viking Books on March 2021. The author was known to be the sixth youngest poet to present a poem during the presidential inauguration of the 46^th president of USA. Gorman left the country in awe and ignited hope to the viewers from different parts of the world through her work that centers on unity and mending. This book is truly a notable work that honors America’s promise and proclaims the power of poetry. Another defining thing in this book is that it contains a foreword of the remarkable Oprah Winfrey.

Letters to the Person I Was by Sana Abuleil

Andrews McMeel Publishing published Sana Abuleil’s Letters to the Person I Was in February 2020. The author introduces an anthology of poems that centers on three important things in life: reflection, self-love, and forgiveness. The book also talks about the past, present, and future. The poems are inspired of the personal experiences of the author. Moreover, the book is divided into 4 parts that definitely shows the development of the author. The chapters are respectively titled as the innocence, the refusing, the understanding, and the growing. Overall, the book aims to bring every reader on a journey of being wounded and being hopeful, as well as strengthening the concept that life is still and will always be worth living.

Every Word You Cannot Say by Iain S. Thomas

Amazing author and new media artist is the author of the promising poetry book titled Every Word You Cannot Say. There are moments that you don’t want to say a word perhaps because of you are hurting or you just don’t see the need to talk. However, there is a part of you that knows that it would only cause you pain if you blurt out those words. They will continue to hurt until the people that need to hear them, clearly hear them from your own mouth. Every Word You Cannot Say by Iain S. Thomas wishes everyone to discover the right words that they have been wanting to say.

How God Plays a Great Role in Relationships

No man is an island — a quote that you often hear in different stages of your life. Indeed, relationships have proven integral in this world. Imagine living in a world with no people to lean on and turn in both your ups and downs. That would be horrible. Hence, bonds are more than just give and take; it is more of infinite investments that can plant and blossom better things.

According to 1 John 4:16, “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.”

What you need to keep in mind in every connection that you make is to put God at the center of each. You may not notice it, but a God-centered bond can surpass time, changes, and struggles. However, this doesn’t only refer to romantic relationships, because there are also many people — especially in the Christian community, who prefers to be single. The Two Sides of Being Single: A Biblical Perspective by Wayne Drayton is a meaningful work written for Christians who wants to stay single or Christians who prays to God to bless them with a good lifetime partner.

So, what could be the role of God in every relationship? Here is what you need to know.

He helps both of you grow

Growth in relationship is integral. Both parties should never stop aspiring for it even if how long the relationship is already. God-centered relationships are growth-focused relationships. With God as the anchor of everything that both of you do, you become more confident in every action and decision that you make. In every step of the way, you feel guided and assured. You may not see Him supporting you physically, you can still feel that He is with you in whatever pursuit your relationship wants to pursue or what stage you want to go next.

He builds and burns bridges

In life, you can experience both failed and successful bonds. That doesn’t mean that a relationship withered because you weren’t careful enough to nurture it. It often means that there are things in life that are not just meant to be. God, powerful and compassionate, sees everything, in each situation that you relationship falls into; He is there to help and guide you. That is why you shouldn’t regret a failed friendship, a withered romance, or an outgrown bond, because it was His call to burn the bridge. With a broken relationship comes a newly built bridge that can bring various amazing things in your life. Trust the process. Hence, let go and let God because His judgment is never faulty.

He keeps your feet on the ground

This is what the Lord requires of you: Do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God. – Micah 6:8

There are times that pride becomes stronger, but always remember that humility is more important. In every relationship, it cannot be avoided that you achievements can boost your ego. Although the feeling of success is ecstatic, you should always be reminded of your roots and the people behind both your achievements. For example, you and your friend started a business together. You should primarily come to Him and thank Him for every good thing that happened. In return, He will keep your feet on the ground and constantly make you aware to balance humility and pride.

He reminds you of boundaries and limitations

Temptation is always lurking, which is why you shouldn’t be too relaxed because they can target every aspect of your life including your connections with others. There are times that you become tempted and will be urged to cross the limitations set within your relationships. A great example is a married couple, where one is on the verge of jumping into an affair. Although there are many cases that boundaries were already broken and affairs already happened, God is still there to let everyone be reminded of their promises and vows. At the end of the day, a disloyal partner suffers a great deal of loss in exchange for his actions. According to Mark 10:9, “therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” Thus, he never failed to remind you of your obligations and will surely prepare the adequate consequences for your actions.

Ideal Books to Read to Boost Your Inspiration

In this lifetime, it cannot be avoided that your inspiration levels become low. It could be because of how life gets too overwhelming to the point where it seems like unbearable. But, as living becomes tougher, there are various things that emerge to help us alleviate the burdens and keep us inspired through it all — such as books.

Literature amazingly offers so many resources that people to turn on when they need an inspiration booster. There is a wide array of genre to choose from and stories to delve into and obtain great insights, viewpoints, and motivation. That said, here are some of the best books to read whenever you feel demotivated, uninspired, or jaded.

My Spiritual Journey by LaPrele Jordan

My Spiritual Journey is a promising nonfiction book published by ReadersMagnet last August 2020. It features the spiritual journey of the author, LaPrele P. Jordan. She was raised in a religious family. Her father is well-versed when it comes to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which greatly influenced and guided her until today. Jordan’s spiritual course wasn’t easy for she also set sail to other voyages, specifically from becoming a Mormon to being a Johannine and back to rebuilding her Mormon faith. Thus, this book aims to inspire others who are constantly searching for truth and trying their best to obey the Lord Jesus Christ.

For One More Day by Mitch Albom

Written by bestselling author Mitch Albom, For One More Day is another remarkable novel that centers on death and everything in between. This philosophical book was published in 2006 by Little Brown. The book title, For One More Day, basically summed up the story because it follows the tale of a troubled former baseball player who attempted to commit suicide and came back to their family home to spend one more day with his late mother. Hence, the book looks into the way individuals tend to utilize the chance to spend a moment with a lost loved one even just for a day.

Who Moved My Cheese? An Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life by Spencer Johnson

For those who are demotivated and uninspired when it comes to their business ventures, then Who Moved My Cheese? An Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life by Spencer Johnson might be the perfect read for you. It is told in the form of business fable that talks about the changes in a person’s quality of work and life, as well as the four basic reactions to those alterations made by mice called Sniff and Scurry and two “Littlepeople” called Hem and Haw as they search for cheese. This nonfiction book, moreover, became an instant bestseller and has sold over 26 million copies all across the globe.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen R. Covey

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen R. Covey is a bestselling self-help book published in 1989 by Free Press. It sold more than 15 million copies worldwide. The author showcases an approach to becoming efficient in reaching goals through positioning yourself to what he refers to as “true north” principles based upon the moral character, which he introduces as omnipresent and everlasting. Moreover, Stephen R. Covey gives a definition to efficiency as the harmony of getting desirable outcomes with caring for that which generates those particular end results. He draws this by pertaining to the famous Aesop’s fable The Good That Laid the Golden Eggs.

Girl, Stop Apologizing: A Shame-Free Plan for Embracing and Achieving Your Goals by Rachel Hollis

The bestselling author Rachel Hollis penned another notable book titled Girl, Stop Apologizing: A Shame-Free Plan for Embracing and Achieving Your Goals. It is part of the Girl, Wash Your Face series. This book serves as a wake-up call to the readers, especially women, to stop putting themselves off their aspirations and goals. The author also points out the typical excuses in surrendering, the behaviors to embrace, and the abilities to obtain on the way to development, self-esteem, and trust in yourself.

How Books Bring Growth to Your Life

Growth is a lifelong process that many wish to achieve. A person who doesn’t crave for development should recalibrate their decisions and mindset; because, as the world continue to progress, people should also adjust to the changes. Imagine living in a world where the competition is tight and you are still stuck on the first step since you are contented with your stagnant life. Hence, self-improvement is definitely an essential aspect that an individual should acquire.

However, personal development can be difficult to obtain. Luckily, there are a lot of mediums that can help you unleash the best version of yourself. Literature is the avenue that features multiple books on self-development and other aspects that you need to learn in life, such as Judith Favor’s books on 52 weeks of love and money.

If you are wondering how books can bring growth to your life, here’s what you need to know.

They offer a wide array of knowledge

Knowledge is essential. People who don’t have enough knowledge and wisdom might struggle a lot in this life. By reading books, you can gain a great deal of knowledge that can be applied in real life. With great knowledge comes growth because it serves as the fuel in helping us control our lives, actions, and decisions. It enhances our skills and abilities, like critical thinking, problem solving, and more. It also allows us to create innovative ideas and concepts that can make a difference in our lives and in the society. Upon getting the gist of each book, specifically self-help book, you can start processing it and come up with amazing ways to apply your learning to your life.

They help you see things in another perspective

There are many things in life that can be confusing and difficult. Some of these can become the primary that will either hold you back or keep you stagnant. Seeing things in only one viewpoint can cloud your judgment and decision-making because there you are not seeing the bigger picture.

If you begin to read books, specifically those that have themes about personal growth, then you can start to see the world in different angles. Some great examples are Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, The Art of Thinking Clearly by Rolf Dobelli, and Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman. These books can help you to start to empathize with others and understand yourself also. Learning and knowing that there are diverse sides of every story and situation are tiny steps to personal growth. Readjust your view and see a brand-new world out there through books.

They bring a great deal of motivation

Motivation may be abstract but it is a powerful thing if one possesses it. Imagine having to live each day without the will to move, strive, and continue. People who are stress, burnt out, and frustrated by living the same day and routine all over again tend to have little to no motivation. If you are one of these individuals, then you should really start reworking and taking care of yourself again so that you can grow and be better.

Books may look less attractive but they contain knowledge and supply motivation that can enhance the daily life of every reader. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck, Think & Grow Rich, The Power of Positive Thinking, and You Are a Badass are some of the motivational works that you should know. With the amazing concepts, ideas, stories, and learning that books have, readers will surely become more and more encouraged and motivated to pursue their dreams and passion that will later turn into growth and success.

They encourage you to strive harder

Striving harder in this fast-paced world is crucial. Although you have a choice to be laid-back and let everything metamorphose, working harder is always the most favorable option. It is not about advancing in the competition because it is more of turning into the best version of you by growing with the help of books, experiences, and time. Thus, start reading books that can ignite the will and determination in you to work harder to survive and develop into a better person.

Resurrection of Jesus Christ: What You Should Know

As a Christian, you probably have heard of the term “resurrection.” It is basically defined as the act of rising from the dead of a person or a divine being who still have had memories of his personal identity even though there may or may not be modification in his physical appearance. In the Christian community, resurrection is always associated to Jesus Christ because he rose from the dead three days after he was presumed lifeless — as told in Luke 24: 1-7:

“On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’”

In Luke 24: 36-39, Jesus appears to his followers:

While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”

When his disciples almost didn’t believe that He is who He claims to be, this is what happened:

When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence.

He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” – Luke 24: 40 – 44

Furthermore, Christ’s resurrection is known be an integral doctrine of Christianity. After His rising from the dead, all disciples eventually share in his win on top of “sin, death, and the Devil.” His victory was celebrated by His followers and the event was referred to as Easter, which is also known as the Festival of Resurrection. At the end of the Holy Week, the present Christian Churches from different parts of the world honor this major feast day through church services, Holy mass, music, and more.

There are many platforms that feature and educate people about the resurrection of Jesus Christ, such as literature. A lot of Christian books are written to help readers get a better grasp on why the Christian family solemnly observes the Holy Week and Easter. Stations of the Risen Christ, for example, tackles the resurrection of Jesus Christ book by Heelan or is a book that also discusses Christ’s resurrection and encourages readers to pray on the Scriptural passages relating to the subject.

Hence, you already know by now that the term “resurrection” already has great significance to the Christian family. When it comes to Christian theology, it was stated that there are three vital happenings that became the foundation of Christian faith, which are Jesus Christ’s death, resurrection, and exaltation.

According to the Christian affirmation of belief that is broadly utilized in liturgy called the Nicene Creed, “On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures.” Oxford University’s notable Christian philosopher named Terry Miethe asserted that the most crucial question when it comes to Christian faith’s claims is: “did Jesus rise from the dead?”

Thus, the Jesus Christ’s resurrection definitely plays a great role on building and strengthening the faith of Christians and keeping the members Christian community closer.