I hope you enjoy a cold iced glass of tea as we enter full swing into summer. Today, the temperature hit a high of 101 degrees. As I shook my head, my husband saw golfers in our local park. They may be playing golf, but I am inside, sitting in the cool, reading a book.
The Christian Capitalist: The Gospel of Hard Work and Generous Giving – Written by Rich Sanders
I recently had the opportunity to read Rich Sanders’s new book, The Christian Capitalist: The Gospel of Hard Work and Generous Giving. Sanders is the founding pastor of Online Home Church in the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta. Sanders follows a bi-vocational calling, serving in ministry and business. As the retired President of Southern Health Lawyers, he has practiced law for almost thirty years. Sanders is the founder of Michael’s Mission, Inc., a ministry organized to assist and serve active duty and veterans of the armed services. He is a retired volunteer chaplain at the Interfaith Airport Chapel at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
Reading The Christian Capitalist made me think about true success and how we can help others. Do we have a heart for philanthropy? We work hard to provide for our family. However, we must also bless others. “Everything we have is a result of God’s blessing.”
This groundbreaking new book (published in January 2024) explores scriptural references that support twin pillars of Christian belief: 1) working hard to make a productive benefit from talents and materials that God has provided all people, and 2) giving generously to share those benefits with our neighbors in the name of Jesus Christ. Through a discussion of Holy Scripture, Sanders analyzes passages that relate to these concepts of productivity and generosity, along with two thousand years of history discussing the good works of Christians as examples. Ultimately, this book develops a uniquely Christian and capitalist philosophy: the Gospel of Hard Work and Generous Giving.
Sanders states that being a Christian capitalist involves giving your money, but you can also give your time. You can help others by serving at church, a soup kitchen, or a senior center. To learn more about your giving, ask God while reading this book and delve into a deeper relationship with Him.
In the interview below, Jean Thomason (of Momentual Influencers Network) speaks with Rich Sanders about the book.
Click HERE to order your copy of The Christian Capitalist today!
First Giveaway In conjunction with the book’s release, we are offering our readers a chance to win a copy of the book. To enter the giveaway, please comment below on a charity you give to and why. One comment will be selected randomly, and that person will receive their own copy of The Christian Capitalist.
The giveaway runs until Saturday, July 6, 2024, at 11:59 pm, and the winner will be announced on Sunday, July 7, 2024.
The giveaway is limited to United States residents. The winner’s full name and mailing address will be submitted to our marketing team, who will send a copy of the book at a later date. Our team will email you to receive your full name and mailing address.
Second Giveaway Our readers also have a chance at a second giveaway worth $500. To enter, use THIS FORM. The winner will select a US-based Christian ministry or organization, and $500 will be donated to them.
Disclosure:
Many thanks to GoodWorks Mission, LLC, for providing a sample of the book to write this review. My opinions are 100% my own.
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It’s hard to imagine that the summer is in full swing. It’s been extremely hot in most of the country, yet snowing in other parts. I pray that you are staying safe wherever you are in the world.
During the summer, we celebrate three holidays that honor American freedom: Memorial Day, Juneteenth, and Independence Day. Freedom is the foundation of our country and was achieved and maintained by Americans who accomplished extraordinary things in the face of adversity.
Something To Stand For is a new film by one of America’s favorite storytellers, Mike Rowe, who examines that freedom thanks to everyday heroes. Join Rowe as he takes an epic journey to the heart of Washington, DC. Drawing from his popular podcast “The Way I Heard It,” you will step on the frontlines of the American Revolution, World War II, the Civil Rights movement, and more.
Something To Stand For explores the stories of American heroes who risked everything to build this great country. Some of the heroes are ones that you know about. However, the stories that Rowe shares about them are probably ones you have not heard of before. The stories will make you proud of America and give you something to stand for. Please note that the story of one prominent figure involves bulls becoming steers. That’s all I will say. However, no animals were harmed while making this movie.
Watch the official trailer here:
“Mike Rowe is a great American, and in his new film Something To Stand For, in a totally surprising and entertaining way, he shares the stories of many great Americans whose lives have affected us all in profound and positive ways. I loved this film and encourage everyone to see it. Our country needs it. Thank you, Mike!”
– Gary Sinise, Actor and founder of the Gary Sinise Foundation
Something To Stand Fordebuts in theaters on June 27th. Be sure to get your tickets now. Celebrate your freedom by honoring the people who helped earn that freedom for you.
Giveaway In conjunction with the release of Something To Stand For, we are offering our readers an opportunity to win a $10 Amazon Gift Card.
To enter the giveaway, please comment below on an American hero that you admire. One comment will be selected randomly, and that person will receive the gift card.
The giveaway runs until Thursday, July 4, 2024, at 11:59 pm, and the winner will be announced on Friday, July 5, 2024. The giveaway is limited to United States residents. We will submit the winner’s email address to our marketing team, who will send the gift card at a later date.
Disclosure:
Many thanks to the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) for allowing us to preview Mike Rowe’s new movie and offering this giveaway. Our opinions of the movie are 100% our own.
Nestled against the backdrop of the Wasatch Mountains, Salt Lake City beckons travelers with its unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. As the capital of Utah and the headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, colloquially known as the Mormon or LDS Church, Salt Lake City offers visitors a captivating mix of outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, and spiritual experiences. At the heart of this dynamic city lies the iconic Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, a renowned musical ensemble that has enchanted audiences for generations. As you explore Salt Lake City, don’t miss a visit to the Tabernacle Choir. To learn more about Mormons, visit Mormonism Explained.
Discovering Salt Lake City’s Charms Salt Lake City welcomes visitors and offers a wealth of attractions to explore. For outdoor enthusiasts, Salt Lake City is a paradise waiting to be explored. Lace up your hiking boots and venture into the nearby Wasatch Mountains, where many trails offer breathtaking views of the city below. In winter, hit the slopes at one of the nearby ski resorts, renowned for their powdery snow and world-class amenities. For a more leisurely experience, take a scenic drive along the Great Salt Lake and marvel at the otherworldly landscapes of the Bonneville Salt Flats.
Next stop: Immerse yourself in the city’s rich history at Temple Square, a 10-acre complex that serves as the spiritual and cultural center of the LDS Church. Marvel at the majestic Salt Lake Temple, an architectural masterpiece built by Mormon pioneers that took over 40 years to complete. It was finally finished and dedicated as a temple of God in 1893. It is adorned with intricate spires and gleaming white marble. As of 2024, this historic building is undergoing a massive upgrade to make the pioneer structure earthquake-safe.
Also located on Temple Square are various meticulously landscaped gardens surrounding the Temple, Tabernacle, Assembly Hall, Lion House, Relief Society building, and the Joseph Smith Memorial building. You can also learn about the pioneers who settled the region at the Church History Museum or your own ancestors at the Family Search Center. All of these attractions are free and open to the public.
Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square
The Harmony of the Tabernacle Choir No visit to Salt Lake City is complete without experiencing the uplifting music of the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. Founded in 1847, the choir has a storied history dating back to the early days of Mormon settlement in Utah. Today, the Choir has over 360 volunteer singers. The first choir members were the original pioneers who trekked to Utah. The first Black members of the choir were Wynetta Martin Clark and Marilyn Yuille. Although Blacks in Mormonism were subject to the priesthood ban at the time, both joined the choir in 1970. Members of the choir have traditionally had to live within a certain distance of Salt Lake City, however, the choir introduced a new program in 2023, called the global participant program. This program allows members of the Mormon Church who are qualified to join the choir during the church’s semi-annual General Conference every April and October.
The choir has earned international acclaim for its impeccable vocal performances and diverse repertoire, which spans classical masterpieces, spiritual hymns, and contemporary arrangements.
Attend a live performance at the iconic Salt Lake Tabernacle, a historic circular auditorium renowned for its remarkable acoustics. You can listen in at one of the choir’s weekly rehearsals, held every Thursday evening, and witness the dedication and passion that infuse every note sung by its members. You can also attend one of their weekly Sunday performances at 9:30 am. Whether you’re a devout believer or a curious traveler, the Tabernacle Choir’s performances are sure to leave a lasting impression. When planning your trip to Salt Lake City and the Tabernacle Choir, be sure to check the choir’s performance schedule and reserve tickets in advance, as concerts often fill up quickly.
For those unable to attend a live performance in person, the Tabernacle Choir offers a wealth of digital content, including recordings of past concerts and behind-the-scenes interviews with choir members. Tune in to the choir’s weekly broadcast, “Music & the Spoken Word,” which airs on radio and television stations worldwide, and let the soothing melodies uplift your spirits wherever you may be.
Other Attractions Additionally, take advantage of the city’s vibrant dining scene, which offers diverse culinary delights to suit every palate. From farm-to-table eateries serving locally sourced cuisine to international restaurants showcasing flavors from around the globe, Salt Lake City has something for everyone to enjoy.
Located near the University of Utah campus, the Natural Museum of Utah offers engaging exhibits on the region’s natural history, including dinosaurs, Native American cultures, and the geology of the Great Basin. Utah is renowned for its rich paleontological heritage, particularly its abundance of dinosaur fossils and tracks, some of which can be found in the museum.
If you are willing and able to travel further than the environs of Salt Lake City itself, the state’s varied geology and ancient landscapes have preserved a treasure trove of prehistoric artifacts, making it a prime destination for dinosaur enthusiasts and researchers alike. Dinosaur National Monument is located in Vernal, Utah, near the border of Utah and Colorado. Visitors can view hundreds of dinosaur fossils embedded in the quarry walls, including the remains of Allosaurus, Diplodocus, and Stegosaurus. The park also features scenic hiking trails, river rafting opportunities, and petroglyphs from ancient Native American cultures.
The Red Butte Garden and Arboretum is also located near the University of Utah’s campus in Salt Lake City. Explore over 100 acres of botanical gardens and hiking trails at Red Butte. The gardens offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and a diverse collection of plants from around the world, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
This is the Place Heritage Park, a living history museum in Salt Lake City that focuses on offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s pioneer past. The park occupies over 450 acres of picturesque terrain and features historic buildings, interactive exhibits, and immersive experiences that celebrate Utah’s rich heritage. The park’s name, “This Is The Place,” commemorates the spot where Brigham Young, leader of the Mormon Church, famously declared, “This is the right place,” upon arriving in the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. Mormonism, explained celebrates this pioneer heritage.
Visitors to This Is The Place Heritage Park can explore a variety of attractions and activities that showcase different aspects of pioneer life. They can tour historic buildings and a replica of a Native American Village. Artisans and reenactors demonstrate traditional pioneer crafts and trades, such as blacksmithing, candle making, spinning, and woodworking. They can also take a train ride or pony ride and visit the petting zoo.
The Great Salt Lake, for which the city is named, is just a short drive from downtown Salt Lake City. It is a natural wonder worth exploring. Visitors can hike, swim, or float in the lake’s buoyant waters or simply enjoy the breathtaking views from Antelope Island State Park.
In conclusion, a journey to Salt Lake City, the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, or any of Salt Lake City’s many attractions promises to be a memorable and fun-filled experience. Whether you’re drawn by the city’s natural beauty, its rich history, or the transcendent music of the Tabernacle Choir, you’re sure to be captivated by the wonders that await you in this enchanting corner of the American West.
We live in a time when troubling events are happening all around us. Holy wars, violent college protests, and political divisiveness are familiar daily headlines. It is easy to become anxious and fearful if we are not firmly rooted in God’s word and do not know how to stand firm.
The war in Israel has dominated the headlines since the surprise attack and the brutal attack on the people on October 7th. Israel has since received tremendous backlash for defending itself against their attackers. This backlash has grown into hatred and violent attacks on Jewish people on the streets and college campuses. Most historians say that we have not seen this much antisemitic rhetoric since the Holocaust. It’s time to put an end to the violence on college campuses. It’s not too late to sign the anti-rioting PETITIONand support Israel today!
Giveaway Winner Announcement In conjunction with the push to have people sign the petition, we offered our readers a chance to enter a giveaway. Congratulations to
~*~ Belinda B. ~*~
who will receive a $10 Amazon Gift Card! Yeah!! Belinda, we will contact you regarding your gift card!
On this Memorial Day, we remember and honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country—the heroes who died defending the freedom that Americans often take for granted.
People often say to me and others, “Happy Memorial Day!” However, when you think about it, nothing is happy about this holiday. Mothers and fathers, husbands and wives, and children who are mourning loved ones who are no longer with them. A family member who loved America so profoundly that they served in the highest capacity to make and keep this country the greatest country in the world.
This day is not meant to be light-hearted or happy; remember not to focus only on barbecuing or enjoying a three-day weekend. Take time to think about how to honor our country, our freedoms, and these fallen heroes – who, without them, the United States would not be the country we know today. I believe saying “Happy Memorial Day” diminishes the soldier’s sacrifice and says to that hero’s family, “I hope you enjoy your grilled hot dog.”
On this Memorial Day, take time to reflect on what it means to be an American and remember those who died defending our country. Say a prayer for their family to have God’s peace and love surrounding them.
Let us know in the comments what you are doing to commemorate the solemn day.
Learn More About JT
Bubbling with Elegance and Grace started out as an outlet for my passion for fashion but has evolved into a place for me to teach, collaborate, and inspire. My hubby has since joined the team and we have been digital creators for 13 years. We are thankful for those who believed in us from the beginning and those who have just started riding with us on this lovely journey.
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