Why Start a Book Club?

Nina-
Jackie's book is beautifully written in a way that is easy to understand, thought provoking, and references Scripture to gently guide me on my journey.  I have a deeper understanding of how the Sacraments and adoration ground me and bring me closer to my Lord. 

For the past twenty years, I have made it a point to find peace internally and within my day no matter what is going on around me.  Jackie's book has significantly impacted my life for the better.  There are certain books that you read that once you finish the last page, you know that you will read it time and time again.  This is one of those books!

Mary-
Reading this book as part of a book club has provided me with the tools to revitalize my relationship with God. While I have always considered myself faithful and a true Catholic- this book has taken my relationship with God to another level. I had never given much thought to the outside pressures that are preventing me from keeping Christ as my center. This book helped me identify these pressures as well as ways to deal with them.

I am now more focused on turning to God and not “the phone” to find answers. Focusing on not only the power of prayer, but also taking time for myself. It is important to me that my children realize to put your trust in God and know that He is always listening. This book enlightened me on how to convey these messages to my children and also that my actions will speak louder than my words.

The chapter that addressed Adoration had the most profound impact on me. Going to adoration and praying in a beautiful chapel gave me such joy and peace. I have never felt so carefree. By reading this book and implementing the changes suggested I have found an inner peace that I have unknowingly been seeking.

Maryanne –
I consider myself blessed to have had the opportunity to know about and read this book.  After that initial purchase, I was invited to participate in a book club-type group to delve into each chapter with other like-minded ladies. 

After reading the book on my own, I was inspired to really make prayer a daily goal.  We are all so busy in our lives, but the author presents realistic, simple, meaningful ways to praise God in all we do.  She breaks down everyday challenges and provides insight into grasping those challenges as gifts and working through them in faith and prayer.  The author ties in appropriate scripture verses and provides thought-provoking questions at the end of each chapter for personal introspection and further study into God’s word. 

Subsequent to my initial read, our group met and discussed each chapter, focusing primarily on the Compass Connections and Compass Commitments featured at the end of each chapter.  I found the commitments part the most valuable, as there was opportunity to write down what changes I will personally embrace to direct MY arrow. The group discussions also added so much depth and breadth to what I had gleaned from each chapter and helped to solidify my personal commitment to prayerful change.

Jackie has such a simple, raw, artistic way of sharing her faith and purpose.  She provided a vast array of references, websites, prayers and media resources to her readers for additional readings.  I am changed from this group experience and feel it only enhances the overall message of the book. 

Don’t miss this meaningful journey of faith and prayer!

Honor –
Being a part of The Compass Club has given me a new sense of PEACE in my life. Realizing that PEACE is attainable with Jesus at the CORE of my very being has been so fruitful. Each chapter focused on a new set of ideas that broadened my mind and thoughts. The word “COMPASS” helped me to visualize the realization that I need Jesus at the CORE of my COMPASS in order for my life plans to work in line with Jesus’ plan for my life journey.

Each chapter focused on one of the letters in the word COMPASS.
In Chapter 1, we focus on “The Core of the Compass is Christ”. Oh, how very true this is for all of us especially those who are Catholic and Christian. “You knit me in my mother’s womb.” This line from Psalm 139 truly hits my heart and soul each time I read it. Wow! God knew me before I was in my mother’s womb. God created me to be the person I am today, and He has a plan for me and you.

Jackie references how we as a society are so focused on our physical appearance and will go to great measures to ensure that we are fit and trim. She talks about strengthening our CORE and how important that is when we want to be stronger and more fit. But how much do we spend time and resources on attending to our spiritual well -being? We instead should really be more focused on feeding our souls. every day and work on strengthening our CORE with Christ at the center of our lives. Some of my favorite passages:

•  “Christ is our core and our soul is our priority. Christ’s peace will be enough. Fear of missing out would no longer be an issue for us.” Page 19
• “If PEACE is an ultimate goal, we may consider consistently asking,” Is this good for my soul? And, “Is this best for the core foundation of my family?” Page 21
• “We are driven to achieve and NOT BELIEVE.” Page 22
• “The core of our compass has to be CHRIST if we desire PEACE.” Page 24

• “Taking time to pray, reflect, and wait to respond is so necessary to keep PEACE in your soul and in your home.” Page 45
• Modesty needs to be cultivated in a healthy manner with our morals in line with our beliefs. “We must continue to instill and affirm our faith values with our children often. Teaching them again and again that God’s will is to love Him above all others and love our neighbors as ourselves.” Page 48
• “The Beatitudes as the perfect way to live faithfully and remain blessed.” Page 49
• “The arrow of our soul can only stay focused with intentional prayer and the grace of God.” Page 56

In Chapter 4, we focus on Prayer Power: First Things First. This was one of my favorite chapters. Jackie stressed how we need Jesus at the CORE of our very being in order to do His will in this life. We need to prioritize Jesus as part of our schedules daily and use prayer to guide our decisions. Jesus needs a time slot on our calendars each day.
Jackie uses a simple acronym G.O.D to help us remember how to pray. G– express deep gratitude to God for our blessings each day, O – ask him to provide those opportunities to serve Him better each day and make a difference in the world and lastly Drepresents the importance of asking His directiontowards giving time to those tasks that are complete alignment with His divine will and not my own.

I enjoyed the end of each chapter materials: compass connection, compass commitment and journal exercises.These scripture- based exercises were transformative and provided ideas and ways to adopt different lifestyle changes and commitments. Also, these exercises were great reminders of how much simple scripture verses can actually be a daily guide for life challenges. I truly valued meeting with the women in our group to discuss the chapters. Talking over the ideas shared in each chapter and hearing everyone’s challenges and opinions was enlightening and reaffirming.

Reading the book has inspired me to be closer with Jesus and abide in Him at all times throughout my day. I am more at PEACE now when disturbances occur throughout my day. Being connected to Christ and realizing that Christ is at my CORE my life has changed for the better. This book will be a gift to all who read it! Enjoy your journey on The Compass Club!

Amy –
I found the Compass Club book to be a well written life guide that shared very tangible ways I could manage the many life challenges and issues I encounter daily as a Catholic woman. Being part of a book club with like- minded souls truly helped me to learn from others as we navigated each chapter and shared our ideas and experiences. Jackie has reminded me to trust in my faith and use the tools and intentional strategies discussed in the book to strengthen my life as Catholic and to achieve greater peace as a servant of Christ. – Amy S.