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Maybe Today: A Simple Approach to a Soul-satisfying Life

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Maybe today the sun came up just like it always does, and you rolled out of bed just like you always do, and you knew it was going to be one of those days. But maybe today could be different. What does your soul need? What do you long for? This path that you are on, where is it taking you? How do you fill your unscheduled moments? Is your heart content? Perhaps you feel as if you are missing something. If you want life to satisfy your soul, you have to start living the soul-satisfying life.

Maybe Today describes five holy patterns that, when lived daily, will lead to the soul-satisfying life.

* Tilt Your Soul
* Let Down Your Bucket
* Tune Your Heart
* Take Off Your Shoes
* Be All In

113 pages, Hardcover

First published August 4, 2015

2 people are currently reading
184 people want to read

About the author

David Butler

166 books79 followers
David Butler's greatest love is people. He had adopted as a life motto: "Stuff no mattah, people mattah." His favorite people are his wife, Jenny, and their six darling children. Some of his other loves include good food, spontaneous adventures, Christmas morning, and the sea. David cohosts the popular YouTube scripture study channel Don't Miss This with Emily Belle Freeman and is the author of many religious books, including Ites: An Illustrated Guide to the People in the Book of Mormon; The Peter Potential; and Almighty: How the Most Powerful Being in the Universe Is Also Your Loving Father. Follow him on Instagram @mrdavebutler.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Profile Image for Lisa  (Bookworm Lisa).
2,240 reviews207 followers
August 3, 2015
It is easy to get bogged down with the everyday activities of life. What if day by day you could make changes to make your life a better place with more meaning? Maybe Today looks at five principles that could help you come closer to Christ and have a soul-satisfying life. This book is short and sweet with beautiful pictures that are perfect for the points presented.

"If you want life to satisfy your soul, you have to start living the soul-satisfying life." I love that quote from the book. There are five chapters that discuss changes that we can make everyday : Tilt Your Soul, Let Down Your Bucket, Seek a Compassionate Detour, Take Off You Shoes, and Be All In. The chapter titles have meaning. There is a story associated with each chapter that explain the importance of each step.

"When you live your life just going through the motions, what used to be exhilarating becomes just plain exhausting." This is another quote that struck me. It hits close to home.

The book is a quick read that packs a powerful message.
909 reviews8 followers
August 12, 2019
I think I enjoyed this small book better this second time around. A friend gave it to me which prompted a second read. It is a lovely reminder of holy patterns that can lead to a soul-satisfying life, as the title says.
Tilt Your Soul- pray
Let Down Your Bucket- scripture study
Seek a Compassionate Detour- serve
Take Off Your Shoes- gratitude
Be All In- commitment
These aren't new ideas but sometimes we need a reminder and this book provides that with beautiful thoughts, quotes and photos.



Profile Image for Kathy.
2,741 reviews5,976 followers
June 14, 2015
This is a short simple gift book. Beautiful illustrations accompany poetic like text. 5 "patterns" are shared that point one towards living a satisfying life.
Profile Image for Melanie.
752 reviews23 followers
August 13, 2015
This is the kind of book that is short and powerful!! When you wake up in the morning, what kind of day are you expecting? Could it be different? Better? "Maybe today you will step out of your routine and step into the soul-satisfying life." (p. 3)

The authors share five holy patterns to follow that will make a difference. I loved the way they laid them out. There are questions to reflect on and quotes that relate to each pattern. The quotes are from a variety of people, like Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Jr., Mother Teresa, Robert Frost and more. I love how they include Jesus Christ and use examples from his life to show how the patterns will work in our lives.

This book doesn't take long to read but applying the principles will take time and effort in order to see positive results. It's the type of book to read when you're feeling discouraged and are ready to make lasting changes or even when life is pretty good but you're ready to take it to the next level. It's beautifully illustrated and is full of hope and inspiration! It's a fantastic book to share with others!!

I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.

Mel's Shelves
Profile Image for Julie.
Author 47 books590 followers
August 4, 2015
One of my life goals this year has been to seek peace in my life. I have had some amazing experiences as I've actively tried to be a more peaceful person doing peaceful things. This little book is definitely something that I will read over and over because it offers quotes and thoughts that touched me and that I want to keep foremost in my mind. Soul-satisfying and peace seemed to go hand in hand for me, and this book uses patterns and scriptural references to the Savior's life in a way that I hadn't thought about before.

The book starts out with how life can be so ordinary. You roll out of bed, plug into the world, and know it will be one of those days. But what if you made it something else? Then it discusses five Holy Patterns from our Savior's life so we can live a soul-satisfying life. They're simple. Nothing earth-shattering, but it made me think, yeah, I can do that. Wow, I'd never thought of that. And, okay, let's do this.

I've started actively trying to implement one pattern into my life per week. Honestly, I've noticed a difference and I think this is something I'd like to make a habit. For example, taking a compassionate detour. My life is busy and I have a list of things I have to do in a day, but lately I've been looking for those compassionate detours that help me serve someone else. It's hard to explain, (you have to get this book!) but it's such a simple thing, and when you truly notice the opportunity and take it, what a difference it makes!

There was a quote in the book by James McNeill Whistler that I want to put on my fridge and my mirror and in my car so I can read it and remember. It was exactly what I needed to hear the day I read it and many days since. There are quotes by Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Robert Frost to name a few. They all are used to illustrate the patterns discussed in the book and they add a perspective that gives extra meaning to the points the authors are trying to make.

It's a short little book, but it's filled with a lot of big ideas that can change your life. They've definitely changed mine for the better. This is one for the keeper shelf.
Profile Image for Shayla Salazar.
177 reviews1 follower
April 17, 2022
This is one of my favorite books and even though it is short in pages it is life changing.
Profile Image for Molly.
1,149 reviews23 followers
December 31, 2021
Perfect book to start/end the year on. Simple steps to a more satisfying, Christ-centered life! Bring on 2022!
Profile Image for Arielle.
528 reviews
September 7, 2019
Short, sweet, and satisfying. After reading another book about creating "peace of mind" through better time management strategies and clearing the mind clutter, this book was a refreshing quick read. The authors present 5 clear patterns to help change one's focus for good. There are gorgeous pictures and beautiful quotes to promote self reflection. I like the careful wording and wordplay.

"In that moment His words changed everything. The mundane turned to miracle."

"Earth's crammed with heaven,
And every common bush afire with God,
But only he who SEES takes off his shoes;
The rest sit round it and pluck blackberries."
--Elizabeth Barrett Browning

The suggested patterns aren't earth shattering revelations but their presentation and examples from Jesus's life and application in ours is powerful. You could say it all boils down to the basic Primary kid answers: prayer, gratitude, service, scripture study etc. But the authors dig deeper. For instance with prayer and scripture: What is the well that you visit each day? What words are you filling up your soul with each day? Is it with the voices of media or that with whisperings just for you?

Highly recommend this inspirational read.

" Hang on the walls of your mind the memory of your successes. Take counsel of your strength, not your weakness. Think of the good jobs you have done. Think of the times when you rose above your average level of performance and carried out an idea or a dream or a desire for which you deeply longed. Hang these pictures on the walls of your mind and look at them as you travel the roadway of life."
--James McNeill Whistler
1,226 reviews3 followers
July 18, 2023
Newly sustained General Young Women President Emily Belle Freeman and her partner on the Don't Miss This podcast, David Butler, suggest five holy patterns to create a soul-satisfying life and prepare for the second coming of Christ:
Tilt your soul (prayer)
Let down your bucket (draw strength from the scriptures)
Seek a compassionate detour (watch for opportunities to serve and life)
Take off your shoes (notice the awe inspiring, develop gratitude)
Be all in (know that you can do hard things)

It ends with these words: "He knows your heart. Live your life so you can come to know His. Because one day He is going to come again. Maybe today."

1,161 reviews3 followers
June 26, 2024
This is a quick read, feel-good, quote book with thoughts on "A Simple Approach to a Soul-Satisfying Life" I group this category of books as Ministering Sister gifts. Beautiful pictures and thoughts, but nothing too cognitively challenging. That is not a slam it is just an acknowledgment of the niche this kind of book is intended to fill.

Favorite Quote: In general, life is good enough, but some days you struggle to find enough good.
Profile Image for Ann.
450 reviews
March 26, 2020
This is a nice little gift type of book. It gives five simple ideas for living a more satisfying life. Easy to read with lots of nice quotes and simple photographs and layout. Ideas to review often as a reminder of how to focus your life.
743 reviews3 followers
March 10, 2021
I love this quick read that thoughtfully and succinctly opened my mind to the small things that I can do daily to make a big difference in my life, and the lives of those around me. It strengthens my ongoing desire to become more Christlike each day by following patterns that he set in his life.
Profile Image for Emilee.
194 reviews1 follower
May 11, 2021
This quick read put life back on perspective. I reminds you of your greatness and that God has a plan for you. It acknowledges that some days might be tough but to keep hanging on. Thanks son for the thoughtful gift.
Profile Image for Cheryal.
901 reviews2 followers
December 23, 2017
Very short and powerful reminders of a good way to live. I especially loved the quotes by great people in history.
Profile Image for Mary Elizabeth Morton.
873 reviews
April 12, 2020
My dear friend Kay gave me this book for my birthday. Thank you Kay for sharing this uplifting book with me.😊❤
Profile Image for Michelle.
256 reviews
July 20, 2022
Short book. Easy read. Lots of good food for thought. Beautiful pictures.
Profile Image for Jessica.
1,352 reviews14 followers
March 22, 2023
This was a beautiful book meant to lead you to a more purposeful life. Felt like David's instagram post just longer.
Profile Image for Destiny.
Author 9 books23 followers
May 12, 2023
For me, this read wasn't anything special. That said, I'm sure it is beneficial to some and took a lot of work on the part of the authors to publish.
Profile Image for Joy Intended.
34 reviews
November 28, 2025
Absolutely inspiring to see all the good all around. To commit to being better and doing better.
Profile Image for Heather.
1,236 reviews7 followers
December 18, 2016
This is a nice book! Uplifting, inspiring, happy. ;) We can live a more meaningful and purposeful life when we focus on coming to know Him each day. That's what life's really all about. They teach five principles - tilt your soul (pray), let down your bucket (study His word, the scriptures), seek a compassionate detour (do it His way, serve), take off your shoes (notice His blessings with gratitude), be all in (be committed). These are wonderful principles and a great way to start the day and live each minute. Focusing on Christ brings joy and purpose and meaning.

Here are a few quotes I liked:

"'I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived (Henry David Thoreau)."

"'Every now and then one meets them, their very voices and faces are different from ours: stronger, quieter, happier, more radiant. They begin where most of us leave off. They are, I say, recognizable; but you must know what to look for.... They do not draw attention to themselves.... They love you more than other men do, but they need you less. They will usually seem to have a lot of time; you will wonder where it comes from (C.S. Lewis).'"

"'Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed (Mark 1:35).' In those first moments, Jesus prayed."

"Everyone was asking where He was. So the apostles came looking.... It is why He had sought out a solitary place. He knew. Answers come when the day begins with the soul tilted upward."

"Where is the well that you visit daily?"

"Days without purpose so often lead to a life without meaning."

"Do you ever lie in bed at night, exhausted, and wonder if you've made a difference? At the end of the day, you reached your destination, but should you have considered a different route? Are you ever so set on your own plan that you accidentally miss His?"

"'Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;...
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference (Robert Frost).'"

"It doesn't always matter how well you have planned; every so often your day comes to a halt unexpectedly. One path becomes two--Yours and His. Sometimes His path will require you to take a detour."

"Seek a compassionate detour."

"Service...
expands your capacity to love.
creates a heart like His.
magnifies your gifting.
allows you to be the difference.
When was the last time you were moved with compassion?"

"'Not all of us can do great things... but we can do small things with great love (Mother Teresa).'"

"Today, if one path becomes two, choose His."

"'Earth's crammed with heaven,
And every common bush afire with God,
But only he who sees takes off his shoes;
The rest sit round it and pluck blackberries (Elizabeth Barrett Browning).'"

"How long has it been since your heart filled with gratitude for the mercies that fill your life?"

"The heights of holiness are most often discovered in the depths of gratitude."

"A man of small stature, important but often overlooked. A man whose life was about to be altered, changed, defined. Because he climbed a tree. He did something out of the ordinary, something that required his heart, might, mind, and strength, in an attempt to know more of the Lord."

"Commitment...
takes sacrifice and courage.
is born of determination, dedication, and desire.
requires us to do hard things.
understands that achieving impossibilities sometimes requires letting go of possibilities that have become too familiar.
deepens character, stretches capacity, and overcomes apathy."

"Maybe today you will begin to realize it's not about you--it's about Him."

"He knows your heart. Live your life so you can come to know His."
170 reviews1 follower
January 27, 2019
Not a Christmas book. Not a self help book. Presents some traditional ideas in a new way.
Profile Image for Mason.
Author 2 books25 followers
August 7, 2015
Sometimes the smallest book can deliver the largest message.

MAYBE TODAY, A Simple Approach To A Soul-Satisfying Life by David Butler and Emily Belle Freeman is a small book, but oh so inspiring. With only 120 pages, this little book describes five holy patterns that could lead to a soul-satisfying life if lived daily.

The authors provide a story and Bible scripture to accompany each holy pattern. The patterns are described as how they relate to living a spiritual life and ways life can be lived more meaningful. They focus on how ‘maybe today’ life can be different than what it has been for you.

This is a book for anyone seeking a more meaningful and fulfilling life. It is faith-based and chalked with inspiring wisdom. It provides steps to follow if seeking more contentment in your life.

There are numerous beautiful full-page, color photographs throughout the book. These images enhance the message of each holy pattern. In addition, this book features ‘multiply goodness,’ where it encourages the reader to share by giving the book away when they finish with it.

This book can easily be read in under an hour’s time. However, the book’s message will stay with the reader long after the final page is turned. MAYBE TODAY will encourage, uplift, inspire and motivate.

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me as part of a tour for the authors in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.
Profile Image for Sarah.
248 reviews5 followers
August 5, 2015
I love it when something simple comes along and changes your life. Like this little book. Through quotes and stories, this book encourages you to focus on the principles of prayer, reading scripture, service, gratitude, and commitment to live a “soul-satisfying life”.

I was excited to see another title coming out from Emily Belle Freeman. I reviewed her books Celebrating A Christ-Centered Christmas and Celebrating a Christ-Centered Easter and loved both of them. They put more meaning into my family’s celebrations of those holidays, and now Maybe Today has put more meaning into my every-day living.

Maybe Today reminded me that happiness has more to do with what’s going on inside of me than the outside. I need that reminder every few months or so. Who do you know that’s in need of that reminder? Are you?

See my full review at https://sarahclift.wordpress.com/2015...
Profile Image for Heidi.
2,896 reviews67 followers
August 11, 2015
Sometimes life feels routine with me feeling like I'm just barely making through each day. Maybe Today addresses that feeling by sharing five ways that life can become more 'soul-satisfying'. None of these ideas are new, but sometimes it helps to be reminded of the things in life that are most important. I enjoyed the stories and comparisons that the authors make in the book. For example, Tilt Your Soul refers to flight and how planes and birds tilt their wings in order to take off and fly. That tilting is compared to tilting one's soul upwards toward's God and His Son, Jesus Christ, through prayer. The other topics covered are scripture study (Let Down Your Bucket--living water), service (Seek a Compassionate Detour), gratitude (Take Off Your Shoes), and commitment (Be All In). This is a beautiful gift book that reminds the reader that setting one's priorities can lead one from the ordinary and routine to a soul-satisfying life.
2,323 reviews38 followers
August 16, 2015
5 STARS

This is a short book with a big message that really hit the spot for me today. It has brief messages with quotes, scriptures and stories that go with the 5 points, rules or guidelines to help you live better.

There are beautiful photos that take you to peaceful, quiet places. I feel calm and wonder at looking at them.

The first point is Tilt Your Sout. How important that the tilt of a airplanes wing are for deciding if the plane goes up or down. That it matters for us to were we look. Suggests we take time to pray first of the day and end.

These points I have heard many times but sometimes I don't pay attention or slack off and I need to be reminded. This book is told in away that I can understand and remember.

I was given this book to read for free and in return I agreed to give a honest review of Maybe Today and be part of its blog tour.
Profile Image for Tima.
1,678 reviews129 followers
June 16, 2015
When you wake up in the morning are you on the path to a soul-satisfying life? The authors have taken this thought and broken it down into five simple steps that lead the reader into a simple, but beautiful way to live a stress free and fulfilled life. Set against a back drop of gorgeous photograph, each page has large font and thought provoking quotes.

The book was inspiring for the photography alone. But the words were just as powerful. Written in a rhythmic style that doesn't require a ton of words, the authors pointed out the five patterns that lead to a holy and soul-satisfying life. I enjoyed reading the book and think it would make a wonderful gift or personal devotional.

I received this book free of charge from Shadow Mountain Publishing in exchange for my honest
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews

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