March Book Recommendations

Here are this month’s book recommendations with some recent releases that have blessed me. I hope you’ll enjoy them too! 

 

Fiction – Highcliffe House by Megan Walker

If you like sweet Regency stories, this one was quite enjoyable! I liked the two main characters. They had such different perspectives, which were both reasonable yet limited, and thus put them at odds. The story flowed well, and both characters eventually began to see beyond the surface and adjust their perspectives. I liked the seaside setting for a change from the usual London background. The climax and resolution were satisfying as they got their unconventional happily ever after.

 

 

Non-Fiction – Becoming Like Jesus by Cynthia Heald

This topic is something I’ve been praying about lately, and I was excited to discover Cynthia’s new book! Each chapter includes some personal reflections from her experiences, relevant quotes from other Christian writers, and a brief study section with verses to look up and questions to consider. As always, Cynthia’s writing is both practical and inspiring. I appreciated this encouraging exploration of becoming more like Jesus.

 

 

Devotional – 365 Truths for Every Woman’s Heart by Holley Gerth

I’m really enjoying this daily devotional! Holley’s writing is always encouraging, and I appreciate her insights about daily life with Jesus. It’s easy to forget how wonderful He is, how much He loves us, and how sufficient His grace is for every need. These devotions are quick yet powerful. Each day includes a verse, a brief devotion, a prayer, and a question for reflection or application. Even if you only have a few minutes a day, this book is a great encouragement!

 

Come Away

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” –Matthew 11:28–29

How long has it been since you turned off all the noise and spent some uninterrupted time letting your soul breathe? 

I admit, I don’t do this often enough. 

Sometimes when I hear Jesus calling me to “come away” with Him, I think of my to-do list...or I let some physical pain get in the way...or I yield to distractions.

What boggles my mind is that no matter how many times I don’t answer His call, He doesn’t give up on me. In that still, small voice, He still invites me to lay everything aside and just be with Him.

And every time I do answer His call, I’m overwhelmed with the sweetness of His presence and the wonder of His love!

This week I was reminded of something I wrote years ago. It’s still true today. I hope it encourages you. 

 

Love's Call

 

Have you heard it? 

...the quiet whisper on the wind

...the sweet melody humming in the silence

...the gentle rhythm inviting you to dance.

 

Have you ever paused and felt a sense of being called, beckoned, drawn?

 

Have you wondered what it is that stirs your heart?

...that makes you yearn for something you can't explain? 

...that causes your skin to tingle with anticipation, for you know not what?

 

What is it?

 

I will tell you. 

 

It is Love. Calling You. 

 

It is the voice of your Creator, Savior, Father. 

 

His love for you is so super-abounding that in every moment it calls out to you, sings over you, pours out on you.

 

Whether we hear it or not, Love is always calling. 

Saying,

"Come to me. 

Delight in me.

Receive from me. 

Rest in me.

Dance with me.

Let my love for you fill you up to overflowing."

 

For years I heard Love's call, but I didn't recognize it, I didn't understand. A stirring. A yearning. A longing. But what did it mean?

 

Little by little, I began to see. My Father-God doesn't only want to save me. He wants to love me. He wants me to experience His love. He wants me always close to Him. He wants my heart to thrill when I think of Him. He wants me to rest in His strong arms. He wants me to hear His voice. He wants me to live every moment knowing how great He is and how loved I am. 

 

“I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”

–Jeremiah 31:3 (NIV)

 

Love is calling. Do you hear Him?