Every Little Thing: Making a World of Difference Right Where You Are

by Deidra Riggs, Ann Voskamp

Everyone has had that moment--we see a need in our church, our school, our neighborhood, our family, or our world and we think, Someone really should get to work on that, never imagining that wemight be the answer to that need. We don't have the time, the expertise, the money. We've got careers to manage, bills to pay, meals to prepare, and families to attend to. Besides, who are we to think we can change the world?In this encouraging and empowering book, Deidra Riggs calls readers to accept God's invitation to join him in making a difference right where they are, regardless of their current life stage. She shows readers that they were created with a purpose and with the capacities to fulfill that purpose. And she reminds them that it's not up to us to fix the world, but it is up to us to join God--and the rest of his people--in his redemptive work. For when God calls and we look over our shoulder and answer, "Who, me?" God always emphatically answers, "Yes, you."

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Self Help, Faith, Spirituality, Theology, Christian Non Fiction

1 pages, Audio CD

First published September 29, 2015

Reviews

[Holly Grantham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deidra's words envelope with grace, love and acceptance all throughout this book. At every turn, Deidra speaks with the gentleness of a dear friend and with the wisdom of one who knows your struggles. Her words and her spirit beautifully communicate the exact message that God longs for each of us to hear and know.
We are loved. Period.
Then, with the patience of one steeped in kindness and love, she reminds us that our response to such is the same: We, too, are to love. Period.
THIS. This is the good news.

[Mary Bonner · Rating 5 out of 5]

While reading Every Little Thing I realized that what I do DOES make a difference. Even if it seems like a small thing. Even when Satan is lying to me and telling me what I do doesn't matter...I know it does. Deidra reminds us that "God sees things differently. With God, the small things matter for bigness too."

This book was easy to read and kept me engaged. I highly recommend it and will be encouraging my friends to read it!

[Kay Schrock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some parts of this book were encouraging. But a lot of it follows the current trend of shallow women's spiritual self-help books that are so popular right now.
I know this is specific to me and my background/experiences, but when the biggest trial in your life has been moving a to a new state, then you lost me.
When you are talking about how God doesn't need grand things from me - then go on to tell me how he used "timid, insignificant me" to organize a big conference - then you are doing exactly the things that I am NOT, which is why I read this book.

[Gabby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how Deidra puts God’s message into words so beautifully written. It is honest but at the same time grace-filled. It is deeply rooted in scripture. This is definitely one book I’d recommend if you feel that you are backsliding or needing words of comfort for what you are going through or reminders of God’s love for you.

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goodreads win. Will read and review once received.

This was a wonderful read. The writing was great and the length of the book was just right to me. While reading this book I realized little things do matter. I would definitely recommend this book to friends and family. A great read that anyone would enjoy.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a remarkable little book. Short, sweet, with a strong, clear voice and simple, but priceless ideas about how each of us is born to make a difference, right where we are, are who we are.

Riggs's writing is friendly and approachable and within about five minutes, you know you want her to be your best friend, at the very least. And I also wanted to learn to view the world through her lens, which reads as genuine, intentional, self-deprecating, and endlessly patient and kind. The key ideas she puts forth are simple to the point of duh, but path she takes to get to her warm and gentle exhortations is loaded with both personal annecdotes and scripture references. It became clear, as I was wrapping up the book, that Riggs is a master writer with a master editor. It takes a lot of work to make things that clear, concise, and friendly.

And finally, a word about reading the books you need to read when you need to read them: this has been in my reading list for a number of years. My book choosing process is as random as I can make it: keep a giant Goodreads list; as needed, as a friend or, lately, a kid to pick a book for me by selecting, at random, first a page number, then a book number. This popped up and was immediately available via library app. Right now is a time I need to be told, reminded, exhorted, and reminded again that Kingdom work isn't always massive, immediately obvious to everyone, and supremely fulfilling. Sometimes it is simply doing the next right thing, in love, and cherishing that that one act will aggregate with both all your other tiny acts and those of the rest of the Kingdom, into something much bigger than our tiny selves could ever conceive of.

Warm, wonderful and highly recommended. Minus one star for a few instances where attempts at ecumenical inclusion became universalism.

[Kelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm looking for a book for a group of women to read to encourage us to use our gifts and work together to live out our faith. This has some positive aspects because she spends much of the first part of the book acknowledging our fear to step out and act. "You've forgotten that fear doesn't disqualify you from the thing God is calling you to do." It doesn't have to be a huge, world-changing step, but God wants to work through us, and he gives us the choice to do so. That's where faith comes in. "Faith is when you say yes with no courage in sight...faith leads to brave."

Like so many books of this genre, there are stories from her life that are metaphors for taking those steps and acting. They are honest and heart-warming and make her point to take those steps. But also like these books, I wish there was a little more physical, this-is-what-you-can-do and less "God loves you." I know God loves me. What I need help with is now what do I do to live out that love? How do I encourage others to work with me? What kinds of things can I do in my community and my church? I'm ready to use my gifts, I'm just not sure where or how to do it.

She quotes Oswald Chambers, "As long as you maintain your own personal interests & ambitions, you can't be completely aligned or identified with God's interests...allow God to take you directly into His purpose for the world." I really like that quote but how do I do that?

There's so much dissension in the world, and I'm tired of being afraid to talk to people because they may not agree with me. There has to be some common ground where we can work together to do some good. This desire to bring people together to work together keeps popping up into my thoughts and my life, so I guess, like Riggs says, I better pay attention.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a Mother's Day gift from our pastor to all the mothers, both current and expecting, in our church. I had never heard of Deidra Riggs, but the thesis of this book, that your ordinary life can be monumental without the pomp and circumstance of highly esteemed worldly achievements and "measuring up" to fellow Christians, is very relevant to the women and men doing life together in our congregation, myself included. Riggs is comical and engaging, imbibing humorous anecdotes about skydiving, cherry trees, and a reluctant move to Nebraska with biblical messages about God's plan for us: to love Him and receive His endless love for us, and to extend that love to others. Regardless of where you live. Regardless of what accolades you have racked up. Riggs points to colossal biblical figures, called from everyday lives, and how Christ made miracles happen in theirs, and she concludes with the mission that He can make miracles happen in yours.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

i read this book slowly so i could soak up every word. if you feel suffocated by how vast the need is in the world and powerless to do anything of value, read this book. Deidra will lovingly take your hand as she points you back to a God who wastes nothing and wants you.
from page 174: “ are you still looking at your life, turning it over in your hands and declaring to the vast expanse of hopelessness, “I have nothing to offer”? have you forgotten, mighty warrior, that God does his very best work from nothing? Ex nihilo.”

“ex nihiilo”-Latin for “out of nothing”. there is hope and breath extended in those simple words.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was phenomenal! After reading it, since I loved it so much and was inspired to take the next step of obedience in following the Lord, I bought extra copies of this book and passed them out to my friends, who also love this book! It is so incredibly well-written, and inspires the reader to take the next step of obedience to God, because even if it's the tiniest little step, it's a step in the right direction.

[Larisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deidra Riggs does a Beautiful job in her 1st book communicating the truth: God Cares About Every Little Thing About You!! The theme that runs through the book is that Jesus Christ invites us to be exactly who we are, in the places where we find ourselves, and be infused with the Salt that comes when we surrender our lives and our agendas to the control and might of the Holy Spirit.

[Caroline Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowee — this is exactly what I needed to read. I felt like this book was literally written for me, it’s like so many of my thoughts were on the page. AHHH books like this are magical. Highly recommend to anyone who sometimes questions Gods plan for them, or just doesn’t know what that plan is. YAY

[Christi Peach · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was written 8 years ago, I randomly picked it because I enjoy listening to the narrator (Robin Miles), and with every chapter, God just kept revealing to me that the timing of me reading this book is perfect! Just when I’m questioning my purpose and my path, I am reminded the Creator wanted me here for such a time as this. His great love for me is a precious gift!

[Carole Duff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I expected Riggs’ book to be a spiritual “self-help by helping others” read. Yes, except the author starts by jumping out of an airplane. Hang on and prepare to get to know your real self then listen and do God’s work.

[Margaret Fraleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was given to me as a gift. I really enjoyed reading the words of wisdom throughout
this book. Making a world of difference right where you are. Great read.

[LaRae Davenport · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!!!!! A wonderful
Motivation to find worth where you're at!

[Bethany Winn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I couldn't finish this. She was so great to meet and listen to in person, deep and intelligent and prophetic, but the writing style and content felt fluffy.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing up, I really felt that to be the best servant of God I could be I would need to be a missionary. And so, even though the idea scared me and didn't necessarily feel like my calling, a missionary is what I was going to be. Deep down all I really wanted to be was a wife and mother but that just didn't seem like a big enough dream to claim. It was too safe, too comfortable and surely not enough. But God gave me the desire of my heart and I married a very good man and had 3 little boys. Life got busy just taking care of the needs of my family and it started to feel like being used by God was going to be put on hold for this season of life. As much fulfillment as running a household and raising my children brings, I sometimes yearn for a little bit bigger impact with this one short life I have. So I keep praying God would use me in my little corner of the world and would lead me to opportunities, even if it means outside of my comfort zone.

I have found ministries to invest in that I get to see God work in on a regular basis. My husband and I open up our home each Thursday night to a diverse group of teens for youth group. They are rowdy and rambunctious and some weeks it feels like the bible study doesn't sink in much at all, but they keep coming back and they keep bringing their friends. God is working there. Then there is the Godly Moms' group my church has been hosting for a few years now. It is a program that really fills a need in moms looking for community and encouragement as they try to do their best to live out this big calling that is Motherhood. We have women from several different churches come and scores of children each week. There is always challenging teaching, encouraging discussions and lots of "me too" moments. So, I have slowly come to find that this chapter of life doesn't mean my usefulness to God is put on hold. I have even come to relish living a small life made up of ordinary days.

Every Little Thing: Making a World of Difference Right Where You Are by Deidra Riggs was the perfect read for this time of slow realization. Deidra first helps us realize that we can't do any good thing on our own. Even as we want to be the Good Samaritan in the sphere of our lives, we are first in need of some saving grace ourselves. Then we must be able to let go of the burden of our shame and let ourselves be identified as washed clean by Christ and prepared to be used by God, in every little big and little thing. If we can trust in the Lord to walk us through our fears and into big dreams that He has made us distinctively for, we're in for a great adventure!

Many times when God places a dream just for us in our hearts, it's easy to dismiss it with a "that's something for someone better equipped than me" or " that's already been done." And even if we do actually take heed to the pull of our hearts, we will usually quickly find that we don't get to see thrbs e big picture. We have to just take a breath and take the next small step in faith. Like Gideon, God works in a big way when we are small and seemingly at a disadvantage.

The chapter that made the whole book for me was chapter 7- The gospel needs to be lived. I really appreciated the reminder of what the gospel means to us in everyday and needed to hear what Deidra had to say about it. I don't go to a "relevant" mega-church and I am not a modern day Proverbs 31 woman with the perfectly style wardrobe, well behaved genius children and it all documented on her adorable blog with thousands of followers. I am the mom living on the farm with her slightly crazy little boys and who has plenty of her own "hot mess" moments. I go to a little community church in the country. I see women who are living out very similar lives to mine but they sure do see to be doing it a whole lot better than me.(and most definitely with more style!) I love the line Deidra uses against this mindset- "Let me warn you right here and now, and let me be clear when I say it: it is a dangerous thing to think that we can measure the impact of the gospel in our lives against the very same gospel in someone else's life." That is a challenging, yet refreshing charge. I really love how Deidra goes on to remind us that the Gospel doesn't need our help to make it more trendy and relevant; the gospel stands on it's own. How freeing- His word does not come back void.

This book was a great encouragement to me; a reminder that if I give my best to His purposes, God will use every little thing for His glory.

I recieved this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion

[Michele Morin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Invitation to Adventure




I may possibly have rolled my eyes a teensy bit as I glanced at the 3×5 card from my pocket:


“Sing praise to the Lord for He has done gloriously. Let this be made known in all the earth,” Isaiah 12:5.

It’s not that I disbelieve the first clause; no, it’s the scope of the second clause that triggered the response. However, today, pushing a lawnmower, hair like Medusa in a wild autumn breeze, my eye-rolling response went immediately into auto-correct, because I had already turned the final page of Every Little Thing by Deidra Riggs, and her words were still singing quietly under the injunction of that ancient prophet. The truth is that I am a small-platform kind of person, and if I want to make something known even “in all the house,” I’d better say it at the dinner table on an evening when everyone is home — and then hope that everyone was listening! It’s easy to feel insignificant, even obsolete, but I am learning that God has a different message to share:


“Most of us will make a difference in this world, but not because of some grand or large-scale initiative. No, most of us will change our corner of the world and make an impact that stands the test of time through the small and seemingly insignificant [to us] interactions and decisions and conversations of our average days. We make a difference where we live, and incrementally, that place begins to shift.”

What a relief to be reminded that my sandwich-making, mini-van driving, vegetable canning days are not inconsequential. In our culture of “go big or go home,” it is a gift to hear that faithfulness to God’s daily assignments in a particular time and place can make breathtaking changes — first of all, in me.

A skilled story teller, Deidra starts us out in her little yellow childhood home on Sycamore Avenue or soaring over the earth in a stylish parachute, but before we know it, we’re in New Testament era Palestine, witnessing a close call with an impromptu execution. The strands of a tale twine like DNA, infusing the life of a lesson into the weaving, and straightening out the crooked fibers of the lies that we tell ourselves:
•We feel small when we focus on our sin and forget grace. Instead of helplessly watching the parade as your record of wrongs struts itself before your eyes, claim the truth from Romans 8:1! No condemnation!
•We feel small when fear stops serving us and starts controlling us. Every Little Thing unfolds the road map revealing that “trust is the pathway through fear.”

I suspect that the reason Deidra’s words resonate with encouragement is that her high view of God translates into a high view of His people:


“The voice of God breaks through the chaos, and the excellency of the power is of God and not of us, and it is so magnificent that it slips through and into the very fiber of our beings so that we have to still our hearts and catch our breath and trust that light scatters the darkness every time.”

Every Little Thing trumpets the power of the timeless Gospel. We add nothing to it by all our goodness, and we take nothing away from it in all our brokenness.


Visit Deidra’s blog, Jumping Tandem, and read more about Every Little Thing, as well as a wealth of other encouraging words.


This book was provided by BakerBooks, a division of Baker Publishing Group, in exchange for my review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Karrilee Aggett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't tell you how excited I was to dive in to Every Little Thing by my friend Deidra D. Riggs! It stirs up all the Yes and Amen's and Oh, you too's! Like this quote from the book: "Breathe. God will meet you there and receive your one, beautiful, miraculous breath as an act of worship and as a surrender of yourself into his purpose for your life." I have been looking forward to reading this book from the time I first learned it was being written, but I had no idea that when it arrived, I would be gasping for air and just trying to remember to breathe! I needed the reminder that even just my breath is an act of worship when I surrender!

I was honored to get an early digital version to read and it arrived on my Kindle after one of the worst days ever. (Because, of course!) So I thought I would use it as an escape, as one does after a no good, horrible, bad day! I curled up and thought I could just drink in the beauty that Deidra so graciously lays out. I have come to know her rhythm and sound, following her blog and other venues she writes for, as well as rocking on a porch and just listening to her share her heart in real life. So, really, I just should have known! I should have known that God would use her grace and her boldness to call me out and hold me up and light the fire to be brave... to remember that in this upside down Kingdom, sometimes that smallest most unseen things you can do are the biggest and grandest gestures and oh my goodness, how they count!

I love Deidra, and I trust you will too... and yet she just never lets up, y'all! She holds me accountable for what I know, even when what I know seems hard. She won't let me quit, back up, or give in to fear. No, instead she says it like this: "Fear is designed to serve us. Not control us. Fear says, 'Well, here's something new and a little bit risky...' A healthy response to fear is to give attention to it, but not to surrender control." See? No wiggle room! Deidra is a loving friend who speaks the truth and she is the best kind of encourager who won't do it for you - but she sure will run alongside you to cheer you on.

This book fell into my hands when fear was pulling me down, and the enemy was yelling lies that felt oh so true. Another one of my favorite quotes is this: "Lying, for the devil, is not a second language he's trying to master. Lying never gets old to him. He is not bilingual. He knows no other language." Now, I am an Underliner... a Highlighter and a Dog-Ear turner... and I am still waiting for my 'real' copy to arrive so I can read it once again, with pen in hand! Yet that quote above? That quote shouts all the Yes and Amens and it is highlighted in my soul! '

Thanks for that, Deidra! You are consistently clothed in grace, speaking the truth in love... and I, for one, am better for it! You inspire me to be better at being me, and who doesn't need that kind of encouragement?

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encouragement for Christians in ‘Every Little Thing’

I promoted the book Every Little Thing when it first came out because the author is my friend and I believe in her motivations and in her calling. Now, I want to re-introduce the book to anyone who might read what I write. Put simply, in this book Deidre Riggs encourages Christians to say ‘yes’ to God. The book is full of delightful stories. Here I will touch on three vignettes that stand out for me.
First, in the chapter titled “The Gospel needs to be lived,” she recites small, every day ways the ‘work of our hands’ can be offerings to God. Her lengthy list of examples include many things that I have done in my life. I can recall doing these each of these things, sitting at the side of the hospital bed, washing the dishes quietly (hoping not to wake my wife), and giving my $25 per month of my paycheck (in 1992) to sponsor a child in Kenya. None of these acts felt holy or sacred at the time, but D. Riggs shows how these simple things can be tied to my walk with Christ. She says, “We don’t step into a fairy tale when we choose to live out the gospel” (p.133). It is real. It is tiring and beautiful, normal and extraordinary; and, it is real.
Second, in chapter 8, building on the theme of witnessing to the reality of faith in everyday life, she writes, “All around us, in cotton socks with heels worn thin, walk mighty warriors whose stories will never qualify them for the cover of a magazine” (p.158). Through much of the latter part of the book, Riggs appeals to Gideon and the contrast of one whose self-perception is total insignificance, but is called “mighty warrior” by God. I truly appreciate her treatment of the Gideon story. Whenever I tackle a task where it seems I lack resources but also it is clear that the task is from God, I tell those with me that we have been given “Gideon’s 300” and that’s all we’ll need. As someone who also appeals to that story in my own faith expression, I was greatly heartened by Riggs’ writing on Gideon.
Finally, I love the sermonic ending at the close of chapter 9. “Would it be alright,” she asks, “if God took over from her?” She proceeds with an inviting string of “would you,” “can you,” “would you,” “can you,” questions that draw the reader to a point of involvement. Up to now, she has delighted the reader with stories of the thrill of skydiving tandem and the shock and then beauty of moving from the east to Nebraska. She’s such a gracious story teller, it has been easy listening. But now at the close the ready has been lovingly nudged to this. “Can you find a way to release the hold you’ve got on your dreams and your plans for your life? Can you trust that God has got the best offer going” (p.178)?

Reader, I recommend that you buy and then read this book. But I close out this writing asking you not to consider this a book review. Rather, deal with the question asked. Can you trust God and turn your life over to Him?

[Victoria W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every once in awhile I come across a book that is hard to review. It's unique, it's necessary, and it really does take reading the book to discover how special it really is. As far as I'm concerned, Every Little Thing by Diana Riggs is something special.




It's also hard to describe as a book. Some sections don't read like a book at all, they feel more like Mrs. Diana Riggs has popped over and you've found yourself in the middle of a good conversation. Other sections are meant to be shared, read over and read aloud to get the full impact (something my husband will confirm though it may come with some mutterings about reading in bed at 11:30 pm, oops) Still other sections brought me back to my college days with the depth of the subjects Diana dove into while still maintaining a beautiful simplicity this tired Mama could grasp at midnight.

The book opens with a quote about finding the extraordinary how it's here, how it's hidden in plain sight in the ordinary. Over the course of 9 chapters Riggs takes her readers through the ordinary, pointing out the pitfalls that can hinder us and the truths that can lift us into that extraordinary in the every day.

As a flipped through the pages (especially in sections 1 and 2 as the book is split into 3 sections) it was like having a conversation with Riggs. I'd sit and go "yes, that's nice but" and the next page would dive right into my unasked questions. Riggs honesty was refreshing and her humour delightful. Having started to come through the other side I alternated with giggles and knowing nods during her recounting of the first seven years in Nebraska (a definite highlight).

This book is timely and because of that, some people are not going to like it. For some, the combination of Riggs' honesty and the subject matter will be too painful. For others this book will be the breath of fresh air they've been looking for. Personally, I'm wondering how hard it would be to turn this into a book study. It's that good! Riggs writes from what she knows and that's part of the books appeal, her topics are the questions I hear over and over again: what to do with the lies, when we miss the mark, when we don't want to go, are we hearing right.
This is a book about life in all its moments.

5 out of 5 stars

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Nuts About Books book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
first posted athttp://kindredspiritsandeverydayfairy...

[Kim Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sitting down with this book by Deidra Riggs is like sitting down with an old friend. It’s like sitting down with Deidra herself. I cannot tell you how warm and inviting her words were in this little book. I felt a connection to Deidra and her sweet and sassy style of writing from the very beginning of Part One: Knowing Yourself. It felt as though I was sitting down with a wise friend who was sharing her own story and who was equally invested in my own. It felt almost like a pep talk. She said things like, “God loves you and me, just the way we are – prone to wander and all the rest.” (pg 40) and “You’ve forgotten that fear doesn’t disqualify you from the thing God is calling you to” (pg 58).

I loved the author’s analogies and stories about her journey, and felt so very encouraged and inspired by her own personal lessons learned. I especially loved the chapter titled “Breathlessness” where she talks about Abram and Sarai. She talks about the faithfulness of God and our own trust and surrender to His purposes. She says, “God is God, and he is faithful regarding the promises he speaks over us and into us” (pg 108). She also says, “When we search for significance outside of surrender to God, we create our own version of God’s plan for us, and it rarely measures up” (pg 110).

In the final section of the book, Taking the Next Step, there are so many “quotables” that I nearly highlighted an entire chapter! She talks about the Gospel needing to be lived and how the Gospel doesn’t actually need defending but rather needs to be lived. “The gospel of Jesus does not need us to make it right or true, or worthy of our attention or devotion. It does not ask us to draw lines of division or to build walls of separation. It doesn’t need a new wardrobe or a new method of delivery. It doesn’t need to be timed or altered or picked at any more. The gospel needs to be lived” (pg 139).

While I LOVEDthis book, I loved its author even more. I loved her wit and wisdom and her love for the Gospel and for her reader was so very evident and encouraging. I am excited to recommend this book for anyone who just needs a good friend and encourager and I eagerly await another book by Deidra Riggs!

[Prairie Sky Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isn’t it a delightful surprise when you decide to read a book you don’t know much about, by an author you’ve never heard of - and it turns out to be one of the best non-fiction books you’ve read in a long time? Well, that is exactly what happened to me when I picked up a little paperback from BakerBooks entitled Every Little Thing written by Deidra Riggs. As she explains on the back cover, Deidra’s story “calls you to accept God’s invitation to join him in making a difference right where you are, right now. She shows you that you were created with a purpose and with the capacities to fulfill that purpose.” Written in a warm, witty voice, Deidra weaves her thoughts into beautiful word-pictures that will touch your heart... And maybe even give it hope, too.

I don’t know about you, but I have a hard time getting through dry, unimaginative non-fiction books with little in the way of humor, and less in the way of interesting. That is why Every Little Thing was a breath of fresh air. Overflowing with love and creative ways of expressing ideas, it truly brings its subject to life. What exactly is its subject? Well, that is a little difficult to pinpoint but a good starting point is found in the introduction: “This book is your invitation to celebrate that journey. Celebrating the significance of this one, ordinary, average life shifts our perspective and starts us on the road to God’s adventure for our lifetime. This book invites you to the celebration of every little thing that makes your life spectacularly breathtaking and of the fulfillment of all God has in store. It’s a book that climbs down from the high and lofty and that quietly shuts the door against the clamoring and clanging and striving and trying to be heard above the noise.” Does that sound like your kind of book, just as it sounded to me? If so, I recommend without any hesitation that you find your own copy of Every Little Thing. It is a hope-filled treasure just waiting to be discovered...by someone like you.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

[Brandee Shafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a beautiful, exciting thing to read the nonfiction words of a real-life friend, someone in whom I believe wholeheartedly. I didn't need to read Every Little Thing to stand behind it; I know the heart of the author. I have rifled through her kitchen cabinets and slept--after she turned down my bed with her own hands, praying for my rest--on her pull-out sofa.

I could tell you a lot of things (all of them gorgeous) about Deidra Riggs, but my favorite thing about her is this: she really just wants to leave you further along than she found you. She's too wise to think she can carry you or fix you, and in fact, she seems to have a healthy detachment from how your story will end. If you spend a moment with her, you'll inevitably feel it: she's fully present and thinking about how she can illuminate your path with the one moment she has. She'd like to see you take your next step. For now, one step (in Christ) is plenty enough.

I found Every Little Thing to be a beautiful reflection of and from the heart of my friend. If you're feeling shy of a calling from God, or if you think you know how God is calling you but feel inadequate, fearful, or overwhelmed, this book is for you...not because it includes a detailed plan, but because it will help you take your next step. For now, one is enough.

Every Little Thing will help you believe that you are loved, that God has created you to love Him and other people. If you're willing, He can and will do amazing things through you...and "amazing" has little to no relationship to size. I do recommend this book, but more than that, I recommend this writer. If you're unfamiliar with Deidra Riggs' blog Jumping Tandem, you're missing out. She's hosting important conversations there, and she's doing it with almost unimaginable kindness and grace.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riggs wants us to see the sacred role we have in changing our corner of the world. She invites us to see the significance of an ordinary, average life. God chooses to invite us to join Him.

She explores the issues that might keep us from entering into God's plan. She helps us understand we are free from condemnation (which is not the same as conviction). She shows that fear does not disqualify us from God's calling. God invites us to trust Him. But it is not a spectator sport.

Riggs shares many of her own experiences. One is to help us understand that, even though God may ask us to relocate, He is always with us, preparing the way. Her life is a testimony that God will bring us through. She includes the examples of many biblical characters too.

This book is a great encouragement to those who will never be on the cover of a magazine or be a mega-pastor. It is a book for those who desire to make a difference in their communities, their churches, and their families. “We can take solace and find comfort in the biblical accounts of people doing seemingly insignificant things that mattered for eternity.” (158)

This is a great book for the average and ordinary Christian. We are encouraged to know that God has an adventure for us. There is no thinking that we are not smart enough or that we are too old. Riggs shows us that where ever we are, God is ready to use us.

I recommend this book to those who have been discouraged by books mandating that we have to give up all to be used by God. He has a plan for us right now, Riggs writes. He delights in us and wants to use us right now. We just need to ask Him what adventure He has planned for us.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

[Katie M. Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book about the fabric of Christianity and how God is a personal God who wants to connect with you—as you are, where you are.

Every Little Thing: Making a World of Difference Right Where You Are touched my heart in tender places. Deidra curates lessons from her life and produces soul-stirring questions to challenge the reader. She invites the reader to pause, breathe deep and embrace the life found on the front steps.

Every Little Thing is a conversation over coffee with a wise and approachable friend.

My biggest take-a-way is to live my ordinary life well. So often I chase after success, accolades and shiny gold stars, when, in actuality, the greatest fulfillment comes from being faithful each day and loving those around me well.

Deidra’s message is a needed and timely one that grounds us while giving us the courage to fly when it’s time.

Some of my favorite quotes:

"Release your grip. Give the performance a rest, and let him in.” –Every Little Thing, pg 140

“Would it be all right with you if God took it over from here? Would you be able to live surrendered to him if no one ever noticed?” –Every Little Thing, pg 178

“Could you remember it’s all about shining the spotlight on God?” –Every Little Thing, pg. 179

“We give Him permission…to lead us into the deep and glorious places right beneath our feet.” –Every Little Thing, pg. 180

*I received this book for free via Baker Books Bloggers in exchange for an honest review.

[Michelle DeRusha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a pretty black-and-white person, so sometimes it's hard for me to truly get my head around the depth and breadth of God's love for me personally. This beautiful book articulates that love in such a refreshing, honest, real, poignant way, I was finally able to catch a glimpse of it and believe it in my heart.

Deidra Riggs is a master storyteller. Her words invite you in and make you feel as if you are sitting on a cozy couch, your feet tucked under you, a warm cup of coffee in your hand. She'll make you laugh or nod your head in recognition, and then, in the next moment, you'll find yourself awash in tears or exhaling in awe at the magnitude of God's love.

If you've ever felt lost, or wondered what in the world your purpose is, or even questioned whether God has any role for you at all in his kingdom here on earth, this book will convince you once and for all that God does indeed have something beautiful planned for you. You'll turn the last page of Every Little Thing exhilarated by the possibilities and filled with a new understanding of God's limitless capacity for love.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riggs' approach is to help us see how it is not about a big life dream/goal/purpose but rather that we are created to do God's work. That is our purpose. And He alone will give us everything we need to fulfill that purpose. It's about looking around us and seeing the needs and joining in with God.

'Every Little Thing' is a short read, but Riggs covers a lot of beautiful ground. This book is easily 5 stars. I recommend it to those who have forgotten how to dream or may have just given up on it. No. You are NOT the only one. And we can still be used for God's glorious works.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
See more of this review and others like it at Sunrise Avenue

[Gini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once in a while among the vast array of Christian living books written by and for women one stands out. This is that one. \

Riggs writes from experience and a kind of maturity I have not found in most of the others---yet anyway. Steady solid narrative that encourages the reader with calm, sure statements that come from her deep faith. Being who you are, where you are as defined by God not any other person, living life His way is the key. That includes the ordinary day to day routine things. Riggs has an excellent take on “ordinary” that I will let her share when you read this book.

The nits, if you find any, are far outweighed by her content. I recommend this book.

This book was provided by the publisher in exchange for a review.