The Sacred Meaning of Everyday Work Blog Tour: Guest Post + Giveaway

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the THE SACRED MEANING OF EVERYDAY WORK by Robert H Tribken Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

 

THE SACRED MEANING OF EVERYDAY WORK
Author: Robert H Tribken
Release Date: January 31, 2023
Publisher: Faith and Enterprise Press
Formats: Paperback
Pages: 272

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon 

(An earlier version was published in 2021 as Sacred Rhythm: A Christian Spirituality for Our 21st Century Work Lives by Robert Tribken.)

It’s time to engage problems and opportunities with a new sense of purpose.

Work can sometimes feel like a pressure cooker, with painful levels of stress, interpersonal conflict, and the risk of burnout. We can lose track of our goals and maybe even feel as though our work is pointless and going nowhere.

Developing a deeper sense of purpose will help us overcome these problems and perhaps even flourish in our work lives.

Many of us have a deep, intuitive desire to connect with something deeper than ourselves; for many, this means a deeper awareness of God and the divine mystery as we go through the week. And we have a closely related desire to contribute to the greater good and the well-being of other people through our work.

These powerful desires can profoundly affect our work lives if we let them guide us to our deeper purpose.

The Sacred Meaning of Everyday Work will help you find this new sense of purpose and deal with your challenges and opportunities with wisdom, strength, and courage.

The author offers practical insights from multiple sources, including the Bible, contemporary research, and experience in business. He invites you to consider these in light of your own faith or spirituality and your own work experience.

This book will help you:

• Find deeper purpose and meaning in your work and see its spiritual connection.
• Cultivate the character strengths like courage, integrity, and compassion you need to lead in a time of uncertainty.
• Overcome work-related problems like stress, burnout, and interpersonal conflict.
• Adopt short spiritual practices that help you relax, turn your attention toward God, and focus on the work at hand with new energy.
• Understand how your work contributes to the greater good and the well-being of other people.
• See how the values you bring to your work can encourage the teamwork essential for success.
• Learn what the Bible actually says about your work’s positive value and its contribution to human flourishing.

Your work is important for yourself, your family, your coworkers, and society as a whole. Finding its sacred meaning will help you work with a new sense of purpose.

Churches and Our Spiritual Needs in the Workplace

Churches have an opportunity to help people both inside and outside the church in an important area of their lives—their work lives. A church that does this in a helpful, constructive manner can engage with and help a much broader segment of the population than it currently reaches.

A good first step would be to understand the spiritual needs of people in their work lives. These needs, and their work more generally, vary greatly; it is critical to avoid over-generalizing. Nevertheless, we can point out some common spiritual needs as examples.

People seek a deeper sense of purpose in their work. Most people want to experience a sense of connection with something deeper or larger than themselves—for most, this means a greater awareness of God as they work. And many have a corresponding desire to contribute to the greater good and the well-being of other people. Understanding how they express these through their work can form the basis for a deeper sense of purpose.

People also face serious challenges in their work lives that get in the way of shalom. These come in the form of various sins, misfortunes, and adversities. Spiritual strength and insights can help them overcome these.

Many people are interested in prayer and other spiritual practices; a large percentage of people pray frequently. We can help them find practices that fit into the rhythm of their work and help them quickly turn their attention toward God. These practices can help them stay calm amidst stress and conflict, refocus their attention, and reconnect with their deeper purpose.

There are also needs involving the development of character strengths, spiritual aspects of professional growth, and building or finding a supportive community.

Churches can help in each of these areas. But the necessary first step is to develop an understanding of the needs themselves.

Adapted from The Sacred Meaning of Everyday Work, copyright 2023 by Robert H. Tribken, faithandenterprise.org.

Rob Tribken has been in business for over four decades and is the founder of several businesses. Along the way, he has had to deal with many of the most difficult issues people face in their work lives. 

Over the years, Tribken became interested in the connection between faith, spirituality, and work. Several decades spent working in business combined with several years studying theology and becoming acquainted with organized Christianity convinced him that there is a great need to find better ways for churches to minister to people in the vocational aspects of their lives. He launched the Center for Faith and Enterprise to meet this need and help people experience a new sense of purpose, fulfillment, and effectiveness in their work lives. 

Tribken’s educational background helps him explore the connections between faith, spirituality, and work. He earned an MBA from The Harvard Business School and an MA in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. Tribken is pursuing a Doctor of Ministry in Faith, Work, Economics, and Vocation at Fuller. He has also spent considerable time researching positive organizational psychology and has incorporated findings in his writings. 

Tribken has led retreats, taught classes, led groups engaged in contemplative practices, and spoken on the subjects of spiritual practices, connecting faith and work, business as a calling, and the role of business in ending poverty. In addition to his work with the CFE, he has been involved with several other non-profit organizations dealing with the connection between faith and work. In past years, he has served as a volunteer Chairman of the Board of Partners Worldwide, a board member of the Max DePree Center for Leadership, and an advisor to entrepreneurs. 

Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon

(1) winner will receive a finished copy of THE SACRED MEANING OF EVERYDAY WORK - US Only.

Ends February 18th, midnight EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

1/30/2023	Mythical Books	Guest Post/IG Post
1/31/2023	Two Chicks on Books	Guest Post/IG Post
2/1/2023	The Momma Spot	Guest Post
2/2/2023	A Dream Within A Dream	Guest Post
2/3/2023	#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog	Spotlight/IG Post
2/4/2023	Writer of Wrongs	Excerpt

Week Two:

2/5/2023	Lady Hawkeye	Excerpt/IG Post
2/6/2023	Two Points of Interest	Review
2/7/2023	Review Thick And Thin	Review/IG Post
2/8/2023	@carlysunshinebooks	IG Review/LFL Drop Pic
2/9/2023	Rajiv's Reviews	Review/IG Post
2/10/2023	Fire and Ice	Review/IG Post
2/11/2023	@allyluvsbooksalatte	IG Review/TikTok Post

Week Three:

2/12/2023	the book near me	Review/IG Post
2/13/2023	OneMoreExclamation	Review/IG Post

Have a Little Faith in Me Blog Tour: Excerpt + Giveaway

Have a Little Faith in Me
Author: Sonia Hartl 
Genre: YA Contemporary/Romance/Religion/Realistic Fiction
Release Date: September 3, 2019
Publisher: Page Street Kids

Synopsis:

"Saved!" meets To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before in this laugh-out-loud romantic comedy that takes a meaningful look at consent and what it means to give it.

When CeCe’s born-again ex-boyfriend dumps her after they have sex, she follows him to Jesus camp in order to win him back. Problem: She knows nothing about Jesus. But her best friend Paul does. He accompanies CeCe to camp, and the plan—God’s or CeCe’s—goes immediately awry when her ex shows up with a new girlfriend, a True Believer at that.

Scrambling to save face, CeCe ropes Paul into faking a relationship. But as deceptions stack up, she questions whether her ex is really the nice guy he seemed. And what about her strange new feelings for Paul—is this love, lust, or an illusion born of heartbreak? To figure it out, she’ll have to confront the reasons she chased her ex to camp in the first place, including the truth about the night she lost her virginity.

“Camp Three SixTeen, straight ahead,” Michael said. 

I leaned forward in my seat. A weatherworn wooden sign bearing the camp name hung between two posts on the dirt road. A thick tangle of woods surrounded the open property. Dirt trails wound around the open space dotted with dozens of log cabins on either side of the lake. Sun shimmered off the water, and a huge flotation device I assumed to be the Blob bounced lazily on the waves. A small church sat on top of a hill, and an enormous wooden building stood at the center of camp, with a cluster of smaller ones around it. 

“That’s the big house,” Mandy said, pointing to the structure. “We eat meals there, and have dances and the talent show there too. Daily devotions are in the chapel, of course, and we have bonfires over there.” She pointed toward an open spot by the water with a huge fire pit at the center and plenty of fallen logs for seating. 

“How many kids are there?” I asked. 

“It depends on attendance. The campers run from rising freshmen to seniors, but the younger yearshave more kids. Like, thirty each in the freshman and sophomore years. There are eight of us rising seniors who are all in the leadership program.” 

“Makes sense.” The older kids got, the more likely they were to question their upbringing. Paul was a prime example. 

“Our cabin is up there.” Mandy pointed toward the back of the woods. “The boys’ cabins are on the other side of the lake.” 

“Does that really keep everyone separate?” I asked. 

“No.” Mandy giggled, and it sounded like a tinkling bell. Everything about her was charming. “But we behave ourselves for the most part.” 

“That’s because anyone caught having sex gets thrown out and has to explain it to their parents,” Peter piped up. He’d been so quiet on the way, I’d almost forgotten about him. “It happened last year, and it was pretty embarrassing.” 

“I can only imagine.” I sank lower in my seat. I wondered what the treatment of non-virgins would be in a place like this. Maybe Ethan didn’t count because he was born-again, or whatever. “Keep my panties on. Check. Anything else I should know?” 

“No fighting or drinking or swearing.” Mandy ticked them off on her fingers. “It’s not like any of us engage in that sort of thing, but they have to lay down rules.” 

“Understandable.” I turned around to Paul and smirked. “You going to be okay with the no swearing thing?” 

“I’ll live,” he said, keeping his eyes out the window. 

Michael pulled up to the big house and parked. “Everyone out.” 

We stumbled over each other as we exited the van, our bags forming a small mountain around us. Paul nudged me. “Ready to go home yet?” 

“No. I think I’m going to like it here.” The scent of clean air and pine trees filled my lungs. Everything about this place was beautiful. The setting, the lake, the people. No wonder these kids walked away feeling closer to God. 

“The rest of the seniors should be here already. You’re the last group,” Michael said. 

As I searched for Ethan, all my fresh insecurities surfaced. What would he say when he saw me? Would he be angry I’d invaded his little sanctuary? I’d played the happy scenario over so many times in my mind, it hadn’t occurred to me to think of an alternative. He had to be happy to see me though. Now that I was getting in with all the Jesus stuff, there wouldn’t be anything to stand between us. This would be okay. I’d be okay.

A high-pitched squeal from Mandy made me jump, and that was when I saw him. Ethan. His square frame, only a few inches taller than me, already golden from the sun, a sweep of light hair shading his confused eyes. I squeezed my fists together, practicing the speech I’d prepared for my sudden appearance, reminding myself for the billionth time that I wasn’t sad or desperate. 

Mandy took a flying leap into his arms, planting a series of kisses over his cheeks and mouth. The mouth that had kissed mine only a month ago. And with that, everything inside me shattered.

 

Sonia Hartl is a YA author who calls Michigan home, even though she’s lived in several different states. Her debut novel, HAVE A LITTLE FAITH IN ME is forthcoming from Page Street Publishing. When she’s not writing or reading, she’s enjoying pub trivia, marathoning Disney movies, or taking a walk outside in the fall. She’s a member of SCBWI and the communications director for Pitch Wars. She has been published in The Writers Post Journal and Boston Literary Magazine. She lives in Grand Rapids with her husband and two daughters.

Win a finished copy of HAVE A LITTLE FAITH IN ME by Sonia Hartl (US Only)

Starts: August 28, 2019

Ends: September 11, 2019

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Review: The Heaven Promise by Scot McKnight

The Heaven Promise: Engaging the Bible's Truth About Life to Come
Author: Scot McKnight
Genre: Nonfiction/Theology
Release Date: October 6, 2015
Publisher: WaterBrook Press

Description:

For far too long, we’ve talked about heaven as if it were a dream or someplace that only exists in fairytales. We want to believe it’s real, but with such an expanse of contradictory information, it’s difficult to know what to believe. 

To add even more confusion, we are left to sift through the tales of individuals who have crossed over and returned. With so many competing narratives and accounts based on what many think are beyond-death experiences, wouldn’t it be nice to have a straight forward examination of what the Bible has to say about heaven?

Best-selling author and New Testament scholar Scot McKnight thought so too, which is why he wrote The Heaven Promise.

McKnight, who has penned more than 50 books, including The Jesus Creed, has had a fascination with heaven since he was a child. As a professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary, McKnight is no stranger to academic engagement and scholarly discourse. However; as an ordained deacon, McKnight is well accustomed with the concerns of the everyday thinker. The Heaven Promise represents the perfect blend of thoughtful research coupled with an easily digestible presentation.

“My hope,” McKnight shares, “is that people will be hopeful about heaven.”

The Heaven Promise offers an infusion of hope alongside a healthy anticipation of eternity.

After all, heaven isn’t just a dream; it’s a promise.


Heaven. Eternity. The Afterlife. You mention any of these concepts, and people of all ages and from all walks of life are certain to have opinions. Maybe that’s why there are so many books and movies that feature heaven-and-back experiences. But how can we know if those accounts are accurate?

How can we know for sure what heaven will be like?

Well, according to New Testament scholar and popular author Scot McKnight, all we need to do is to turn to Scripture to answer our questions.

Separating fact from fiction, McKnight helps the reader examine the witness of God’s Word in order to discover what awaits us on the other side of the grave.

Using the Bible, McKnight answers the most-frequently-asked questions regarding heaven, including:

1.      What about Near-Death Experiences?
2.      What about Rewards in Heaven?
3.      Who Will Be Allowed in Heaven?
4.      Is God Fair?
5.      Will There Be Families in Heaven?
6.      What about Children Who Die?
7.      What about Cremation?
8.      What about Purgatory?
9.      Will There be Pets in Heaven?
10.  Why Believe in Heaven?

Heaven isn’t the construction of a fairytale or some mythical narrative. It’s very real; it’s very good; and it’s very much the fulfillment of God’s promise to us. 

The Heaven Promise is a must-read for everyone who questions what happens after death. There are some who have specific questions about Heaven and others who are overwhelmed by the various stories and theories out there in today's world. Throughout this book, the author uses information from the Bible to answer the many common questions about Heaven - and he does it in an easy to understand way, so that anyone can get it (if they're religious or not).

I have personally been reading different books and watching movies such as Heaven is for Real for a long time now. It seems like there's a lot of overlap on some subjects, while other questions I've pondered have had controversial viewpoints. I try to stay objective while reading each book - looking at them purely from a factual point of view. There are so many books about the afterlife that I'll probably never get to read them all - and a large portion of these books are incredibly hard to read, let alone understand. The Heaven Promise is completely different - it's easy to read and understand, and it uses the Bible itself to back up their answers. No confusion at all - simply several questions people often have regarding Heaven and the afterlife and straightforward answers to these queries with scripture to help explain why they believe these things. It's a definite must read for everyone who has questions about life after death and/or Heaven - it doesn't matter if you're religious or not. I honestly can't recommend this book highly enough! Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy - you'll see what I mean from the very first page.

Review: Jesus Swagger by Jarrid Wilson

Jesus Swagger: Break Free from Poser Christianity
Author: Jarrid Wilson
Genre: Nonfiction/Religion
Release Date: February 1, 2015
Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Description:

Stop being a poser. Start being a Christian.

Is your faith for real? How about your walk?

If everyone who claimed to love Jesus actually did, this world would be pretty close to paradise. Yet we live in a time when being a poser is not only easy, it s rewarded especially where Jesus is concerned.

But claiming to love Jesus without following him is bogus, fraudulent, and frankly it s not "you." God has called you to be set apart, to live authentically, to walk a genuine "Jesus Swagger."He wants followers, not pretenders.

From Christian blogger Jarrid Wilson, "Jesus Swagger" is about calling out the phony, showing the pretender the door, and letting Jesus ininstead. If you are suspicious of your own motivations, your own talk, or evenyour own Christianity, it s time to be honest, come clean, and get real. It's time to take the "Jesus Swagger" litmus test and start walking the walk."  

Jesus Swagger is a thought provoking look at Christianity targeted towards teens and young adults. It answers several questions that a young person might have - about life, religion, God, and other important topics. The book's goal is to have the reader examine their own lives - how they live, act, think, and their faith - to see if they're being the true Christian that God wants them to be, or if they are merely putting on a show for others - pretending to be the devoted Christian that they want others to think they are. The book is written with some slang - even the title contains it - and it seemed a bit silly to me at times. However, given that the book is geared toward a younger audience, I'm sure that it fits well in that age category. Otherwise, the writing is easy to understand and personal - it feels like the author is speaking to you directly when you're reading. This writing style should prove to be an effective method for a book dealing with these topics. It will also help the teen readers to identify with the author and put the lessons discussed on their level. Recommended for Christian teens and young adults who are trying to be more 'real' in their faith, as well as those readers who are curious about the religion in general.

 *Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review through the Book Look Bloggers Program.*