NOW: Purposeful Steps Toward a More Abundant Life by Mrs. Sarah Coller

Sarah Coller did it! She made me write in my book. I don't write in my books. Now Purposeful Steps Toward a More Abundant Life is a write-in-the book devotional. I couldn't help but look inward and upward to God as I read and responded to these insightful pages that pulled on my inner pushed-back-in-the-corner-and-forgotten hopes, dreams, and plans.

Sarah's engaging, friend next door, style of writing took me off guard. I found myself examining my own heart, mind, and emotions as I read and wrote through the book. I was stunned by the similarities in our journeys.

Just a few thoughts I jotted about Now.

• breath of fresh air
• practical
• hope filled
• encouragement to follow dreams
• best friends talking over tea style
• open and honest
• felt connected because she shared her personal story

A few of my favorite quotes from the book:

"My desire is to encourage you to take small steps toward those dreams right now—and to be satisfied with what you are able to accomplish right now. There's nothing more encouraging to move us forward in our goals than a feeling of positive progress. It's my prayer that you will begin to take joy in small strides that will eventually result in big successes!" p. 6

 "If there's one thing I want you to take away from this study, it's that so much about living an abundant and fulfilling life has to do with your mindset and very little has to do with your circumstances." p. 21

"God will use those very weaknesses as a testimony of his grace as you walk through life holding your head up in confidence and in his strength. He'll use them to make you authentic and approachable." p. 46

"When life isn't going according to our plans, we should recognize that it might actually be going according to God's plan." p. 52

I had to stop looking for perfect circumstances and just do the next thing to the best of my ability." p. 69 

I underlined, made notes, and wrote throughout the book.

Each section contains an essay and a pray and respond section.
A few of the titles:

• Right now
• Purging Procrastination
• Jesus, Be the Center
• The Heart Check
• Looking for Change? Change Your Mindset
• It All Begins With a Step
• The Comparison Trap
• Allow for Speed Bumps, Potholes and Head-On Collisions
• Obedience: Our Primary Motivation

This devotional made me feel motivated, hopeful, and convinced that I can begin moving forward now—not next week, next month, or next year—in what I believe God has called me to do.

Thank you so much, Sarah Coller, for asking me to review this book. I hope it will be part of my new beginning.

Sarah Coller writes at Classical Homemaking: Vintage Living for the Modern Homemaker. She is also the editor of The Christian Home Magazine which will resume publication on January 27th, 2016.

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This article was published in issue #128 of The Christian Home Magazine.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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