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Everyday Disciples: Lessons Learned From Unnamed Scripture Heroes
Though we may not know their names or tell tales of their outstanding feats, there are countless quiet, humble disciples in the scriptures who faithfully found their place in the fold of God even when their contributions went unnoticed by those around them. As we start to see the impact of these unnamed scripture heroes, we can also better recognize the significance of the seemingly small contributions each of us can make to building God’s kingdom on earth. Everyday Disciples testifies that every voice is needed, every testimony is important, and every soul is great in the sight of God.
160 pages, Paperback
Published February 26, 2022
9 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
November 6, 2023
Don’t read this book during your lunch break unless you’re ok with crying in front of all your co workers 🥹
October 21, 2024
I think this was a gift, but it was exactly what I needed right now. You don't have to be someone known by everyone else to be known by him.
June 6, 2022
Love, love, loved this book. The author is so young, at least anything I could find on her. This is an absolutely amazing book. The scripture references she uses, and the way she tells them is so unique to her story, and how she relates them to what she’s teaching, is clearly one of the most clever methods I’ve experienced. I am in awe. I am also in humble tears.
I am already planning on buying copies of this book for mom, Laurie, Carrie, and Ronda, with this short note:
Some of the blessings you have received in your life are because you have valiantly chosen to live by the teachings and examples expressed in this book.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Love
Shellie
I am already planning on buying copies of this book for mom, Laurie, Carrie, and Ronda, with this short note:
Some of the blessings you have received in your life are because you have valiantly chosen to live by the teachings and examples expressed in this book.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Love
Shellie
March 15, 2022
This book is filled with raw, tender moments in the authors life. I was touched by her way of writing, and how she applies the scriptures to her life. There are quite a few people, in the scriptures, that are unnamed, but they still have an important place in the story. What a gem this book is, I loved it.
October 17, 2022
Loved this!
May 12, 2022
I couldn't finish the book. I was even listening to the audio version and couldn't finish it. Granted I gave two stars because I only got about two chapters in, but the introduction and the first two chapters were very bland. I felt like I was reading someone's journal entry rather than learning anything. More details of descriptive imagery than doctrine and principles.
August 28, 2022
The strength of this book of testimony was the author’s beautiful sincerity and devotion. She has such a sweet and tender voice and shares sacred, difficult, and spiritual experiences in a very open and vulnerable way (the story of being protected by the high school boys from racially-charged bullying and letting go of her foster daughters was especially moving to me). Turning to the Lord during her difficult experiences has given her much wisdom in her young age. I love how she reads scriptures by imagining that she was there, part of the multitudes, humbly witnessing the sights, sounds, feelings, and events. Through her experiences and insights she invites each of us to become a disciple of Christ, perhaps not the prominent ones whose names are well-known, but one of the unnamed ones who bravely stand in the background, humbly serving and loving.
Thoughts and quotes I want to remember:
-Reminder that we never see the whole story…the end of the journey…but we can seek to see the Lord in our steps
-Joy of coming to know others stories, of connecting, of unity
-Work to really see others … it’s by truly learning, seeing, and understanding that miracles come
-Story of the friends who carried the man with palsy to the Savior – “Regardless of the path they took to get there or the strength of their faith at the beginning of their journey, they ultimately found themselves at the feet of the master. By bringing a brother to the Savior they themselves came to Him.” Henry B. Eyring: “By helping others come unto Him, you will find that you have come unto Him yourself.”
-Her foster daughter after singing “I Stand All Amazed” and tenderly crying: “Jesus isn’t dead, are he?” “No, no sweetheart he died for us but he lives again.” She said, “I knew it, I just knew it. I knew it because I can feel Him. I can feel Him here by me.”
-“I did not get to cuddle and rock the precious newborn Christ-child. I didn’t meet the Savior in Cana or sit at His feet in Capernaum. I didn’t kneel at His cross or see the stone rolled back from His tomb. I wasn’t there when He came to the Lamanites in the Americas and I have yet to feel the nail prints in his hands and feet. Those were not the missions I was called to serve, but someday I know that I will see Him again. My Spirit will know Him before my eyes will.”
-Everyone you serve is Jesus in disguise (A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief)
-“When messengers are sent to minister to the inhabitants of this earth they are not strangers, but from the ranks of our kindred and friends. In like manner, our fathers and mothers, brothers, sisters, and friends who have passed away from this earth, having been faithful and worthy to enjoy these rights and privileges, may have a mission given to them to visit their relatives and friends upon the earth again bringing from the divine presence messages of love, warning, of reproof, and instruction to those whom they have learned to love in the flesh.”
-Joseph F. Smith
Thoughts and quotes I want to remember:
-Reminder that we never see the whole story…the end of the journey…but we can seek to see the Lord in our steps
-Joy of coming to know others stories, of connecting, of unity
-Work to really see others … it’s by truly learning, seeing, and understanding that miracles come
-Story of the friends who carried the man with palsy to the Savior – “Regardless of the path they took to get there or the strength of their faith at the beginning of their journey, they ultimately found themselves at the feet of the master. By bringing a brother to the Savior they themselves came to Him.” Henry B. Eyring: “By helping others come unto Him, you will find that you have come unto Him yourself.”
-Her foster daughter after singing “I Stand All Amazed” and tenderly crying: “Jesus isn’t dead, are he?” “No, no sweetheart he died for us but he lives again.” She said, “I knew it, I just knew it. I knew it because I can feel Him. I can feel Him here by me.”
-“I did not get to cuddle and rock the precious newborn Christ-child. I didn’t meet the Savior in Cana or sit at His feet in Capernaum. I didn’t kneel at His cross or see the stone rolled back from His tomb. I wasn’t there when He came to the Lamanites in the Americas and I have yet to feel the nail prints in his hands and feet. Those were not the missions I was called to serve, but someday I know that I will see Him again. My Spirit will know Him before my eyes will.”
-Everyone you serve is Jesus in disguise (A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief)
-“When messengers are sent to minister to the inhabitants of this earth they are not strangers, but from the ranks of our kindred and friends. In like manner, our fathers and mothers, brothers, sisters, and friends who have passed away from this earth, having been faithful and worthy to enjoy these rights and privileges, may have a mission given to them to visit their relatives and friends upon the earth again bringing from the divine presence messages of love, warning, of reproof, and instruction to those whom they have learned to love in the flesh.”
-Joseph F. Smith
November 17, 2023
3.5 ⭐️. This book had my name written all over it. I love the idea of highlighting those that do good works but never get the notice. I do like the stories the author shares but there was a lot of speculation given with the scriptural stories which I didn’t care for. I loved the last chapter though. It made me cry.
“The true show of Christlike love and humanity comes with what we do after we see one another’s differences.”
“It is the very nature of our beings to desire to be seen and to be loved exactly how we are. We left a premortal world where we were accustomed to being loved and seen. We lived and loved in the presence of One who sees and loves perfectly. It is no wonder, then, that when we feel unloved and unseen by our brothers and sisters, our souls just cannot handle the heartbreak.“
“Nearly every story in the scriptures has people who stood bravely in the background. I encourage you to look for them, think about them, and apply their examples to your life. You will see that they were important and needed, they followed prophets, they stood strong in adversity, and they were willing to be humble and repent when it was required of them. They were needed in their story; they have a place.
You are needed in the story that is being recorded on high today. The Lord needs brave men and women who stand beside our prophet and apostles and who are bold enough to know that they are needed in the kingdom. You may feel like you’re unknown in the world, or even in your stakes and wards. You may even feel as though your story is forgotten. But I promise you, it is remembered by your Heavenly Father. Your name is written in His records and on His heart. Your contribution is sacred because your daily discipleship is the very thing that brings you to Him.“
“The true show of Christlike love and humanity comes with what we do after we see one another’s differences.”
“It is the very nature of our beings to desire to be seen and to be loved exactly how we are. We left a premortal world where we were accustomed to being loved and seen. We lived and loved in the presence of One who sees and loves perfectly. It is no wonder, then, that when we feel unloved and unseen by our brothers and sisters, our souls just cannot handle the heartbreak.“
“Nearly every story in the scriptures has people who stood bravely in the background. I encourage you to look for them, think about them, and apply their examples to your life. You will see that they were important and needed, they followed prophets, they stood strong in adversity, and they were willing to be humble and repent when it was required of them. They were needed in their story; they have a place.
You are needed in the story that is being recorded on high today. The Lord needs brave men and women who stand beside our prophet and apostles and who are bold enough to know that they are needed in the kingdom. You may feel like you’re unknown in the world, or even in your stakes and wards. You may even feel as though your story is forgotten. But I promise you, it is remembered by your Heavenly Father. Your name is written in His records and on His heart. Your contribution is sacred because your daily discipleship is the very thing that brings you to Him.“
November 22, 2025
When I listened to the introduction of this, I was sure I was going to LOVE the book. Then when it started, I did a complete about-face. The way she introduced the first couple of chapters just wasn't my style. I was also expecting something a little different. Based on the title, I was expecting a deep dive into scriptural heroes we don't generally talk about. Instead, she took a scripture story and applied the lessons from it to either her own personal experiences or those of people she knew. The paradigm shift there also threw me for a loop. As I got further into the book, she changed the way she wrote the scripture stories, which I was glad about; and I realized what the book was going to be. I then started to enjoy it more. WOW! She's been through some hard things. I was horribly appalled at times, sad at others, and in awe at others.
Overall, it was a good read, but I didn't feel the need to go out and buy the book. I was happy listening to it through Deseret Bookshelf.
Overall, it was a good read, but I didn't feel the need to go out and buy the book. I was happy listening to it through Deseret Bookshelf.
April 21, 2024
My favorite quote...
“The Savior took all the lad had to give and tore it apart before it could fill its full potential. It could have appeared as though the contribution was destroyed. But it was the breaking that allowed Jesus to use every drop of the offering, leaving remnants to spare and not a fragment lost.
The most sacred and perfect offering ever given was bruised, broken, and torn, too. Our Redeemer gave all He had to the Father, including a perfect body and spirit, to create for each of us the miracle of His Atonement. He had to experience the breaking before He could fulfill His ultimate mission and potential.”
“The Savior took all the lad had to give and tore it apart before it could fill its full potential. It could have appeared as though the contribution was destroyed. But it was the breaking that allowed Jesus to use every drop of the offering, leaving remnants to spare and not a fragment lost.
The most sacred and perfect offering ever given was bruised, broken, and torn, too. Our Redeemer gave all He had to the Father, including a perfect body and spirit, to create for each of us the miracle of His Atonement. He had to experience the breaking before He could fulfill His ultimate mission and potential.”
July 2, 2022
Ricks observations of using not just the prominent scriptural characters but even the unnamed and applying their lessons to our lives is powerful. I love imagining being a member of Alma the Elder’s congregation being asked to fast for his son who has been my antagonist. How would you feel? Or the kid that provided 5 loaves and 2 fishes. It is post to know god can magnify our smallest contribution.
Some of her stories of how she applies the scriptures to her own life don’t land for me but that is ok. I think that is part of the message. Quick read and cool thoughts.
Some of her stories of how she applies the scriptures to her own life don’t land for me but that is ok. I think that is part of the message. Quick read and cool thoughts.
March 19, 2023
This was a thoughtful look at some of the unnamed disciples from scripture; those that helped a friend in need, those that mourned with those that mourn and offered comfort, those that offered all they had, those that lead others to Christ.
It is told in a very straightforward manner, using scripture and then current day examples and application. The author encourages us to read the scriptures looking for the "everyday disciples" and then to look around to discover those disciples among us, and how we too, are everyday disciples.
I'm so glad that I read it.
It is told in a very straightforward manner, using scripture and then current day examples and application. The author encourages us to read the scriptures looking for the "everyday disciples" and then to look around to discover those disciples among us, and how we too, are everyday disciples.
I'm so glad that I read it.
May 16, 2022
Takeaway: We can make the scriptures more meaningful in our everyday lives and the messages personalized to us.
With the subtitle: Lessons learned from Unnamed Scripture Heroes, I thought there would be more about these people. There was a little, but not enough to warrant the subtitle.
The personal stories of Taylor Ricks were interesting and mostly applicable to the principle being explained,
The references were well researched and it was an easy read.
With the subtitle: Lessons learned from Unnamed Scripture Heroes, I thought there would be more about these people. There was a little, but not enough to warrant the subtitle.
The personal stories of Taylor Ricks were interesting and mostly applicable to the principle being explained,
The references were well researched and it was an easy read.
November 27, 2024
This book is the sweetest! You get not only Sister Ricks’ strong testimony, which touches on a multitude of subjects—from race, to mental health, to medical disabilities—but she makes scriptures and hymns into personal narratives and is very, very encouraging. I loved all of it, from angels and miracles, to stories like Rylee’s and that of Emily, Ella, and their grandpa, to A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief at the end. I definitely needed to read something like this right now.
September 15, 2022
Taylor, we see you, and thank you for seeing us.
She articulated deeply held beliefs and thoughts I didn’t know I had until I saw my truth on these pages. And illustrated every point with a deeply vulnerable learning moment that speaks soul to soul.
I can’t wait to look for more ‘invisible’ scripture heroes.
She articulated deeply held beliefs and thoughts I didn’t know I had until I saw my truth on these pages. And illustrated every point with a deeply vulnerable learning moment that speaks soul to soul.
I can’t wait to look for more ‘invisible’ scripture heroes.
January 16, 2023
This book is beautifully written and is an important reminder for us as disciples of Jesus Christ. There are many ways to serve Him and it’s okay if we feel we are in the background in doing so. I especially loved the chapter about remembering our ancestors and how they have helped her husband in his personal trials. Mine have helped me too.
January 31, 2023
The author uses stories from the scriptures as well as her own life, and the lives of people she knows, to illustrate how gospel principles help faithful believers to deal with the problems faced in life. This is a quick and uplifting read. I listened to the audiobook, from Deseret Bookshelf Plus.
February 2, 2023
While I didn’t care for the beginning where it’s speculative to Nephi’s family’s thoughts, I really enjoyed the book afterwards! I enjoyed her personal experiences as well as the experiences of people she knows. There are so many amazing examples of disciples around us and this book was a beautiful reminder.
March 13, 2022
If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would. It was beautiful—both the scriptural references and personal experiences were so touching. Taylor’s way of writing was so fresh and I absolutely loved this book!
April 6, 2022
Loved everything about this book. Such a quick and fun read! My favorite part is the personal stories that Taylor relates in each chapter and how raw, real, and relatable they are. This is her first published book and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
July 16, 2022
The writing was good, not great.
But, the content was AMAZING! It had me tearing up in every chapter. It's so relatable too. Everything can be applied in everyone's daily life. I LOVED it and I will read it over and over.
But, the content was AMAZING! It had me tearing up in every chapter. It's so relatable too. Everything can be applied in everyone's daily life. I LOVED it and I will read it over and over.
March 6, 2023
A beautiful book and testimony for everyone, but especially those of us who feel invisible. Taylor has a unique way of looking at scripture that I hope to adopt myself to some small degree. I loved how she paired modern and personal stories of faith with scripture stories!
April 27, 2023
An absolutely stunningly beautiful and insightful book.
It definitely answered some of my deepest fears and prayers. Totally cried but for the most beautiful and humbling reasons.
I will be reading this regularly.
It definitely answered some of my deepest fears and prayers. Totally cried but for the most beautiful and humbling reasons.
I will be reading this regularly.
April 9, 2024
What a beautiful testimony and love of turning to our Savior in time of need. I was so touched and cried often during this book. This was much needed in my life at this time. I am grateful that the author, Taylor Ricks, took the time to write this and share her experiences and testimony.
June 3, 2024
A very moving book about this woman's real life experiences. She also makes comparisons to everyday disciples in the scriptures, particularly those people who aren't mentioned as often as others. She seems to be a woman of great faith and shows great trust in the Lord.
March 5, 2022
I loved the heartfelt stories.
March 11, 2022
A beautiful collection of ancient and modern stories about discipleship through joy and hardship. The way Ricks relates the scripture stories to today is refreshing.
March 17, 2022
What a beautiful book filled with insights into discipleship and missionary work. I loved this book. It left me inspired and motivated.
March 29, 2022
Such a sweet and tender read. I don't know Taylor, but I want to be her friend. I really enjoyed this book and her insights.
May 3, 2022
Loved this book. It helped me look at the scriptures in a whole new light.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews