Can ordinary lives be extraordinary? In her new book, Ordinary Lives, Extraordinary Grace: God’s Purpose in Your Every Day, author Martha Van Buskirk shares how anyone can make a difference in his or her very own family, neighborhood, and community through Spirit-led acts. Van Buskirk’s book is available to order from the Concordia Publishing House website now.
“This book flows from the inspiration of what can happen when God gives us fresh eyes (and ears) for others,” Van Buskirk writes. “What marvelous things Christ does through us when we wait and hope expectantly, when we listen to His call and guidance as we meditate on His Word. God provides places to shine His light as we open our lives to serve others. He leads and empowers us to be His witnesses to the Gospel” (p. 7).
Van Buskirk writes about how Christians can serve God—even without flashy titles, accolades, or roles—in their families, neighborhoods, and communities. She sets up each chapter to serve as a weekly guide and divides chapters into specific focus areas, with biblical anchors and key themes to give readers focus. Van Buskirk begins each chapter with Scripture and concludes each with a key spiritual takeaway and questions for readers to ponder and discuss.
“Right from the start, Martha invites us to explore practical ways our ordinary lives can make a big difference by taking one divinely inspired step at a time,” says Donna Snow, founder of Artesian Ministries and Christian author and speaker. “Martha’s vulnerability and honesty in sharing personal struggles and triumphs provide us with a boots-on-the-ground understanding of how to shine the hope of Jesus by using what God has already given us. Whether you are a lifelong Christian or are new to the faith, this book provides fresh eyes on how to live a purpose-filled life anchored in God’s grace.”
Visit cph.org for more information about the book. Contact Erica Sontag to schedule an interview with the author.
Praise for Ordinary Lives, Extraordinary Grace
With cheerfulness, vulnerability, and gentleness, Martha Van Buskirk provides a master class on how the Gospel comes to life in God’s people. She lifts up the introvert and guides the extrovert to be brightly shining Gospel encouragers in a world that is broken and challenging. Ordinary Lives, Extraordinary Grace unwraps the emotional intelligence and relational sensitivity that help regular people deliver the treasure of the Gospel every day to everyone in every corner God has placed them.
—Rev. Michael W. Newman, author of Hope When Your Heart Breaks and president of the Texas District LCMS
Have you ever had a conversation with a good friend who both encouraged and challenged you to step out of your comfort zone? Meet your new good friend, Martha Van Buskirk! Martha has a winsome way of communicating biblical truths and practical tips that are both relevant and genuine. Her unpretentious writing style blended with well-researched information is a win for me. Enjoy the process as she inspires you to take a little risk because our community needs light and grace.
—Eden Keefe, LWML president 2023–2027
I love Martha’s reminders that every person has value and purpose from God, no matter his or her role or life stage. Her personal stories and Scripture references help us apply the Word to our daily—and even “ordinary”—lives. I appreciate the reflection questions that bring the message home and the action suggestions that encourage us to put learning into practice, so the Holy Spirit can demonstrate His extraordinary grace. Great for a small group or individual study!
—Diane Bahn, Texas District (LCMS) Care and Coaching Team
Ordinary Lives, Extraordinary Grace is a truly inspiring resource. Right from the start, Martha invites us to explore practical ways our ordinary lives can make a big difference by taking one divinely inspired step at a time. Each chapter begins with a biblical anchor and ends with action items that provide ways to interact within our homes, communities, and churches right where we are. No special skills or equipment needed—simply kindness and a willingness to help others. Martha’s vulnerability and honesty in sharing personal struggles and triumphs provide us with a boots-on-the-ground understanding of how to shine the hope of Jesus by using what God has already given us. Whether you are a lifelong Christian or are new to the faith, this book provides fresh eyes on how to live a purpose-filled life anchored in God’s grace.
—Donna Snow, founder of Artesian Ministries, Christian author and speaker
“Folks . . . shine because their hearts are anchored in the Lord.” That is a wonderful affirmation from Martha to encourage all of us ordinary people. She gives practical, thoughtful, and honest insights to help us really “see” others. We can serve our families, our neighbors, and even our communities with “mobile shine.” Points to ponder and action challenges work well for individual study or small groups to explore the ability to lift others because of extraordinary grace.
—Constance Denninger, co-founder of Visual Faith® Ministry
Martha Van Buskirk has written the definitive how-to guide that allows us to discover how our ordinary lives and everyday actions define our God-given callings. Martha adroitly weaves biblical wisdom with her own life journey to allow each of us to discover our unique role in being the hands and feet of God. Ordinary Lives, Extraordinary Grace is a perfect resource for couples and small Bible study groups who seek to individually and collectively live out the unique role God has created for each of us.
—Laurie and Kurt Senske, spouses, parents, grandparents, servants
The beauty of this book is that it takes all the differences that separate us and boils them down to one simple truth: people need Jesus. We are all valuable souls created by God, and God uses ordinary people to share His extraordinary grace. Martha gently nudges each of us to consider the unique mission field in which God has placed us: in our own families, churches, neighborhoods, and communities. With obvious enthusiasm, Martha encourages readers to take a step in faith, follow the Holy Spirit’s nudging, and get out of their comfort zones to let their light shine!
—Ruth Meyer, CPH author of Our Faith from A to Z, Grace Alone, and N is for Nativity
Martha’s book took us on a journey to discover the blessings God has placed into our lives and how those blessings can be shared with those around us. While we may see ourselves as ordinary, God always sees us with a higher purpose. Martha is clear that the Holy Spirit, working through Word and Sacrament, enables us in our Christian walk. Her insight into Scripture is truly astounding as she weaves God’s Word to empower and encourage us to be the light of Christ where we are. The reader will be both well-grounded in Scripture concerning how God uses us to accomplish His purposes and encouraged to use everyday circumstances to God’s glory as we touch the lives of others.
—Pastor Wayne and Kathy Graumann, Montgomery, Texas
Martha’s generous hospitality and ability to shine the light in the every day is not a shiny facade. These qualities are the real deal, the light of Christ shining through her. In this book, Martha gives a glimpse into how sharing Jesus with others through everyday moments is exactly the lift our world so desperately needs. Her ability to make the ordinary extraordinary by sharing the love of Jesus is inspiring! In both big and small ways, we can do the same.
—Rev. Mark and Laura Pulliam, pastor and director of Christian education, Lazarus Church, Spring, Texas
In this book, Martha provides a friendly, practical introduction to living out our faith in ordinary, everyday experiences. Often, many of us feel inadequate, or not skilled enough, to share our faith in Jesus. This book provides an easy-to-read, Scripture-based explanation of how we can share our love for Jesus with family, friends, and even strangers we meet throughout our ordinary lives. Starting with how uniquely we are created, the chapters progress to include many different life situations and relationships.
—Ursula Sohns, pastor’s wife and retired college English professor
Martha asks, “How can I shine this light [the Gospel] more graciously and generously in my home, neighborhood, and daily journey?” Those two words—“graciously” and “generously”—got my attention. This is the challenge for all followers of Jesus Christ. How can we be more intentional and successful in living in a way that the extraordinary grace of God is more fully active and impactful? Her “Points to Ponder” and “Action Challenges” point the reader toward a more intentional lifestyle. Martha helps us see how even the ordinary settings of life can be places for God’s grace to shine brightly.
—Rev. Dr. David Bahn, congregation support specialist–Area D, Texas District, LCMS
Gracious has become a jargonish adjective, overused and misunderstood. Martha Van Buskirk places the word gracious back where it belongs: rooted in God’s saving acts in Jesus Christ and related to “our everyday shining spaces”; rooted in the biblical witness in order to be related to family, community, the workplace, and the challenges of real life.
—Rev. Dr. John Arthur Nunes, interim president, California Lutheran University
About the Author
Martha Van Buskirk is a writer, speaker, and author from Houston. A proud momma of three millennials and a doting grandmother, she especially loves quiet time with Jesus, hanging out with her family, reading, strong coffee, and the mountains. Her delight is shining the light of faith in Christ—with joy and imperfection—in everyday spaces, as an advocate for charitable causes, and alongside her husband, Raymond. Martha holds a BA in journalism from Valparaiso University and certification in nonprofit leadership from Rice University.
