“What If Jesus Was Serious About Prayer? A Visual Guide to the Spiritual Practice Most of Us Get Wrong” by Skye Jethani definitely has a title that captures your attention, doesn’t it? Published by Moody in the summer of 2021, this compact little book is overflowing with thought-provoking “If Jesus was serious” statements, followed by a deeper look into the ripple effect of taking that statement to heart. Continue reading
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Thoughtful New Collection from Hannah Anderson
Every book I’ve read by Hannah Anderson is like a retreat for the soul, a space where I can be quiet, calm, and contemplative. “Turning of Days: Lessons from Nature, Season, and Spirit” was released by Moody Publishers and is a bit different from her usual books, mainly because, as Hannah herself explains, it is “a collection of devotional essays (rather than in my typical book-length form) because I want to invite you to slow down and reflect on nature’s testimony.” It is organized by the four seasons, and includes beautifully simple sketches and illustrations completed by Hannah’s husband Nathan.
Continue readingAnswering the Question: What Does Art Have To Do With Faith?
“Discovering God Through the Arts: How We Can Grow Closer to God by Appreciating Beauty & Creativity” is a new release from Moody Publishers that immediately caught my attention. In this book, author Terry Glaspey asks (and answers) the question “what does art have to do with faith?” I’ve always been interested in this topic, because I believe that art – including music, films, novels, etc. – can be beneficial for more than just entertainment. This book helped me articulate HOW the arts can help build our faith and encourage thoughtful contemplation and growth in all areas of life.
Continue readingAnnie Helps Us Bring The FUN Back!
I am quite certain that I’ll be in the minority when I say that I just finished reading “That Sounds Fun” by Annie F. Downs WITHOUT having ever listened to her podcast by the same name, but let me assure you that I have already bookmarked several episodes of the podcast that definitely sound very fun to me! Annie’s new book was published by Revell early in the year 2021, and the subtitle gives us a little hint of just what sorts of treasures we will discover within its pages: The Joys Of Being An Amateur, The Power Of Falling In Love, And Why You Need A Hobby. Sounds fun, right? Continue reading
Erin Bartels’ New Introspective Pilgrimage
You can always count on Erin Bartels to provide a rich, colorful, and thought-provoking story that simultaneously captures your heart and challenges you toward deeper inward reflection. Published by Revell in the early months of 2021, “All That We Carried” is a powerful tale of two sisters who drifted apart after a tragedy turned their lives upside down, and are now trying to piece their relationship back together. Setting out on a hiking trip to reconnect, they both carry ten years worth of heartache and misunderstanding. But a wilderness escape should be the perfect opportunity to get everything out in the open – or will it? Continue reading
Insights for Offering Help – Guest Review by Tracy
“Shepherding Women in Pain: Real Women, Real Issues, And What You Need to Know to Truly Help” by Bev Hislop is a valuable book for those wanting to understand and offer love and support to women and the many issues they are dealing with, often silently. This book provides an abundance of knowledge for deep questions, such as: how can I stop the pain? The chapters about the issue itself offer true stories, input from professionals, practical suggestions, things to say and do, things to avoid, resources, related scriptures, etc. I included the contents of the book as this speaks volumes for itself (it is organized into 3 sections). Continue reading
A Compassionate Reminder of God’s Provision
“In Want + Plenty: Waking Up to God’s Provision in a Land of Longing”. This title captured my attention and immediately filled me with feelings and images of my own story, my own life, my own desires and questions. Was it the same for you, too? Meredith McDaniel’s new book from Revell Publishers offers us a jumping-off point towards understanding God’s role as provider in our lives – not always in the way we want or expect, but always in the way we need. Continue reading
A Must-Have Journal For All Writers – Aspiring and Experienced Alike
January is a month of goal-setting and resolutions. This month I’ve started a new daily habit that I’m hoping will kick-start my creativity for writing again, and I think all writers (aspiring or experienced) will enjoy it as much as I do. “My Unedited Writing Year: 365 Invitations to Free Your Creativity and the Writer Within” was written by Hope Lyda and published by Harvest House at the end of 2019. It is truly a one-of-a-kind volume. I’ve been following along with the prompts every day this month, and am enthusiastic to continue using this interactive journal for the entire year of 2020 – who knows what will come of this exciting adventure?! Continue reading
A Poignant Reminder That We Can Trust the Author of Our Stories
Stories. They are all around us, and while we each possess our own unique story, they all have something in common. . . They are all part of the greatest story ever told – God’s story. With warmth and wisdom, husband-and-wife author team Robert Wolgemuth and Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth help us embrace and believe that the title of their new book is true for us all: “You Can Trust God to Write Your Story: Embracing the Mysteries of Providence”. Continue reading
The “Survival Guide” For Young Adults!
Have you read Jonathan “JP” Pokluda’s book “Welcome to Adulting: Navigating Faith, Friendships, Finances, and the Future”? If so, you will be excited to discover his new book from Revell entitled “Welcome to Adulting Survival Guide: 42 Days to Navigate Life”! It is an excellent addition to his full-length nonfiction book that really helps young adults remember and apply the practices that are so imperative as we enter our grown-up lives. Continue reading
Prairie Sky Book Reviews 