July Book Recommendations

Here are this month’s book recommendations. Enjoy!  

 

Fiction – A Very Barrie Christmas: A Poppy Creek Novella by Rachael Bloome

 

If you’re in the mood for Christmas in July, give this fun story a try! It’s inspired by the classic movie “Christmas in Connecticut.” Frank is an old grump who’s trying to turn over a new leaf for his new bride who loves Christmas. He invites an ex-military young man to stay with them and experience Christmas in Poppy Creek. Unbeknownst to him, Frank’s wife invites her niece to visit at the same time. And the fun begins! Through their days in Poppy Creek, the young people learn not to judge a book by its cover, to overcome their fears, and to give grace. And, of course, they fall in love. I enjoyed this sweet Christmas story, especially Frank’s character. =)

 

 

Nonfiction – Reconnected by Carlos Whittaker

 

Wow! This book is so good and so needed! The author lived an experiment of seven weeks without any screens, because he wanted to rediscover life rhythms from before smart phones invaded our daily lives. He spent two weeks at a monastery, followed by two weeks on an Amish sheep farm, then a few weeks at home with no screens. He shares about his experiences in an entertaining way, while also bringing clarity, conviction, and inspiration. This isn’t another book just telling you to use your phone less. It’s all about reclaiming the beautiful parts of being human—such as wonder, presence, solitude, intuition, genuine community, etc. There are many practical tips for adjusting our screen habits, but even more inspiration for actually living a life we enjoy and that has lasting impact. Most of us need such reminders and encouragement these days. I highly recommend this book!

 

 

Gift Book – Fields of Joy by Ruth Chou Simons

 

I don’t read a lot of gift books, but this one combines simple beauty with spiritual encouragement in a restful, meaningful way. Each two-page spread has an illustration, a Scripture, and a sentence or two about joy. Especially for those who enjoy artwork, this book invites us to pause, consider, and embrace the wonder of joy. In our fast-paced world, taking a few moments to slow down and contemplate anything is a challenge. I hope you’ll check out this book and be blessed as you remember the beauty and blessing of God’s gift of joy. 

Swinging on His Promises

When was the last time you sat on a porch swing? For me there’s just something about a porch swing…as I drift slowly back and forth, time slows, all worries fade to the background, my soul takes a deep breath, and I feel enveloped in peace. 

I don’t know why this happens, but I’m grateful for every time I’ve experienced this gift through the years. Maybe one day I’ll have my own porch swing and won’t have to hope I find one whenever I travel. If you have one, enjoy it! =) 

 

I’ll come back to swings in a bit, but first, I’m still reading through Jeremiah and finding unexpected treasures. This passage recently caught my attention:

 

Then Jeremiah said to the family of the Rekabites, “This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: ‘You have obeyed the command of your forefather Jehonadab and have followed all his instructions and have done everything he ordered.’ Therefore this is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: ‘Jehonadab son of Rekab will never fail to have a descendant to serve me.’” 

–Jeremiah 35:18–19 (NIV) 

 

After I read this, it hit me: Somewhere out there in this wide world, a descendant of Jehonadab lives—and lives for God. 

 

How do I know this?

 

Because God keeps His promises.

 

He promised that Jehonadab would always have a descendant who served God. Wow! What an incredible promise. When I get to heaven, I’m going to look around for those descendants and ask them to share their stories.

 

You know what’s even more incredible? God has given us precious promises that are even more valuable! He has promised: 

 

He will never abandon or leave us (Heb. 13:5)

He will provide for all our needs (Phil. 4:19) 

His power will be made perfect in our weakness (2 Cor. 12:9) 

Nothing can separate us from His love (Rom. 8:38–39)

He works all things for our good (Rom. 8:28)

and many other amazing things!

 

Will you try something with me? Look back over the last few years of your life—the good, the bad, the ugly. Acknowledge whatever feelings you experienced. But then consider objectively and ask yourself, “Did God fail to keep any of His promises to me?” 

 

I’ve been through some crazy, awful, and painful things in recent years. And I can honestly say that God’s promises to me have never failed. Not once. 

 

He never left me.

He met all my needs.

His power was there in my weakness. 

His love remained. 

He worked it all for my good. 

Amen. 

 

So why do I still doubt? Still worry, stress out, panic, or run ahead of God? Because I’m human. You too, right? 

 

Which brings me back to the porch swing. What does it have to do with Jeremiah, Jehonadab, and God’s promises? 

 

As I meditated on God’s faithfulness to keep every single promise, He gave me this picture of a porch swing—as the promises of God to me.

 

When I take the time to remember and rest on His promises, all worries fade to the background, my soul takes a deep breath, and I’m enveloped in peace. 

 

I don’t have to wait until I have a porch swing to experience sweet serenity. God’s Word is here with me always. When I wake up each morning, I can face the day feeling overwhelmed by the pain and struggles—or I can face it by reviewing His promises.

 

God is so gracious to give us what we need when we need it. I needed this new perspective, this new picture in my heart. I may not have an actual porch swing, but I can live each day swinging on His promises! I pray you can too.

 

“Now I am about to go the way of all the earth. You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the LORD your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.” –Joshua 23:14 (NIV)

June Book Recommendations

Here are this month’s recommendations for some fun summer reading! I hope you’ll enjoy them. Let me know what books you’re loving this summer!  

 

Fiction – Starring Me by Krista McGee

 

If you like YA fiction, this is a clean, sweet, funny read about a teenage girl who gets the chance to chase her acting dream. In the process, more Christians keep coming into her life, and she begins to consider if God really exists. As circumstances, both good and hard, propel her forward, she eventually finds the best love of all in Jesus. The story is loosely based on the biblical story of Isaac and Rebekah. It’s an enjoyable read with heart, humor, and a happy ending!

 

Nonfiction – By the Sea: Glimpses of Eternity, Reflections of Simple Hope by Robin Jones Gunn 

 

This beautiful book contains poems, reflective essays, quotes from classic authors, and stunning photographs—all about the sea. It’s a peaceful, encouraging, uplifting read, a good way to pause and be refreshed in our busy days. Though I’m slightly more of a mountain person than an ocean person, I enjoyed the stories, reflections, and insights the author shares about her connection to the sea and how God has touched her life in so many ways through it. 

 

Children’s – Wild Feelings by Joel Crumbley

 

I liked the fun, rollicking style of this book, yet it still communicates a meaningful message for children. The colorful pictures and rhyming text illustrate different feelings we have in a way that kids can relate to. The book also talks about how to let Jesus help us with our feelings. At the end, there’s a one-page, simple study with a few questions and verses. There’s also a brief explanation of the gospel for anyone who hasn’t heard it. Parents can have fun reading this book with their kids, and they can also talk about the precious truths of Jesus giving us peace, being with us, and being the source of our joy and strength.

 

Seriously, Lord?

When God Asks You to do Something that Doesn’t Make Sense

“This is what the LORD said to me: ‘Go and buy a linen belt and put it around your waist, but do not let it touch water.’ So I bought a belt, as the LORD directed, and put it around my waist.” –Jeremiah 13:1–2 (NIV)

When I read this passage recently, I felt such a kinship with Jeremiah. Though his life, circumstances, and calling were radically different than mine, some things don’t change even hundreds of years later. God told Jeremiah to do something that sounded silly, pointless, even like a waste of time and money, but Jeremiah did it. No questions, no excuses, no stalling. He just obeyed. 

Then God gave him another instruction that seemed odd. And Jeremiah obeyed. 

“Then the word of the LORD came to me a second time: ‘Take the belt you bought and are wearing around your waist, and go now to Perath and hide it there in a crevice in the rocks.’ So I went and hid it at Perath, as the LORD told me” (vv. 3–5).

 

Then God gave him a third instruction, and once again Jeremiah obeyed. 

“Many days later the LORD said to me, ‘Go now to Perath and get the belt I told you to hide there.’ So I went to Perath and dug up the belt and took it from the place where I had hidden it, but now it was ruined and completely useless” (vv. 6–7).

 

And then God explained. And it all made sense. 

“Then the word of the LORD came to me: ‘This is what the LORD says: “In the same way I will ruin the pride of Judah and the great pride of Jerusalem. These wicked people, who refuse to listen to my words, who follow the stubbornness of their hearts and go after other gods to serve and worship them, will be like this belt—completely useless! For as a belt is bound around the waist, so I bound all the people of Israel and all the people of Judah to me,” declares the LORD, “to be my people for my renown and praise and honor”’” (vv. 8–11).

 

This wasn’t just a passing moment in Jeremiah’s life. This experience was recorded, written down, and preserved, so that hundreds of years later, I ended up reading about it…and feeling encouraged. Because I’m not the first person God has interacted with this way. I’m not the first person tempted to say, “Seriously, Lord? You want me to do what? That makes no sense. There’s no point. That’s a waste of time and money.”

 

Jeremiah didn’t say anything like that. But I wonder if he thought it. I wonder if he rolled his eyes while he obeyed. Or if he did it with full confidence that his actions were meaningful.

 

I’d like to be someone who just obeys God’s voice with a smile on my face and faith in my heart. But sometimes I don’t. Sometimes I have a doubting conversation with God—even though I know He is GOD! 

 

“You sure you want me to email that person I just met and share that verse? What if they think I’m a pushy Christian?”

 

“Why do I need to park on this side of the parking lot? What could it possibly matter?” 

 

“I don’t need to go to that event. It’ll just be a waste of time.” 

 

Looking back, I have to laugh at myself and my pathetic attempts to tell God why, in essence, He was wrong. I’m so glad He is patient with me. Because each time I obeyed, I saw Him work—making me a blessing to someone else, giving me blessings I didn’t expect, and reminding that not only does he know all things, but everything He does is for good. 

 

Maybe Jeremiah understood that better than me. Maybe that’s why he didn’t question or hesitate. Maybe when I get to heaven, I’ll ask him about it. =) 

 

Frankly, I’m glad Jesus invites me into an unpredictable adventure with Him. I want to follow and obey Him—even when it doesn’t make sense, even when I laugh, even when I doubt, even when I can’t imagine what good could possibly come from it. Because my Savior never ceases to amaze me. And I end up saying “Seriously, Lord?” in amazement at how awesome He is!

 

For Real – 

When has God nudged you or clearly directed you to do something that made no sense, maybe even sounded ridiculous? How did you respond? I’d love to hear your story of how He amazed you! 

May Book Recommendations

Here are this month’s recommendations of a recent release, a classic, and a powerful devotional. I hope you’ll be blessed by these books. And please let me know some of your current favorites as well. =) 

 

Fiction – Wishing for Mistletoe by Robin Lee Hatcher

If you’re looking for a sweet Christmas story to cool you off this summer, I recommend this book! I loved that the main characters actually lived out their relationship with God daily–reading the Bible, praying, and submitting their wills to God. The plot is pretty basic, a burned-out writer meets a single dad in a small town. But I enjoyed the characters’ journeys of facing their fears and growing in their faith. And, of course, there’s a cute dog, a bakery, and a happily ever after. =) 

 

Non-Fiction – How to Be a Christian without Being Religious by Fritz Ridenour 

This book is a classic! I read it during college, and it’s still helpful today. If you or any friends aren’t sure how to share the gospel clearly, this book is a great help. It provides simple wording to explain how Christianity differs from religion, along with fun illustrations to help you remember the truths. For example: Religion is man reaching up to God, and Christianity is God reaching down to man. The focus is on how Christianity is a relationship with God, not a religion. I highly recommend this little book for anyone wanting to learn how to share the gospel more simply and effectively.

 

Devotional – Resilient Hope: 100 Devotions for Building Endurance in an Unpredictable World by Christine Caine 

This book is appropriately titled. I’ve been encouraged and strengthened by these relevant devotions. Christine shares experiences from her own life and stories from biblical characters to illustrate practical truths that help us continue to run our race with our eyes on Jesus. Each chapter has a passage of Scripture, a devotion, and a closing prayer to help apply the truth shared. If you’ve been fighting discouragement or feeling weary, this devotional is a great help! 

 

Serve Small – Guest Post

This month I’m happy to share a guest post from my new friend, Cheryl. I hope you’ll be encouraged by her words!

 

Grace to Serve Small – by Cheryl Balcom

 

Do you feel that what you do is too small to be of use to the Lord? Or that it is insignificant compared to the offerings of others? Do you think that the resources you have are not big enough, splashy enough, and don’t reach far enough to make a difference? 

 

Sometimes I wrestle with this too. 

 

Our calling may be to use our financial position to bless others in need or to fund an important ministry. Our calling may also be to invite a widow to dinner and let her share what she’s learned in her life. It may be to faithfully care for someone who has physical or mental difficulties. 

 

The ways we minister are as varied as we are! Some of us may feel like we don’t have much to offer, or we may have a severe challenge we think would prevent us from ministering to others. 

 

Annie Johnson Flint lived from 1866 to 1932, and from a young age she loved to experiment with verse. However, as a young adult, she began to experience symptoms of severe arthritis, making her unable to complete just her third year of teaching primary school. Her affliction grew worse, so much so that she eventually was no longer able to walk.

 

She was still able, however, to clumsily grasp a pen between twisted fingers and write out her beautiful poems of worship to God. Though she rarely left her house, she was able to minister profoundly through her writing. And her poems were made into greeting cards and published in magazines around the world. 

 

She went to be with the Lord when she was sixty-five, but what a gift she left behind for those who long to praise Him here on earth! 

 

I pray today that if you think you are hindered by your current situation and are unable to serve the Lord or minister to others, you will be encouraged by Annie’s story and her poem (below).

 

In the past, there were times when I believed I needed to do a “big” thing to honor the Lord, like adopt a child, go to Africa on a mission trip, or make hefty donations to large ministries. However, God has taught me through the years that the most important thing I can do is to remain faithful, no matter what He lays before me. 

 

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ (Colossians 3:23-24 ESV).

 

Every Sunday, my husband and I pick up our adult daughter, who has Williams Syndrome, and my mother-in-law, who has Alzheimer’s, and we bring them to our home for lunch and a visit. It’s not fancy, but we are doing our best to love the precious people God has given us to love. He has not called every one of His followers to do the “big” things listed above, but He has called us to be faithful, no matter where He places us. 

 

I often tell my kids that the best way to change the world is to start by loving the person right in front of you. It may seem obvious, but those small, faithful acts of love can result in changed hearts. And not just for the one who receives them. 

 

If your heart is filled with a big desire to honor God and love and serve others, don’t let the size of your opportunity hinder you. The enemy would love for you to think, “That’s not good enough. Why bother?” Instead, see every small interaction, every kind word, every little thing you do as a way to share God’s love. He will let nothing go to waste. 

 

Jesus also used this illustration: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough” (Matthew 13:33 NLT). 

 

“In A Small Place”

from He Giveth More Grace: One Hundred Poems by Annie Johnson Flint

 

Fret not because thy place is small,

Thy service need not be,

For thou canst make it all there is

Of joy and ministry.

 

The dewdrop, as the boundless sea,

In God’s great place has part;

And this is all He asks of thee;

Be faithful where thou art.

 

In thee His mighty hand can show

The wonders of His grace,

And He can make the humblest room

A high and holy place.

 

Thy life can know the blessedness

Of resting in His will;

His fullness flows unceasingly,

Thy cup of need to fill.

 

His strength upon thy weakness waits,

His power for thy task.

What more, O child of all His care, 

Could any great one ask? 

 

 

Cheryl Balcom is the author of Winds of Grace: Losing My Father, Surrendering Control, and Growing in Faith, a memoir inspired by tracing the hand of God through the pages of her prayer journals. Cheryl also writes to help the perfectionist find peace in God’s perfect grace at cherylesperbalcom.com. She and her husband live on five acres tucked in the corner of southwest Michigan, where they enjoy watching wildlife wander through the yard.