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Holy As You Are: Seeking Divine Moments in Your Ordinary Extraordinary Life
When referenced in the scriptures, the word holy means to “set apart for a sacred purpose.” It is a description all women who seek to follow Christ want to embody—but the struggle between the ideal of a holy life and reality can seem far apart. In Holy As You Are, best-selling author Christie Gardiner seeks to close the gap reminding women of the holy attributes they already possess and how they can accomplish extraordinary ordinary things that will forever change the landscape and heart-scape of their worlds.
With a wealth of spiritual guidance and upbeat wisdom that doesn’t shy away from difficult topics, this inspired volume challenges readers to look at their tragedies and triumphs and everything in between as sacred opportunities to choose holiness. What if ordinary is extraordinary? What if you are Holy As You Are?
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2019
13 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
Christie Gardiner
6 books21 followersChristie has enjoyed participating in speaking engagements across the country where she loves reminding groups of women that with God, they are not alone and are enough. Christie's heartfelt and quick-witted writing was first enjoyed in blog form on behalf of the Utah Jazz and Illume Gallery of Fine Art. Her performing career has spanned three decades in theater, television, film, commercials, podcasting and voiceover work. She is a longtime faculty member at the Utah Conservatory of Performing Arts where she inspires young people to increase their self-esteem through participation in the arts. She enjoys serving in her church's youth program. In her spare time you will find Christie with her husband and children, in nature or in the yoga studio teaching a class. She makes her home in Utah and occasionally, the Oregon coast.
You Are the Mother Your Children Need, is Christie's debut. Look for her next book, on shelves October 2017.
You Are the Mother Your Children Need, is Christie's debut. Look for her next book, on shelves October 2017.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 27, 2019
What an amazing book full of exactly what I needed to hear and told in a way that warmed my heart. Sometimes these types of books leave me feeling "less-than" or overwhelmed by everything I'm not, but Christie Gardiner has a way of making the reader feel like a dear friend. I was embraced by a warm hug through these pages and reminded of who I am and how to become better, and all in a gentle way that makes it feel possible.
I also felt like parts of this book were absolutely inspired for me, personally. I was at my book club talking about journals and the next morning, read her insightful feelings on that topic and I felt like it was a nudge. I also sometimes feel judged, yet I realized I do my fair amount of judging the judgers. There were so many nuggets of inspiration and sweetness and I'm excited to ponder my findings for a long time to come and to realize that I am enough.
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
I also felt like parts of this book were absolutely inspired for me, personally. I was at my book club talking about journals and the next morning, read her insightful feelings on that topic and I felt like it was a nudge. I also sometimes feel judged, yet I realized I do my fair amount of judging the judgers. There were so many nuggets of inspiration and sweetness and I'm excited to ponder my findings for a long time to come and to realize that I am enough.
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
March 25, 2019
Christie Gardiner has a way with writing non-fiction books. I loved the way she wrote this book almost as a letter to someone she knew. It actually does start with a letter to “Sis.”
Each of the chapters deals with a different aspect of holiness. There are chapters on agency, heart and ministry, just to name a few. I loved the way the author used scripture references and talks from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints leaders, including the female ones.
This book is not a boring non-fiction book. I loved the way the author was able to make it interesting and readable. This book is so great! I learned so many things from it. This author has become a must read author for me.
Each of the chapters deals with a different aspect of holiness. There are chapters on agency, heart and ministry, just to name a few. I loved the way the author used scripture references and talks from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints leaders, including the female ones.
This book is not a boring non-fiction book. I loved the way the author was able to make it interesting and readable. This book is so great! I learned so many things from it. This author has become a must read author for me.
March 26, 2019
As a full time working mom of 2 boys, I often find myself struggling for balance and wondering if I'm doing enough to raise my boys as upstanding, loving, christian boys.
The title and book description of this book caught my eye since the focus is for women and how we can live a holy life. (I want that!) The author shares a personal, hilarious story in the into as to why she feels she's not qualified to write this book or her last book about motherhood. I loved her writing style in this book-easy to read and it was like we were friends chatting around the kitchen table discussing things as women.
"What if, because of Jesus Christ and the redemption that comes through his Atonement, your ordinary is extraordinary? What if you are holy as you are?"
"We know that the real definition of holiness isn't a state of piety but a choice to set our life apart from what the natural woman would choose, opting instead for a life of sacred purpose. This is what holy is. This is what we choose."
I especially enjoyed the chapters called "holy relationships", "finding holiness in change" and "taking time and finding quiet". This specific chapters really resonated with me. I find myself on a daily basis trying to balance my time with relationships, saying no and finding balance with using social media. Alot of what I do for my full time job and 2 part time jobs requires being online and on social media; so sometimes I am reminded that I need to take a step back to breathe and enjoy the quiet.
I really liked all the personal experiences and scripture references the author included in this book. I found it easy to read, funny, down to earth and relatable! I really enjoyed it and found many things applicable to my life and some ideas on what I can change for the future. This would make a great book for a womens book club!
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
The title and book description of this book caught my eye since the focus is for women and how we can live a holy life. (I want that!) The author shares a personal, hilarious story in the into as to why she feels she's not qualified to write this book or her last book about motherhood. I loved her writing style in this book-easy to read and it was like we were friends chatting around the kitchen table discussing things as women.
"What if, because of Jesus Christ and the redemption that comes through his Atonement, your ordinary is extraordinary? What if you are holy as you are?"
"We know that the real definition of holiness isn't a state of piety but a choice to set our life apart from what the natural woman would choose, opting instead for a life of sacred purpose. This is what holy is. This is what we choose."
I especially enjoyed the chapters called "holy relationships", "finding holiness in change" and "taking time and finding quiet". This specific chapters really resonated with me. I find myself on a daily basis trying to balance my time with relationships, saying no and finding balance with using social media. Alot of what I do for my full time job and 2 part time jobs requires being online and on social media; so sometimes I am reminded that I need to take a step back to breathe and enjoy the quiet.
I really liked all the personal experiences and scripture references the author included in this book. I found it easy to read, funny, down to earth and relatable! I really enjoyed it and found many things applicable to my life and some ideas on what I can change for the future. This would make a great book for a womens book club!
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
March 28, 2019
This book was a bright spot in my life during a period of many gloomy days peppered with emergency room visits for my kids. I'm grateful that I had the chance to open this book and find pearls of wisdom in the pages. I'm still reading it, but have enjoyed it so far and want to share what I've learned. I loved how each chapter starts with a little quote to set the tone of that section. Christie includes stories to illustrate the theme in this book--recognizing who we are. The message that women are holy, can be holy despite difficulties resonated with me. I loved the beautiful formatting of the book which included little snippets of thoughts and quotes in a bold square on some pages. You can flip through the book and be reminded of what you read or encouraged by what lies ahead. The book invites us to delve deep within ourselves and answer the question: What if you are Holy as you are?This beautiful message should be shared with all the women in your life. Excellent as a gift book or especially as an "I'm thinking of you" gift for the women in your life.
November 12, 2019
I savored this book. Just a chapter a day, to let it soak in to my spirit. It was just what I needed to hear. Both of Christie’s books were five-star reads for me and so, yes, I will be reading anything she publishes. She's an excellent writer and I find her so relatable. I love that her books are both encouraging and profoundly doctrinal.
This book centers around this central theme: "we find holiness in ordinary moments and in simple ministries" (p. 31). In other words, we don't need to sequester ourselves in a convent (or the temple, or our scriptures) to be holy; we can and should be holy as we go about our regular lives.
I particularly liked her chapter on faith transitions. In this era of Church restoration, with so many policy changes and adjustments to programs, more people than ever are asking questions about their beliefs. She frames this in a way that really resonates, encouraging those questions and then encouraging us to stay and wrestle so we can "be the change" in the Church. Taking the shame out of asking questions and being "filled with wonder about our faith" is so helpful. (She takes the shame out of so many things in this book, which is so helpful for a recovering perfectionist like me.)
I could feel the love Christie has for her readers. I feel like it's genuine. I feel like we're friends (and I have met her at a book signing, so maybe we are??). I'm grateful she wrote this book from a place of vulnerability and true compassion.
---
I didn't pick up a highlighting pencil until I got to the third chapter, but here are more of my favorite quotes (after page 31). (Warning: in some chapters, I highlighted on every page!)
"Contrary to the way we sometimes lives, our lives are not a series of to-do-list items!" (p. 31)
"The small and simple things we do each day to hasten the work of our Father in Heaven are vital to the plan." (p. 38)
"One by one, in spite of the difficulties of our work, our small drops of good works fill our wells, and we will be left with a reservoir of goodness from which generations will drink. Sometimes it is hard and incredibly boring work to fill a well one drop at a time, but as we listen to the Spirit and our own heart's longings, then seek to do good work in the ministry we feel called to do, we will see that our lives as a whole have meaning, even through the tedious and sometimes monotonous times of life." (p. 41)
"Don't worry too much. If you don't find your ministry, it will find you. He will place your life's work before you, and His glory is what will make your work extraordinary!" (p. 42)
"Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf tells us, 'As you take the normal opportunities of your daily life and create something of beauty and helpfulness, you impove not only the world around you but also the world within you.'"
"An amateur artist tries to fill in the negative space with other objects, which ends up detracting from the composition and message of the painting as a whole. An adept artist values the negative space as essential to communicating the vision of their product." (p. 60)
"The noise of the world is robbing us of our connection to the divine. And we've become so used to the incessant sound coming from everywhere that we aren't comfortable in the silence. Even when we find an unexpected moment of silence, we fill it up." (p. 63)
"Once you experience the inspiration and, dare I say, revelation found when you seek quiet, it will no longer feel like a luxury to you. It will feel like an absolutely essential element of your life, and you'll find yourselves making time for it more and more often. People might judge you for seeking quiet. No people will judge you. 'How dare you take time and quiet for yourself when there is so much to be done? When this happens, don't be too hard on them for their judgment. Remember, you were once a person who didn't know the value of time and quiet. And, by all means, do not allow them to make you question yourself. That self-doubt is part of the noise. When others see you hearing their feedback and choosing quiet anyway, they will pay attention. Your example might even inspire them to take time and choose quiet for themselves." (p. 64-65)
"We are letting social media steal our quiet and our holy, sacred moments with our families, and we have to stop." (p. 65)
"The gift of your time when compelled or manipulated is self-betraying. The gift of your time offered freely from your choice is holy." (p. 68)
"When you are brave enough to silence the external voices and make your own time for quiet, you are exhibiting bravery and wisdom, not laziness." (p. 69)
"We aren't failing! We are becoming! We are working to implement new holy habits and working to let go of those that no longer serve us." (p. 78)
"Practicing habits consistently is important, but giving ourselves permission to be human without stigma, judgment, or the false idea that we are starting at square one is even more important." (p. 79)
"Letting go of perfectionism doesn't mean that we stop trying to be better people. We still try! But we do it with our hearts in the right place, knowing the Atonement is there for us when we fall and that because of Christ, we are able to be holier every day." (p. 96)
"Shame is not from God. It is not a motivational tool and will never change your heart." (p. 96)
"Stop telling yourself that forgiveness is a one-and-done event. It, like repentance, is a constant turning back." (p. 103)
"Gratitude is the fastest road to holiness." (p. 105)
"Just as it is perfectly acceptable to have questions, it is also okay not to question. It's a gift of the Spirit." (p. 121)
"Telling yourself that you are in a crisis is only going to fill you with shame, fear, and anxiety. The only crisis of faith is the one that pleads indifference toward God. The one that says you don't care whether He is there or not. If you were to tell me you have questions but you really don't care about the answers or don't care to draw closer to God, I will concede crisis. Everything else is just wonder, and wonder will always draw you nearer to God, not farther from Him. Try this on for size. Say aloud, 'I am in a faith crisis.' How do you feel? Anxious, upset, confused? Now, say this aloud: "I am full of wonder about my faith.' Feel better? Me too." (p. 122)
"There is nothing crisis-filled about a heart turned to heaven, about a child looking for her Father." (p. 123)
"We are not doubters! Doubt looks away; wonder looks toward." (p. 123)
"In spite of everything, we will still choose God." (p. 135)
"If we want changes [in the Church], if we have questions, it is my hope that we can find it in ourselves to stay in Church membership and be part of the prayers that turn the ship. ... If we don't stay and ask, we might never see the revelations that will come as a result of thousands of us praying, pleading, and yearning." (p. 142)
"In order to live wholly, we must seek the holy." (p. 150)
"You were never meant to be small. You were meant to be whole. You were meant to be you." (p. 159)
"Don't be afraid. We are in the middle of an eternal life. You don't know the end of the story." (p. 168-169)
"Holy moments of significance with the people we love are built upon thousands of everyday interactions." (p. 173)
"Dissonance comes where we think our families are supposed to be our saviors and we find them to be incapable of rising to that expectation. Our families aren't our saviors; they're our teachers." (p. 176)
"When I write, I find myself. I find out what I really think. I see in my writing where God needs me to go." (p. 180)
"It is our flaws and imperfections that connect us." (p. 183)
"In the moment we hear a whispering or feel a feeling that takes us to a place of darkness, we can use the strength we have cultivated to stop and say, 'This is not my voice or the voice of anyone who loves me. Those who love me would not speak to me like this.' When necessary, cast Satan out!" (p. 191)
"Holiness is there inside of you any time you are ready to see it. Be brave enough to be authenitcally yourself -- your individuality is what sets you apart for a sacred purpose!" (p. 201)
"Holiness doesn't live solely in a church, a temple, or a place; it lives in us; it lives in you. 'And inasmuch as ye have received me, ye are in me and I in you.' Sister, your best efforts are enough. You are holy as you are." (p. 201)
This book centers around this central theme: "we find holiness in ordinary moments and in simple ministries" (p. 31). In other words, we don't need to sequester ourselves in a convent (or the temple, or our scriptures) to be holy; we can and should be holy as we go about our regular lives.
I particularly liked her chapter on faith transitions. In this era of Church restoration, with so many policy changes and adjustments to programs, more people than ever are asking questions about their beliefs. She frames this in a way that really resonates, encouraging those questions and then encouraging us to stay and wrestle so we can "be the change" in the Church. Taking the shame out of asking questions and being "filled with wonder about our faith" is so helpful. (She takes the shame out of so many things in this book, which is so helpful for a recovering perfectionist like me.)
I could feel the love Christie has for her readers. I feel like it's genuine. I feel like we're friends (and I have met her at a book signing, so maybe we are??). I'm grateful she wrote this book from a place of vulnerability and true compassion.
---
I didn't pick up a highlighting pencil until I got to the third chapter, but here are more of my favorite quotes (after page 31). (Warning: in some chapters, I highlighted on every page!)
"Contrary to the way we sometimes lives, our lives are not a series of to-do-list items!" (p. 31)
"The small and simple things we do each day to hasten the work of our Father in Heaven are vital to the plan." (p. 38)
"One by one, in spite of the difficulties of our work, our small drops of good works fill our wells, and we will be left with a reservoir of goodness from which generations will drink. Sometimes it is hard and incredibly boring work to fill a well one drop at a time, but as we listen to the Spirit and our own heart's longings, then seek to do good work in the ministry we feel called to do, we will see that our lives as a whole have meaning, even through the tedious and sometimes monotonous times of life." (p. 41)
"Don't worry too much. If you don't find your ministry, it will find you. He will place your life's work before you, and His glory is what will make your work extraordinary!" (p. 42)
"Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf tells us, 'As you take the normal opportunities of your daily life and create something of beauty and helpfulness, you impove not only the world around you but also the world within you.'"
"An amateur artist tries to fill in the negative space with other objects, which ends up detracting from the composition and message of the painting as a whole. An adept artist values the negative space as essential to communicating the vision of their product." (p. 60)
"The noise of the world is robbing us of our connection to the divine. And we've become so used to the incessant sound coming from everywhere that we aren't comfortable in the silence. Even when we find an unexpected moment of silence, we fill it up." (p. 63)
"Once you experience the inspiration and, dare I say, revelation found when you seek quiet, it will no longer feel like a luxury to you. It will feel like an absolutely essential element of your life, and you'll find yourselves making time for it more and more often. People might judge you for seeking quiet. No people will judge you. 'How dare you take time and quiet for yourself when there is so much to be done? When this happens, don't be too hard on them for their judgment. Remember, you were once a person who didn't know the value of time and quiet. And, by all means, do not allow them to make you question yourself. That self-doubt is part of the noise. When others see you hearing their feedback and choosing quiet anyway, they will pay attention. Your example might even inspire them to take time and choose quiet for themselves." (p. 64-65)
"We are letting social media steal our quiet and our holy, sacred moments with our families, and we have to stop." (p. 65)
"The gift of your time when compelled or manipulated is self-betraying. The gift of your time offered freely from your choice is holy." (p. 68)
"When you are brave enough to silence the external voices and make your own time for quiet, you are exhibiting bravery and wisdom, not laziness." (p. 69)
"We aren't failing! We are becoming! We are working to implement new holy habits and working to let go of those that no longer serve us." (p. 78)
"Practicing habits consistently is important, but giving ourselves permission to be human without stigma, judgment, or the false idea that we are starting at square one is even more important." (p. 79)
"Letting go of perfectionism doesn't mean that we stop trying to be better people. We still try! But we do it with our hearts in the right place, knowing the Atonement is there for us when we fall and that because of Christ, we are able to be holier every day." (p. 96)
"Shame is not from God. It is not a motivational tool and will never change your heart." (p. 96)
"Stop telling yourself that forgiveness is a one-and-done event. It, like repentance, is a constant turning back." (p. 103)
"Gratitude is the fastest road to holiness." (p. 105)
"Just as it is perfectly acceptable to have questions, it is also okay not to question. It's a gift of the Spirit." (p. 121)
"Telling yourself that you are in a crisis is only going to fill you with shame, fear, and anxiety. The only crisis of faith is the one that pleads indifference toward God. The one that says you don't care whether He is there or not. If you were to tell me you have questions but you really don't care about the answers or don't care to draw closer to God, I will concede crisis. Everything else is just wonder, and wonder will always draw you nearer to God, not farther from Him. Try this on for size. Say aloud, 'I am in a faith crisis.' How do you feel? Anxious, upset, confused? Now, say this aloud: "I am full of wonder about my faith.' Feel better? Me too." (p. 122)
"There is nothing crisis-filled about a heart turned to heaven, about a child looking for her Father." (p. 123)
"We are not doubters! Doubt looks away; wonder looks toward." (p. 123)
"In spite of everything, we will still choose God." (p. 135)
"If we want changes [in the Church], if we have questions, it is my hope that we can find it in ourselves to stay in Church membership and be part of the prayers that turn the ship. ... If we don't stay and ask, we might never see the revelations that will come as a result of thousands of us praying, pleading, and yearning." (p. 142)
"In order to live wholly, we must seek the holy." (p. 150)
"You were never meant to be small. You were meant to be whole. You were meant to be you." (p. 159)
"Don't be afraid. We are in the middle of an eternal life. You don't know the end of the story." (p. 168-169)
"Holy moments of significance with the people we love are built upon thousands of everyday interactions." (p. 173)
"Dissonance comes where we think our families are supposed to be our saviors and we find them to be incapable of rising to that expectation. Our families aren't our saviors; they're our teachers." (p. 176)
"When I write, I find myself. I find out what I really think. I see in my writing where God needs me to go." (p. 180)
"It is our flaws and imperfections that connect us." (p. 183)
"In the moment we hear a whispering or feel a feeling that takes us to a place of darkness, we can use the strength we have cultivated to stop and say, 'This is not my voice or the voice of anyone who loves me. Those who love me would not speak to me like this.' When necessary, cast Satan out!" (p. 191)
"Holiness is there inside of you any time you are ready to see it. Be brave enough to be authenitcally yourself -- your individuality is what sets you apart for a sacred purpose!" (p. 201)
"Holiness doesn't live solely in a church, a temple, or a place; it lives in us; it lives in you. 'And inasmuch as ye have received me, ye are in me and I in you.' Sister, your best efforts are enough. You are holy as you are." (p. 201)
April 11, 2019
What an inspiring book!! I cried through many pages!! I am so thankful for uplifting books such as these! I read this book because I loved her book You are the mother your children need!!! I am thankful she was willing to share her hard things and her perspective so my perspective could grow!
April 15, 2019
This is definitely one I could read several times! Great thoughts on current topics.
January 1, 2020
I think my expectations were too high with this book. I read her “You are the Mother Your Children Need” book and it changed my whole paradigm. So I guess I expected a similar experience with this one, but it wasn’t quite that.
That being said, I am still glad I read it and I did get lots of good ideas and thoughts from it. I guess I just wanted to hear more about some of the other topics she referenced in the last chapter (“holiness of music, of the priesthood power in our lives, of revelation, of faith versus fear, the holy divinity of womanhood itself...”) and expected this book to address all of those. Instead, most of it was things I hear about all the time or have thought of before.
Christie Gardiner is an amazing writer with a warm and personal tone. I will continue to read her books and hope she comes out with many more!
That being said, I am still glad I read it and I did get lots of good ideas and thoughts from it. I guess I just wanted to hear more about some of the other topics she referenced in the last chapter (“holiness of music, of the priesthood power in our lives, of revelation, of faith versus fear, the holy divinity of womanhood itself...”) and expected this book to address all of those. Instead, most of it was things I hear about all the time or have thought of before.
Christie Gardiner is an amazing writer with a warm and personal tone. I will continue to read her books and hope she comes out with many more!
December 31, 2019
Holy: to set apart, make sacred, to set apart for a sacred purpose
*I am not a holy person, but when I make righteous choices, I am practicing holiness.
*I am not a victim but a victor. To become like God, I must take responsibility for my choices. I must keep trying to improve.
*Maya Angelou: "‘I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better."
*Figure out your own personal ministry. What keeps you up at night and makes you excited to participate? What do you feel passionate about?Who do you find yourself praying for and thinking about? That is your personal ministry.
*Ask those you are assigned to minister to what they would like from you as a ministering sister.
*Reframe questions...not as a crisis of faith but as someone who has deep wonder and curiosity about God and about our beliefs. Something begins as a question on one hand and transforms into faith in the other hand. The way we develop faith is by asking a quesiton, seeking an answer, studying and praying and trying out the word of God until we develop faith in that principle. Joseph Smith was a seeker and we should be too. His questions and seeking are what brought about the restoration. Anything you know to be true now began as a question in your mind. When there is something you don't know, try adding one more word...I don't know YET. That opens up the opportunity and the trust that eventually we will receive an answer. The word yet sparks hope and sets us on a path to find answers and puts us in a place of trust that answers will eventually come.
*Treat every member as if they were an investigator. Be excited about their questions, their shortcomings, their desire to improve.
*When I write, my wrods are as much a connection for me to my Heavenly Family as I hope they will be for my posterity some day. Julia Cameron, in her book about the power of writing, says, "We should write because humans are spiritual beings. Writing is a powerful form of prayer and meditation connecting us both to our own insights and to a higher and deeper level of inner guidance as well." Gardiner says that when she writes, she finds out what she really thinks. She sees in her writing where God needs her to go. Stories link us to the past, sending roots of connection deep into the Earth.
*Satan points out the worst case scenario. He points out the worst part of us and the worst possible way we could turn out. On the contrary, our Heavenly Parents and Savior point out the best parts of us and the potential for what we can become...our very best selves.
*Gadianton Robbers...could have done such good if they made different choices. Not only did they steal and plunder, they stole something much more precious...their own souls and the souls of many others who could have brought such light and truth to this world. There are robbers among us today who whisper lying words to confuse us and bring darkness into our lives. Satan's voice is loud and confusing and the Spirit speaks in a still, small voice. Satan's voice isn't always overtly evil...he often mingles lies with truth or we wouldn't heed it.
*When darkness and confusion comes, remind yourself that this is not how someone who loves you would speak to you. It is always darkest just before the dawn. Great spiritual progress and growth is often preceded by a period of deep darkness or temptation or discouragement. (Story of Hugh B. Brown just before being called to be an apostle.)
*Every facet of our lives can be set apart for a sacred purpose. There is holiness in music, in priesthood power, in personal revelation, in service, in so many other areas. Every detail of our lives can be HOLINESS TO THE LORD. Every detail of our lives can be holy when we see with our spiritual eyes and not our physical ones.
*Your individuality is what sets you apart for a sacred purpose. Invite the awe of your divine nature into your life. There is a gap between our reality and our desire for holiness. However, as we contemplate how our life is different because we know the Savior, because we belong to Him, everything in our lives becomes different. Holiness does not live solely in a temple, a church, or a place...it lives in US.
*I am not a holy person, but when I make righteous choices, I am practicing holiness.
*I am not a victim but a victor. To become like God, I must take responsibility for my choices. I must keep trying to improve.
*Maya Angelou: "‘I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better."
*Figure out your own personal ministry. What keeps you up at night and makes you excited to participate? What do you feel passionate about?Who do you find yourself praying for and thinking about? That is your personal ministry.
*Ask those you are assigned to minister to what they would like from you as a ministering sister.
*Reframe questions...not as a crisis of faith but as someone who has deep wonder and curiosity about God and about our beliefs. Something begins as a question on one hand and transforms into faith in the other hand. The way we develop faith is by asking a quesiton, seeking an answer, studying and praying and trying out the word of God until we develop faith in that principle. Joseph Smith was a seeker and we should be too. His questions and seeking are what brought about the restoration. Anything you know to be true now began as a question in your mind. When there is something you don't know, try adding one more word...I don't know YET. That opens up the opportunity and the trust that eventually we will receive an answer. The word yet sparks hope and sets us on a path to find answers and puts us in a place of trust that answers will eventually come.
*Treat every member as if they were an investigator. Be excited about their questions, their shortcomings, their desire to improve.
*When I write, my wrods are as much a connection for me to my Heavenly Family as I hope they will be for my posterity some day. Julia Cameron, in her book about the power of writing, says, "We should write because humans are spiritual beings. Writing is a powerful form of prayer and meditation connecting us both to our own insights and to a higher and deeper level of inner guidance as well." Gardiner says that when she writes, she finds out what she really thinks. She sees in her writing where God needs her to go. Stories link us to the past, sending roots of connection deep into the Earth.
*Satan points out the worst case scenario. He points out the worst part of us and the worst possible way we could turn out. On the contrary, our Heavenly Parents and Savior point out the best parts of us and the potential for what we can become...our very best selves.
*Gadianton Robbers...could have done such good if they made different choices. Not only did they steal and plunder, they stole something much more precious...their own souls and the souls of many others who could have brought such light and truth to this world. There are robbers among us today who whisper lying words to confuse us and bring darkness into our lives. Satan's voice is loud and confusing and the Spirit speaks in a still, small voice. Satan's voice isn't always overtly evil...he often mingles lies with truth or we wouldn't heed it.
*When darkness and confusion comes, remind yourself that this is not how someone who loves you would speak to you. It is always darkest just before the dawn. Great spiritual progress and growth is often preceded by a period of deep darkness or temptation or discouragement. (Story of Hugh B. Brown just before being called to be an apostle.)
*Every facet of our lives can be set apart for a sacred purpose. There is holiness in music, in priesthood power, in personal revelation, in service, in so many other areas. Every detail of our lives can be HOLINESS TO THE LORD. Every detail of our lives can be holy when we see with our spiritual eyes and not our physical ones.
*Your individuality is what sets you apart for a sacred purpose. Invite the awe of your divine nature into your life. There is a gap between our reality and our desire for holiness. However, as we contemplate how our life is different because we know the Savior, because we belong to Him, everything in our lives becomes different. Holiness does not live solely in a temple, a church, or a place...it lives in US.
October 17, 2019
One of the two choices for the first Brush Hills ladies bookclub.
Gardiner shares her perspective on accepting yourself as a holy woman, just as you are, instead of insisting that the capability isn't in you, or that the righteousness you wish to develop is far in your future. She encourages us to recognize the things we're already doing to develop holiness.
Some favorite quotes:
"There is a sacred feel to rooms full of people with honest hearts and many different ways of thinking, people who are willing to put their differences aside for a common good." p 51
"When we place our will at the feet of Christ and show Him through daily, imperfect action that we are striving to become holy, He will change our hearts!" p 55
"Attempts to create or abandon habits will come over time, and often, we don't see ourselves maturing in our habits. It is easy to see where we lack but harder to acknowledge the ways in which we've grown, When I am a few decades older, I hope another woman will have noticed Christ in me just as I noticed it in my friend and gospel sister Connie. I hope this holiness of character will have been formed from my hard-earned holy habits. I hope the woman I am will have been impactful enough in bringing people to Christ that this other sister will have cause to sit upon her kitchen floor and weep over the loss of my constant influence. It's a worthy goal to strive for." p 91
"[Jennifer Fnlayson] Fife says, 'When submission is a virtue, it's an active choice to yield to something because you think it will create the greater good. It's not driven by fear; it's driven by moral courage.'" p 98
"'True belonging is the spiritual practice of believing in and belonging to yourself so deeply that you can share your most authentic self with the world and find sacredness in both being a part of something and standing alone in the wilderness. True belonging doesn't require you to change who you are; it requires you to be who you are.'" (quoting Brene Brown) pp 99-100
"I hope we can love well time after time after time till it's harder to feel divided than united with our fellow man." p 116
"'...I am full of wonder about my faith..." The word wonder tells me I am seeking. It allows me to be full of peace so the Spirit can be present in my search for answers about the nature of God." p 122
"...how many times have you sat in judgment of someone asking a question, even if that someone was yourself? I have chided myself time after time for my wonder... You and I are investigators of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We have taken His name upon us, but we are still learning..." pp 128-129
"Sisterhood is deep enough and holy enough to break your heart." p 175
"Be brave enough to be authentically yourself - your individuality is what sets you apart for a sacred purpose! If you are feeling empty and alone, choose to set yourself apart. Invite the awe of your own divine nature into your life... Embrace your life's significance, then make the changes needed for a more meaningful time in your ordinary extraordinary existence." p 201
Gardiner shares her perspective on accepting yourself as a holy woman, just as you are, instead of insisting that the capability isn't in you, or that the righteousness you wish to develop is far in your future. She encourages us to recognize the things we're already doing to develop holiness.
Some favorite quotes:
"There is a sacred feel to rooms full of people with honest hearts and many different ways of thinking, people who are willing to put their differences aside for a common good." p 51
"When we place our will at the feet of Christ and show Him through daily, imperfect action that we are striving to become holy, He will change our hearts!" p 55
"Attempts to create or abandon habits will come over time, and often, we don't see ourselves maturing in our habits. It is easy to see where we lack but harder to acknowledge the ways in which we've grown, When I am a few decades older, I hope another woman will have noticed Christ in me just as I noticed it in my friend and gospel sister Connie. I hope this holiness of character will have been formed from my hard-earned holy habits. I hope the woman I am will have been impactful enough in bringing people to Christ that this other sister will have cause to sit upon her kitchen floor and weep over the loss of my constant influence. It's a worthy goal to strive for." p 91
"[Jennifer Fnlayson] Fife says, 'When submission is a virtue, it's an active choice to yield to something because you think it will create the greater good. It's not driven by fear; it's driven by moral courage.'" p 98
"'True belonging is the spiritual practice of believing in and belonging to yourself so deeply that you can share your most authentic self with the world and find sacredness in both being a part of something and standing alone in the wilderness. True belonging doesn't require you to change who you are; it requires you to be who you are.'" (quoting Brene Brown) pp 99-100
"I hope we can love well time after time after time till it's harder to feel divided than united with our fellow man." p 116
"'...I am full of wonder about my faith..." The word wonder tells me I am seeking. It allows me to be full of peace so the Spirit can be present in my search for answers about the nature of God." p 122
"...how many times have you sat in judgment of someone asking a question, even if that someone was yourself? I have chided myself time after time for my wonder... You and I are investigators of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We have taken His name upon us, but we are still learning..." pp 128-129
"Sisterhood is deep enough and holy enough to break your heart." p 175
"Be brave enough to be authentically yourself - your individuality is what sets you apart for a sacred purpose! If you are feeling empty and alone, choose to set yourself apart. Invite the awe of your own divine nature into your life... Embrace your life's significance, then make the changes needed for a more meaningful time in your ordinary extraordinary existence." p 201
April 28, 2023
It took me 2 years to finish reading award-winning book by Christie Gardiner, but that does not mean I did not enjoy it.
I enjoyed everything she said in this book and helped me realize overall that I am doing just fine. As long as I am doing my best effort to become a better person and disciple of Christ makes me holy as I am. I don’t have to be perfect and neither do you.
It really is a great read for all women in all walks of life. Inspirational reads are not my go to books to read. I love my fiction books, that is the only reason why it took me so long to finish. I got distracted, but I eventually came back to it and I am so glad I did.
I enjoyed everything she said in this book and helped me realize overall that I am doing just fine. As long as I am doing my best effort to become a better person and disciple of Christ makes me holy as I am. I don’t have to be perfect and neither do you.
It really is a great read for all women in all walks of life. Inspirational reads are not my go to books to read. I love my fiction books, that is the only reason why it took me so long to finish. I got distracted, but I eventually came back to it and I am so glad I did.
September 9, 2023
This has been on my TBR list for quite awhile, so I was glad to finally read it. Lots of good nuggets throughout the book - things that make you think and some good personal stories. She is very real, which I appreciate. I read her first book years ago and enjoyed it, so I was definitely interested in this one.
May 15, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. Chapter 7 was really great and what I needed to hear but Chapter 8 really took the cake. I'm grateful for inspired people who write books filled with words that I need to read.
May 11, 2019
This is an easy read and a great reference for those who wonder if they are doing okay in the Lord’s gospel.
May 12, 2019
4 1/2 ⭐️
May 27, 2019
I loved the reminders in this book & the reverence in which she approached the sacredness of our lives and our identity.
I'm glad I read this!
I'm glad I read this!
June 14, 2019
Loved the perspective on being “holy” and what that means in everyday life
August 12, 2019
Christie Gardiner has a style of writing that is easy to read and feels personal. Like all self-help books, I can't say everything was life-changing, but there were definitely some gems in there!
January 14, 2020
Inspiring book about living up to your potential. It's very down to earth and relateble.
July 1, 2020
3.5 stars
I enjoyed thinking about what I can do to become holy. I loved the definition of holy as being set apart for God.
I enjoyed thinking about what I can do to become holy. I loved the definition of holy as being set apart for God.
January 30, 2022
another book that i should read almost yearly to remind my self that i'm doing alright and the little ways i can improve myself
October 31, 2023
I really appreciated this book. I already recommended it to people that I specifically thought of as I was reading it. It is a light. I am so grateful I came across it.
June 10, 2019
Some good insights and helpful ideas for living as a member of Christ's church today.
May 11, 2019
Truly inspirational!
February 8, 2021
I loved this book. Gardener shows that everyone is holy in one way or another. Her words made me laugh, cry, and find hope in myself. Excellent work!
March 16, 2022
There are some books that are life-changing in their simplicity and this was one of those for me.
I found myself having profound moments of insights about myself and others. This is a book that was very motivational for me. I have recommended it to several of my closest family and friends.
It was a joy to read. It is a book I will go back to time and time again.
I found myself having profound moments of insights about myself and others. This is a book that was very motivational for me. I have recommended it to several of my closest family and friends.
It was a joy to read. It is a book I will go back to time and time again.
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