Book Review: The Boy Who Changed The World

"The Boy Who Changed The World" is a follow-up review to "The Butterfly Effect." Both books are authored by Andy Andrews. The former is a children's book version of the latter.

I am no children's book expert but I do know beautiful artwork when I see one. Credit goes to Philip Hurst's magical hands and extraordinary vision. The illustrations are breathtaking and just looking at them made me decide that I will use this book for my coffee table.

If you are a parent, I highly recommend that you grab a copy of "The Butterfly Effect" and get "The Boy Who Changed the World" for your child. Allow these books to remind your family of the profound truth that every little thing you do matters. The acceptance of God's decision to create you for a reason is important as you would want this lesson to be taught to your child.

One of the most powerful gifts a parent can give to a child is to let them know that they have the power to change the world and transform other people's lives. I challenge everyone to get a hold of this book and spend time with a child close to your heart. You will tear up as you read Andy Andrews' beautiful words.

Book Review: The Butterfly Effect

I had the pleasure of reviewing another book by Andy Andrews called "The Butterfly Effect." I am grateful for Thomas Nelson's Booksneeze program -- bloggers like myself get opportunities to get nourished by today's brilliant Christian authors and thought leaders.

My husband and I are active in ministry. I frequently engage with people (mostly women my age) who feel like their life has little impact on anyone or anything.

The book is terrific for both big readers like myself and for those who barely have little time to sit down. It can be read in fifteen minutes.

The short reading time does not mean the impact of the content is compromised. The book talks about the following questions.

How significant is my life?

Do I make a difference?

When I move ...

When I act ...

When I do something ...

... does the universe notice?

Do I really matter?

Let me tell you about amazing people whose actions made an impact on my life today. They have probably wrestled with the questions above and hope that the following statements give a clear answer.

1) In sixth grade, I had an English teacher who made me write essays all the time. I had a couple of ones that were read in front of the class.
2) From the time I was ten years old until I was twelve, I was part of a church choir. Our music teacher rehearsed us after school every day and asked us to sing in church every Sunday.
3) My mother taught me how to read at 3 years old. I clearly remember the little chalkboard we had in our home and being coached on how to properly pronounce each letter.
4) In my junior year in high school, I had a teacher who personally coached me on grammar and linguistics and stayed in touch with me even after the school year. We are still connected to this day.
5) When I was a freshman in college, I had a close girlfriend who loved Jesus. At that time, I loved her but I couldn't imagine living the "clean" life that she had. She expressed how brokenhearted she was when she saw me light a cigarette. But she never ceased to pray for me and was there for me on days I hit rock bottom. It's almost crazy to think I how I have evolved since that time.

"The Butterfly Effect" shares specific stories on how seemingly tiny gestures of kindness dramatically affects someone's life and perhaps, even the entire universe. All of us does something that matters. We all have been created by our Father for a purpose that will make a difference. We all have a God-given power to change the world.  If you need a heartfelt reminder of this fact, I strongly recommend that you spare 15 minutes of your time today and read this book.

Things I Wish I Learned When I Was Single

Hi everyone! I never really had to ponder on this question until my dear friend, Lizette Claudio, asked me about this one day. If you are curious on what I had to say, head on over to her blog. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my thoughts in a guest post. If you are a single lady, I sincerely hope that you don't make the same mistakes I did, and embrace this season with joy!

Photo Credit: boundless.org

While you're at it, I highly recommend that you visit the blog of another good friend of mine, Anna Moran. She has two insightful blog posts that tackle on the subject:

Part 1

Part 2

Love the life that you are living today! :-)

Entrusting the Key: From Serial Dating to Joyful Waiting

Today, I am going to share a book written by a friend who is very close to my (and Robert's) heart. The title is compelling and I am about to read it this weekend.

First, let me tell you about Ali Smith. I met her while she was living in Manila, Philippines. We went to the same church and had the same friends.

I am the first to say that I am the most awkward at social conversations and I always admired her ability to instantly connect with people in any given situation. She is beautiful. athletic and has the biggest heart.

She is currently based in Singapore as a news anchor. I got the chance to interview her and allow her to tell you personally about the book she wrote.

1) What is the complete title of the book?
Entrusting the Key: From Serial Dating to Joyful Waiting

2) What is the book about?
In this book I share my journey of learning to let go of the reins of my love life and let God take control. Entrusting the Key to my heart to God during my season of singleness was a way of putting my full trust in Him, not only to protect my heart, but to prepare it for a season of marriage and ultimately to provide in this area of my life. I invite my readers into my journey of surrender in hopes that there will be bits of encouragement, wisdom, comfort (and humor!) to be found by any waiting soul.

3) What is the motivation behind the book?
I noticed that much of what I was going through during my season of being single, many other women were going through too. So I thought "Hey, why not share it?"

So that's what this book is - a compilation of journal entries, prayers, insights, and lessons I've learned during these past few years that stemmed from my own private journaling sessions and encounters with God. I don't claim to be a teacher, preacher or expert on the subject, just a fellow traveler on the same road as my readers.

4) Who are your expected readers of this book?
I write for the single Christian woman (age 18-40+) but I truly think there is something for everyone: male, female, young, old, single or married. Anyone who has a desire to be close to God and led by Him in every area of life.

5) Where can we get a copy of the book?
It's out at most major book stores in Singapore so far. OMF in Manila has graciously agreed to distribute the book in the Philippines, though the details are still being worked out.

It can also be ordered on the Campus Crusade website:
http://campuscrusade.com/Books/entrust.htm

You can keep informed on updates regarding the book on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Entrusting-the-Key

Or on my blog:
http://alinsmith.wordpress.com/


6) I believe (correct me if I am wrong) that the book benefits NingNing Foundation. Can you talk more about the foundation?
A portion of the proceeds from every book sold goes toward NingNing Philippines Education Fund. I set up the fund after I moved from Manila to Singapore as a way of staying connected to a group of little girls I grew to know and love during the two years I lived in the Philippines.

They come from a very poor slum community with little or no opportunity to pursue education past high school level. That's what the fund was created to do: provide a way for these girls to pursue their dreams of going to college.

"NingNing" means sparkle/shine/glow/glitter in the Filipino language, so the mission of the fund is to transform underprivileged youth into (sparkling, shining, glittering and glowing) productive members of the community through college scholarships.

The fund is currently supporting four scholars through college and will continue taking on graduates from the same slum community as they come of age. For more information, check out: http://ningningpef.wordpress.com/.

Update: If you live in Manila and would like to buy a copy of the book, Ali Smith will be speaking at Union Church's "Station One" young adults' fellowship on Tuesday, September 14th at 7:30pm. It meets at the Basement 2 of Union Church Manila. Books will be available for sale that evening.

If you have any questions on the book or the author, please leave it on the Comments Section. Blessings upon you today!

Glee and the New Fall TV Season

Just watched the first video promo of Glee's second season with the song "Empire State of Mind" in the background. I am excited to see how the Nationals will take place in, you guessed it, New York City!

Watch the video.


Most of you know that I love a good TV series and I never miss a single episode of several of my favorite series. Fall season starts in three weeks and here are the shows I am looking forward to watching.

Modern Family (September 22)

Grey's Anatomy (September 23)

Brothers and Sisters (September 26)

The Good Wife (September 28)

I also have a new show that I am watching out for:
My Generation (September 23)

I love the availability of these shows online while I am here in the United States. My spending on iTunes get reduced a whole lot. We also have a DVR at home so I can watch it at my own convenience.

How about you? What's on your fall lineup?

Book Review: Permission to Speak Freely

I love Anne Jackson. I do not know her personally (but I have a feeling I will soon!) but I do feel that connectedness with her when I read her blog: FlowerDust.net.

I knew she was about to release a book called "Permission to Speak Freely: Essays and Art on Fear, Confession, and Grace." To my delight, it was available for review on Thomas Nelson's Booksneeze program. *

The birth of the book began when she posted this question on her blog:

"What is one thing you feel you can't say in church?"

When she posted this question, I wasn't one of her readers at that time but this week, I got a glimpse on how this one question generated a plethora of responses way beyond what the author had anticipated. I wholeheartedly believe that God opened an opportunity for her to be the voice who will stir the hundreds of thousands (maybe even millions) of members of Christ's body to finally be openly authentic about the true condition of their hearts.

A first impression of the book might come across as a PostSecret type of publication. A lot of Jackson's readers sent in artwork with sobering confessions -- stuff that they cannot say out loud in church.

That in itself is interesting enough. I like looking at truth even if it is painful. Getting a chance to see the wounded hearts of my brothers and sisters allows me to appreciate over and over again the kind of grace God has lovingly given to me and to them.

The author's revelations about her addictions and continued healing is a gift to anyone who gets to read this book. All of us have been broken at one point in our lives, and probably still are.

The saddest part in the midst of this brokenness is having to keep it all inside for fear of being judged by the church -- which is either assumed or because of a valid experience with spiritual leadership that wants everything to look "perfect."

Jackson's disclosure of her journey has given me encouragement and that extra push to be more comfortable with the habit of confession among people I am accountable with. While I have no problem letting God know what's on my mind at any time, I sometimes feel a certain amount of discomfort (my reasons shall be discussed in a future blog post) in being transparent with people I am closely walking this journey with. I think I have gotten better at it, but I still have a long way to go.

One thing I know for sure as I finished reading the book: victory and healing over our souls' darkness begin with confession to God and to other believers who will listen with Christ-like compassion. And I am certain that my Daddy gives that opportunity to me every single day.

*I would have bought it anyway even if it wasn't ;-)

If You Live in Omaha and Love Golf ...

If you live in Omaha, Nebraska (or nearby cities), you are invited to join us on a golf tournament on September 26th! This is part of our efforts to raise our support for our upcoming missions work in the Philippines. We plan to be in Manila on January 2011 until July 2013.

If you would like to know more about the event or the ministry that we are doing, please send an e-mail to happysammy [at] gmail [dot] com. Thank you!

Got a Question?

Everyone who knows me well can admit that I am very comfortable with online engagement. In fact, I love using it to make an impact on people (especially women) and tell them about how Jesus changed my life.

With this blog, Facebook, and Twitter, I am able to share my life, what God is continuing to do with my heart and learning what your thoughts are on issues affecting the world today. It provides avenues to know how you are doing and what is on your mind.

However, there is another social media website that I signed on several months ago and up this day, I have really mixed feelings about it. I initially signed up because I wanted to "mark" the "happysammy" user name.

I am talking about Formspring. It's a website that allows you to create an online profile where people can ask questions (anonynously, if they prefer).

Although I really love that I get to interact with good friends and get to ask them questions, I feel like the website enables narcissists -- which is something I personally feel we need less of in this world. I feel like having a profile on there shouts out to the world "I am interesting! Know more about me! I'm great and witty!"

But I don't like being judgmental as well. I see great potential in this. Can you imagine Steve Jobs or Seth Godin having a Formspring page that they answer personally?

In an attempt to embrace this (and yes, reluctantly at this point), I am "officially" announcing my Formspring page. Yes, your questions are absolutely welcome. But more important than that, please help me change how I view it. Give me a different perspective. I am open!

Our Best Man's Wedding

I have had the honor to witness beautiful weddings and I never get less excited in doing so. I love seeing couples step out in faith (trust me -- it takes a whole lot of faith to start a life with someone) and make a commitment to spend the rest of their lives together.

There is something more special, more wonderful seeing two great people I have grown to love as individuals meet, fall in love and join each other in marriage. There is something truly magnificent to see these two people honor God every step of the way.

The wedding of our best man Alex Compton and a friend who is like a sister to me, Michelle Astudillo, will be one of my favorites ever.

It is one of those weddings where I wish everyone I know was able to witness it because God showed Himself gloriously in every detail. (I hope to get a copy of the full wedding video when it comes out).

I can't do a full recap since there are just way too many memorable memorable moments! But today, I would like to share the highlights of our best man's wedding weekend.

• Jo Rubio, who is one of my best friends from high school and now a talented dress designer and event stylist, made the most gorgeous dress for me!
• After years of being apart, we are so happy to be finally reunited with the Castillos. It was just like old times but now there are kids who are actually joining along with the conversation. Love it!
• During preparations for the wedding day, I was able to spend time with another favorite family: the Panlilios. I was able to hang out in their suite and get ready. When it comes to practicing the gift of generous hospitality, I learn from them!
• The bride looked so stunning on her wedding day. I loved it that she stayed true to herself. She wore a simple dress sans elaborate jewelry. Her best accessory was an incredible glow that only comes from God and everyone saw it. She was radiant in every way.
• Alex's vows. WOW. I really hope I get to publish what he wrote in a future blog post!
• Pastor Joey Bonifacio spoke a powerful prayer of exhortation and prophecy over the couple. It ministered to me so much that I could not stop the tears and barely composed myself when I had to go up and take out the cord.
• Witnessing Michelle's first kiss. All of us have different stories on how we have reconciled with Jesus and a lot of us probably have made less than ideal choices when it comes to treating our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit. Michelle's covenant with God to keep herself pure from the get go is something I truly respect and would absolutely recommend to every girl out there. She honored God and God showed Himself gloriously through her. No money can ever buy the vision of someone who knew who she was in Christ.
• I also loved the fact that Alex was good steward of Michelle when God entrusted her to him. It says a lot about this man's love for God and how he will provide a loving leadership to their household.

If you want to get a glimpse of that glorious day, here is a video that highlights the wedding. (Video and photos are all by the talented Lito Sy).


Alex Campton and Michelle Astudillo Wedding 8-16-10 SDE from Lito Sy on Vimeo.

(I promise to post my own pictures soon! I am unable to do it today because of so much traveling.)

Good To Be Back

It's been over two weeks since my last blog post. Pretty unusual for me but I enjoyed the "forced" blogging break.

There was a bit of a problem with the current hosting of happysammy.com and I am still sorting it out. In the meantime, the original URL of http://listeningtohisvoice.blogspot.com will remain active and do expect new blog posts soon!

Hope you are feeling blessed and encouraged today!