Saturated With His Love

Ephesians 3:16-19
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

I taste the love Jesus bestows on me.

Steam rose from the toasted English muffin. I popped it onto my plate, then scooped butter from the plastic tub. As I spread the dairy goodness over the muffin, the butter melted and oozed into every nook and cranny and soaked deep into the bread. When I bit into my breakfast, the butter melted into my mouth and filled me with delight.

The way the butter melted into every space and filled up all the dips reminded me of the way Jesus' love pours over me. His compassion drenches my heart, mind, soul, and very being. He replaces the emptiness in my soul with his power and strength. I wish I could say everyday life is easy because of Jesus' love, but that would be a lie. Pain and sin creep in. Despair and stress take over. Paul and Barnabas said in the book of Acts, “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” I know living on earth has many difficulties, but I’m thinking of the ones that are difficulties we have as believers. Life differs around the world, so I can only speak of my experience. In situations where I’ve been disregarded because of my faith, or belittled, I know God's love keeps me going.

We have the promise to be filled to fullness, totally saturated with the love and joy of Jesus. Praise God for his love.

Heirloom: Living and Leaving a Legacy of Faith by Kathy Howard

Book Description:
You WILL leave a spiritual legacy.
The faith, convictions, and sacrifices of those who lived before us help shape our lives today. What will your faith story build for your family?

Heirloom: Living and Leaving a Legacy of Faith tells stories of the past that will impact our faith today. These 52 heart-felt inspirations reveal the seeds of our faith―seeds that sprouted and took root, growing through the centuries to touch our lives today. Heirloom weaves these stories of faith and family history with Scripture, beautiful artwork, and ancestry research tips and techniques. Through these stories of persevering faith, you’ll discover the potential your story has to impact future generations.

Heirloom features 52 inspiring stories of faith from family research, history, and the Bible. It includes genealogy research tips to help you explore your own family tree. And, it also shares biblical and practical tips to inspire you to live out your faith in ways that will impact your family tomorrow. Heirloom encourages you to trace your heritage and document the stories of your ancestors.

My Thoughts:
Heirloom's gorgeous illustrations drew me in as I started reading the stories about the past that connect with the present. As I've gotten older, I've wondered what kind of a legacy I'd leave behind. Would my grandchildren know how much I love Jesus, or how much I love them? Would my writing leave a trail that leads to the heart of God? I hope so. As I read through the stories Kathy gathered, I enjoyed the memories and examples of faith. Kathy Howard has also added wonderful tips for genealogists and those interested in finding out more about family history. There is also a place in the back to write your own heirloom legacy story. If you enjoy stories that inspire, you'll want to order a copy of Heirloom. This would make a lovely gift as well. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.  

Non-fiction Book Review: Beholding and Becoming: The Art of Everyday Worship by Ruth Chou Simons

Book Description:

Become What You Behold

You are in the process of becoming. Every day is an opportunity to be shaped and formed by what moves your heart…drives your thoughts…captures your gaze. Is it any wonder that where you direct your eyes and your heart matter in your day-to-day?
 

We become what we behold when we set our hearts and minds on Christ and His redemption story here in the details of our daily lives. Not just on Sunday, not just on holidays, not just when extraordinarily hard or wonderful things happen…but today.  

Bestselling author and artist Ruth Chou Simons invites you on a new journey to Beholding and Becoming.  With more than 850 pieces of intricate, original artwork, Ruth encourages you to elevate your gaze to the One who created all things.

Today is an opportunity for God to demonstrate His love and His faithfulness in the midst of your mundane. No circumstance is too ordinary or too forgotten for Him to meet you there in worship. His transforming grace turns your “everyday ordinary” into a holy place of becoming.

My Review:
I absolutely love this book. From the gorgeous watercolor paintings to the heartfelt words, Ruth Chou Simons speaks to the heart. There are so many reminders of how we can live a better life in Jesus. Beautiful quotes are encased in Ruth's artwork. That alone is worth the read. I read a section a day and delighted in each one. If you are looking for a book to read that will encourage and enlighten, buy Beholding and Becoming: The Art of Everyday Worship. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.  

Children's Book Review: Seek and Explore Devotions for Kids by Yvonne H. Van Ee, PhD & Michael Williams, PhD

Book Description:

The Seek and Explore Book of Devotions is a full-color, interactive journey through every book of the Bible—365 days (plus one for leap day!) of reading and hands-on activities, like journaling, crosswords, word searches, puzzles, and more. During each week, your child will learn about one or two books of the Bible in short, easy-to-handle activities. Whether reading, writing, drawing, crafting, moving, or going out into the world, kids will learn about the Bible, God, and themselves. By the end of this interactive journey, your child will have a better understanding of the Bible as the story of God’s people and his love for them. Perfect for a child to use on his own, as a family, in a classroom, or even in a Sunday school setting, this devotional is unique and engaging for ages 6–10.

My Review:
I like the premise of Seek and Explore. The illustrations are engaging and fun. The devotional activities are varied. I'm not convinced a six to eight-year old would be able to use this book to the full extent. But with an adult or as a family, this would be a great addition to devotion time. For independent use, nine to twelve might be a better target age. The activities look enjoyable and will help the child have a better understanding of the scripture. I especially like the devos that are more like a puzzle than the writing activities. I can also see this as a good home school tool to prompt Bible discussion. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zonderkidz. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Nonfiction Review: Ordinary Graces: Word Gifts for any Season

Description:

Everyone loves to receive a gift.

And God has given us many, such as his grace-the gift we don't deserve and can never earn. Promises from the One who declares we are already loved, already accepted, already created in his image. The question becomes, will we truly receive that gift? Will the reality of it actually change the way we think and notice and reach out?

God's Word will stand forever, in any season of life. These truths prompt us to respond with compassion and courage.

Through inspiring devotions, Lucinda Secrest McDowell reveals biblical blessings that remind us that: God's promises give us strength, God's grace can be most evident at our weakest points, a proper response to our abundance of blessings is simply gratitude, and the "more" we are all looking for is the same abundant life that Jesus came to give us.

Would you like to receive these gifts of ordinary grace? Join Lucinda in focusing on one word a day through devotional readings and short benedictions for any and every season to explore the many facets of Grace, Strength, Gratitude, and Life.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

About the author:
Lucinda Secrest McDowell is passionate about embracing life - both through deep soul care from drawing closer to God, as well as living courageously in order to touch a needy world. A storyteller who engages both heart and mind, she offers "Encouraging Words" to all on the journey. A graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Furman University, Cindy is the author of 13 books, including "Ordinary Graces," "Dwelling Places," "Live These Words," "Refresh!," "Quilts from Heaven" and "Role of a Lifetime." Whether co-directing the "reNEW - retreat for New England Writing," mentoring young moms, or leading a restorative day of prayer, she is energized by investing in people of all ages.

Find out more about Lucinda at http://EncouragingWords.net.

My Review:

Lucinda Secrest McDowell is one of the best devotional writers I've read. I love her conversational tone and her ability to tap into the every day life of Jesus' followers. In Ordinary Graces I read through the Gratitude devotions as well as a few of the other sections. With each one, I found something valuable to carry through my day. One of my favorite part of her devotions is the very end of each one. She writes as if God is speaking directly to the reader. I love that I can hear him in my heart. Ordinary Graces would be a lovely gift as well as an excellent daily devotion. I received this book for free.

Nonfiction Book Review: Total Christmas Makeover: 31 Devotions to Celebrate with Purpose by Melissa Spoelstra

About the book:Give your Christmas a makeover with this practical approach to help your family learn what it means to truly celebrate their Savior.

In the bustle of the Christmas season, it can be easy to get swept up in all of the things to do. But it's important to pause and remember that our priority should be to spend time celebrating Christ's birth and not forget to invite Jesus to his own party.

Christmas is far more than a celebration of an event from long ago or a modern holiday centered around shopping. Mindfully take time to listen to how God continues to speak through the Christmas story as the Gospel narratives centered around the birth of Jesus provide encouragement and revelation concerning the love of God and his wisdom for us today.

In Total Christmas Makeover, author and Bible teacher Melissa Spoelstra provides a practical approach for you and your family to turn your attention toward God's grace day-by-day as you prepare for Christmas. This 31-day devotional presents key scriptures, ideas to implement with each reading, and questions for reflection to guide you in rediscovering rituals, relationship, and rest to connect you more deeply with Christ this holiday season.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

About the author:

Melissa Spoelstra is a popular women's conference speaker, Bible teacher, and writer who is madly in love with Jesus and passionate about helping women of all ages to seek Christ and know Him more intimately through serious Bible study. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Bible Theology and enjoys teaching God's Word to diverse groups and churches within the body of Christ. She is the author of the "First Corinthians: Living Love When We Disagree," "Joseph: The Journey to Forgiveness," and "Jeremiah: Daring to Hope in an Unstable World Bible" studies and "Total Family Makeover: 8 Steps to Making Disciples at Home" book. She lives in Dublin, Ohio, with her pastor husband and four kids.

Find out more about Melissa at http://melissaspoelstra.com

My Review:
I chose to review Total Christmas Makeover because, probably like you, the holiday can overwhelm me. I was hoping to find some inspiration on how to make Christmas more of a blessing than a hectic time. Melissa Spoelstra offers wonderful words that do indeed inspire. Through scripture and her wise words I felt a lift in spirit as I contemplated the coming season. She adds a prayer and I really like her "A Practical Approach" segments. The "Questions for Reflection" helped me slow down and think about what I'd read. I think this book is a priceless tool for those of us who want to bring Christ to the forefront of Christmas. I recommend reading this, beginning in November, to prepare your heart. Along with reading the devotions, give yourself time to reflect and take in the beauty of the season. If you enjoy Christmas music and lights use those as part of your personal time with this gem of a book. I received this book for free.

Nonfiction Book Review: The 100 Most Encouraging Verses of the Bible by Troy Schmidt

Book Description:
Everyone struggles with discouragement as they face various trials of life, big or small. Whether you are struggling with your health, family, job, or relationships, God wants to give you hope and peace again. 

What does he want you to know and remember in the hard times? This book goes straight to the source of all Truth to reveal how much God loves you and how he's right by your side through thick and thin. The 100 verses that are highlighted include well-known passages as well as hidden treasures you may have never read. Each verse is followed by a brief devotional reading that will help you find understanding and comfort from the text--and in the process draw you ever nearer to God. The book's length and focus make it perfect as a daily meditation or to read as a family. It also makes an ideal gift for those who love the Bible and seek the hope of God's promises.

My Thoughts:
I love this little book. Each day features a Bible verse and a brief devotion that can be read in minutes. I've found it as a great way to begin the day on a positive note. The verses Troy Schmidt chose are uplifting. And he keeps the devotion simple. The book is done in chronological order according to the books of the Bible. I recommend The 100 Most Encouraging Books of the Bible to anyone who seeks uplifting support from God each day. I received this book for free from Bethany House.

Nonfiction Book Review: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year: A Countdown to Christmas by Ace Collins

About the book: 

Celebrate 31 days of a Christ-filled Christmas season.

For Christians worldwide, the month of December is filled with joy and wonder as we anticipate the celebration of Christ's birth. There is no other time of the year that can compare to the Christmas season for both the young and young at heart.

From December to New Year's Eve, reawaken the wonder, joy, and magic that is Christmas with daily scripture and inspirational readings of stories behind popular Christmas traditions, carols and movies. Enjoy a wealth of fun activities to help make the most of the season, including heartwarming holiday recipes and homemade gift ideas.

With this soon-to-be-cherished holiday devotional, best-selling author Ace Collins will capture your imagination and help to make each day of December more memorable and meaningful to you, and those you love, by shining a light on the real spirit of the season.

My Thoughts:
Christmas can be a hectic time. I try to keep up with everything I want to do, but in reality I long for time to sit and reflect on the reason I celebrate Christmas. Ace Collins has created a lovely devotional book for the month of December. I like that each read for the day includes a devotion, a song and a little bit of fun. Some of the fun includes things you can make as gifts. This would be great to share with the family. I think my favorite part is the history behind the songs. Music is such a big part of the Christmas season and for many they've never heard what the songs mean or where they originate from. Grab a copy of The Most Wonderful Time of the Year to enhance the holiday and bring cheer to the season.  I received this book free from Litfuse.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2frWQG8

About the author:
Ace Collins defines himself as a storyteller. He has authored more than sixty books that have sold more than 2.5 million copies. His catalog includes novels, biographies, children's works as well as books on history, culture and faith. He has also been the featured speaker at the National Archives Distinguished Lecture Series, hosted a network television special and does college basketball play-by-play. Ace lives in Arkansas.

Connect with Ace Collins

Website | Facebook | Twitter 

Ace Collins’ ‘The Most Wonderful Time of the Year’ Giveaway

Make this upcoming Christmas holiday a Christ-filled season of joy and wonder with the help of Ace Collins' new devotional, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year. From December to New Year’s Eve, reawaken the Christmas season with daily scripture and inspirational readings of stories behind popular Christmas traditions, carols and movies. Enjoy a wealth of fun activities to help make the most of the season, including heartwarming holiday recipes and homemade gift ideas. Download a free sampler of the book by clicking here.

Join Ace's Christmas festivities by entering to win the Magic of Christmas Prize Pack. Create new traditions this holiday season with your family and friends with the goodies included in the giveaway.

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
• A button-wreath craft kit
• Pass the Ugly Christmas Sweater card game
• A gingerbread tree kit
• An advent calendar

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on November 21. The winner will be announced November 22 on the Litfuse blog.

Devotional Book Review: Dwelling Places: Words to Live in Every Season by Lucinda Secrest McDowell

About the book: 

Do you long for serenity and refuge, peace and hope? Are you seeking a deeper spiritual life through a closer relationship with God?

If you're tired of dwelling in busyness and noise, then perhaps one word a day can change your life. Award-winning author Lucinda Secrest McDowell knows that if you spend time each day turning to God's Word for wisdom and guidance, your faith can flourish and grow.

Through short and inspiring readings, McDowell unpacks a single word---such as mercy, beauty, gratitude, or grace---to reveal a biblical blessing or challenge relevant to where you are. Full of stories and illustrations to empower you to live the word you have just read, each devotional ends with a benediction, written as if God were speaking directly to you.

These "dwelling places" that offer the joy of God's promise and presence cover four seasons: fall, Advent, Lent, and summer. Whether in the midst of busy holiday schedules, holy days, ordinary moments, or changing seasons, a deeper faith can be as simple as a single word.

My Review:
I write devotions myself, so I'm kind of picky about the ones I read. When I opened Dwelling Places, I knew I'd found a devotional book I'd love. Each day, I've thoroughly enjoyed my time with Lucinda's beautifully written thoughts.In her simple approach, you'll find devotions filled with the wisdom of God. I've been reading the summer section and particularly connected with #10 "the sea." Because I love water and the power of God, her words resonated with me. If you're looking for a good devotion book with short excerpts and exceptional insight, I highly recommend Dwelling Places. Along with reading the daily words, I write in my prayer journal for a good start to my day.

I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/28U4tj1

About the author:
Lucinda Secrest McDowell is the author of 11 books, including Live These Words, Amazed by Grace, and Quilts from Heaven. She has contributed to an additional 25 books and has been published in more than 50 magazines. A graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Furman University, she speaks internationally through her ministry Encouraging Words. An award-winning writer who has earned accolades from prominent writers' conferences and retreats, McDowell has also worked in radio broadcasting, in retreat planning, and on church pastoral staffs. She writes from "Sunnyside" cottage in Connecticut.

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Drown out the busyness and noise of everyday life and find a deeper faith with something as simple as a single word in Lucinda Secrest McDowell's new book, Dwelling Places. Through short and inspiring readings, McDowell unpacks a single word—such as mercy, beauty, gratitude, or grace—to reveal a biblical blessing or challenge relevant to where you are. Full of stories and illustrations to empower you to live the word you have just read, each devotional ends with a benediction, written as if God were speaking directly to you.

Join Lucinda in celebrating the release of Dwelling Places by entering to win her Season of Refreshment giveaway.

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Dwelling Places
• A Dwelling Places necklace handmade by Lucinda
• A kit full of goodies you'll need to make refreshing lemonade this summer

One second place winner will receive:

• A copy of Dwelling Places
• A Dwelling Places necklace handmade by Lucinda

 

Enter today by clicking the icon, but hurry! The giveaway ends on July 5th. The winner will be announced July 6th on Lucinda's blog.