Love, Skip, Jump: Start Living the Adventure of Yes

by Shelene Bryan

Every significant event in the Bible happened because someone said yes to God. Start living the adventure of yes today!

In this whimsical yet inspiring book, Shelene tells the stories of real-life paths God took her on to learn some simple truths that changed everything in her life—everything for the better.

By loving how our Creator made us to love; skipping comfort and safety to help those who can never repay us; and taking a risk to jump into the epic journey God has for our lives, the reality is we are all just one yes away from changing everything. Don’t miss out on the incredible adventure God has for you. Say yes to God—love, skip, and jump your way to his plans for you!

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian Living, Christian, Faith, Biography Memoir, Personal Development, Religion

238 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 29, 2014

About the author

Shelene Bryan is the founder of Skip1.org, a charity dedicated to providing food and clean water to children in America and around the world. Shelene is an accomplished speaker who now turns her extraordinary ability to challenge and inspire to the written word.

Reviews

[Aimee · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is supposed to make you take inspiration from Shelene's adventure filled life, and say "yes" to God. While her experiences are interesting to read, they were hard to relate to. There are not many of us who can make multiple trips to Africa every year to help those in need. And, while I understand that the poor of this world need help, it is frustrating that people seem to think money can solve the problem. In one example, a house is built for a family in Africa - what about the other people from that village, don't they get a house too? Distributing money to some and not others promotes inequality among communities and does not provide the means for people to be self sustaining.

I liked the authors fervour for God and enthusiasm to seek change, but I feel that she still places too much emphasis on her "good works" and does not write with a tone of humble gratitude.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly, I enjoyed this book, but. The problem I had with it was the subtle, and sometimes not so subtle over the head clash that this chick makes a lot more than the average American. I'm sorry but I don't know anyone who could just 1) drop everything to go to Africa several times per year. 2) give several hundreds of dollars while there without batting an eye.
I liked the principles, and I agreed with most of them, but it really felt like she was trying to show how much cooler she was by all the stuff she did.
Plus, I felt like she was a snob about most of the "giving" things she did. Personally I'm glad I didn't buy this book, otherwise I would have returned it. Rates a 2.5 on my scale.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a really inspiring book! It has given me A LOT to think about. Not only about those less fortunate than me. But also about how I live my life in general. God has given me SO much!! How am I living my life and taking care of what is around me? Am I being a good steward? Do I take things for granted? Do I waste time? How can I love better? How can I skip (fast from) something for the good of another? How can I jump into life more passionately to do the best I can with what God has given me? This is just a sampling of what I am pondering, after reading this book.

[Cj Rey · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I appreciate Sheleen's enthusiasm, it comes off condescending. She is living a very privileged lifestyle and has contacts most people don't have. Her message is good but it's hard to get inspired by her over-the-top examples. I'm glad there are people in the world like her and I applaud what she's doing. While it was entertaining to read what she has done, I just couldn't relate to her fairytale life.

[Leah Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily, one of the greatest books I've ever read. That's all.

[Juanita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book! Highly inspiring to think about those who do not have much and how much we do really have. I love the idea of skipping something that won’t even matter to me to give to others to make it matter.

[Angela Olsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, the idea of this book is decent. Step out of your comfort zone and go after the life-changing things God has for you. I'm all for that, but I felt that the author kept the entire book a bit surface-level. I wish she would have gone deeper into her own experiences so we could really connect with her travels and feel the emotions of what God was doing when she finally said yes. By failing to go into further detail about these places she visited in Africa, I was left feeling she sees herself as a sort of superhero for Jesus to the people in developing countries. I think this is an issue that needs to be addressed in our Christian society here in the US. As a long-term missionary to Kenya, I couldn't help but feel annoyed by her descriptions of briefly visiting villages and handing out lots of money to solve problems. As a whole, that's not a terrible thing, but what I got from the book was that paying for boats and docks and mattresses and entire homes would change everything. I would have loved to hear about the relationships she made and the hearts that were changed. Those are long-term solutions that are worth writing about.

I think this book is best suited for a small circle of people - financially secure Christians who have not considered doing something outside their comfortable, everyday lives. I think the book could have an impact on their hearts. So it's not that I don't recommend this book. I would simply keep my recommendations for those who are in the category I mentioned above.

[Hallie (Hallie Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://pagebypagebookbybook.blogspot....

After finishing reading Shelene Bryan’s Love, Skip, Jump, I continue to find myself thinking, “Now what? I need to do something.” Love, Skip, Jump is not one of those books you read and then return to ignoring on the shelf. Even after the last page, it demands thought, remembrance, action. Bryan’s extraordinary experiences and insights are challenging, convicting and inspiring, and her infectious passion for loving, skipping and jumping easily fill page after page. Bryan is an incredibly engaging writer, employing a simple conversational tone sans any holier-than-thou patronizing and condescending. Love, Skip, Jump is a joy to read and take to heart. I definitely recommend it. Don’t miss out on the “adventure of yes!” I thank BookLook Bloggers for providing me with a copy of this book and the opportunity to honestly review it. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. (I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

[Mackenzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the second half of this book a lot more than the first. The first half of the book told an amazing story of her life and it was inspiring. But I missed a lot of authenticity in it. I missed the messes and the bumps and the attempts that didn't go so well. It's inspiring to hear what went well, but a bit discouraging when the road bumps we all face aren't included or highlighted as important too. A great book overall that left me feeling inspired, but a slow start to love. Definitely has me thinking about what I'm trading for comfort instead of following after the Lord wholeheartedly.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I heard about this book when I happened to catch Shelene Bryan on Home &Family on hallmark channel. I never watch that show, so it was a fluke for me to even have hallmark on at that time of day, so I thought it was meant to be that I had seen it.
I remember her talking about the concept of skipping one thing a day, and how it could help someone and really make a difference. What an interesting, new concept! I also heard her tell the story of taking a trip to Africa to see if her money was actually helping children, and also about the dinner where they opened the dishes and revealed notecards.
I thought the book would be based on those things, and it turned out to be different from what I had thought. It was more of a Christian book, based on inspiration.
While reading this, some things just hit me wrong throughout it.

I noticed early on that she come off as rich and privileged. She's from California. she invited 60 of her friends. I couldn't even think of 60 people to have! has fancy beds.
She brushed over Africa trip. And the African party. and then jumped back to Africa. I thought this book was going to highlight the trip, not make it this little thing.
"400 us dollars." "Done!" Here's a great example of the extravagance of the author. This is completely not relatable to me and a lot of people.
Supposed to be funny, but it comes across rich and privileged.
“I’m from America and I have an American Express card. I will pay for treatment--whatever is needed.” obviously that's great what's she doing, and can help, but here again, it sounds pretentious. like all Americans are rich and can afford any price because we're "American and have American Express cards."
It was really cool how she heard a voice: “are you going to do it?” and comes up with bikes for the village people to ride.& The Jungle Ride program. it's cool that some people are lucky enough to hear voices and have people guide them.
'If you hear a voice, compare it to the Bible. If it contradicts it, it’s your own voice.' you can't really compare every single voice in your head to the Bible. I wouldn't even know how to compare them! Also, I don't like when people push their personal views on others, as if it's the law. it's a unique thought, and I'm sure it can be nice to live by, but I wouldn't say it as if its fact.
-“Oh, South Korea, that country under daily threat of nuclear annihilation from that wacky North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un?” that came across as wrong to say to me.
-use god given talents and jump. what if you have no God given talents? it's not that easy for some people.
-'sideline sitter, constant consumers and casual clappers.' ok, that hit a nerve, because that's how I'd describe myself. there's nothing wrong with worshiping like that.
“these people are dead branches that need to be trimmed.” ok wow. that's harsh.

Christmas that could have been. ‘the young girl I was supposed to talk to who committed suicide. The scores of children in Africa who were killed by malaria for want of mosquito nets that I was supposed to provide. The friends who are lost because I was too scared to jump into a spiritual conversation.’
Don’t put that on us. This isn’t a Christmas Carol. And you don’t know it works like that. Those are your personal opinions.
‘for some of us, our lives are way too easy.’ yeah, that's definitely not my problem! nor for a lot of people I know.
‘no wonder we can’t see God. The fact is, He never really needs to show up.’ um, not for some people. some people really need his help.

Story of escaped Brian Nichols. Woman at apartment. Tells the word of God to prisoners. I remember hearing of that somewhere. I can't believe how it ended though. what an incredible story.

Spending hundreds of dollars on Christmas gifts. Barely using them later. Throwing them away.
-not getting your kids anything. Visiting them Christmas morning. 'footballs, basketballs, nerf guns, sweat suits, socks, nike jackets, hello kitty backpacks, mittens, polly pockets, giant, fuzzy, stuffed bear.’
I've heard of parents doing that, not giving their children any and instead donating clothes. the donating is fine, but you don't have to get your kids absolutely nothing to show them to give to others.

‘it took a few minutes to convince Mr Mall Cop that we were really there to visit a child and someone way above his pay grade had preapproved it.’ that just sounded really snobby. &not very Christianly.
What was the baby’s sister’s reaction to the gifts?!

-at the beginning I thought this book would be all about her trip to Africa. She completely rushed over that. &I thought the dinner where she uncovered everyone’s plates &had notecards on them would be with her first trip to Africa.
I can’t believe they didn’t call the police on those boys stealing wheels!
“I’m not interested in coming down here to serve with a better-than-thou attitude. But if you will allow us to do this barbecue as if I were putting it on in my own backyard, then I’m your girl.” that didn't really seem to ring true. I was surprised to find that the author would say something like that. especially because she's definitely not simple.
Catering, carnival, game booths, ball toss, prizes.
Barbecue tri-tip. what is that?
I found it to be extravagant. you can have something nice without going all out with games &everything.

Talking 7-11 into giving you free slurpees and milky ways was another thing I didn't like about this author. yeah, she did it when she was young. but it's still wrong. who would do something like that? I certainly wouldn't be proud of that.
Wish she wouldn’t skip over time. she could have included her wedding. Random chapter she’s 21. The next she’s married and buying a studio. What job? it's so weird how it took so long for her to just come out and say what job she had.
The story of Rachel the nurse saving Angela. &the story of Pops and Kay were emotional.
Skip1 charity. Same from Home and Family?
Great idea about the how she wanted, and how people can call in and donate money.
While the reason I wanted to read this was for skipping one thing and Africa, the book made me forget about that. because it was about so many other things.
Finally picks up with it. great how the idea was born. Skipping one thing.
No celebrity endorsements just because they’re famous. &no one asking for money. that was really nice how she felt that way.
‘To put it bluntly, I am convinced our culture has an obsession with luxury, comfort, and ease.’ you're one of them. does anyone else find that incredibly wrong of her to say?
‘I have come to the conclusion that almost all Ameicans are rich. It’s not enough that as Americans we can afford to buy this book, but the fact that we are educated enough to actually read it makes us rich. We need to reset our thinking about what it means to be rich.’
Incredibly ironic coming from someone who is rich.
you ask poor/middle-class people what rich means to them. I can guarantee you not many would say the ability to read, or pay for a book. rich to most people means money. I don't want a rich person preaching to me about what it means to be rich. especially when you're living in a fancy house, with your fancy clothes &lifestyle.
sure, many Americans have comforts such as shelter, food, and water that some people don't, and we should be thankful for that. some may think that makes us rich. some say they're rich in love. but I'd prefer to use a different word than 'rich.'
‘according to the miniature earth project, if you slept in a bed last night, keep your food in a refrigerator, and keep your clothes in a closet like I do, you are richer than 75% of the entire world population. Yet we walked around saying things like “I’m broke.”’
oh boy, here we go again. comments like that ruined the book for me and my opinion of the author. I had no idea she would be rich &pretentious after seeing her on Home&Family. I doubt she says "I'm broke." I wouldn't include a "we" in "we say "I'm broke." And just because people have closets, a fridge, and bed doesn't mean we can't be broke at times. It's completely fair for people to say they're broke if they are broke, or they feel as if they're broke. a rich person definitely shouldn't tell those less fortunate what to say, how to feel, and how to act.
Tuk-tuk car!! made me think of America's Next Top Model! loved that season!!
“tell them that God will provide for their groceries.” True, but you were paying for it.
‘Nothing is wrong with a nice house. It becomes a problem when you aren’t willing to lose it.’
Selling her house!! whoa! they did not have to sell the house! and I thought it was kind of much to not make a decision about it, and just pray and see what happens. if you don't wanna sell it, don't sell it.
I felt the same about the homeless that she did. Very relatable. It's nice hearing someone else feel the same way.
Finally the Skip1 charity dinner!
When she mentioned Omega I was like ohh! Forgot about her. Wanted to hear about her. She was in the beginning &then wasn't mentioned until the end I think.
‘what if we could have ppl pay the ticket price for a swanky dinner, and not feed them? We could raise enough money in one sitting to build the kitchen in Rwanda.’ it was definitely unique and dramatic and fit in with the theme of skip1.
I’ve teared up and gotten chills at several points in this book. Especially when Omega walked out and began talking, sharing her story.
Meeting her dad Brice was emotional too.
I couldn't believe she's friends with Candace Cameron Bure!

This book didn't turn out to be what I thought it would. I thought it would be all about Africa and Skip1. but it was more about different things and events she had done, and charitable acts. It was inspirational and sometimes emotional. funny in parts, too. but there were comments and views the author made that just didn't sit right with me.

3-10-16. I was wanting to look up my review for this book, and I was really surprised when I discovered I never reviewed it! I found notes I had made on it still on my phone, but being months after I read it some of the notes didn't make sense....so sorry if this review is a little confusing in places. from now on, I'm going to write down notes that make sense!
ok, so for some reason even though I hit "read" and I rated the book, it didn't go on my reading challenge because it didn't automatically add the date I finished it. thanks a lot, goodreads for not automatically doing that! I can't believe this didn't get counted on my reading challenge last year!!

[Rachel Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to start by saying, this is not the type of book I usually read. Yet, I felt compelled to pick it up. It did take me awhile to get into it, but once I did I finished it in one sitting.

Shelene was your average American woman, with a job, nice house, husband, kids, the usual. Then, she felt an urging to go to Africa to see if the kids she sponsored were real, that they actually received her money.

Shelene's experiences were real, honest, and captivating. She drew you in with her genuine thoughts and feelings. This wasn't a book to make you feel bad about not doing any of the things she did, this wasn't about her saying that she was a better Christian. This was just her being real.

This story was so inspiring, and will change the way you think. I know I've already started thinking more about my life, and how it can change. Shelene backs up every point with Scripture, and really hammers the theme home. It isn't repetitive to the point of annoyance, but firm.

And before you think it, this wasn't a books just to support her charity, Skip1. While obviously that is a natural part of her story, and was included, she's not asking for your money. She's just asking you to love, skip, jump. Shelene highlights this point with experiences from her life, but she asks each one of us to evaluate the calling God has placed on our life.

So, are you willing to love, skip, jump?

I received a copy from the publisher, this did not affect my honest opinion.
This review first appears on The NerdHerd Reads

[Maryalene · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think I added this book to my TBR on the advice of a blogger, and I wasn't exactly sure what it was about.

At the start, I thought it was going to be the story of how the author created a charity, Skip1. While there are plenty of stories from her charity, it really was more a theology book about why you should help others and heed God's voice. I appreciated a lot of of the author's commentary, but as a Catholic, some passages didn't always resonate with me. For instance, the author includes a section about what it would be like to be in the presence of God, but I believe you can go into any Catholic church and be in the physical presence of God. So her thought-experiment didn't really have the same "wow-can-you-imagine" impact for me as the author might have been hoping.

Beyond that, I didn't read a whole lot of humility in this book and it all felt a bit "white savior-ish" which was a turn-off.

[Veronica Vargo · Rating 5 out of 5]

After 20 years of reading the Bible, it has taken on new meanings for the author. I loved her John 3:17 revelation. She pointed out the word “gave.” God loved the world, so he gave. Giving flows from loving. When we really love something, the natural consequence is to give.

My favorite quote is: “Reluctance to jump is the default human condition. We tend to love the status quo. This reality is perfectly illustrated by the fact that 11 disciples stayed in the boat and only one jumped out. So what was it about Peter that actually allowed him to overcome that natural reluctance to jump? In a word- faith” (55).

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this is a good book for people to listen to. I do feel the author is maybe a bit more well off than even a lot of Americans. Her experiences were interesting to listen to but may not be extremely relatable to most of us. But she does have good points. Americans in general are rich and if you look at the world too hard, you will be trying to get more and more riches. But the true riches are those that you can earn when you help others who are in true need. It is hard as a Christian to always remember that and to act upon this.

[Haoyee Ng · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy read by the founder of Skip1.org, a charity dedicated to providing food and clean water to underprivileged children around the world. Shelene talks about how she took the first step when God asked her to go on a trip to Uganda to meet the 2 children she was sponsoring way back then. One event after another, Spirit-led, she documents her journey to form this organization with the power to impact lives worldwide.

[Candice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is filled with many inspiring stories and biblical principles. She shares an idea that most people in America can do. It encourages everyone according to their level to become involved with something that speaks to their own heart. Praise the Lord for people like Shelene to remind us to always be on the look out to help others!

[Magan Lewis · Rating 1 out of 5]

5 stars! (Goodread is being flakey this morning. Only allowing 1 star. Grrr.) The most delightful and inspiring read to encourage us to love, skip some things for something better and to jump into opportunities God gives us. Love that she talks about seeing it - big or small - as significant to Him.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book spoke volumes to me. I am usually the worst at picking books, but this one landed in my hands at just the right time. A fantastic reminder for letting God pave the path for you life even though you think you got it all figured out.

[Michelle Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness. What a spectacular read from the heart of a jumper. So excited to check into Skip1.org. What a beautiful life lived, giving to those in need all around the world. Has challenged me to JUMP.

[Paula Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing! The author Shelene is an honest writer and an amazing person! God has truly made a difference in her life and he can do the same with anyone who read this story! Are you ready to Jump?

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! Shelene Bryan's story was truly life changing for me!

[Michelle Hamlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring!

[Nancy Holte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book funny, sad, and challenging. Shelene shares her story of how a simple question regarding the authenticity of a child sponsorship program changed her life.

[Reagan Styrt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. Though I felt at times the author thought that money would solve all the world’s ills, I like how she took and suggested concrete steps to make a difference.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really, really loved this book. I appreciate Shelene’s honesty and transparency. Her compassion to do God’s will. I really enjoyed this book and her stories.

[Leslie Wittenmyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an eye opener of how to live even in your own neighborhood! I am praying now that God will show me where to jump!

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have thinking about the things I read in this book.

[Meghan Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick but very inspiring read!

[Teale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book of how God can move and work in your life.

[Kelly Clipper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please read this book…. Truly amazing how God works. So In love.