November Book Recommendations

Here are some favorite book recommendations for this month. I hope you’ll be blessed by these. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Fiction –

The Clause in Christmas by Rachael Bloome

I enjoyed this uplifting story of a young woman searching for answers, direction, and meaning in her life. She inherits a house from her unknown grandmother, but it’s conditional on her completing her grandma’s “Christmas calendar” of activities. Of course, there’s a charming small town, a handsome lawyer, and plenty of Christmas, as the heroine discovers who she wants to be and finds her home.

(This book is not “Christian fiction” but it’s a sweet, inspirational read.)

 

Non-Fiction – 

Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund

A friend gave me this book, and they were right about how wonderful it is! Every chapter reveals more of Christ’s heart for us. We can’t fully grasp how loving, merciful, gracious, kind, and good Jesus is…but this book sure helps! I’ll warn you that it isn’t light reading. There are many quotes from classic Christian writers, which aren’t always easy to understand. But the deep truths presented are so powerful and freeing! I highly recommend taking the time to read, meditate on, and be transformed by the truths in this beautiful book.

 

Devotional – 

Conversations with the Most High: 365 Days in God’s Presence by Jennifer Kennedy Dean (KU)

This year-long devotional has a unique format that offers quick daily encouragement. Each day starts with either a short prayer to God or a brief word as if God were speaking to you, His child. That is followed by a relevant quotation from other Christian authors, both classic and contemporary. These bite-sized thoughts give you something to consider throughout the day and practice God’s wonderful presence with you. 

 

(KU – available in Kindle Unlimited)

Grief and the Holidays - Guest Post

This month a precious woman of God, who was like family to me, went to be with Jesus. I’ve been rejoicing and grieving. I’m so grateful she’s healed and dancing streets of gold with our Savior! I rejoice that I’ll see her again in eternity. But I’m mourning the loss for all of us who loved her. Life here will never be the same without her.

As we head into this holiday season, I know for some people it’s going to be more painful than joyful. I’m grateful today to share a guest post with you from a friend who understands about grieving during the holidays. I hope her story and insights encourage you. And please consider sharing this post with someone you know who is hurting in this season. Grief can feel isolating, but you are never alone.

 

Hugs and prayers,

-Joanna

 

Guest Post by Becky Avery – Grief at Christmas 

 

Christmas is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year. Homes and churches are trimmed with lights and trees. Christmas music is piped through the stores. Friends and family are planning their annual celebrations. There’s a palpable excitement in the air practically everywhere from November until the New Year.

 

For some of you though, this year is different. The thought of attending celebrations brings heartache rather than excitement. The music that once brought joy doesn’t have the same effect. You’ve lost someone you love. You’re grieving, and the whole world feels different. It’s like there’s a bubble around you deflecting the joy that everyone else radiates.

 

Losing someone you love is always hard. The first year is the hardest. There are birthdays and holidays that you now have to do without that person.

 

I lost my mom in 2020, and the first Christmas without her was hard. Dad did his best to make things as “normal” as possible. He put up the tree, trimmed it with all the ornaments, and partially decorated the house with lights. He tried, and I appreciated his efforts, but it was different. Mom always brought the magic of Christmas.

 

The second year was a little easier—until Dad got sick suddenly and ended up in the hospital in a coma right after Christmas. He hadn’t even taken down the tree. My brother and I stayed at his house for the six weeks he was in the hospital. I stared at that Christmas tree every day, refusing to take it down until he came home.

 

Dad never came home, and the tree stayed up for months. Neither my brother nor I could take it down. It was as if taking the tree down was admitting that Mom and Dad were gone for real.

 

I spent the next ten months keeping so busy I couldn’t think and assuring people that I was fine. I even started to believe it. Then Christmas came again. 

 

I attended all the family celebrations. I made food for my in-laws’ parties, wrapped presents for everyone, and even played their games. Though I was surrounded by my closest friends and family, I had never felt so alone. I could barely be around my own brother because it was such a painful reminder of the family we no longer had.

 

On Christmas Eve, I cried through the whole church service. I couldn’t stop. I tried to concentrate on the miracle of Christ’s birth, but the tears streamed down my face as I looked at the families around me—while I sat there alone.

 

The problem was that while I had smiled and ignored the pain, buried the grief and repeated the mantra that they were in a better place, I didn’t let myself grieve. My brother had wrapped himself in a dark grief blanket that I feared would smother him. I knew I couldn’t be in the same dark place he was, so I buried all the emotions in a deep hole inside me. Eventually, the hole was so full, the emotions came bursting out.

 

I don’t have all the answers on how to overcome grief. I’m not a doctor, and I don’t have a counseling degree. I’m just a Christian woman who has lived through it, and I’d love to share some things that have helped me.

 

1. Talk about them.

This can be tricky, because I know from experience that talking about those who have died can shut conversations down . . . and quickly. People get uncomfortable. I don’t know why. Maybe they don’t know how you’ll respond. Whatever the case, if you want to talk about them, talk. Keep their memory alive!

So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. –John 16:22 (ESV)

 

2. Honor their memory.

Do something that you know they would love. Bake cookies or make gifts. Go for a drive to look at Christmas lights. Do whatever it is that will make you smile while thinking of them. 

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. –Revelation 21:4 (NIV)

 

3. Give yourself some grace.

If you have invites to ten holiday celebrations and that’s too much, say no. Say no to bringing a dish, no to the white elephant, no to the ugly sweaters. But don’t lock yourself away so much that it adds to the grief. Say yes to something. Sometimes just getting out can help a little.

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. –1 Peter 5:7 (ESV)

 

4. Allow yourself to grieve.

Allow yourself to feel the feelings. But remember you don’t have to do it alone. Talk to people. Let them know how you’re doing and what you’re feeling. Talk to God all the time. Pray for him to help you, and, most importantly, be open to that help. God will show up in the most unexpected ways, but you have to be open to receiving those gifts.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. –Matthew 5:4 (ESV)

 

I am praying for you and praying that God sends the love and comfort you need in this Christmas season.

 

Becky Avery is a Michigan girl, who is back home again after living various adventures in other places. After unexpectedly losing both her parents, she drew even closer to God. Now her mission is to help others dealing with loss. Her writing offers empathy and hope from one who understands. 

Her first novel, "Escaping Christmas," is a story about two siblings processing their grief by traveling to a tropical resort to escape Christmas. Things don't go as planned, but they learn and find new hope along the way. You can connect with Becky on her website at https://beckyavery.com/

October Book Recommendations

Here are this month’s book recommendations. I hope they’ll be a blessing to you. Happy reading! 

 

Fiction – 

Never Doubt a Duke by Regina Scott

If you like Regency romance with a little mystery, you’ll enjoy this fun story about a widow-turned governess. After her years married to a cavalry officer, Jane is rough around the edges – and not what the duke expects as a governess. But she’s exactly what the widower and his daughters need. This story has humor, fun characters, a little villainy, a unicorn (with a little imagination), and a happily ever after. 

 

Non-Fiction – 

Finding Grace by Larry Randolph 

I really enjoyed this memoir about a man who started a therapy dog ministry. The book follows his story from when God first spoke the words “therapy dogs” to him, through more than a decade of service, and gradually building a global ministry. Some of the experiences he shared brought tears, and others made me laugh. This book is an encouraging read about the unexpected and meaningful things God can do through us when we willingly follow His voice.

 

Children’s – 

The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis 

This is my favorite of all the Narnia books! The story follows an orphan boy who sets out to find Narnia with the help of a talking horse. Along the way, he makes new friends, gets mistaken for a prince, has to cross a desert, is chased by a lion, and ultimately helps save Archenland from invasion. This classic story is one I enjoy rereading often! 

 

Guest Post – How to Replace Anxious Thoughts with God’s Peace

I’m happy to share a guest post with you today from a new friend! I hope you’ll be encouraged by what she shares. 

 

How to Replace Anxious Thoughts with God’s Peace

By Catherine McDaugale

 

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” 

–Philippians 4:6–7 (NKJV)

Anxiety sometimes creeps into your mind when you’re not paying attention. When it does, you may not recognize it until your thoughts begin to spiral, you feel overwhelmed and inadequate, you can’t seem to catch your breath, or your stomach feels like it’s tied into knots. Or maybe that’s just me.

It’s a tactic of the enemy to immobilize you. He wants you to be fearful and ineffective.

You can set up guards against anxiety by putting on the spiritual armor that God has provided (Ephesians 6:13–18). But what do you do if it’s already there?

Pray, dear friend. That’s the answer. God is the One who can help you. And He is near to those who call on Him (Psalm 145:18).

Your prayer may start with something simple like, Dear God, please help me. But then remember the verses in Philippians 4:6–7 and pray through them.

Tell God why you’re anxious. Talk to Him about everything that’s going on: what you think and how you feel about it. Ask Him to help you with it.

Then thank Him for the ways He’s helped you in the past. Think about the amazing things He’s already done for you.

 

He’s saved you.

He’s forgiven you.

Your future is eternally secure in Him.

His Holy Spirit lives inside you, and He will help you.

 

Praise God for those miracles. Then acknowledge the everyday ways He works in your life. For example, you could thank Him for the food He provides, a beautiful flower you saw on a walk, or a friend you met for lunch. Thank Him for all the ways He’s been good to you.

Then follow Paul’s instruction in Philippians 4:8 about the things you should meditate on. Fill your mind with things that are noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy. Those include who God is and all of the amazing things He’s revealed to us in the Bible.

As your mind is fixed on God, His peace – His supernatural peace that surpasses all understanding – will replace your anxiety. God has promised that He will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are stayed on Him (Isaiah 26:3).

Memorize Philippians 4:6–8. Write those verses on a sticky note or an index card so you can carry them around with you. Then when you start to feel anxious, pray through those verses to help you walk by faith with Him.

 

 

Catherine McDaugale is an author and Bible teacher who is active in the women’s ministry at her church. She loves to help other women draw closer to Jesus so they can experience the joy and peace of walking by faith with God all day, every day. You can find her devotionals at: https://walkbyfaithwithgod.com/blog/.

September Book Recommendations

Here are some favorite book recommendations for this month. Please share about some of your favorites as well.

 

Fiction – 

A Fool & His Monet by Sandra Orchard (KU)

If you enjoy mysteries, this one is quite a puzzle to figure out. I liked the main character, who has a sense of humor, a passion for catching art thieves, and a desire to honor God with her life. There’s a hint of romance in the story, but mainly it’s a fast-paced journey of unraveling a complicated case of missing art masterpieces and several potential suspects. Of course, there’s also a lazy cat, a sleuthing great-aunt, and a best friend in need of help. It’s a fun and challenging mystery story.

 

Non-Fiction – 

Bridge Called Hope: Stories of Triumph from the Ranch of Rescued Dreams by Kim Meeder

This collection of true stories about rescued horses and the people they have impacted is a powerful read. If you like horses and stories about how God uses them to touch lives, you’ll enjoy this book. Kim is an eloquent writer who shares deeply from her own heart and offers God’s hope to those who desperately need it.

 

Children’s – 

Mooses with Bazookas – And Other Stories Children Should Never Read by S. D. Smith (KU)

This was the first book I’d read by this author, and at times I laughed out loud until I cried! I guess that means I’m still a kid at heart…or maybe that I just appreciate a well-written book of ridiculousness. There are a few different stories of various lengths, bracketed with letters from a man stranded on a desert island. All of it, including the endorsements, is filled with silliness, satire, spunk, and not a few double negatives. If you need a dose of comic relief or your kids enjoy funny stories, then this book is for you.

 

(KU – available in Kindle Unlimited)

 

He Longs to be Gracious

I had one of those moments recently. You know, when someone treats you inconsiderately, and you feel upset even though in the big picture it’s not that important. Your head tells you it’s not a big deal and to let it go. Your emotions tell you what the person did wasn’t ok, and you have a right to be upset.

In that moment, as I battled between wanting to let it go and wanting to stay upset, I prayed. “Lord, please help me want to be gracious.” 

The answer to my prayer? 

“Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!” –Isaiah 30:18 (NIV)

The Holy Spirit immediately flashed this verse across my mind. And I was stunned speechless.

God LONGS to be gracious to me.

I suddenly realized that in every moment for all of history, God wanted to be gracious. He never had to wrestle with whether to forgive or to stay angry. He never had to talk Himself into being gracious. He longs to be gracious. Always. No matter the offense. 

Jesus paid the price for all sin at the cross. God’s justice has been satisfied. This verse from Isaiah shows that God’s grace and His justice are not in conflict. He is both the God of justice and the God of all grace. And He stands eagerly ready and waiting to give grace to all who come to Him.

Does this stun you like it did me? It should.

We don’t ever have to wonder if God gets tired of our failures and sins. The truth is He longs to be gracious to us. 

Merriam Webster defines “longs” as “to feel a strong desire or craving.”

God is waiting for us to come to Him, wanting to pour out His grace on us. Jesus desires that everyone would come to Him and receive from Him grace upon grace.

A simple definition of grace is undeserved kindness. Of course, God’s grace is much more than that. It covers every need we could possibly have. In Christ, we will always encounter grace when we come to God, no matter what. 

Even beyond that, God can transform us so that we also desire to be gracious toward others. That’s what I pray for. Not just a grudging forgiveness toward others, but a heart that truly longs to extend God’s grace to them. After all, with such a revelation of God’s ever-gracious heart toward us, how can we not long for His grace to flow through us?

Whatever you’re going through, I hope you’ll take a few minutes today and ponder this profound truth: God longs to be gracious to you. 

And He longs to be gracious through you and I as well. What a Savior! 

“For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.” –John 1:16 (NASB)

August Book Recommendations

Here are this month’s book recommendations. I hope you’ll be blessed by these! Please share some of your favorites with us as well.

 

Fiction – 

A Name Unknown by Roseanna White (KU)

The Shadows Over England series and the Codebreakers series by this author are some of my favorite books! She does a fantastic job writing believable, likeable, sympathetic characters in the interesting setting of pre/during WWI. This first book in the series, introduces a struggling “family” of street kids who banded together for survival. The oldest girl takes a risky job for a mysterious patron, but through the challenges and dangers, she ends up finding God. The story has bits of humor, great history, lovable characters, mystery, and romance. I enjoy this book just as much each time I reread it!

 

Non-Fiction – 

The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines

I really enjoyed this memoir that was well-written, funny, and inspiring! It’s told mostly from Joanna’s perspective, with Chip chiming in here and there. They share about the struggles, hardships, victories, and surprises on their journey. Though they are in many ways just an ordinary couple, they have also chosen an extraordinary way of life in serving others, impacting their community, and following as God leads them. Their story is entertaining and uplifting!  

 

Devotional – 

Rose from Briar by Amy Carmichael

This book helped me so much during the worst years of my illness – probably because Amy wrote it during a season when she was mostly confined to bed with an injury. And she wrote it especially for people struggling with health issues. Though the writing and vocabulary are old-fashioned (published in 1933), the truths she shares are timeless. If you know someone suffering with chronic illness, this book is a priceless gift of encouragement.

(KU – available in Kindle Unlimited)

Help, Lord!

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” -Psalm 46:1

“Help, Lord!” 

How many times have you prayed that this week? I’ve lost count. Though I often try to start a prayer with “Thank you, Lord, for…” sometimes I can’t even get that far before the “Help, Lord!” just comes out. 

I’m so grateful that our loving, heavenly Father understands our needs, our weaknesses, our pain. He is always with us, always working in us by His Spirit, and always knows what we need before we ask.

Sometimes what I need is just something simple. Give me one small action or one truth to hold onto in this painful moment…and that’s often what God does.

Recently, the Lord gave me the poem below. It’s simple. Yet it’s been so helpful, as I focus on one thing at a time to find what I need from the Lord in this moment. 

I encourage you to read the poem slowly, with a deep breath in between each word. Let the Lord speak His comfort, strength, truth, and grace to you with each step. 

Jesus is more than able to help us in whatever we face today. He is already answering before we even call. He is with us and for us. He is an ever-present help in time of need. 

Amen. 

 

 

“Help, Lord!” 

 

Breathe. 

Trust.

Release.

Receive.

Embrace.

Rest.

Thank.

Rejoice.

Breathe.

 

(by Joanna K. Harris Copyright 2024)

 

July Book Recommendations

Here are this month’s favorite book recommendations. I hope you’ll be blessed by these! Please share some of your favorites in the comments.

Fiction – 

Winning the Gentleman by Kristi Ann Hunter (KU)

A Regency book with horses – what could be better? I loved this story about a sister and brother who’ve lost everything except each other and her horse. The sister tricks her way into a job as a jockey, while her brother recovers from an injury. And, of course, she falls for the horse trainer. This story has compelling characters, fabulous horses, trick-riding, racing, and true love overcoming all obstacles. =) Seriously though, it’s one of my favorite books, and I reread it often.

 

Non-Fiction – 

Catch a Star: Shining Through Adversity to Become a Champion by Tamika Catchings

I really enjoyed this memoir about Tamika’s life. She experienced numerous challenges and obstacles, both early on and later in life. She shares openly about those and the ways that she overcame to become a champion basketball player (including four Olympic gold medals). I appreciated her humble perspective throughout the book and her heart to serve others. For sports lovers, there’s plenty of basketball details in this book, but more importantly life lessons she’s learned and a testimony of God’s faithfulness. 

 

Children’s – 

Great Grammy’s Black Velvet Hat by Holli Bryce Fry 

This is a sweet book that can help children with impending or recent loss of a loved one, especially a grandparent. In the story, little Lily visits her great-grammy every day. Each visit, Lily tries on a different hat from her grammy’s collection, and Lily learns more about her grammy’s life through them. After Grammy passes away, the family gathers together to honor her life. All the women in the family decide to wear one of grammy’s hats to remember what a special person she was. The story shares a simple gospel message as well, giving comfort to Lily that her grammy is now in heaven with Jesus. 

 

(KU – available in Kindle Unlimited)

 

You Can Thrive

“They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of His splendor.” –Isaiah 61:3c 

I stared at the missionary sitting across the table from me. 

 

“What would it take for you to thrive?” she asked me.

 

Several thoughts rolled quickly through my mind. 

 

Thrive? Are you kidding me?

 

I just want to survive. 

 

I’m just grateful I can finally manage the laundromat and neighborhood grocery store on my own. 

 

I just want to avoid any language disasters, getting lost in this city without cell service, or accidentally offending my host family. 

 

Thrive? Are you kidding me?

 

Of course, I didn’t say any of that to the missionary. I was a short-term volunteer, only there for a few months. Thriving was not on my radar at all. I just hoped to manage all the adjustments the best I could and do whatever good I could during my short time there.

 

Our conversation quickly took a different path that day, and I didn’t give the word “thrive” a second thought…for the next four years.

 

Then, one day, I picked up a book, and I was surprised when the author presented a different picture of thriving than I had ever seen. 

 

What do you picture when you hear the word “thrive”? 

 

I had thought of thriving as being at the height of success (whatever success is for you), like a garden in full bloom. To me, thriving meant being your best, doing your best, and living a life where everything was great! 

 

And that always seemed out of reach for me. 

 

What if I told you that the basic definition of thrive is “to grow well”?

 

Consider that – to grow well.

 

Not be the best. Not do the greatest thing you could possibly do. Not have the dream life. But simply grow well – regardless of circumstances, challenges, trials, suffering, loss, weakness, etc. The beautiful reality is that none of those things can stop spiritual growth. In fact, they can actually enhance our spiritual growth.

 

It’s in trials, hardships, and weakness that we are more likely to run to Jesus for His comfort, wisdom, and strength. The more we run to Jesus, the more He transforms us to be like Him. He grows us in grace, in truth, and in godliness.

 

That is thriving. 

 

In nature, and in our lives, thriving doesn’t only happen when conditions are perfect or when there’s no opposition. Thriving is something God implanted in His creation, with very few elements required. A little water, a little sun, a little time…and growing things grow. 

 

God created you and me to grow as well. We have the water of His Word and His Spirit. We have the Son of life living in us. We have the eternal God as our refuge and strength. We have everything we need to thrive! 

 

For me, it was my mindset that needed changing. I needed to believe that I can grow well by growing even a little every day. A little time in the Word. A little gratitude expressed. A little smile for others. A little whispered prayer. A little faith, like a mustard seed.

Sure, I’d love to spend a lot of time in the Word and have a lot of smiles every day. But when life is crazy, when the pain won’t relent, or when we get blindsided yet again…it’s the little things that help us keep taking the next step forward – that help us keep growing.

 

So, I’ll you ask the same question that took me by surprise years ago. 

 

What will it take for you thrive?

Today, right where you are, what will help you to grow well? 

What little thing can you do, believe, receive? 

Whatever you’re facing today, even if your only goal is survival – hold on to the hope that God created you to grow. And by His grace, He will keep growing you, little by little, day by day, for His glory. 

 

You can thrive.

 

“…for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” –Philippians 2:13

 

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and forever! Amen.” –2 Peter 3:18

June Book Recommendations

To my great delight, I recently found a whole stack of books on sale for $1 or less! I still read more ebooks than paperbacks, but it’s fun to hold an actual book in my hands sometimes. Here are some of my favorite book recommendations for summer reading. I hope you’ll enjoy them as well! 

 

Fiction – 

Picture Perfect (Weddings by Design Book #1) by Janice Thompson (KU)

This is a fun, lighthearted romance about two wedding photographers. Hannah feels like she’s in competition with fellow photographer Drew. Of course, sparks fly, and Hannah eventually realizes partnership is better than competition. Hannah’s character is also Irish, and the story is filled with humor and her family’s crazy antics and traditions. This is one of my favorite novels by Janice Thompson. If you’re looking for an easy-going, humorous, clean, Christian fiction book, you’ll enjoy this one! 

 

Non-Fiction – 

The “Do What You Can” Plan – 21 Days to Making Any Area of Your Life Better by Holley Gerth 

I so appreciate the approach of this book! It’s not easy to set and reach goals when life is crazy or during particularly busy seasons. This book helps us think smaller and take little steps forward one day at a time. This results in progress and helps us feel encouraged about what we can do, instead of focusing on what we can’t do. This is a great book to reread often and follow the little steps for whatever area we’d like to experience progress in. 

 

Children’s – 

Hippocephalus: A tale of hippo hope for kids facing medical challenges by Beka Burns 

This book is a great resource for families who have children with medical needs. It’s sweet and fun to read, while explaining in kid-friendly language about medical procedures and doctor’s appointments. It’s a somewhat long book, so it’s better to be read in installments than all at once. If you know a family whose child has medical needs, I hope you’ll pass along this book to them!  

 

(KU – available in Kindle Unlimited)

 

Living with All My Heart

I’m excited to announce that my friend Kati and I recently published a new children’s book!

https://gracepossible.com/product/all-my-heart-ebook/

The idea for this book came after I’d been reading in the Psalms, and I noticed the same phrase used often.

 

“I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart….” (Psalm 9:1)

“I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart….” (Psalm 86:12)

“I seek you with all my heart….” (Psalm 119:10)

“Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart.” (Psalm 119:34)

I started thinking about this idea of living with “all my heart.” Of course, I want to live that way! Of course, I can’t do it. 

When questioned, Jesus answered that the greatest commandment in the law is to love God with all your heart (and all your soul, mind, and strength). (Mark 12:30) However, Jesus didn’t say, “So, go do it.” Jesus knew that as sinful human beings, it’s impossible for us to keep this commandment. If we could love God with all our heart, Jesus wouldn’t have needed to come as our Savior. Praise God, Jesus did come and He fulfilled the law. He loved God and He loved others perfectly.

 

Now, since we do have Him as our Savior, and we do have the Holy Spirit living in us, we can grow in this way of living wholeheartedly day by day, (though still imperfectly). I think the key to this kind of life is explained in 1 John 4:19: “We love because he first loved us.”

 

God’s love for me is perfect. It is unlimited. It is powerful. It is eternal.

 

The more I understand and experience God’s love for me, the more my heart responds with love for Him, and the more I live out of love instead of selfishness or self-reliance. Understanding God’s love for me more and more leads me to loving God more and more. It leads to living more with “all my heart.” That’s how I want to live. 

 

We hope that our new book encourages children and helps them understand this simple truth – that they can live each day with all their heart, as the last line of the book says,

“Because my heavenly Father loves me always with all His heart.”

May Book Recommendations

Here are this month’s book recommendations. I hope you’ll be blessed by these! Please share about some of your favorite books in the comments.

 

Fiction – 

Sisterchicks Say Ooh La La by Robin Jones Gunn (KU)

Five years ago, I got to visit Paris. It was the fulfillment of a dream that was planted in my heart after reading this book many years before. Paris makes a wonderful setting for a light-hearted adventure for two childhood friends who reconnect later in life. As they experience unexpected joys and sidetracks, they learn more about themselves, each other, and God’s goodness. I recommend all the Sisterchicks books, and this one is a favorite!

 

Non-Fiction – 

Chasing Daylight by Erwin McManus (KU)

This book is packed with biblical wisdom and thought-provoking questions. There were so many powerful truths, that I ended up underlining several lines on almost every page! The chapters follow the story of Jonathan when he invited his armor-bearer to go with him against the Philistines. Even though it’s a relatively short story in Scripture, the author unpacks a lot of godly principles and wisdom from it. While this book isn’t “light” reading, there are personal stories and illustrations throughout that make the truths relatable for the reader. McManus’ writing always makes me think more deeply and see things from a different perspective. I felt encouraged, challenged, and inspired as I read this book. It’s the kind of book that’s worth rereading each year, it’s that good. I hope you’ll give it a try! 

 

Devotional – 

40 Days of Jesus Always – Joy in His Presence by Sarah Young (KU)

This devotional has 40 short readings. Each one is written as if Jesus was speaking to you directly. There are verses listed at the end of each devotional as the foundation for the daily reading. I found the topic of joy in His presence encouraging and uplifting. It’s good to be reminded in a conversational way of truths we know but can easily lose sight of. 

 

(KU – available in Kindle Unlimited)

 

Choose Joy Today

I bought this piece of décor several years ago after unearthing it in a clearance bin. I needed the reminder on it – Today I Choose Joy. Then I noticed how it was scratched, smudged and slightly dented. And that’s when I knew it was perfect for me. 

It’s easy to say, “Choose Joy” when life is going well and good things are happening. It’s much harder to remind ourselves or anyone else to choose joy when life is full of pain, suffering, heartache, and disappointments. What we want instead is sympathy, comfort, and deliverance. 

The wonder of our great Savior is that He offers all of that to us – plus joy. 

Joy comes from knowing Jesus. 

Joy comes from seeing Jesus in others.

Joy comes from receiving from Jesus.

Joy comes from trusting Jesus. 

Joy comes from partnering with Jesus.

Joy comes from worshipping Jesus.

Joy comes from being loved by Jesus. 

 

My belief is that anything that brings true joy in this life somehow finds its source in Jesus. 

 

When we have Jesus, we have the source of true joy. 

 

That’s why we can choose joy today, in spite of the scratches, smudges, and dents of life. We can choose to focus on Jesus, to receive from Him, to worship Him, to partner with Him, to trust Him – allowing His supernatural joy to shine in us and through us. 

 

There is so much we can’t control in our lives. But by the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit living in us, we can control our choices. We can choose joy. Today. Tomorrow. Each day as it comes. 

 

I hope this reminder was helpful for you today. Maybe you can send me a reminder once a while too, so we can both continue to choose joy. 

 

Blessings,

-Joanna

 

“In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy….” –1 Peter 1:6-8

 

April Book Recommendations

Happy April! Here are this month’s favorite book recommendations. I hope you’ll enjoy reading these! Please share in the comments about some of your favorites as well.

 

Fiction – 

Paige Torn by Erynn Mangum

This novel about a young woman trying to find her way after college is heart-warming and hilarious. I laughed out loud in several places, (especially the scenes with the youth pastor’s antics, which are very realistic based on the youth pastors I’ve known, lol!) I liked the main character and appreciated that she lived out a daily relationship with Jesus, even when she was too busy and had a lot to learn. I’ve read this book more than once, and it gets better each time. If you like light-hearted but substantive Christian fiction, give it a try! 

 

Non-Fiction – 

A Pair of Miracles by Karla Akins

For anyone with autistic kids in their family, this is an invaluable resource! It starts out reading like a memoir, then it transitions into more of a guidebook. The author includes stories from her own experiences (raising adopted twins with autism) that show her difficult journey, her relationship with God through it all, and her empathy for others. She also includes practical tips and tools, lists of resources, and biblical wisdom about how to handle some of the unique challenges of raising autistic kids. I think readers will feel seen, understood, encouraged and equipped by this book. I highly recommend it!  

 

Devotional – 

Unshakeable by Christine Caine

This 365-day devotional contains a Scripture passage, a short reading, and a brief closing prayer for each day of the year. These quick, easy to read devotions are still encouraging and challenging. Christine encourages readers to find unwavering strength in God’s Word each day. 

 

Weaving A Good Plan

One of the promises we hear often and cling to in trials and suffering is Romans 8:28. 

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his promise.”

Sometimes we see evidence of this promise clearly. Other times we wonder how in the world God will ever bring good out of the pain we’re experiencing. 

Lately I was reminded again that God is like a master weaver. He uses every thread – good, painful, ordinary, excruciating – to weave a beautiful masterpiece in our lives. Everything we go through matters to God. Everything is used for His purposes somehow.

That astounds me. But it’s true. 

I can give you two specific examples from my life that I observed recently. 

Last week I was not doing well physically. We had horrible air quality, and the coughing was so bad, I could barely talk. Then my phone rang. When I saw who it was, I answered, not because I felt like talking, but because I knew it was God sending me some much-needed encouragement. My ‘adopted’ mom spent the next ten minutes praying for me and building up my faith once again. 

Here’s the thing…I would never have met her if not for some interesting threads God wove together. Seven years ago, I followed an impulse to ask for information about a Christmas banquet held by a local ministry. By God’s grace, they gave me two tickets for free. The day of the banquet, I started feeling sick. I didn’t think I could possibly go, but I felt in my heart that I was supposed to be there. So I prayed, and I got dressed, and I went, still feeling awful. When I arrived, I was seated next to an older couple. Before the night was over, I had a new friend. And that precious lady soon ‘adopted’ me as a spiritual daughter. She has been a blessing to me ever since!

I had no idea seven years ago what was coming in my future. But God knew. And He wove those threads together to give me the precious blessing of a godly woman to encourage me on my journey through all these years. 

The second example is that I currently have a tutoring student who I’ve been able to help in such rewarding ways that I thank God after each session. Then I saw the threads. 

Four years ago, I had a very close call with my breathing. I actually thought I might die. Thanks to the help of the staff at the Christian camp where I was staying in the mountains of Colorado, I survived. That dear couple not only helped me through the crisis, they also introduced me to some of their friends. Those friends then introduced me to one of their friends, who happened to own a tutoring business. And once my breathing crisis had passed, I ended up getting hired as a tutor. 

God used a life-threatening crisis to bless me with new friendships and a new job, and now, four years later, with the opportunity to bless a young life (as well as the other students I’ve tutored). 

How does God do it? It boggles my mind, honestly. And it gives me hope for today. 

I’m so grateful He is GOD! He is the master weaver, working everything in our lives for our good and the good of others – bringing beauty from brokenness. 

I wrote the following poem years ago. (It’s in my book Seeing God Through The Storm –

Empowering Truths from the Book of Job.) I hope it encourages you today that God is always working, always weaving His good plans for you. 

 

 

Broken To Beautiful

 

Broken, shattered,

Pieces scattered.

Is this my life?

Dreams have crumbled,

Idols tumbled.

Nothing left.

 

Nail-scarred hands,

Heart that understands,

You hold my life.

Healer of the broken,

Truth you’ve spoken,

You are all I need.

 

My pieces repairing,

While broken, preparing,

A new life for me.

The best plan you weave,

Help me receive,

Your will for me.

 

Transformed through the pain,

No longer the same,

You are my life.

Your grace shining through,

You change broken to

Beautiful.

 

by Joanna K. Harris