April Book Club | Kind is the New Classy

April Book Club | Kind is the New Classy 
by Candace Cameron Bure

Kind Is the New Classy

Why do grocery store checkers glare at you if you can’t find your debit card quickly enough? Why do bus drivers speak in grunts? Why do busy people with averted eyes pass by injured animals, the old, the infirm, the suffering? Where has kindness gone?

Have you ever caught yourself matching unkind mannerisms with those of your own? A terse bank teller might get a terse reply from me. But it’s not my norm. In fact, I try to “kill ‘em with kindness” and the effects are dramatic. I love watching a stressed and pinched facial expression relax into a smile. Sometimes it’s forced, but I still think it does the soul good.

Actor, commentator, author, Candace Cameron Bure does too. You know Candace from Full House or Fuller House, Dancing with the Stars, The View, or perhaps her Hallmark films— she’s always a class act! 

Candace has spent her lifetime navigating these rough waters, finally finding her peaceful harbor. She throws a lifeline to those of us still swimming against the current with Kind Is the New Classy, an insightful guide on how to stay true to oneself with grace. “The secret, she has learned, is kindness: it’s classy, unexpected, even counter-cultural, and ultimately wins the day.” 

Candace raises some pretty big questions, and answers them with thoughtful, (dare I say KIND?) responses.

As a woman in today’s world, you know what it’s like to feel pressure on all sides from clashing cultural expectations. How can you stay true to who God has uniquely created you to be in the face of the script you’ve been given? What’s more, how can you stand your ground with grace?

In some rough waters of your own? Kind is the New Classy will address how to:

• Keep your cool under pressure
• Respond to criticism with grace
• Stay grounded yet go places in life
• Stay true to who you are despite the expectations of others
• Stay centered in what ultimately matters the most

One thing every single person I speak with - callers, event participants, neighbors, friends, family - agree on is that the world could use more kindness. 

Pick up Kind is the New Classy by Candace Cameron Bure, it’s my April Book Club pick for a good reason!

Order Your Copy

A Portrait of a Boy

Zachariah by Michael Reagan

Recently I was gifted the most remarkable thing; a portrait of my son, Zachariah.

There is a man, by the name of Michael G. Reagan, an internationally recognized artist who has an amazing heart and an amazing talent. I heard of Michael's work some years ago. He has drawn over 4500 portraits of fallen soldiers, providing them to surviving families, free of charge.

He has also provided portraits of children lost to violence in schools, including all victims of Columbine, Sandy Hook, and the many other horrific school shootings. He is working currently on the most recent Florida victims.

Michael lives in the same corner of the world as I do and our paths have crossed a few times. He drew my portrait, which hangs in my studio, many years ago, and a few years back attended one of my Fall Harvest parties which was a military theme, honoring our men and women in uniform.

After I lost Zack, Michael wrote to me and asked me to send him some photos of my son, he chose one that I think best captured Zack's spirit; in it he is wearing his green beanie, snowboarding jacket, and a mysterious smile. 

Michael visited me at the farm recently and presented me with Zacky's portrait, which brought me to my knees. I am eternally grateful to Michael for this gift, and for the abundant generosity of his heart.

You can learn more about Michael and the remarkable work that he does at the
< Fallen Heroes Project >
Donations are gratefully accepted.
 

I Can Only Imagine | March Book Club

ORDER YOUR COPY

I Can Only Imagine, a Friendship with Jesus Now and Forever, by Bart Millard, founding member of the award-winning musical group, MercyMe, is my March Book Club pick!

First a hit song, then a book, a child's version of the book (this one!), and now a major motion picture in theaters March 16, I Can Only Imagine was inspired by Bart's personal loss; his father died of cancer when Bart was just 18.

The song not only topped the Christian music charts but was a cross-over hit to Top 40 and Billboards Adult Hot Contemporary, which illustrates the popularity of it's universal theme.

Do you have a child or grandchild you would like to share God's love with? (You know I have several!!!) Do you ever feel mystified in your response to their questions about heaven, or where Jesus lives?

Encourage their sense of wonder and faith with I Can Only Imagine, a beautiful picture book inspired by the hit song by MercyMe. 

I Can Only Imagine asks questions a child might ask and invites families to wonder together: What is heaven like? What does God do? What would it be like to spend a day with Jesus? Children will see that although experiencing the glory of heaven may be far off, we can enjoy a friendship with Jesus every day - right here on earth. Whimsical, playful illustrations and thought-provoking questions make this a book that families will cherish.

I love the adorable, fun and vibrant illustrations by Sumiti Colina. Friendly, playful, and vivid, the visual will help your children see that God can be found everywhere, every day. 

ORDER YOUR COPY

Make sure you sign up for my Weekly Newsletter, where I'll be giving directions later this month on how you could receive a free copy of this wonderful book!

Black Bean and Vegetable Soup

Serves 8

This healthful and hearty soup makes a wonderful lunch or dinner to fill you up and warm you up from the inside out on a chilly winter day.  It's a perennial favorite of my family, and I bet it will be for yours too!

The only real effort is in prepping the veggies, after that, it's mainly just toss in a pot and cook till yummy!

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced 
• 2 carrots, chopped 
• 2 teaspoons chili powder 
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 
• 4 cups vegetable stock 
• 2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained 
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes

Directions:

1. In large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat; cook onion, garlic, and carrots, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until onion is softened. 
2. Add chili powder and cumin; cook, stirring, for 1 minute. 
3. Add stock, 1 can of the beans, corn, and pepper; bring to boil.
4. Meanwhile, in food processor or blender, puree together tomatoes and remaining can of beans; add to pot. 
5. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes or until carrots are tender.

Top with a dollop of sour cream and serve with a thick slice of whole grain bread. MmmMmm.