It's All About the Small Things: Why the Ordinary Moments Matter

by Melanie Shankle, Ree Drummond (Foreword)

In It's All About the Small Things--formerly titled Church of the Small Things--Melanie Shankle helps you embrace what it means to live a simple, yet incredibly meaningful life and how to find all the beauty and laughter that lies right beneath the surface of every ordinary, incredible day.

Also features bullet journaling pages and exclusive lists of the small things that bring Melanie joy, including her favorite TV shows and movies to fashion must-haves and more!

Is my ordinary, everyday life actually significant? Is it okay to be fulfilled by the simple acts of raising kids, working in an office, and cooking chicken for dinner?

It's been said, "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the number of moments that take our breath away." The pressure of that can be staggering as we spend our days looking for that big thing that promises to take our breath away. Meanwhile, we lose sight of the small significance of fully living with every breath we take.

Melanie Shankle, New York Times bestselling author and writer at The Big Mama Blog tackles these questions head on. Easygoing and relatable, she speaks directly to the heart of women of all ages who are longing to find significance and meaning in the normal, sometimes mundane world of driving carpool to soccer practice, attending class on their college campus, cooking meals for their family, or taking care of a sick loved one.

The million little pieces that make a life aren't necessarily glamorous or far-reaching. But God uses some of the smallest, most ordinary acts of faithfulness--and sometimes they look a whole lot like packing lunch.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Christian, Self Help

250 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2019

About the author

Melanie Shankle is a graduate of Texas A&M and lives in San Antonio, Texas with her husband, Perry, and daughter, Caroline. Melanie began blogging in July 2006 when she started her blog, Big Mama. She’s also a regular contributor to The Pioneer Woman blog. Her first book, Sparkly Green Earrings, came out in February 2013 and debuted on the New York Times Bestseller list. Her second book, The Antelope in the Living Room, was released on February 4, 2014 and also hit the New York Times list.

Reviews

[Starry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since I ordered this thinking was a devotional, I was initially disappointed with it, wondering when the author would stop talking about herself and get to the point. Then I reread the cover and realized it was a memoir. Lol! With that in mind, I found it enjoyable to read the thoughts and memories of someone exactly my age—like listening to a good friend. Sometimes she was really funny, sometimes heartfelt, sometimes a little cliche or over-the-top. Still, a nice little read.

[Irina Trancă · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this, I found myself laughing out loud many times, it's the perfect summer holiday book!

[Stephanie VanAlmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw this book and remember reading her blog a long time ago. The title is something that I love, so I picked it up. I laughed. Hard. Like I had to stop reading because I was trying to hold it in and be quite because my husband was sleeping beside me. I also got teary eyed in a few places. It wasn’t a huge eye opener or deep thought book. But that’s kinda the point, it was a small thing that I enjoyed.

[Kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Because I've read a few of Shankle's other books (1 very recently) this felt a lot like the others with some actual repeated content though the last chapter made it all worth it in my opinion.

My favorites:
On parenting: "What if we teach out kids that their true identity and security is found in the fact that they 'are Gods' handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for [them]to do' (Ephesians 2:10)? Each of us is fearfully and wonderfully made, and God has put us in our families, schools, communities, and the world in this time and in this generation for a very specific and unique reason. And instead of finding power or making ourselves feel better by making someone else feel small and insignificant, we will never fee more empowered or confident than when we run our own race to discover the purpose for which God created us. What if we showed our kids what kindness and compassion look like? There is never any weakness in showing mercy and grace, because those characteristics are the very heartbeat of God."

On day-to-day life and trials: "It's too much for us to do in our own strength because we will mess it up, but he knows that and uses us anyway. It's never about creating or doing or being something that's perfect. It's not about having all the right answers. It's about being his. It's knowing that he who has called us is faithful."

"The world tells us that true success is a certain amount in your bank account, a certain number o cars in your driveway, maybe that all kids of people know you name... But true success and prosperity comes when you are right where God wants you to be, doing what he has called you to do."

"Do not be afraid, a Savior is born. ...we have a God who loves us so much that he sent his son wrapped in the soft skin of a newborn, and what sounded like a baby's cry was actually a holy roar letting darkness know the light will always triumph in the end."

"... the best thing we can do when someone we love is hurting is to show up. Most times there are no right words, no one thing that will make it all better, and nothing we can actually do to change the circumstances. But we can be the beige wall holding up the neon poster. And make all the difference simply by being there."

"I wonder what might happen if we could quit building walls around ourselves and let others see who we really are. To see where we are broken and where we are hurting and where we feel like we aren't enough. Sometimes wen we speak those things out loud, they lose their power, but when we keep them hidden, they grow stronger because we are almost always our own worst critics."

[Amy to the Max · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’d say 3.5+ stars.

This book made me lol many times. I wanted to hang out with Melanie. I think we have the same wit and humor. I liked her many lists of the “20 things”. This book was more story based than “self help/biblical guidance”’than I expected which is fine.

Some notes I took:

She didn’t do the glamorous thing. She did the faithful thing.

God uses small act of faithfulness to do something big

Gods will isn’t about the thing we achieve , but the people we become

Enjoy the little things for one day they may be the big things

There are people in need all around us if we ask God to give us the eyes to see them.

Shine where you can when you can wherever God has placed you.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melanie injects humor in her stories, keeping them interesting and enjoyable to read. That being said, after I read about half the book the stories started getting longer and a bit more detailed and I found myself losing interest before the story was finished. Also there were many references that, while I did understand them, my daughters could have related to much better. I do like her writing style but I believe those born in the 70’s would probably get much more out of it. I will definitely look for more of her books.

[Catherine Overby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It is a fun, lighthearted, nostalgic memoir. I laughed at her stories, and identified over and over again with her experiences. Melanie Shankle has a great memory, and it a gifted storyteller. No, this is not a life-changing, transforming read, and I don't think the author claims it to be. It's just fun, and it's clean. I listened to the audio and loved the author's southern drawl which adds even more to the enjoyment.

[Lisa Wells · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's rare that I don't like a book but this was one of them. Perhaps it was the narration but the content was definitely a part of it. There was (too) much faith integration that I could take, but it lacked inspiration. Plenty of ramblings about daily life that didn't seem to come full circle or to any conclusions. The author definitely finds joy and purpose, just not sure what the reader is supposed to walk away with.

[Cristina Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely listen to the audiobook…

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Melanie read this book. It was my favorite books from her but it was sweet and a great listen.

I first learned who Melanie Shankle was from the then, God Center Mom, Podcast. Ever since I’ve been a Melanie Shankle fan. She is by far the most genuine author/podcaster I enjoy reading about and/or listening to.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lighthearted and often laugh out loud funny book. It was a much needed break from a reading list that usually has far too many serious books and never enough of those that are just a joy to read.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shankle's books are like visits with an old friend. I love listening to these books - and as someone who has listened to her podcast with Sophie Hudson, I am accustomed to hearing her talk. She's funny and I appreciate her stories about life and faith.

[Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook-I always love Melanie’s memoirs and her personal narration. The humor, lists, and dog haikus throughout made this funny and heartfelt with plenty of meaningful stories about being a mom to a daughter.

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

My wife heard the author speak at a charitable fund raising luncheon. It sounded interesting enough that I thought I'd read a book by her. I both listened and read this book. The author walks through here life (with a humor view at times) discussing random topics.

[Mackenzie Albrecht · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really fun memoir! Even though I hadn’t heard of the author before checking this memoir out on a whim, I still enjoyed it. I loved the author’s sense of humor - it reminded me of a mix between the humor of Ree Drummond (who also wrote the forward!) and Gilmore Girls.

[Sarita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love Melanie Shankle's first few books. This one was good but not quite as engaging as the others.

[LT]

formerly called Church of the Small Things

[Dana Lefever · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed,I cried. Everything in this book is so relatable. I can’t wait to read more from her

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to it on Audiobook in my way to & from work. I loved that the author read the book herself. She had me laughing on many occasions.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A point yet comical look at many of the little things that fill life and bring it meaning. It has christian themes, but doesn't but spends minimal time actually talking about God.

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun and fast read. 3 stars because I had different expectations of the book.

[Morgan Gerak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her writing is hilarious and I enjoy every book she’s written. She is thoughtful and wonderful at explaining how God has moved in her life.

[Katie Pozzuoli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great audiobook listen with my kids.

[Jamie Thomason · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this little memoir to remind of those little things in life! They always end up being the big things and mean the most! Loved Melanie's book Nobody's Cuter Than You as well!

[Amy Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED!! She is so funny and then can make you cry! We are seriously alike in so many ways. Can’t wait to read the rest of her books.

[Harold Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was insightful and touching. As a man, it is good to know we share some of the same feelings that makes us human.

[Amber Dowdy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this on audiobook and related to so many stories that she shared. It’s definitely a feel good book about faith and friendship. I highly recommend it!!!

[Shelly Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Didn’t find it as significant as the last one I read from her, but it was still good.

[Heather-Gigi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refreshing, funny & light. great reminder of the Christian path & “how you gotta have faith, faith, a faith”-nod to George Michael;)

[Becky Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great sense of humor and easy read. Good reminders that the small things in life are the big things.

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this book in my customary 21-minute segments every morning while getting ready for the day.

It's a book of essays and I kept thinking, "ooh, this is the best one," and it would be surpassed by the next, so really, I just loved this book. I loved listening to the narration and the heart behind the narration, and I rated it 5🌟. Some of my favourite essays were the ones about exercise, her father and the one about her friend, Jen.