Surrendered Hearts {Book Review}

I first met Lori Schumaker online in 2016 when we were both asked to contribute to a new Christian website called Blessed Transgressions. Although I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting her in person, I enjoyed getting to know her through her blog, where I found encouragement and hope that transferred into my own life.

I knew Lori had an adoption story and I had read portions she shared with her readers. But when I read that she was looking for help in launching her new book Surrendered Hearts: An Adoption Story of Love, Loss, and Learning to Trust, I was happy to sign up. I knew I wanted to read more about her story.

I am not an adoptive parent, nor has my family been blessed by adoption. However, I know how hard it can be to trust God with everything you have, including your child. I’ve felt the emotions of not being able to see how a situation can possibly work out, and of struggling to let go of what I want for what He wants. I imagine you know the feeling too.

Different stories. Different situations. Different outcomes. Different seasons of life.

Same wonderful loving God who loves His children more than we can comprehend. {Tweet this}

What I found as I read Surrendered Hearts is that Lori’s transparent story of love, trust, and patience isn’t just for adoptive families…it’s for everyone. Her story kept me engaged, and the Biblical truths she shared spoke to my heart.

A few of my favorite quotes from Surrendered Hearts:

“Control and trust do not exist simultaneously. Life is a series of taking control of the situations we can and letting go of what we cannot.”

“Peace would follow when I walked God’s journey instead of my own.”

“Sometimes we get to see the why behind the wait. But other times we don’t. We must surrender any right to know the why and choose to unconditionally accept life as it is. We must believe that even in situations that feel desperately unfair, God is making all things right.”

And…

More about Surrendered Hearts (from Amazon):

A lifetime of knowing. Decades of praying. Years of paperwork, research, and planning. Lots of tears. And the growing of faith in the waiting.

One look into a pair of sparkling brown eyes, and Lori and Bryan Schumaker fell head-over-heels in love with a beautiful young girl in Bulgaria. Certain this was the child God intended for them, they stepped confidently into the adoption process they'd been preparing for. They thought they knew what to expect, and they did—but there was so much more.

The application process moved smoothly ahead, and they began making plans for their daughter--only to be informed she'd been adopted by a family in Italy. Heartbroken, they struggled to move on, until, through a series of incredible events, they learned their daughter still languished in her Bulgarian orphanage. Turning heaven and earth, the Schumakers started over. Mix-ups, red tape, inexplicable delays, and a difficult judge threatened the adoption, but they were determined to bring their child home.

In a true story of learning that trust means surrendering your version of how the story should unfold, Lori and Bryan finally let go—of their dream, of their daughter, of their fears and frustrations. And in that relinquishment, God began to move.

For more information and to order Surrendered Hearts, please visit Lori at LoriSchumaker.com.

What are you currently reading?

In Christ,

Laura

[Photo credit: Lori Schumaker]

Linking up with: Purposeful Faith, #TeaAndWord, #GracefullTuesday, Trekking Thru, #TellHisStory, #RechargeWednesday, Let’s Have Coffee, #DestinationInspiration, #porchstories, Moments of Hope, #HeartEncouragement, #TuneInThursday, Faith ‘n Friends,

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3 Books for Your Fall Reading {Book Reviews}

The weather where I am has turned chilly and one of our trees is almost completely bare of its leaves. It’s time for blankets, hot chocolate, and plenty of books to read. If you’re looking for something new for your fall reading, I have three books to share with you.

Before I Go - Jesus’ Final Teaching & Prayer

A free 3-week Bible Study with Sarah Koontz

Before I Go is a 21-day study of John 14-17. It begins on Monday, Oct. 15 with daily emails containing the Scripture reading and devotional. It even includes free audio downloads of the daily devotionals! How cool is that!?!

Each day’s study takes about 10-15 minutes a day, depending on how deep into the study you choose to go. (I journal notes and nuggets I want to remember, so I sometimes spend a little longer thinking about Jesus’ words.)

I had the opportunity to preview Before I Go and recommend it. (Especially if you’re looking for a study you can fit into your busy day. And it's free!)

A few of my favorite quotes from Before I Go:

“Jesus Christ’s actions motivate our reactions.”

“Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection built a bridge to the Father. He invites us all to cross over and embrace His redemption.”

“Because of the Holy Spirit, you and I will never be “on our own” again.”

“Prayer invites heavenly power into our earthly problems.”

To learn more about the the Before I Go Bible study and to register, visit Sarah Koontz at Living by Design Ministries. This study begins on Monday, October 15! And did I mention it's free?

When Grace Walks In: Passionately Pursued, Incredibly Loved

By Stacey Thacker

When Grace Walks In is a study on the book of Ephesians and is the second book in Stacey Thacker’s The Girlfriend’s Guide to the Bible Series. (You can find my review of her first book in the series here: Is Jesus Worth It?)

Written in Stacey’s friendly we’re-in-this-together style, she shares from the heart and reminds us that with God’s love and grace, we are not alone in the spiritual battles we face in life.

A few of my favorite quotes from When Grace Walks In:

“Grace levels the ground we stand on.”

“Nothing about Jesus says rejection.”

“This is our hope: Heaven is coming, and today you have all the power you need in the Holy Spirit to live out your calling until you get there.”

“When you walk worthy with Jesus, your enemy will notice.”

To learn more about When Grace Walks In, visit Stacy at StaceyThacker.com.

Love Life Again: Finding Joy When Life is Hard

By Tracie Miles

Life doesn’t always go the way we want it to. In fact, Jesus said “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

In Love Life Again, author Tracie Miles shares how she found joy despite the difficult circumstances she was facing. She weaves her personal experiences with Biblical Truth to remind us we’re not alone in whatever we’re facing. We have Jesus and we have each other.

Each chapter includes Love Your Life Challenges, with prompts for reflection, action, prayer, and something you can do to make yourself smile.

A few of my favorite quotes from Love Life Again:

“You can choose to be content and joyful, or you can choose to be disgruntled and sad.”

“Commit to loving whom God created you to be.”

“When life is hard, we must fight for joy.”

“Prayer doesn’t immediately solve our problems, but it does invite God’s peace to fill our hearts.”

To learn more about Love Life Again, visit Tracie at TracieMiles.com.

[I received each of these books in advance of their launch dates in return for my honest opinion. Favorite quotes are my own.]

What are you either currently reading or have waiting in your to-be-read stack?

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with: Purposeful Faith, #TeaAndWord, Trekking Thru, #GracefullTuesday, #TellHisStory, Let’s Have Coffee, #RechargeWednesday, #porchstories, #DestinationInspiration, Moments of Hope, #HeartEncouragement, Grace & Truth, #FreshMarketFriday, Faith ‘n Friends, #BVNetworkParty, #FaithonFire

Candid Conversations {Book Review}

I like introducing you to new books. Candid Conversations is one I'm especially excited to tell you about because I had the privilege of being a contributing author.

Author Heather Hart, founder of Candidly Christian asked the question...

We all struggle with something, even as Christian women.

Wouldn’t it be nice to know you aren’t alone?

Twenty-five women answered the call and shared their stories about real-life struggles and how God met them in the midst of difficulty. 

You're not alone. We're all dealing with something. It might be a life-long struggle or a current situation. Whatever it is, being a Christian doesn't mean we won't face really hard days, it means we don't walk alone. We have Jesus and we have each other. {Tweet this}

It's okay to admit we struggle. 

It's not just okay—it's necessary, and in time, it can be healing.

Perhaps it's timely for me to tell you about this book right now...

You may have noticed I've been quiet here for the past month. I recently had to say goodbye to my mom and although I know I'll see her again in heaven, I've been struggling.

I'm not ready to share about it yet because my emotions and memories are too personal. They're my private connection with her. But I can tell you that this new reality hits me at times with great force and makes even something I love to do, like writing, difficult.

No matter what you might be facing, our struggles are real and our emotions are valid. But we are not alone.

More about Candid Conversations (from Amazon):

Life isn’t always sunshine and chocolate. It’s hard. In Candid Conversations you’ll hear real life struggles that real Christian women have faced head on, and how God has either used those struggles to refine their faith, or used their faith to help them weather the storm. From struggling with doubts to dealing with the loss of a loved one, these women lay it all out. They aren’t afraid to get real, because they know God can use their struggles to inspire, encourage, and reach others all for His glory.

For more information, visit Candid Conversations or Amazon/Candid Conversations.

If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.
2 Corinthians 11:30

In Christ,

Laura

[Photo credits: Heather Hart/Candidly Christian]

Linking up with: Purposeful Faith, #TeaAndWord, Trekking Thru, #GraceFullTuesday, #TellHisStory, Let's Have Coffee, #RechargeWednesday, #porchstories, Moments of Hope, Grace & Truth, Faith & Friends, #FaithonFire, #FreshMarketFriday, #BVNetworkParty

Courageous Women of the Bible {Book Review}

Last fall, I wrote about courage and being brave. It’s something I think about a lot because courage isn’t just for the extreme actions we hear about. Courage is needed in our day-to-day activities. {Tweet this}

To keep trying when nothing is going our way.

To face a new day when we’d rather pull the covers over our heads.

To be ourselves instead of trying to be like someone else.

To share our stories when it means being vulnerable.

To have the hard conversations even though it’s uncomfortable.

We may not think of ourselves as being courageous, but we see it in others. And, sometimes, someone else’s brave example helps us look for it in ourselves.

Because I think so much about what it means to be brave, I was excited to hear about the opportunity to review Courageous Women of the Bible: Leaving Behind Fear & Insecurity for a Life of Confidence and Freedom by LaTan Roland Murphy.

In this book, the author explores eleven courageous women in the Bible, relating their stories to ours today. What did it mean for women like Deborah, Abigail, Mary, Jochebed, and the widow with two coins to be courageous women then? And what does it mean for you and me to be courageous women today?

At the very beginning of the book, LaTan explains the difference between worldly courage and Godly courage.

“Worldly courage often makes a rebellious, sinful nature. Worldly courage screams, ‘You can’t make me do anything I don’t want to do!’ or ‘It will be my way!’ Or even, ‘You can’t stop me!’

“Courage by God’s standards is the ability to act, regardless of human fear or frailty, and enables us to do supernatural things because we are not acting alone—God is with us. And sometimes, godly courage is manifested in the ability to not act outwardly, but to wait, pray, and be still in God’s presence.

“Real godly courage is laced with an attitude of obedient gratitude, knowing that He is able to lead, guide, and direct our lives.” – LaTan Roland Murphy, Courageous Women of the Bible (pgs 14-15)

Looking back in my own life, I remember many times when waiting on God looked to others like I was doing nothing. What I knew was Godly courage to wait and listen for God to lead, looked like a lack of worldly courage to make things happen. {Tweet this}

That’s often the way it is. Walking in faith takes courage, but that faith-filled courage can be difficult for the world to see or understand.

Courageous Women of the Bible has 12 chapters. Each of the first 11 chapters focuses on a courageous woman from the Bible and includes questions to think about at the end of each chapter. The last chapter is a journaling section. I read this book on my own, but it would also make a great group study.

More about this book (from the back cover):

Learn to live, love, and lead courageously—as you boldly choose to trust God.

Whether you're facing struggles with singleness, the mounting challenges of marriage and motherhood, health issues, a financial crisis—God has equipped you to walk in freedom and confidence as you abide in Him, strengthened by His power and provision. Through the stories of eleven brave women of the Bible who made faith-filled choices that positioned them for success, LaTan Roland Murphy exhorts, encourages, and empowers women of all ages. With warmth and wit, she illustrates how you, like Deborah, Jael, Mary, and others, can look beyond your circumstances and lay hold of the courage needed to

· draw closer to Jesus when facing illness, isolation, or rejection;
· live and give generously, even amid financial hardship; and
· step out into faithful, fearless living as a wife, mother, friend or coworker—no matter the season of life or what lies ahead.

You can visit LaTan on her website, and find Courageous Women of the Bible on Amazon.

*Giveaway*

Thanks to Bethany House Publishers and BlogAbout Blogger Network, I have one copy of Courageous Women of the Bible to give away!

To enter, leave a comment on this blog post with your email address (so I can contact you if you win.) For extra entries, share this post on social media (let me know in the comments where you shared.) [Privacy policy]

Drawing ends next Monday, June 11. (Sorry, only U.S. residents are eligible to win.)

In Christ,

Laura 

[Photo credit: Unsplash.com] 

(Note: I received a free copy of Courageous Women of the Bible from Bethany House Publishers in return for my honest review.)

Linking up with: Purposeful Faith, #TellHisStory, #TeaAndWord, Trekking Thru, Let's Have Coffee, #porchstories, #RechargeWednesday, #w2wwordfilledwednesday, Sitting Among Friends, Moments of Hope, #HeartEncouragement, #gracemoments, Grace & Truth, Faith 'n Friends, #FreshMarketFriday, #FaithonFire, #DestinationInspiration, #BVNetworkParty, #GraceFullTuesday

Rooted {Book Review}

Rooted: Going Deep into God’s Transforming Love by Lara Williams officially released today. I've had the privilege of being on the launch team for the book and it's a Bible study I believe God sent my way at just the right time.

A couple of years ago, my One Word for the year was Persevere. It was a hard word to accept and live with, and yet, it was a constant reminder that I was not alone. 

I knew I had to keep my focus on Jesus and keep going. And when I stumbled or something was thrown at me, I had friends to remind me...Persevere.

"When we hear of or see another's faith and love being worked out in everyday life, it produces courage in us to press on. It inspires endurance.…The faith of another can ignite our own faith." – Lara Williams, Rooted: Going Deep into God’s Transforming Love (pg. 36)

It's true. Seeing how someone else walks through her hardest days without losing hope because her focus is on Jesus is encouraging and inspiring. It reminds me that because I'm not walking alone, I can persevere, even on the days I want to throw up my hands and say I've had enough.

When I read these words from Rooted, they not only reminded me to persevere, but made me wonder what others think when they see me.

Can someone else be encouraged when she sees me walk through my days in faith, with my focus on Jesus? 

I hope so, not because of anything I do—but all because of who God is and the way He works.

My job is to keep my focus on Him, draw from His strength, and not lose hope no matter what comes my way. God will use my faith to reach others, as He sees fit. {Tweet this}

If you're looking for your next Bible study (or even if you're not) check out Rooted. Author Lara Williams shares from her own life experiences and leads the reader through the book of Ephesians, without it being overwhelming. This 6-week study is divided into daily sections so it's easy to work at your own pace, either with a group of as an individual study.

For more information about Rooted, visit Lara’s website at tooverflowing.com/rooted. And don't miss out on the launch week bonuses!

(Note: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. The views expressed in my review are all my own.)

In Christ,
Laura

[Photo credit: Lara Williams/Rooted]

Linking up with: #DreamTogether, #glimpsesofHisBeauty, Purposeful Faith, #TeaAndWord, Trekking Thru, #TellHisStory, Coffee for Your Heart, #porchstories, #RechargeWednesday, #ChasingCommunity, Moments of Hope, #gracemoments, #DestinationInspiration, Sitting Among Friends, Faith 'n Friends, Grace & Truth, #FaithonFire, #WriterWednesday, #FreshMarketFriday

An Imperfect Woman {Book Review}

When God chooses a theme for your year He covers all the bases.

Shortly before 2018 began, God guided me to the word Enough. Around the same time came the opportunity to join the launch team for Kim Hyland's new book An Imperfect Woman: Letting Go of the Need to Have It All Together.

Enough and imperfect.

Yep, that's me, and most of the time I'm okay with that. 

Or at least, I'm getting there.

Other times, I fall back into old habits of thinking "if I try harder, do more research, push for what I think should happen..." then surely I can fix the situation. I don't need to tell you how well that works, right?

As soon as I received my copy of An Imperfect Woman, I dove in with my journal at the ready. Not far in, I read this:

“Eve just believed the lie that she needed more than God. He wasn’t enough. In her disbelief, she turned her head and heart to her own resources, ambitions, and abilities.”  – Kim Hyland, An Imperfect Woman (pg. 38)

Ouch. I'm not alone.

The enemy lied to Eve. The temptation to want more was there and she fell victim to it.

How often do we fall for the same temptation for more, even if we don't know what "more" is or what it looks like? {Tweet this}

The enemy is a liar. He tells us we're not enough. He wants us to think God is not enough. But God is always more than enough. Always.

Kim explores this topic throughout her book, sharing her story openly and honestly. She doesn't pretend to have it all figured out, but shares what she's learned over the years and how she got there. An Imperfect Woman is grounded in Scripture and offers the reader a lot to think about.

From the back of the book:

The desire to be perfect is actually a God-given urge. After all, we were made for Eden. But there is a difference between perfection and perfectionism, which is our attempt to achieve perfection on our own, by our own strength, and for our own purposes—the original temptation in the Garden. In this freeing book, Hyland offers a stirring manifesto for acknowledging our limitations and embracing the perfection of God through his grace. – An Imperfect Woman, Kim Hyland

An Imperfect Woman is available now! You can learn more about Kim Hyland and An Imperfect Woman at www.animperfectwoman.com. 

Also, starting Monday, Feb. 12, Kim will be leading a 4-week online An Imperfect Woman Book Study. (If you order today, you might get your book in time for day 1!)

(Note: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. The views expressed in my review are all my own.)

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with: #DreamTogether, Moments of Hope, #glimpsesofHisbeauty, Purposeful Faith, #TeaAndWord, Trekking Thru, #TellHisStory, Coffee for Your Heart, #RechargeWednesday, #porchstories, #ChasingCommunity, #HeartEncouragement, #gracemoments, Sitting Among Friends, Faith 'n Friends, Grace & Truth, #FaithonFire, #DestinationInspiration

2 New Books to Share

I love reading books written from the heart, that I can relate to, and that lead me deeper into God’s Word. Today I have two new titles to share with you. And they're both available now!

Is Jesus Worth It? by Stacey Thacker

When we dive deep into His Holy Word, He meets us on the page and in our hearts.

- Stacey Thacker, Is Jesus Worth It?

All summer I’ve been excited to be on the launch team for Stacey Thacker’s new book Is Jesus Worth It? It’s the first book in her new series The Girlfriend’s Guide to the Bible. (Meaning there will be more books coming. Yay!)

I’ve read Stacey’s Fresh Out of Amazing and Hope for the Weary Mom, so I already knew I liked the way she writes, and this book was no disappointment.

In Is Jesus Worth It? Stacey walks us through the book of Hebrews, while sharing her own personal story from her heart. It feels like talking with a friend over coffee. This book is great for individual Bible study or for a group study.

Here’s more about Is Jesus Worth It? (from Amazon):

Find Hope and Help for Trials and Testing

When you realize there's nowhere to go but into the arms of Jesus, you're in good company. Stacey Thacker, author of Fresh Out of Amazing, knows what it's like to feel like quitting. She invites you to join her in exploring the refreshment awaiting every weary soul in the book of Hebrews. Through these pages, you will...

• understand how Jesus is the heart, help, and hope we need so you can endure through suffering
• learn how to take God at his word to overcome fear with faith
•  examine stories of faithful followers so you can look forward with great hope

When life is hard, your heart might ask, "Is Jesus worth it?" Come hear the responding yes ringing through every verse of Hebrews.

Deeper Waters by Denise J. Hughes

A Bible study doesn’t have to be complicated to be deep.

– Denise J. Hughes, Deeper Waters

I had the pleasure of meeting Denise a few years ago at a retreat. She’s a word girl who loves her Bible (like me) so I was excited to receive Deeper Waters as part of her launch team.

Denise tells her own personal story while leading the reader deeper into God’s Word. When I read a book like this, I journal my way through, stopping to look up Scripture and reading the Bible story for myself, so it’s taken me a little longer to finish reading Deeper Waters.

But, that’s not to say it’s difficult reading! In fact, it’s written in a way that gives you time to pause, but also makes you want to keep going. I’d recommend it to anyone wanting a personal Bible study or to use as a group study.

Here’s more about Deeper Waters (from Amazon):

The Satisfaction You Seek Dwells in the Depths of God's Word

Do you come to God's Word with questions and doubts that arise from life's disappointments and hurts? Denise J. Hughes, author of the Word Writers Bible Study Series, has been there, yet she's found a peace that runs deeper than her circumstances. In Deeper Waters, she invites you to:  

1. Learn to hear God's voice through the pages of His Word.

2. Discover a joy you never thought possible when reading the Bible.

3. Make connections in Scripture that transform your way of thinking and living.

You don't have to be a graduate student in seminary to be a serious student of the Bible. God's Word is for everyone. Dive in and experience the joy that awaits in deeper waters.

If you’ve read either of these books, what did you think? What other books have you been reading? I love hearing about titles to add to my growing stack of books waiting to be read.

(For both Is Jesus Worth It? and Deeper Waters, I had the privilege of receiving and reading advance copies, in exchange for my honest review.)

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with Faith 'n Friends, #FreshMarketFriday, Faith on Fire, #GraceMoments, Grace & Truth, #HeartEncouragement

Two Book Reviews…and Giveaways!

I’ve written before that even though my daughter is older, we still enjoy picture books. We have our favorites on her book shelf, and on occasion, we’ll visit the children’s section at the library. 

So, I couldn’t help but be excited with the opportunity to review I’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug! by Caroline B. Cooney, and illustrated by Tim Warnes.

This book is so much fun! Written in rhyme, I’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug! pairs different types of hugs with animal personalities. And the illustrations are so, so cute! Between the descriptive hugs and the adorable illustrations, you can imagine what a wet, slippery fish hug might actually feel like.

I’m going to give you a bear hug. 

A show you how much I care hug. 

A good night, 

Sleep tight, 

Way beyond compare hug. 

I’m going to give you a dog hug…. 

- Caroline B. Cooney, I’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug

Whether you have small children or grandchildren, work with children, or just enjoy a good youthful reading experience, I’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug! is a lot of fun to read!

Zonderkidz has generously provided a hardcover copy of I’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug! to giveaway. To enter, leave a comment on this blog post with the book title and your email address in the comment. (More details at the end of this post.)

*****

The second book I have to review and giveaway is Choosing REAL: An Invitation to Celebrate When Life Doesn’t Go as Planned, by Bekah Jane Pogue.

I’m a month late in posting this review…because, you know. Life. So, perhaps it’s fitting that that’s what this book is about—accepting what’s real when life throws you curve balls.

I knew I wanted to read Choosing REAL, but I enjoyed it even more than I anticipated. Bekah Jane Pogue writes with humor and transparency that had me nodding, and thinking me too!, while at the same time chuckling at her descriptive stories.

Sometimes that’s what we have to do when life doesn’t go the way we planned—cry and laugh. And cling to our God who loves us more than we can possibly know or understand!

“Pain is the most unchosen catalyst to an authentic faith journey.” 

– Bekah Jane Pogue, Choosing Real (pg. 57)

Isn’t that the truth?!? Choosing REAL is one of those books you read with a pen or highlighter in hand. And one that I’ll be pulling off my bookshelf again.

Description from the back of the book: 

In Choosing REAL, author Bekah Pogue walks with us into life’s unplanned circumstances—specifically frantic schedules, pain, transition, feelings of unworthiness, loneliness, and tension—and reminds us it is in these.very.moments where God invites us to notice, respond, and even celebrate an authentic relationship with Him through every.little.detail despite our own efforts or work. The result? A connection between real life and faith so that they are one and the same.

If we still our minds to embrace how REAL God is in everyday circumstances—and when we recognize how He surprises us by using our greatest pains and detours to draw us to a beautiful dependence on Him—freedom and peace replace control and worry. 

Barbour Publishing has generously provided a copy of Choosing REAL for me to giveaway with my review. To enter, leave a comment on this blog post with the book title and your email address in the comment.

Details for both giveaways:

Leave a comment on this post, including your name, email address, and which book you’re interested in, if you should win. Next Friday, April 14, I’ll randomly choose a winner for each book. (Sorry, only U.S. residents are eligible.)

In Christ,

Laura 

Linking up with Faith 'n Friends, #FreshMarketFriday, Grace & Truth

Designed to Pray {Book Review and Giveaway}

You might already know this about me… I'm a journal person.

I have several journals I use for notes when I'm doing a book study and I have one where I keep an ongoing list of blessings and things for which I'm thankful. I even wrote a short series on Scripture journaling last fall.

But my personal journal is where I write everything—Scripture verses, prayers, conversations with God (what I would say if speaking out loud, and what I feel He wants me to know), and anything else I’m feeling while spending time with God.

I have a system, a way I like to use my journals, but still, there are times I need a little creative inspiration. (Like when I open my personal journal and realize it’s been awhile since I last wrote anything!)

That's why I was intrigued when given the opportunity to review Designed to Pray: Creative Ways to Engage with God by Kelly O'Dell Stanley.

Designed to Pray isn't a how-to book on prayer, but rather a book of creative inspiration for your prayer life. Whether you consider yourself a prayer warrior or you're just starting to discover what prayer is all about, this eight-week interactive workbook is designed to spark creativity.

Each chapter is broken into seven days, with a short reading and activity for each day. But don't think of it as daily assignments. This book is not rigid with each day building on the previous day. It's made to be flexible. In fact, the author writes, 

“First rule: There are no rules. This book follows a consistent structure, but you don’t have to. It’s okay if you miss a day or two. Or if it takes you a month to finish Week 1. Feel free to cross out my directions and write your own. Or repeat the same exercise multiple times before moving on.” – Kelly O’Dell Stanley, Designed to Pray

I found some suggestions and activities more to my liking than others. You will too. Take the ones you like and use them over and over again (in the book or in your own journal.)

The goal is to spend time with God, and a brief activity may have you talking to Him throughout the rest of the day. You may feel more in touch with Him while writing out a Scripture verse than drawing, or vice versa. But either way, you’re connecting with Him and that's what matters.

Ready to give it a try?

You can visit Kelly on her website and find Designed to Pray on Amazon.

You can also leave a comment on this blog post for a chance to win a free copy of the book! (Thank you to Tyndale Momentum for their generosity in offering this giveaway!)

How would you describe your prayer life? 

Answer this question in your comment and please remember to include your email address so I can contact you if you win!

I will randomly choose and contact one winner at the end of the week. (Sorry, only U.S. residents are eligible.)

In Christ,

Laura 

[Photo credits: Kelly O’Dell Stanley]

(Note: I received a free copy of Designed to Pray by Tyndale Momentum in return for my honest review. This post contains affiliate links.)

Linking up with: #DreamTogether, Moments of Hope, #glimpsesofHisbeauty, #RaRaLinkup

Journal the Word Bible {Book Review and Giveaway}

Last month, I wrote a short series on Scripture journaling. I love journaling while I study God’s Word. I use a personal journal and take notes in my Bible; I also created these Scripture Journaling Worksheets to share.

I’ve never had a journaling Bible, though, so, I was pretty excited when I got the opportunity to review the new NKJV Journal the Word Bible by Thomas Nelson.

To be honest, I wasn’t sure how I would like it. Study Bibles are my preference, and I have three in different translations. I like the extra notes, explanations, and cross references a study Bible offers. Plus, I’m not much of an artist, so I didn’t anticipate producing beautiful artwork while I read.

Regardless, I wanted to give it an unbiased try. After I flipped through and got a feel for it, I started reading…and I kept reading, without stopping and without going back and forth between the text and study notes. I made some notes in the lined margins, and even tried some minor artwork with colored pencils.

I have to say, I like it! I received the Large Print version, which means my eyes don’t feel strained, especially if I’m reading at night.

With any Bible, there are pros and cons, depending on personal preference. Here are my pros and cons of the NKJV Journal the Word Bible.

Pros:

✽Nice size and a thick hard cover

✽Large print (10-pt font) easy on the eyes

✽Jesus’ words in red print

✽Thick, cream colored pages

✽Wide, lined margins for notes, journaling, or artwork

✽Elastic band around the Bible and ribbon marker

Cons: (These are not really cons unless you’re expecting a study Bible.)

✽No concordance

✽No study notes

✽No cross references

If you’re looking for a journaling Bible in either the NKJV or KJV, the Journal the Word Bible by Thomas Nelson might be just what you’re looking for. It would also make a great gift!

To celebrate the release of the Journal the Word Bible, Thomas Nelson has graciously sent me a copy to giveaway! 

This giveaway is for the NKJV Journal the Word Bible in Large Print. To enter, leave a comment on this post about your Bible journaling habits, or if you’ve yet to try it. On Friday, November 18, I’ll randomly choose a winner. Please include your email so I can contact you. (Sorry, only U.S. residents are eligible.)

In Christ,

Laura 

(Note: I received a free copy of the NKJV Journal the Word Bible by Thomas Nelson in return for my honest review. This post contains affiliate links.)

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