“How God Loves Us: 40 Days to Discovering His Character in the Fruit of the Spirit” is a new book from Moody Publishers written by Jessica Thompson. This special little volume initially drew my attention because it takes such a unique approach to the Fruits of the Spirit as defined in the book of Galatians. Why? Because with Jessica as our guide, we step into the truth that it is because God loves us in these ways – joyfully, peacefully, patiently, kindly, with goodness, faithfully, gently, and with self-control – that we can love others in this way too. Continue reading
Joy
I Can’t Wait For December To Read This Book!
The air is turning colder, the days are getting shorter, and only a few tenacious leaves are still clinging to the trees. You know what that means – Christmas is just around the corner! And although we may try to deny it, with the holiday season usually comes busyness, stress, and the pressures to do and buy and go and see even more. But, as beloved author Susie Larson says, what if there is a different way this year? “Prepare Him Room: A Daily Advent Devotional” from Bethany House Publishers is a beautiful little volume that challenges us to ask the question: What matters most this Christmas season? Continue reading
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 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
Great Advice – But Missing A Vital Element
“Don’t Overthink It: Make Easier Decisions, Stop Second-Guessing, and Bring More Joy to Your Life”. Doesn’t this title grab your attention immediately? It did mine, especially when I saw the author was Anne Bogel who also wrote one of my favorite non-fiction books, “Reading People”, a few years ago. Continue reading
An Incredible, Interactive New Title in the “Discovering the Bible Series”
Do you enjoy interactive Bible studies – books that are packed with ideas and activities to creatively engage with God’s word in exciting new ways? I adore these types of studies, and was delighted when a new book in the “Discovering the Bible Series” was released. “Discovering Joy in Philippians: A Creative Bible Study Experience” was brought to life by Pam Farrel, Jean E. Jones, and Karla Dornacher, and follows in the footsteps of their first book in the series, “Discovering Hope in the Psalms”. Continue reading
Heather Holleman’s New Book Reminds Us That We Are Chosen for Christ
Heather Holleman is an author I greatly respect, as she always challenges me to think outside the box and dive deeper into some of the key verbs of Scripture. I’ve previously enjoyed her books “Included in Christ”, “Seated with Christ”, and “Guarded by Christ”, and was excited to begin her newest work from Moody Publishers entitled “Chosen for Christ: Stepping Into the Life You’ve Been Missing”. As Heather urges us, “It’s time to stop letting rejection write your story”. Continue reading
Great Ideas For Forming Life-Giving Habits
Habits can be life-changing, either for good or for bad. When habits are formed that help you to grow spiritually, the results will pay off exponentially in every other area of your life, as well. A new book from Moody Publishers written by Darryl Dash is entitled “How to Grow: Applying the Gospel to All of Your Life”, and is filled with practical ideas for forming life-giving habits that incorporate Bible-reading, prayer, and other spiritual practices into our everyday life. Continue reading
A Challenging Book About Living Out Philippians 4:8
Discernment. That’s not a word that is used very often these days – or at least it’s not one that is put into practice as often as it could and should be. A new book from Moody Publishers, written by Hannah Anderson, helps readers to change this trend, and instead begin asking questions like “How can we, imperfect as we are, develop an instinct for recognizing and embracing the good?” and “How does discernment equip us to navigate a broken, complicated world with confidence and joy?” In “All That’s Good: Recovering the Lost Art of Discernment”, these questions are just the starting point on an exciting journey of new insights and challenging discussions, helping us to truly live out Philippians 4:8 which instructs us to seek truth, honor, justice, purity, loveliness, and things that are praiseworthy. Continue reading
A Challenge to Find Joy – Guest Review by Hayley
“Defiant Joy” – it really does feel like we must act in defiance to the world if we are to experience joy in this life. The mainstream society is governed by worry, fear, guilt, shame, and so many other things that stand in the way of this joy that is supposed to be the birthright of the sons and daughters within the Kingdom.
Some of my favourite books are written by John and/or Stasi Eldredge. For this reason, I was quick to pick up a copy of “Defiant Joy: Taking Hold of Hope, Beauty, and Life in a Hurting World”, and I am very glad I did. Continue reading
Prairie Sky Book Reviews 