You’re Invited to a Super Fun Book Club Monday, September 25th! Come discuss "Looking for Lovely" by Annie F. Downs...
Friends! Grab some of your friends and please join us for next week’s Book Club meeting on Monday, September 25th! The more the merrier…
The Branches Book Club gals will be discussing Looking for Lovely—Collecting the Moments That Matter by Annie F. Downs.
Even if you’ve not had time to read it yet, you’ll love hearing the discussion, PLUS we’re having a yummy potluck supper. If time allows, please bring one of your favorite dishes to share.
Annie’s agreed to make us a little video message, so that’s an added bonus. You’ll love her down to earth style, appealing to all ages.
Mark your calendar now to join us next Monday Night, September 25th, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Middletown United Methodist Church. You may call Nancy Tinnell to RSVP at (502) 245-8839.
11902 Old Shelbyville Road, Louisville, KY 40243 http://www.middletownumc.org
A few favorite things Annie creates via her book include:
Her hysterical sense of humor will instantly grab you. Her SHOUT TYPING WILL KILL YOU AND YOUR FUNNY BONE.
Her honesty in difficult situations will encourage you. (My favorite chapter on such is “Quitter”. Love her phrase of “broken crazy” for a rough spot in her life. I, too, have had some times when I wanted to run away and my guess is other readers will relate as well.)
Her book is also akin to a travelogue for anyone who loves Nashville. Makes me want to go follow along for some of her food, finds, and favorite go-to’s.
Annie offers great ideas in helping us look for lovely. She tells us finding lovely requires perseverance. In fact, she says, “I want you to be branded by perseverance.” Sounds like hard work, but thanks to her help, she makes us readers feel as if she’s holding our hand along the way.
When we arrive at “lovely”, this brings us joy, ultimately bringing God the glory. Remember “a heart at peace gives life to the body?” (Proverbs 14:30a)
One suggestion for looking for lovely is as simple as waking up in time to see the sunrise. This brings a smile to my face because it’s easily achievable. Her description of a sunrise is a beautiful visual as is why she loves a sunrise:
The chapter called “Ryman Auditorium” is also wonderful. Here’s a great question we can ask of ourselves: What is your favorite venue and what does it do for you? Annie asks, “Is there a building or venue that speaks to your soul in a way that’s unique to you? Maybe it’s a theater or a library or a church. Go there, give yourself to it, and see what God does for you in that place.”
One of my favorite places in Louisville is The Palace Theater. (www.louisvillepalace.com ) It is beautiful from top to bottom, literally. John and I were blessed to see Michael Buble in concert there years ago, on our anniversary, no less. This was before Michael became really popular. It’s our favorite memory to date. What’s your favorite place to go? (Please comment and let me know!)
Another fab chapter is called, “The Sound of Music.” Annie’s take on music, its’ mood-changing capabilities, and why it brings peace made me want to stand up and say, “Yes! You go, girl!” There are few things that can stir your soul more than music. It’s a way to, as Peter says in 1 Peter 5:7, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
I find myself pulling up songs on my iPhone when I get to keep our granddaughter, Claire. The music not only calms me down, I believe it calms Claire down! Our favorite two to begin with include, “What a Beautiful Name It Is” by Hillsong Worship and “O Come to the Altar” by Elevation Worship. (She can’t talk yet, but I’m sure she’d agree. Smile.)
When you have time, checkout David Baloche’s “Labyrinth” album. Scripture guaranteed to put you at rest, or as Annie says, “That’s what music does. It holds you together when you think you’ll fall apart. It reminds you of truth. It grabs your hand as you try to cross the finish line. It fills your ears with peace when it feels like there is no peace.” Amen.
Annie offers some of her favorite songs to listen to in her book as well as reminding us David gave us so many right in the Psalms. Worshipful rest, right?
These are just a sampling of the many wonderful ideas Annie gifts us with. You don’t want to miss reading Looking for Lovely. Annie will bless your socks off.
Do join us next Monday? We’d love to see you! Don’t forget! 9/25, 6:30-8:00 p.m., Middletown United Methodist Church. Come and bring your friends. Bring a dish for the potluck supper! Meet new people and learn from the discussion. Book Club is the BEST!
‘Til next time!