A monthly dose of inspiration and hope

It was only a few months ago that I subscribed to Guideposts. I had signed up to get a free issue along with a free 2001 calendar. Needless to say, after that first issue I realized that this was one magazine that really could help me to be a better person.

There are no photos of women with impossible to get bodies, no ads for items I can't afford - in fact there are no ads at all in Guideposts. What you will find in each and every issue of Guideposts are true stories of normal every day people. Stories that will inspire you to keep going, to take a moment and realize how blessed you really are, as well as to see that miracles do happen.

About the magazine

Guideposts is a very small magazine compared to what we're used to. It's size is only about 5 x 7 and it has "just" 60 pages per issue. My subscription cost me $10.95 for 12 issues (one year) - it's more than worth it!

The stories in Guideposts definitely have a spiritual undertone. Most are related to God (or some higher power) and the amazing things that can and do occur because of faith and prayer.

I can't say that Guideposts follows any one religions beliefs and from what I've seen, you really don't need to be religious to enjoy it. What you do need to be is open to spiritual things and the belief that there is (or may be) a higher power out there.

Guideposts has recently undergone a major face lift. In the past it was pretty crammed with as much as could fit onto a page as possible. It was okay that way, but now that they've re done it I love it! What the publishers have done is simplified the layouts. There are no longer several things on each page, rather each section and story has it's own set pages. Very nice!

Regular Features

Each month I've seen a piece on a well known person, whether that person is a celebrity or public figure such as the Surgeon General, David Satcher you'll get a very well written and fabulous story about their lives that I'm sure you won't see anywhere else.

Guideposts is currently working on a series called "Caregivers". The first month it was about caring for elderly parents and the next month it was about caring for a child with disabilities. These stories offer support to those who are going through similar things as well as helpful information for those of us who may someday be in that situation.

What Prayer Can Do - each month you'll find an amazing and touching story of how answered prayers have impacted someone's life.

Pass It On - "People Helping People" Here you will find a few very short stories (more like parts of letters sent to Guideposts). Again they tend to be filled with hope and inspiration.

His Mysterious Ways & The Divine Touch - a story about an incredible "coincidence", that really can only be called amazing and or a miracle

Family Room - here we get to read more about the people whose stories we've just read, it's like a little update on what they're doing now and how things have turned out for them.

Continued... - a section for stories about how Guideposts have effected the lives of it's readers.

Overall

If you're one who enjoys reading true stories of hope and inspiration about real people I don't see how you would be disappointed with Guideposts. However, if you're one who is very resistant to faith of any kind, shuns spirituality, doesn't believe in miracles, etc. You most likely won't care for this magazine.

I really love Guideposts. I enjoy the stories which motivate me to do and be more. They really show what life is all about, and I'm sure I'll renew my subscription when the time comes.

And finally

I leave you with a quote from Guideposts August 2000 issue. This quote really touched me ~ along with the story it came from.

"The American Dream does not end when it comes true for you; it then becomes your responsibility to make it come true for others."

- David Satcher, U.S. Surgeon General