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)