Books Archives - Page 6 of 7

Day 16 – Books That Encourage My Soul

Books and stories of others are always a balm to my soul Reading other stories of faith encourages me to keep my trust in the Lord during times of suffering.

Some books that have given me hope on the hard days recently are:

The Bible – the Psalms are so comforting to me. They never fail to encourage my soul each and every day. I have been reading and praying Psalm 119 over and over lately.

Tramp For The Lord by Corrie Ten Boom – I recently just finished reading this gem of a book and Corrie’s faith in the Lord and His leading is so inspiring. Her courage and trust in Jesus during her suffering inspires me to press on in the hard!

Hiding in the Light – Why I Risked Everything to Leave Islam and Follow Jesus by Rifqa Bary – I could not put this book down. I think I finished it in one day. powerful story of devotion and suffering for Jesus! This is a definite must read that will encourage and convict you in your journey with Christ.

The Cross and the Switchblade by David Wilkerson – David’s deep abiding faith in Jesus makes me want to draw closer to Jesus myself. God gave him a mission and he was obedient to the very end. It was not always easy and he met much opposition but he continued to trust His Savior and boldly ministered to young teens on the streets of New York City. David’s testimony is a great example of God’s faithfulness when a person surrenders everything to Him, and God has used him to minister to gangs and teens all over the world.

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Sparkly Green Earrings, The Antelope in the Living Room, and Nobody’s Cuter Than You by Melanie Shankle – Each of these books are delightful and all three make me laugh out loud. Sparkly Green Earrings is a memoir of motherhood, The Antelope in the Living Room is a memoir of marriage, and Nobody is Cuter Than You is a memoir of friendship. Add all three of these must reads to your bookshelf.

To read more posts in this series visit here.

31 Days, Articles, Books, Christian Living, Disability

Day 12 – People Who Inspire – Joni Eareckson Tada

In seasons where days are hard and life can seem crappy, it is so easy to focus just on ourselves and our problems. However, for me, that only leads me into more despair. One way that helps me to look up and to be encouraged on the hard days is to read inspiring testimonies from other believers. One of those testimonies is from a woman who has had great impact on my life, and that is Joni Eareckson Tada. I, like Joni, have a disability, and throughout the years Joni’s story has been an encouragement to me. Joni’s life has not always been easy but she has dealt with her trials with Christ-like joy and allowed God to be glorified through her difficulties.

A couple of years ago, Joni spoke at an event with the comedian I managed at the time, and I was able to be there and meet her and that was such an honor and a privilege. She is such a lovely lady and reading back through her story over the past few days has encouraged me to press on.

I wrote a review of her autobiography a few years ago for another website. I came upon it recently and thought I would share it with you here —

JONI: An Unforgettable Story by Joni Eareckson Tada is a touching autobiography of a woman who became a paraplegic at the age of eighteen, and since then has overcome tremendous obstacles in her life to be the woman she is today.

In the first few chapters Joni educates the reader on her interests and hobbies from painting to riding horses. However, not too long into the story she takes the reader inside of what we know is coming, which is the diving accident that changed her life forever. Joni then describes her journey of learning to live life as a paraplegic. She allows you to see inside the times when she was the most bitter, and when she was most joyful. Even though Joni went through a period of time where all she wanted to do was give up and die, she eventually realized that she could still have a meaningful life with a disability, and God could use her trials to glorify Him and help others. She began painting again, but instead of using her hands she drew with her teeth to create masterpieces of art. Her unique paintings became popular and have provided opportunities for Joni to share her story with the world including being interviewed by Barbara Walters on The Today Show. Joni also founded a Christian-based organization called Joni and Friends which provides assistance to disabled people all over the world.

Joni writes all of this in such a way that makes the reader feel like they are there with her experiencing all that she is going through. In one sentence she has you laughing but in the next has you crying. At the end of her book, I was blessed by her testimony. I was reminded that God is not limited by our limitations, and that He can use them for His good.

This is the first of many books that Joni has authored. I would recommend you read this as well as her others. Her books are excellent resources for people who are dealing with a disability or chronic illness. It will leave you encouraged and challenge you to grow in your relationship with Christ. To learn more about Joni, and to purchase her books visit her website here.

To read more posts in this series visit here.

Articles, Books, Disability, Family, Friendship, Music, Reading

Gratitude

Two weeks ago, Pastor Pete Wilson of Crosspoint Church in Nashville preached a wonderful message on gratitude and at the end of it challenged each of us to share five things that we were grateful for every day for five days. This was known on social media as#‎5for5CP‬. Below are some things that I shared each day. If you are alive, you have something to be grateful for. Spend some time today thanking God for the gifts he has blessed you with.

#‎5for5CP – Day 1

1. I am super thankful for the friendship and sisterhood I share with @sara_at_mimibellas. Thankful for the continued encouragement she gives to me each day and the truth she speaks in my life. ‪#‎bestfriends‬ ‪#‎kindredspirits‬
2. Encouragement from the word – Psalm 119
3. Good books – My current read is “What Keeps You Up at Night” by Pete Wilson.
4. Diet Coke with Lime – ‪#‎itsthelittlethings‬
5. Good music – I have the album “Little Songs” by Jon Guerra on repeat! So good!

#‎5for5CP‬ – Day 2

I’m so grateful for all of my furbabies! 🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶
1. Lucy Lou
2. Coco
3. Tebow
4. Anne Girl
5. Rowdy Girl

‪#‎5for5CP‬ – Day 3

1. Days like today spent by the pool
2. Summertime
3. My recovery. 2015 has been a hard year so far for my health but God is restoring me and bringing healing in His time.
4. My current view. Such a beautiful day!
5. Sunshine 🔆🔆🔆

‪#‎5for5CP‬ Day 4 –

1. The dear friendship I share with @caseyrummy! So thankful God allowed us to be friends. I love your weekly visits with Malakai. They encourage me every time and also keep me sane haha! Love you! 💜
2.Malakai – love this little guy so much! He brings me constant joy!‪#‎ThursdaysWithMalalkai‬
3.Strawberry Lemonade from McDonalds – my weekly treat from @caseyrummy! Delicious!
4.Dinner brought to me by my dad from my favorite local restaurant, Jans! Love their chicken and their salads! So good.
5. Encouragement from the Word today! Philippians 3:13-14

‪#‎5for5CP‬ Day 5 –

1. I’m forever grateful for the wonderful and Godly parents that I have been blessed with. So thankful to have them as my best friends. Thanks for never leaving my side this year, and for taking such good care of me while I’ve been sick. Also, most importantly thanks for being examples of Jesus in my life. Love you! 😘
2. Family – Love you all! 💜
3. Life – 2014 and 2015 have been extremely tough due to some health issues and I am so thankful for the gift of of being alive. Thankful to Jesus for the joy of today.
4. Hebrews 6:19 ⚓
5. Prayers and encouragement from friends – Thanks to all of you who have prayed, encouraged, and supported our family during this season. We are thankful for and love you all.

Articles, Books, Christian Living

Good reads

Hey friends. I know it is a little late to establish a reading list for the summer since the summer is over halfway complete, but up until this point in my recovery I have not felt like reading. If you know me at all, then you know that I absolutely love books. That being said, I have created a Summer/Fall list of books that I would like to read. Below is the list. It is a lot of books but maybe by Christmas I will have them read. Maybe. Ha. It is a good goal, anyways! What are you currently reading? If you have any recommendations to add please share them in the comments section. 🙂

1. Candle in the Darkness by Lynn Austin – This is the first book in “The Refiners Fire” series and so far it is a wonderful story. Also, it is free for download on Kindle/Nook/Ibook Apps.

2. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah – This has been on the bestsellers list for a while now, and my mom loves it so if my mom recommends it, I should read it.

3. Chloe by Lyn Cote – I have literally owned this book for a couple of years now. It’s the first in a series of for books. I am looking forward to reading it. The whole series comes highly reviewed.

4. The Set Apart Woman by Leslie Ludy – I love everything written by Leslie, and her husband Eric, and I am sure this will be no exception. Leslie’s books are always super encouraging and convicting and I always walk away from her writings with a deeper desire to dig in God’s Word.

5. Longing for Paris by Sarah Mae – I’ve recently discovered Sarah Mae’s writing and just received this book yesterday. The cover of this book alone makes me want to start reading, although I know we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover..ha! I have read the first few pages and it is fabulous so far. Sarah Mae speaks directly to the heart of women and has such a beautiful way of communicating. I recommend this for all women, especially my mom friends out there.

6. Leota’s Garden by Francine Rivers – I have almost read all of Francine’s books except for this one. All of her work has been so amazing and I don’t think this book will disappoint. If you haven’t done so already, read “Redeeming Love” and ” The Atonement Child.”

7. The Mingling of Souls by Matt and Lauren Chandler – Matt is one of my favorite pastors and writers and I look forward to reading more of his and Lauren’s wisdom regarding marriage and relationships.

8. One More Wish – Christy & Todd: The Married Years by Robin Jones Gunn – The Christy Miller Series will always be my most favorite. I grew up with these books and have loved this new series based on my favorite characters. I’ve pre-ordered this upcoming book look forward to receiving it and catching up with my “Forever Friends.”

7. At Home in Mitford by Jan Karon – I am from a family of readers, and I think that all the ladies in my family have read this entire series, but me. I know, I know. I am a bit behind, but I plan to remedy that real soon.

8. The Heavenly Man by Brother Yun – I have heard Brother Yun’s powerful story many times but I have never read the book. I am looking forward to reading this intense book on the power of Jesus Christ in one man’s life.

9. Nobody’s Cuter Than You by Melanie Shankle – I have been a longtime reader of Melanie’s blog, “Big Mama,” and I love the humorous ways she tells a story. I’ve already started this book and it does not disappoint. This is a book you should read with your best girlfriend so go pick up a copy for you and your BFF and start reading.

10. Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline – A few months ago I asked my dear friend Sara what was one book I needed to read and she immediately said “Orphan Train.” Sara, is a book lover like myself and has a great blog reviewing some of her favorite books. Check it out here.

11. Devil At My Heels by Louis Zamperini- I greatly respect this man and his bravery and I look forward to reading more of his story.

12. The Wisdom of Faith by Bobby Bowden – Bobby Bowden was one of my favorite football coaches and he is a great man of faith. I look forward to reading this nugget of wisdom.

13. Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee – I have been looking forward to reading this since I heard it was being released. I am sure it will be another classic!

14. What are Your Afraid Of? Facing Down Your Fears With Faith by Dr. David Jeremiah – The other day I was on my Kindle and meant to download the sample for this book, but accidentally purchased and downloaded the full book. I guess God wanted me to read it. 🙂

15. You and Me Forever: Marriage in Light of Eternity by Francis and Lisa Chan – I love the Chans and their deep devotion for the ministry of Jesus Christ. I know that this book is full of helpful advice for married as well as single people, and will bring you closer to Jesus. Also, 100% of the net proceeds from this book will support various ministries including those that help provide shelter and rehabilitation for thousands of children and exploited women around the world. 🙂

16. Lets All Be Brave by Annie F. Downs – I enjoy reading Annie’s blog posts and listening to her podcasts and look forward to reading about Annie’s journey of life and being brave.

17. All the Lights We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr– Everyone else is reading it so I decided to buy a copy to see what all the buzz was about.

Articles, Books, Christian Living, Friendship

Prayer, Future Husbands, and Singleness

I am 30 years old and have been praying for my future husband since I was 12. That is 18 years of praying for a man I have never met (or at least I don’t think we’ve met). Lately, I have wondered if I am called to a life of singleness, but the Lord commands us not to worry about the future, just focus on today. Leslie Lud y frequently tells the story of her sister-in-law Krissy who was single for many years before God sent her the man she is now married to. Before marriage when people would ask Krissy, “are you called to a life of singleness?” Her response was always, “Today I am.” I love that perspective, and it is now my response as well. Since I am single today then I am called by God to be single in this season unless He decides to send me a husband. One fact that I have learned over the years is that Jesus Christ is always enough and is my ultimate fulfillment. Sure, there are days that are really hard as a single person, and the struggle is very real, but that is when Jesus meets me in my need and gives me grace upon grace. Because of His grace, I have the strength I need to most importantly live for Jesus, and to honor my future husband (If God wills that I should be married one day).

Proverbs 31:12 states that a wife of noble character is to bring her husband “good not harm all the days of her life.” This verse does not only apply to women who have already met their spouses, but to single women as well. We should be living all of our life in a way that ultimately glorifies the Lord, and also in a way that would be faithful to a future husband. One way to live this out is by praying for your future husband even before you meet him. Even if one never marries, your prayers will not ever be wasted.

Several years ago I was reminded of the power of prayer in this area after hearing a friend’s testimony. She shared that one night she woke up at 3am and felt the Lord telling her to pray for her future husband. She spent the remainder of the night in prayer because she knew he was in trouble. She continued to pray for him daily after that. A year later, when she was getting to know the man who is now her husband, he told her that he was involved in a car accident that almost took his life. As he told her the details of how it happened, it was exactly the date and time that the Lord woke her up to pray. When I heard this story I was reminded that God values and honors our prayers for a husband even when we cannot see what He is doing.

One of my favorite books on this topic is titled “Praying For Your Future Husband,” by Robin Jones Gunn and Tricia Goyer. In this, the authors share Biblical encouragement and wisdom on how to pray for your husband and prepare your heart for his. It also gives ways to pray for your sisters in Christ. I would like to share some of these, and I encourage you to spend some time this week in prayer for your future husband as well as your fellow sisters as we are trying to be the women God has called us to be.

Pray for his Heart – Pray that your future husband will give his heart to Jesus Christ. Pray that he will trust the Lord each day to get him through whatever life may bring, and for his thoughts and actions to reflect the love of Christ. Pray these things also for yourself and your friends.

Pray for Strength – Pray that your future husband will have inner-spiritual strength and that the Lord will give him strength to fight temptations and difficulties. Pray that the Lord will mold him into the leader he needs to be. Also, pray the same things for yourself and your friends. Pray that God will give you strength in areas where you are weakest and allow His strength to make you strong.

Pray for Loyalty and Faithfulness – Pray that your future husband will be faithful to the Lord in every area of his life. Pray also that he is loyal to the friendships that God has already given him, and pray that he is already faithful to you. Pray these things for yourself and your friends.

Pray for Protection – Pray that your future husband will be protected from the evil one. Pray that he puts on the armor of God each day and for the Lord to help him fight not only the outward sources that try to bring him down but also the sin nature inside. Also, pray the same protection each day for yourself and your friends.

Pray for Contentment – Pray that your future husband will be content, and have patience as he waits for God to lead him to you. Pray that his heart will not be hardened during this time, but instead that he grow closer in his relationship with Christ. Pray that he spends his time focusing on serving Christ and others, and not dwelling on being single. Pray that Christ alone will always be enough. Pray for the same contentment for yourself and your friends.

To learn more and to purchase “Praying for Your Future Husband,” visit here.

Be encouraged today, and know that I am praying for you!

Articles, Books, Christian Living, Disability, Friendship, Music

Little Mercies

In my last post, I talked about feeling restless and God’s peace. Through His peace, God has been reminding me daily of things to be thankful for that I like to call “little mercies.” No matter how mundane or hard our lives may seem at the moment, because of Christ we always have something to be thankful for. This summer I have decided to start journaling more and be intentional about recording these little mercies each day. This exercise helps me keep perspective when things seem otherwise gloomy. I would like to share some of my “little mercies” from today, and challenge you to take a moment to consider and be thankful for the little mercies God is bringing your way.

– My sweet Savior Jesus Christ

– Awesome parents who I consider my best friends

– Dear friends who I can share life with and who love, listen, and pray for me when times get hard.

– Nurses who daily help make my daily life easier during this season

– Jon Guerra’s new album, “Little Songs.” I think this is my theme music for the summer now. Why did I wait so long to listen to his music?? So good! Favorite songs are “Nothing Better,” and “Wherever You Are.”

– Psalms – I have been reading through them lately and they are a balm to my soul. Psalm 91:4 has greatly encouraged me the last couple of days. It states, “He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.”

– “I Come Quietly To Meet You” Devotional by Amy Carmichael – Later in her life, Amy some serious health problems that left her homebound for years.

– Diet Sundrop – What can I say? I am addicted to this soda. I am definitely a Carolina girl and this is my summer treat.

– My pool – which is my favorite dwelling place for the summer especially over the last week or so during what feels to be the hottest time of the year. Also, it has been a great form of exercise for me as I have been recovering.

Okay , now it is your turn. What little mercies has God given you this week? Think and pray on that this weekend.

Articles, Books, Christian Living, Devotionals

Time with God

Hello sweet blog readers. Lately I have been struggling to have time with the Lord. Since I’ve been sick and during my recovery process, my schedule has not been consistent and when I lay down to sleep each night I remember–“Wait, I didn’t spend time with Jesus today.” I know the Lord understands sickness and circumstances that may not always allow you to spend extended amounts of time in the Word. However, God desires us to put Him first in whatever way that looks like in our present circumstances. In different seasons our quiet time can change, but God asks us to do what we are able to do in that moment, and gives us the grace to do so. I have lots of extra time at home right now so I need to use it by sitting at the feet of Jesus and soaking up His word instead of spending my time doing trivial activities to entertain myself.

I recently began reading “The Cross and the Switchblade,” by David Wilkerson. I am not too far into it yet, but his story is powerful. If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend it. In the book, David tells a story about how he loved watching “The Tonight Show” each night once all of his family had gone to bed. That was the one activity he enjoyed doing to unwind. One night he was convicted about needing to spend more time in prayer, but thought that he didn’t have more time in his day. However, that was until God reminded him of the calm quiet hours that he stayed up watching television. God began leading Him to give up that time of tv watching, and spend it in prayer instead. Since David was the only one in the household who watched television he told the Lord that he would put an ad in the newspaper advertising that his tv was for sale. If it sold in the first half hour of the newspaper releasing then he would give it up. Well guess what? Within the first 29 minutes the television sold, and David began to use that time each evening for prayer and communion with the Father. It was hard for him at first but he would tell you that it was worth it. I want to clarify that I am not saying we should all sell our televisions and never watch them again, but I do think we need to make spending time with Christ the most important part of our day. Therefore, if television, movies, reading, social media, activities, etc are taking us away from Him then we need to adjust our priorities.

I can tell when I am not spending enough time with the Lord because my mind starts to be anxious, and I start to worry and fret over every little thing. I also start to feel discontent and not satisfied with life. This is not how the Lord intends for us to live. He wants us to enjoy being with Him, and live in the freedom that He gives us each day. Nothing or no one can satisfy the longings and discontentment in our hearts, except for Jesus. We think we can fill ourselves up on worldly things, and that will give us the satisfaction we need, but that only leaves us wanting more. Jesus desires for us to come to Him each day, seek, and get to know Him. He is ready and waiting to be our beloved and best friend. So will you join me daily by spending time with your Savior? It doesn’t have to be a long time each day. God knows you’re heart and what you are able to give so give the best of every day to Him and you will not regret it. Make Jesus your treasure. Below are some tips that I have found helpful over the years in spending time with God and I hope they encourage you as well.

Read the Bible – Daily Bible reading books are a helpful resource in this. Also, Apps like YouVersion and She Reads Truth have different plans you can choose from to read each day. Also, John is a good place to start and Psalm 119 is one of my personal favorites. So much truth there.

– Prayer Journaling – Write out your prayers to God. This helps you stay focused and journaling is also a good way to remind yourself of God’s faithfulness.

– Devotionals – Nothing should replace the word of God but doing devotionals can be a helpful addition to your Bible reading each day. Some of my favorites are: My “Utmost For His Highest” by Oswald Chambers, and “A Lamp Unto My Feet by Elisabeth Elliot.

Also, I am currently going through the book, “To Live is Christ,” by Beth Moore that highlights the missionary journeys of Paul, and it has been amazing.

How do you spend your quiet times? I would love for you to share what God is teaching you and how I can pray for you. Be encouraged!

Books, Reading

Sacred Singleness

I recently read “Sacred Singleness” by Leslie Ludy, and it is a must read for single women. In the book, Ludy offers much encouragement to singles regarding this season in life, and urges the reader to focus on Christ and serving others rather than the fact that they are single. This book continually points one to Biblical truth and shares ways for you to deepen your relationship with Christ, and make Him the true lover of your soul.

Before reading, I was honestly a bit skeptical about the book because Leslie was only eighteen when she got married. However, I was completely wrong in this judgement, and did not feel that way after I began reading. One of my favorite things about this book were the testimonials. Throughout the book, Leslie shares the stories of many young single women and their walk with Christ. She also shared about some wonderful Christian women in history such as Amy Carmichael, Corrie Ten Boom, Jackie Pullinger, Lottie Moon, and Sabina Wurmbrand, and Elisabeth Elliot. These are some of my heroes, and they were not focused on their marital status, but instead were completely focused on their love for Christ whether they were married or unmarried. They gave up their lives for the Gospel serving around the world, and their main goal was to glorify the Lord in all that they did even when it was not always easy. These ladies were not consumed with self, but with the love of Christ and sharing His love with others. This book was a great reminder that when you take the focus off of yourself and your desires, and put it on Christ, life will take a whole new perspective.

As encouraged from the book, take some time talking to God and reading His Word everyday and seek Him above all else. Ask Him to show you how you can serve Him. He will give you everything you need to live out this life, and if He so chooses will send you a husband in His time. Give him the pen and let Him write your story. As Leslie states, “Even a beautiful God-written love story can never satisfy the way Jesus does. Even the most heroic and Christlike man on earth can never fulfill the longings of our heart like the Prince and Lover of our soul. And until we truly make Him our first love, until we are willing to give up our dream of an earthly love story for His sake, we will never know the fullness of him who fills us all in all.”

To purchase the book visit here, and for more information on Leslie’s ministry visit https://www.setapartgirl.com

Books, Christian Living

Daily Inspirations – September 2, 2014

Happy Tuesday! I am currently reading “The Hiding Place” by Corrie Ten Boom and was encouraged this morning by a statement from Corrie’s sister Betsie. It states, “There are no ‘if’s’ in Gods world. And no places that are safer than other places. The center of His will is our only safety.” I pray that this brings hope and security to you today. Remember no matter what you may be facing that you are never alone, and are always secure in Christ.

Blog Fun, Books, Sunday Socials

Sunday Social Week 19

What is your favorite childhood book?

The Amelia Bedelia books by Peggy Parish! 🙂

What is your favorite book lately?

“Coming Home” by Karen Kingsbury

What is the book you wish you could live in?

That is a tough one. That would either be “The Redemption Series” by Karen Kingsbury or “The Christy Miller and Katie Weldon series” by Robin Jones Gunn.

If you could be any character from a book who would it be and why?

Katie Weldon from the Katie Weldon Series by Robin Jones Gunn

What is your favorite book turned movie?

“The Help” by Kathryn Stockett

What is your favorite magazine?

I am a subscriber to People Magazine. Love it! 🙂