Category: Book Reviews
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Encouragement from Hebrews 11
God’s Big Enough for Our Little Faith I love when God weaves together what you’re reading with what is going on in your life. Recently, my guy and I were talking about taking small steps of faith. I’d been reading about Abraham and we’re in a season of stepping into the unknown. What a joy…
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How do you celebrate the Easter season?
Early in our marriage, my husband told me Easter is his favorite holiday- and he wanted to really celebrate it. I was at a loss. The day Jesus rose from the grave is an important one, but somehow “Easter season” doesn’t have the same ring to it as “the most wonderful time of the year.”…
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The Big Picture of Fear
On our first-ever house-hunting excursion, we walked into a little ranch with chalk paint on the cabinets in the kitchen. If it had been anywhere near our price range, I would have bought it on the spot just for that feature. In an instant, I was imagining how we’d use that chalk wall. I’d draw…
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A Shift in Perspective
The kitchen countertops were covered with ingredients, bowls, and cooking utensils. I started cooking in the late afternoon, consumed with preparing an elaborate meal. After I-don’t-know-how-long, my father-in-law stepped into the kitchen. “Ta-da” he announced. Lights flicked on. Turns out, I’d been cooking in the dark. It was amazing what a difference a shift in…
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God, Grief, and Good Books
The email came after two others. First, a rejection letter. Second, a bitter note intended to wound. Third, an invitation to read the pre-release of a book about grief. At the time, I was sitting beside a sleeping loved one in the throes of painful, frightening suffering and uncertainty. It won’t surprise you that I…
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Faith Fears and God’s Trustworthiness
What’s the scariest part of faith for you? If you’re not sure, think of the Bible stories you know. Which parts lead you to panic and protest, reacting with “but you wouldn’t ask that of me, right God?!” In different Bible studies and conversations with friends, I’ve head different responses to these sorts of questions….
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Paradox of Perfection Book Review
“Umm…” My husband said hesitantly as he reviewed a recent work project of mine, “Did you want me to give feedback on this?” Taking a deep breath, I braced myself and nodded. I had expected, “oh cool,” not the implication there was a problem. “The word ‘success’ is spelled wrong,” he grimaced. So it was….
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Giving Up
Do you know the icebreaker question “if you could meet anyone, who would it be?” Usual answers seem to include famous historical people, Bible figures, and celebrities. But for me, one of my top answers is Laura Story… Elvington. The singer, yes. But also the writer, mom, wife, and friend. God has used her words…
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Seeing the Hand of God in Joseph’s story
“In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” –Romans 8:28 This verse is one of those we cling to. We cling to it when “all things” feel really hard or hurt deeply. When we can’t make sense of anything and when we can’t imagine there’s…
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More of God Book Review
6am. My phone alarm rang obnoxiously even though it was still dark. I had a new job, plus my old job, and a renewed commitment to spending time focused specifically on God. Every (very busy) day. Some part of my heart got up so early because I actually wanted to grow in my walk with…