This past year, I needed stories. With each new loss and struggle that my family faced, and with the depth of fear and pain in our communities around the world, I prayed for peace and comfort, but my heart felt worn and beaten. I wasn’t really sure we’d find a safe way through the losses as they piled up around us. What I longed for more than anything was the reassurance of the truth that no matter what, God knows and good wins. “Yes, there is ... Read More about Ever After: The Best Fairy-Tale Retellings for Christian Readers
Books
How to Build Things That Last: Truths From Elisabeth Elliot’s Books
I'm not sure how old I was when I picked up my first Elisabeth Elliot book. Twelve? Thirteen? I had read a children’s biography of Amy Carmichael, so when I saw Elisabeth Elliot’s A Chance to Die: The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael, I was intrigued. I’m not sure I understood much of the book, as it was written in deeper prose than I was used to—but I remember being struck by the story of God speaking to Amy in the street one ... Read More about How to Build Things That Last: Truths From Elisabeth Elliot’s Books
9 Easter Books You and Your Kids Will Love
Spring is in the air here on our little plot of land. Black-eyed Susans are popping up, the yard is shaded by a fresh, green canopy and our first brood of bluebirds has already fledged! It makes me thankful to stop and take a breath of springtime air and realize Easter Sunday is still ahead of us. I am looking forward to seeing my two nephews hunt Easter eggs. This year, two of my sisters are getting baptized at Easter, too. However, I'm even ... Read More about 9 Easter Books You and Your Kids Will Love
Steadfast Love in a Series of Gripping Books
I’m perpetually desperate for a good read and ridiculously horrible at finding new books. My typical system? Filter through Amazon.com’s free Kindle offerings, choose the prettiest covers, download to my tablet, read as little or as much as my attention span will allow, ultimately devouring (up to) a book an evening. My pickiness in five steps: I want clean entertainment, a biblical perspective, an engaging and entertaining storyline without a ... Read More about Steadfast Love in a Series of Gripping Books
What happens when there is no miracle?
by Sara R. Ward “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) Before my son passed away, I spent almost every night hunched over his medical bed, checking to make sure his feeding tube was working correctly, adjusting his body in the darkness, rolling him on his side so he wouldn’t choke on his saliva. This was my nightly medical drill as the parent of a child with a rare disease. My son was ... Read More about What happens when there is no miracle?
How to Truly Cherish Your Spouse
My husband, Devin, and I attended a marriage conference earlier this year with our church and left with an assignment: to read the book Cherish by Gary Thomas. Since we are both readers, we were not only excited to read a book together (something we've done sporadically since our dating days) but even more excited because the book was written by Gary Thomas. Although Thomas has been my favorite marriage author for four years now (ever ... Read More about How to Truly Cherish Your Spouse
How to Open Up the Bible and Take it Apart
Anatomy and physiology was fascinating to me, until the day we walked into the lab and had to dissect a cat. I remember thinking, “Nope.” I sat shamefully and watched my lab team in horror, as they slowly peeled back the layers of that cat and pulled out its insides. My apologies to the friends who did all of the work while I sat there--nose wrinkled and mouth dropped open in disbelief, trying not to gag. In the next lab class we had a test to ... Read More about How to Open Up the Bible and Take it Apart
Christian Fantasy and the Tree of Life
I’m always on the hunt for excellent books to provide my voracious readers with new adventures that will point their hearts and minds to truth. So when two friends recommended the same series to me in one week, I bought the first book on Audible. My children were instantly intrigued with The King of the Trees, a fantasy world that’s part Middle Earth, with hints of Narnia and the humor of The Tales of Larkin--woven with rich Biblical allegory and ... Read More about Christian Fantasy and the Tree of Life
How to Find the Perfect Book Club for You
by Martha Artyomenko Growing up, I dreamed of being a part of a club where everyone enjoyed reading as much as I did. But I didn’t know how to find a book club to join. And I certainly never dreamed of starting one. Until I realized how easy it might be to start my own. I gathered a few acquaintances, my sister and so we began. Have you ever been part of a book club? Or wanted to be part of a book club? Then I have some ideas for you on how to ... Read More about How to Find the Perfect Book Club for You
how to make your life story God’s battle cry
Today I have the privilege of introducing you to one of my personal heroes, Jordyn Glaser. Jordyn is married to my cousin Brian. Together, they are saying yes to the hard things God calls them to, stepping out in faith without waiting to see how God will provide. Brian and Jordyn’s story has had a poignant impact on our family through the years. And now, Jordyn is sharing their moving testimony in her new book, Battle Cry. Here’s a glimpse ... Read More about how to make your life story God’s battle cry
5 series by Michael Phillips that you’ll want to read again and again
I thought I could reread just the first few chapters of Michael Phillips’ books. I was wrong. These books are just as enthralling and intense the second time around. They are not the kind of books you can sample and set down--even if you have read them before and already know the ending. When I first read them, The Journals of Corrie Belle Hollister were my favorite of Michael Phillips’ books. This was natural, I suppose, since pioneer stories ... Read More about 5 series by Michael Phillips that you’ll want to read again and again
Ultimate List of Free Kindle Books for Christian Readers
How does a booklover pack for an extended out of state trip without going over the weight limit or leaving her beloved stack of books behind? I’m the girl who never left the house--even for a grocery run--without a book in my bag. Packing for my first long trip posed a unique challenge. When it came down to deciding between clothing and books, books won. Who needs an extra pair of shoes when it means leaving out a favorite title that was ... Read More about Ultimate List of Free Kindle Books for Christian Readers
