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The Parable Project
What do lady bugs, windshield wipers, braces, or buckets of slop have to do with self-improvement? This collection of short stories explores how everyday items and incidents have the power to transform perspective. Prepare to see the world--and yourself--in a whole new way.
36 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 22, 2012
242 people are currently reading
233 people want to read
About the author
Lia London
56 books55 followersLia London was born in Oregon and raised in multiple states and countries (including 3 years in Europe). She earned two degrees from Western Oregon University. Upon graduation, she served for 18 months as a missionary in Guatemala, teaching cholera prevention, literacy, and gospel messages. She worked as a high school teacher and ESL instructor for college students for a few years before becoming a home schooling mom and launching her writing career. She later took up martial arts, earned her 3rd degree black belt and taught classes for 7 years.
London has returned to her college town where she currently leads the music for the children's worship class at her church. She also is the founder and chief administrator of a network called Clean Indie Reads, an organization of over 1500 authors, illustrators, and marketing specialists who work in the independent publishing industry. She loves milk chocolate, extra-cheesy pizza and cuddling with her husband, toddler, and two cats to watch everything from Marvel movies to Masterpiece Theater to Muppets.
London has returned to her college town where she currently leads the music for the children's worship class at her church. She also is the founder and chief administrator of a network called Clean Indie Reads, an organization of over 1500 authors, illustrators, and marketing specialists who work in the independent publishing industry. She loves milk chocolate, extra-cheesy pizza and cuddling with her husband, toddler, and two cats to watch everything from Marvel movies to Masterpiece Theater to Muppets.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 14, 2016
I'd just finished reading a book which, whilst well-written and exciting, had far more sex and violence than I am comfortable with, when I spotted this little gem lying unread on my iPad. I'm so glad I did find it - it is like a breath of fresh air. Short, modern-day parables. Easy little stories which, whilst simple, carry a message which we sometimes forget in the course of everyday life. I feel as though I've had a little drink of fresh water.
I haven't finished this yet, but my my soul feels refreshed. Better, it feels 'reminded' whose it is.
The first couple are written in a style which not everyone may enjoy (I did) so if they are not to your taste, stick with it - the next few are quite different.
13th March Update
Yes, I'm still reading this. The reason it's taking so long? I'm trying to ration myself. I don't want to finish it too soon.
I haven't finished this yet, but my my soul feels refreshed. Better, it feels 'reminded' whose it is.
The first couple are written in a style which not everyone may enjoy (I did) so if they are not to your taste, stick with it - the next few are quite different.
13th March Update
Yes, I'm still reading this. The reason it's taking so long? I'm trying to ration myself. I don't want to finish it too soon.
January 23, 2025
Meh
Meh. This was super basic, fluffy, and some of it was actually not great theology. In line with "sinner saved by grace" ideology that waters down the power of the gospel, not victorious living. There is much more out there!
Meh. This was super basic, fluffy, and some of it was actually not great theology. In line with "sinner saved by grace" ideology that waters down the power of the gospel, not victorious living. There is much more out there!
March 1, 2019
This was fantastic! Usually I expect books like this to be rather dry and drag on. But the stories were short and told in a refreshing and relatable way. This helped me to think about and see the little parables in my own life, and in doing so, better see and appreciate God’s hand in the small, daily things.
September 18, 2016
I do not read books well broken into "daily messages" or similar divisions. This means, unfortunately, I have lost some of my ability to relate to short stories as well as once I could. That said, i could not resist this book for its title alone. I am a story-teller by nature and have always been drawn to the parables in the Bible. As an educator, and formerly as a trial attorney, the parable format has always been useful as either a teaching or persuasive tool.
There are a wide variety of topics covered by this book. There ae many parables about everyday occurrences. The tales are short and pithy for the most part. This is good. Not all of the topics are relatable for everyone. This is bad (but not real bad, because they are still understandable). Almost every single one is joined with a Bible verse. This is great. This last aspect makes these parables reminiscent of Aesop's Fables, where the moral is shouted out at the end, in case you failed to grasp the message otherwise conveyed. Generally speaking, I do prefer a slightly more nuanced approach, but easily recognize the value of putting a bright light on the lesson to be learned.
I am not happy giving this book only three stars, but could not quite bring myself to give it four, demonstrating the flaw in not having a larger grading scale. The drop from four stars to three, however, is more a reflection on my personal reading preferences than on the quality of the book.
There are a wide variety of topics covered by this book. There ae many parables about everyday occurrences. The tales are short and pithy for the most part. This is good. Not all of the topics are relatable for everyone. This is bad (but not real bad, because they are still understandable). Almost every single one is joined with a Bible verse. This is great. This last aspect makes these parables reminiscent of Aesop's Fables, where the moral is shouted out at the end, in case you failed to grasp the message otherwise conveyed. Generally speaking, I do prefer a slightly more nuanced approach, but easily recognize the value of putting a bright light on the lesson to be learned.
I am not happy giving this book only three stars, but could not quite bring myself to give it four, demonstrating the flaw in not having a larger grading scale. The drop from four stars to three, however, is more a reflection on my personal reading preferences than on the quality of the book.
August 22, 2016
This is truly an inspirational book. The author did a superb job adapting situations that everybody lives in a daily basis and transforming those situations on parables with powerful Christian messages of hope and wisdom.
Some particular ones touched me deeply, like "How a Funeral Changed my Life Goals". The realization that "...an eulogy with a long resume cannot replace a legacy left in the hearts of the survivors" is tremendous! Some of the conclusions are obvious after we ready them, but we never thought about that until we read them.
I recommend this book to the permanent library of any Christian (or not) that enjoys a very well written and easy read book. You will not be disappointed and for sure your strength will improve with the words of wisdom provided by the author. Excellent reading!
Some particular ones touched me deeply, like "How a Funeral Changed my Life Goals". The realization that "...an eulogy with a long resume cannot replace a legacy left in the hearts of the survivors" is tremendous! Some of the conclusions are obvious after we ready them, but we never thought about that until we read them.
I recommend this book to the permanent library of any Christian (or not) that enjoys a very well written and easy read book. You will not be disappointed and for sure your strength will improve with the words of wisdom provided by the author. Excellent reading!
September 29, 2018
I read this book via an Amazon KINDLE Unlimited download.
If one really reads this book, I believe that the title I’ve given my review should become quite evident how truthful it is. This might sound like an extremely bold statement for any reviewer to make, but the proof of what I’m saying can be found in The Bible itself, especially if one recalls what’s stated in:
Mark 4:33 Contemporary English Version [best version I could find]
“Jesus used many other stories when he spoke to the people, and he taught them as much as they could understand.”
And isn’t this what the author, Lia London, has attempted to do here by sharing her own life’s experiences in this book? The life experiences of basically anyone who is reading this review is definitely not unique, for others have also been experienced similar ones as well.
Too often, as the author has stated, people feel they’ve been forgotten by the Lord in the many of the things they do each day or is happening to them, and they wind up beseeching for his guidance and help, without the realization of the promise he’s made:
King James Bible Isiah 41:13
For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.
What Ms. London has done in her book is to first offer a story about one of her life experiences, then relates it to our daily lives, culminating with an appropriate biblical verse. And isn’t this what Jesus had done with the parables he gave his believers, sans the biblical verse.
For wanting all of her readers to be motivated about the world around them by the devotionals she’s offered in this book, how can I not her the 5 STARS she so richly deserves.
If one really reads this book, I believe that the title I’ve given my review should become quite evident how truthful it is. This might sound like an extremely bold statement for any reviewer to make, but the proof of what I’m saying can be found in The Bible itself, especially if one recalls what’s stated in:
Mark 4:33 Contemporary English Version [best version I could find]
“Jesus used many other stories when he spoke to the people, and he taught them as much as they could understand.”
And isn’t this what the author, Lia London, has attempted to do here by sharing her own life’s experiences in this book? The life experiences of basically anyone who is reading this review is definitely not unique, for others have also been experienced similar ones as well.
Too often, as the author has stated, people feel they’ve been forgotten by the Lord in the many of the things they do each day or is happening to them, and they wind up beseeching for his guidance and help, without the realization of the promise he’s made:
King James Bible Isiah 41:13
For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.
What Ms. London has done in her book is to first offer a story about one of her life experiences, then relates it to our daily lives, culminating with an appropriate biblical verse. And isn’t this what Jesus had done with the parables he gave his believers, sans the biblical verse.
For wanting all of her readers to be motivated about the world around them by the devotionals she’s offered in this book, how can I not her the 5 STARS she so richly deserves.
July 26, 2017
What I liked most about this book was the author's engaging voice. London uses common situations to illustrate God's presence in our daily lives, and she does so with clarity and, at times, humor. My favorite parable, The Breathe-Easy Nosestrip, had me laughing aloud. Some of the other devotions--Training for the Hike, Weeding the Strawberry Patch, and the Eyesore Sweep--were also favorites because of the simple yet familiar circumstances that London draws upon to pass along subtle lessons like examining character flaws, stepping outside one's comfort zone, and experiencing joy. This little book, enhanced by a Scripture passage at the end of each story, is a delight to read.
August 26, 2025
“Tidiness of mind and space can bring great peace.” This hits especially hard when you are someone who thrives on having a clean home. I appreciated the metaphor about emotional roadkill and balancing too much at once. It’s important to slow down in life and really appreciate what you have while you have it. I also liked the funny anecdotes about her children and what parenting looks like right now.
September 24, 2018
This was a cute little ebook and pretty good considering that it is completely free on Amazon. It is full of little analogies (3-4 paragraphs each) of gospel lessons found in everyday life. None of them were terribly profound, a few were quite thoughtful, and some I thought were a bit of a stretch. But it still made for a nice read on a Sunday.
October 1, 2018
Some of the most mundane of things in our lives...God can speak to us. Sometimes you can have that "Ah-HAH moment!" by just opening a jug of milk. (Sorry to be so blunt about it, but that is true.) God speaks to us often, but we do not always listen. This book seems to be how Lia London felt she was spoken to and guided. Good book with pointed guidance from the heavenly.
October 7, 2017
Parables for the modern world
A collection of devotionals that take modern day life & teach us God's word, much like the parables of Jesus. Light- hearted, thought provoking & enlightening.
A collection of devotionals that take modern day life & teach us God's word, much like the parables of Jesus. Light- hearted, thought provoking & enlightening.
November 12, 2017
The author does a great job of turning stories of everyday life into great devotions. Bible verses and thoughts to ponder. A quick read.
May 10, 2020
Really enjoyed this book. I actually read it a couple times because I did not want it to end. Great insight with every day examples.
July 25, 2020
God speaks to us in every way of our lives... Those it really matters who is used
January 18, 2021
Nice devotionals
Small devotionals of her daily life she learnt a life lesson from. Lessons that many can relate to as well.
Small devotionals of her daily life she learnt a life lesson from. Lessons that many can relate to as well.
July 7, 2014
This is a great little book to have on hand when you find yourself with a free minute to reflect on God’s presence. Seems He’s in the small things and Lia London shows us this again and again. Her parables are down to earth, appearing out of some of the more mundane aspects of everyday life, situations we all can relate to: Nature, Around the House, Traffic, Health, Sports and Parenting. Some of my favorites are The Dishwasher, The Bucket of Dirty Water, Guard Rails, Windshield Wipers, The MRI, The Kite. Each is followed by Scripture, relating the two. Not a book to sit and read from page one to the end, but something to keep close on your nightstand or smart phone to browse through when you have a moment and need a little pick me up. Well written, humorous, and thoughtful, this little gem makes a great gift and can help get spiritual discussions moving. Would make a nice little paperback to hand out at prayer meetings and bible studies.
January 14, 2014
Personal and Relevant, January 9, 2014
I enjoyed each story in this book. Some of them were so relevant to my life they had me searching for the comment section. I tend to learn more from everyday life than eloquent sermons and writings and Ms London drew excellent parallels between everyday events and God's love and desire for relationship with us.
I downloaded Parables & Ponderings to read at night before going to sleep. Each chapter was just the right length as I eased into relaxation mode and just before sleeping. I recommend this book to be on your bedside table and or as a gift to a friend.
I enjoyed each story in this book. Some of them were so relevant to my life they had me searching for the comment section. I tend to learn more from everyday life than eloquent sermons and writings and Ms London drew excellent parallels between everyday events and God's love and desire for relationship with us.
I downloaded Parables & Ponderings to read at night before going to sleep. Each chapter was just the right length as I eased into relaxation mode and just before sleeping. I recommend this book to be on your bedside table and or as a gift to a friend.
August 10, 2016
The book captured my attention because I have a devotional coming out with a similar theme. Both have the theme of hearing and finding God in ordinary events.
I read one or a few of these devotionals when I had a few minutes to spare. They resonated with me, and I think most Christians will take away some truth from each one.
I read one or a few of these devotionals when I had a few minutes to spare. They resonated with me, and I think most Christians will take away some truth from each one.
July 10, 2016
Wonderful!
Easy to read, keeps your interest and extremely motivational. Makes you realize not to take small thing for granted and God is in control and wants the very best for us if we choose to listen to Him.
Easy to read, keeps your interest and extremely motivational. Makes you realize not to take small thing for granted and God is in control and wants the very best for us if we choose to listen to Him.
September 30, 2014
A little rough around the edges at times, but quite enjoyable. In Parables & Ponderings author Lia London uses the everyday experiences of her life to draw out messages from God. It's worth reading.
February 11, 2016
Fun book - short parables written about everyday experiences and objects.
April 2, 2016
Great read!
Great stories to remind us that God is a good God and that His love endureth forever. The stories help us identify how God blesses us in our own lives on a daily basis.
Great stories to remind us that God is a good God and that His love endureth forever. The stories help us identify how God blesses us in our own lives on a daily basis.
August 3, 2016
Not what I imagined. This wasn't about how God speaks to us so much as this happened to me (author) and this is what I believe I learned from it.
July 27, 2016
Enjoyable book with short topics to stimulate your thought process.
September 18, 2016
Wow
This was the best devotional I have read in a long time. Lia takes every day life and applies a Biblical perspective on things.
This was the best devotional I have read in a long time. Lia takes every day life and applies a Biblical perspective on things.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews