Strong Brave Loved by Holley Gerth

At first glance Strong Brave Loved looks like many other devotionals currently on the shelves. Each chapter consists of an opening focus verse, 2-3 pages of personal story and explanation of the verse, a short prayer, and a reflective section consisting of story and room for notes. Wrapped up in a hard cover with attached bookmark (seriously one of my favourite inventions ever), it's a familiar presentation.

However, it's Holley's presentation and communication that make this devotional stand out. Holley presents bold truths wrapped up in a grace so fierce you can feel the care she holds for her message and her readers. Holley's not afraid to get into the messiness of identity and societal lies carefully drawing her readers back to scripture and pointing out the unflinching mercy and love spoken out again and again.

This feels a little like a basic truths theme, things we should know but often forget in the face of life. Holley's clear writing style and open vulnerability make the lessons accessible as she presents each reading as a partnership something not to be done alone but with other women in faith.

4.5 out of 5 stars

I received this book through the Revell Reads Book Tour in exchange for my honest opinion.

Always Enough, Never too Much is probably one of the more uniquely constructed devotionals I have encountered. With 100 entries, Connolly and Morgan have covered a variety of topics that fall under the overarching themes of "always enough" and "never too much"

Personally, I love flip books. I find them whimsical and that makes me grin.
I also appreciate the flexibility of this devotional. Thanks to the index for either side, it is simple to scan through and find a reading that fits with your circumstances or day. The absence of a daily schedule also allows readers to pick and choose when they read. It was simple to read a few entries one day, or pick up back up again after reading nothing while down with a week long virus.

I do wish, however, that this devotional had struck a better balance between story and Biblical exploration. I loved Wild and Free and am well aware of the talent both these  women possess for sharing their hearts and faith through story and written word. That said, I think my hopes were just a little too high on what I expected vs what was presented (which is still good)


4 out of 5 stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

The Way of Abundance by Ann Voskamp

The Way of Abundance by Ann Voskamp is a 60 day devotional that highlights Ann's unique style of  storied teaching underscored by timeless truth.

The format and delivery is familiar. 

I appreciated the hard cover and sewn in bookmark. This not only saves me from utilizing whatever's closest as a bookmark, but the hardcover definitely adds a sturdiness and longevity to the book (which is lovely if your toddler decides the book needs to play with him). 

The delivery itself was standard for a multiweek devotional.  The sixty days were divided into 6 subsections with each daily reading consisting of: a main verse, 3-4 pages of teaching, and a section of reflective questions.

For readers familiar with Voskamp's work, The Way of Abundance will be familiar territory with familiar topics. For those unfamiliar, Voskamp's method of teaching through story may take some adjusting. While I love Voskamp's skill at weaving a story with gospel truth at the center, like a modern day parable, my husband's analytic mind prefers a more straightforward approach. Ann's work cannot simply be skimmed, you miss the essence of the message. In my opinion, this is part of the strength of the message, topics such as brokenness, sorrow, struggle, community, sacrifice,  love these need to be sat with, thought through, and processed. 

As I read more of Voskamp's work I am always struck by her heart and her willingness to lay her passion and vulnerability out on her pages. She doesn't shy away from pain but  instead gently urges the church through her stories into discussion which should be happening in our homes and congregations.  

4.5 stars out of 5

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers  book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255  : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. 

Indescribable 100 devotions about God and Science by Louie Giglio

Discover the Wonders of the Universe with the Creator

It’s impossible to out-imagine God. He orchestrates time, creates light, and speaks things into existence—from the largest stars to the smallest starfish. God is a powerful, purposeful, personal, unparalleled Creator.

Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens tell the glory of God. And the skies announce what his hands have made.”

Indescribable displays the majesty of creation with scientific findings, photography, and original illustrations. These 100 devotions encourage awe at God’s creativity with an in-depth look at

• Space, Galaxies, Planets, and Stars

• Earth, Geology, Oceans, and Weather

• Animals—from Hummingbirds to Dinosaurs

• Our Minds, Bodies, and Imaginations

(excerpt from back of book)

As a fair warning, I did not run this book by my kids, so this review is all from my perspective this time. Not that they won't love this book. Giglio has done a wonderful job which I'll explain as we go on, but, this book is probably most strongly suited for kiddos in grades 1-4 (with obvious wiggle room given your own kids interests and abilities). Since our oldest is just old enough to start homeschooling it's still a little too advanced for now.

When he is old enough I can see this being  a great  part of our morning routine as Giglio works to inspire a child's interest in both creation and creator. The pages themselves are laid out with bright, engaging colours, pictures, and page inserts full of fun facts for kids. The content is equally well balance with each devotional beginning with a verse, ending with a prayer, and featuring a 2 page devotional that presents a point of scientific interest before bringing it back to a scriptural truth.

For those of us with kids who just love reading the same thing over and over, there is a useful table of contents at the beginning for quick referencing.

My kids are busy kids, they love exploration and adventure. As a mom, I'm thrilled to find a devotional that taps into that aspect of childhood while pointing them back to the one who inspires that love and passion and the world that they explore.

4 out of 5 stars

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Eyes to See Reflecting God's Love to a World in Need

Out of all the books I've read  this year, Eyes to See is one that will stay with me. 

From Compassion Canada, Eyes to See  is one part devotional and one part exploration of the roots of poverty and Compassion's work to address this global  issue.

The structure, while relatively standard for a devotional, provided excellent organization making each aspect of the daily reading easily referable (especially nice for those of us who take some time to process) and maintained a good balance between the different points the author was trying to convey.  One extra addition I found particularly interesting was the "action" portion of each daily reading. Considering the heavy nature of the theme, I loved how this particular section assists readers in bringing the material and themes into their homes and backyards with an achievable response, something that can be challenging with  difficult  topics.

The material covered was also impressive. It was no surprise, given Compassion's wholistic approach to care, that they would utilize a similar approach in their written material. Rather than simply looking at financial realities, Eyes to See  explores the brokenness that accompanies poverty: in community, in oneself ,  in our environment, and with God all using a solid Biblical approach to ground their presentation.  I loved this thorough approach as it seeks to help readers not only gain a solid understanding of the issues but seeks to start conversations and steps towards long term change and humanizing people who are far too often classified as "them"  or "other" 

Overall this is an accessible study on a hard topic.  Versatile in its ability for individual or group study, it could also easily be accessible for youth groups onward in age while  still feeling applicable.

5 out of  5 stars

"Book has been provided courtesy of Compassion Canada and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."

GraceLaced​​ by Ruth Chou Simons

Confession time.  

I struggle with  devotionals. After a few years of Bible college, it takes a lot of effort to approach books  without shifting into an academic and purely analytical approach. Which is why I was intrigued by Ruth Chou Simons new release Gracelaced.

Gracelaced is  one-part devotional, one-part journal, and one-part artistic display making for a unique experience. Each devotional is short, approximately 3 pages or less focusing  on a single unifying theme. Simons balancing time restraints by also adding in additional verses for reflection if readers have more time. The devotionals touch upon a range of important subjects while Simons inclusion of pointed reflective questions can leave readers pondering and reflecting on the subject matter throughout the day.Further, her structuring of the devotions under seasonal headings helps bring structure and a sense of the ebb and flow inherent to life.

Adding to this reflective  outlook, Simons  has filled the book  with  her own artwork. 

Personally, I find this to be one of the book's greatest strengths. Not only is Simons a  gifted artist but the artwork serves to support the devotional themes for reflection and certainly aided  this reader in moving out of my "textbook" mentality. 

Ruth Chou Simons has hit a wonderful balance, Her words are truth filled, challenging, and yet never without the grace proclaimed boldly on the cover. Her artworks gives tangible hints at the life that is poured out in each "season" of her text.

5 out of 5 stars

"Book has been provided courtesy of Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."

Words of Grace by Jacqui Grace and Dee Arrand

Colouring books have recently experienced a resurgence of popularity. Honestly it makes sense. Colouring is relaxing, engages our creative side, and allows us some positive indulgence in nostalgia. 

Jacqui Grace and Dee Arrand have combined this rediscovery of colouring with a simple devotional for a unique experience all of it's own.

Words of Grace  follows a simple format. Comprised of 4 weeks worth of devotionals each daily entry is made up of a simple, one page reading as well as a one page picture/doodle built around the day's verse. At the end of a week the authors provide some additional question meant to reflect  upon the week.

Overall, I found the devotionals to be simple and straight forward. This allows the material to be used by a variety of denominational backgrounds without really stepping on any theological toes. While this allows for a broader audience the readings did somewhat shallow at times but that may be more a limitation of the genre.

In fact, the real strength of this genre is the doodle. I found that the simple yet at times intricate designs provided ample time to reflect on the reading and the verse of the day. Given that the verse was embedded in the picture it made reflecting a natural extension of the process and would probably give way to easier memorization for those inclined to try.

If you're looking for an in-depth devotional colouring book based ones are probably not your thing and that's fine. If you're looking for a way to start incorporating a more artistic side into your devotionals, looking for assistance in meditating or memorizing scripture, or if you're a youth pastor/camp director searching for new ways to help connect your kids to the Bible Words of Grace could be just what you're looking for.

4 out of 5 stars

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."

God Is With You Every Day - Max Lucado

Confession time.

I've actually only ever read children's books by Max Lucado. With the onslaught of college and my delightful diving into fiction since graduation I just never got around to him.

The collection of children's books he has written though never fail to delight me, so when I had the chance to look at Lucado's new 365 day devotional so close to the new year it seemed like a good fit.

God is with you every Day by Max Lucado is a 365 day devotional meant to easily kick start or end one's day. As the release says

God Is With You Every Day is a brand-new 365-day devotional from Max Lucado, and his first new devotional since the creation of the Grace for the Moment® line. Max’s signature reassuring and encouraging voice, paired with the practical, relevant, and personal message that God is with you every day, makes a great way to start each day of the year.

Overall I found that to be a fairly accurate explanation of this little book although, as always, I had a few opinions to flesh it out.

I was actually surprised how nervous I was accepting this book for review. Lucado is a well known name and can bring out strong opinions. This was a good thing as I was also able to recognize my own preconceptions going into the book. 

Given Lucado's reputation I think I expected more consistency within the book itself. Some days just seemed to simplistic, to rushed through in an effort to make sure each day had something written. This was a let down for me given my familiarity with his children's literature which has such impact with it's message within the story. 

On a positive note, the book was also easily accessible. Each day's reading was short and to the point. Easily read in 5 minutes Lucado seems to have striven for and achieved a book where a busy schedule could be put forward as an excuse not to read. This devo is streamlined and compact enough for any schedule.

I was also pleased with the construction of the book itself (I know a seemingly little detail). However, ever since our second little arrived I'm finding simplicity adds to success. Having a sturdy construction so a book can survive my bedside table (toddlers are so creative and resourceful) as well as a built in bookmark is a huge plus. Now if they could just make books a bit more waterproof for the teething infant I usually have attached to me these days.

I can see Lucado having a lot of reach with this book. His stories are easy to relate too, his writing seeks to connect with his readers hearts, and he speaks simple truth. I was disappointed that sometimes the stories seemed too simplistic but, keeping that in balance with my love of academics, realize I may be the minority on that.

Easily accessible, relatable, and simple truths.

3.5 stars out of 5

 Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”