Cynthia
I love Casting Crowns! This short book is packed with so much truth and was written to describe how each song came about for the album, “Only Jesus” by Casting Crowns. It's hard to explain, but reading the story behind each song filled my soul with such peace and brought the presence of Jesus so near. I'll definitely read it again.
No, I didn't read the whole Bible. I've read the Book of Luke, a chapter a day until this glorious day of Christmas.
What a beautiful story, one that integrates tears with lots of laughter! The author, Kimberly McMillan, has a gift of creating dialogue that is genuine and real. Her words glide along the pages and draw you into the lives of the characters and their homes in the big city of Chicago and a small Texas town. I loved every single character, from the “princess tornados” to even “Grumps,” but especially the main character Marni, who is thrown quite a curveball in her young life of 14 years. I love stories like Never Enough Time- stories that have flawed characters who are forced to make difficult life choices, stories that leave the characters needing redemption and forgiveness, and finally stories where the author gives it to them so graciously.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book!
So good that I am going to read it again, and buy her book Choose Joy- Because Happiness Isn't enough.
Reading this one again, too. Helps to bring me peace. Real life stories and how to relate life's challenges to the Bible.
I've had this book on my shelf for over 2 years. As I was reading my devotionals this morning something told me, the Holy Spirt perhaps, to go get this book. I've been devouring it for about an hour now and love that I can feel the presence of Jesus in every word of it.
Fast forward to the end: I have to admit that I began to skim it over and skip sections. It started off as a journey with Jesus but then it became a journey with Charles Martin instead. I love Martin's fictional stories, he is a master storyteller, but this left me wanting to read the Bible instead...but I guess that's a good thing. :)
Update- I didn't finish it before the concert, and it took me longer than 40 days, but it was worth every moment. I enjoyed hearing the message behind each song that was written and the connections to their lives and God's word.
Beautifully written! My goal is to finish it by March 25 because I will be going to their concert for their Inhale-Exhale tour!!
Reading Gwen Smith is like talking with a best friend in my living room. She is such talented writer (and speaker), witty, down to earth, and incredibly faithfilled!
One of many parts that stood out to me:
“We must search for the blessings in the blisterings as well as the bliss. When our eyes are open to seeing the beauty in our brokenness, blessings flow, even in the bloddiest of blisters. Because trials are trials with all their pain and ache, but hidden in the dark corner of every challenge is an intimate, intenesely personal invitation for us to meet face-to-face, heart to heart with our Comforter, our Healer, our Tear Catcher, our Provider, our Counselor, our Refuge, our Lord.”
There is nothing-no circumstance, no trouble, no testing, that can ever touch me until, first of all, it has gone past God and Christ, right through to me. If it has come that far, it has come with a great purpose, which I may not understand at the moment. But...as I lift up my eyes to Him and accept it as coming from the throne of God, for some great purpose of blessing to my own heart, no sorrow will ever disturb me, no trial will ever disarm me, not circumstance will cause me to fret, for I shall rest in the joy of what my Lord is. That is the rest of victory! -Alan Redpath
I love my little devotional. It's 365 pages and figured I should add this to my reading challenge!
Haunting, tragic...redemptive. Bobo is a delightful character who brings humor to such a traumatic experience.
I was given this book from a parent of one of my students at the end of the school year. She simply said “I want you to have this; I think you need it more that I do. I think it will help you to find peace.” I finally picked it up to read and so glad that I did.
“Embrace your loved ones with your heart
Even though they have moved on.
You'll see them once again, please know,
For they are not forever gone.
Just from your sight for now removed,
But much aware they are of you.
So walk this day with lighter steps
For they walk with you, too.”
FAll 2022 Journey-Daily Devotions for Women Published by Lifeway Christian Resources
The devotions written in this book are written by a variety of women. I enjoy reading about thier lives, and how they integrate Jesus into their daily routines, challenges, and all that life has to offer.
Obviously I chose this book based on the title. :) I loved the quirky characters and the family that they made on Hummingbird Lane. Sweet story, however, the writing was a bit trite and dialgue somewhat cheesy.
I love all stories full of forgiveness, redemption, mercy, and grace, but this story left too many things unfinished for me. With the word forgiveness in the title, I thought there would be more of that developed between the characters. It also ended a bit abruptly for me. The best part of the story was the relationship between the grandmother and her granddaughter, and when Rita appeared. Through them, Cissy, the granddaughter, was able to see that there is good in the world.
After reading 25 chapters I decided I just cannot finish this book. A wife to Mitch, and a mother to 2 college aged kids disappears and the story becomes about the husband & her best friend developing an intimate relationship after just 5 months & the kids return to college like nothing has happened. I will skip to the end to see if she is ever found, but that's it.
You will draw closer to God, learn a lot about yourself, and hopefully learn to live with an Unhindered heart. I loved how the author makes the reader think, really think and ponder who and what it is that is hindering your heart- your life.
What a delightful story!! Dolly the golden doodle is at it again, with new adorable characters to help her along the way. The author continues the series with Dolly as the star, teaching the reader what it means, and looks like, to be kind. Young children will love the rhythmic pattern, as well as the interactive sing along throughout the story. Teachers and parents will also appreciate the age appropriate discussion questions at the end. Kids are going to love Dolly and anxiously await her next adventure.
Such a powerful story, about life being messy and hard, yet so beautiful when people come together to help one another. My kind of story-full of forgiveness, love, and redemption.
Found this book yesterday while unpacking things. Oh my goodness; I LOVED this silly story as a kid. I remember my brother and I tying on “capes” trying to fly. I was going to get rid of this book until I read it again. It's a keeper!
Another beautiful devotional that is written as if Jesus is speaking to you. I will continue to reread this one every year, too.
“Every time we pray, “Walk with me, Jesus,” He will always answer: “Come.”
He is your Friend, Provider, and Protector, and He will be with you every step of the way.”
If you can get over the immature, high-schoolish, behavior of grown women, then this is a book worth reading. The story had a good pace, and lots of drama. I wanted to find out what the heck was going on with Cleo almongst these ladies. I liked the ending, didn't see it turning out the way it did.