The Butterfly Effect, by Andy Andrews

Have you ever wondered if what you do day in and day out really makes a difference to the world around you? Do you seek to be purpose-driven in your work or family relationships, but then view the rest of life as hit and miss, or as of seeming insignificance?

Andy Andrews, throughout 109 colorful pages of this gift book, bases his inspiring message on the “Butterfly Effect”: “A butterfly could flap its wings and set molecules of air in motion, which would move other molecules of air, in turn moving more molecules of air—eventually capable of starting a hurricane on the other side of the planet”.

Applying this principle of cause and effect to our words and actions each day, we have the potential to alter history and powerfully impact peoples’ lives by even the smallest choices we make today.

Providing several provocative examples from the past of intertwining lives, choices made and how our world is different today as a result, Andy highlights the truth that we’ve been created with a unique purpose and that what we do with today matters, having the potential to dramatically shape unborn future generations.

A quick, motivating read Andy’s book would make a great gift for anyone who needs to be reminded of the value of the present moment and the eternal significance of their unique life’s contribution in the overall scheme of things.

The Boy Who Changed the World, by Andy Andrews

With vibrant colors splashing across each page comes the story of the boy who changed the world by inventing the seeds to grow ‘super plants’ that have helped to feed over 2 billion people over the course of time.

Was it really just one boy who altered the course of history forever through his actions? You’ll have to read the book to find out, but the message is an important one for children to embrace, that their individual lives are of great value to God and that every action they take, whether good or bad, has an impact on the lives of those around them.

As children read about the choices of former Vice President Henry Wallace, George Washington Carver (the inventor of the sweet potato), Nobel laureate Norman Borlaug and others, they will come to understand that our lives are intertwined in sometimes surprising ways with others and how God gives every person the amazing potential to change the world for good!

(Note: I reviewed these books as part of Thomas Nelson’s Blogger Review program called, Book Sneeze. In exchange, I received both books free of charge. )

Today, October 19, is a national holiday in Albania, celebrating the life of one famous Albanian whose impact has been felt by every nation around the world.

• her actions
• her words
• her kindness
• her humility
• her boldness
• her courage
• her passion
• her mercy
• and her compassion for all humankind…especially the beaten, the poor, the downtrodden, the untouchables.

All these things and so much more make her one of the most memorable leaders in the past century.

Though you might not recognize her by her given birth name, Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu, you would certainly recognize this famous Albanian by the name she used upon taking her religious vows at the age of 21, Teresa, aka, Mother Teresa.

Hers is a life worth remembering, worth celebrating, and worth emulating. She followed in her Creator’s steps– serving sacrificially, giving up her life for others, touching the unwanted and broken, challenging political leaders to put words into actions to shower compassion on the forgotten, neglected, yet precious ones of our day.

What an amazing life, one well-lived, full of love and compassion. Mother Teresa believed we shouldn’t be paralyzed into non-action, so overwhelmed by the incredible needs throughout the world that we don’t lift a finger to respond, but rather, as stated in her words:

“We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.”

“What I do you cannot do; but what you do, I cannot do. The needs are great, and none of us, including me, ever do great things. But we can all do small things, with great love, and together we can do something wonderful.”

Are you doing that which only you can do and doing it with great love to make a difference in this world?

Do you see the power of teamwork in combining all of our unique, God-given talents to do something wonderful and truly lasting?