Reading, Writing & Pondering

  Draw Close to Jesus is a different kind of Lenten devotional by Heidi Chiavaroli. This author writes beautiful historical fiction. In this devotional, she puts her talents to use and writes devotional Bible stories based on Scripture--Biblical fiction stories in devotion.  The book starts off with an introduction where Chiavaroli shares how she came to write the book and what she hopes you will glean from these 40 Lenten readings. I also believe that God is a God of stories. I love how Jesus used parables and stories to reach people These stories are likely to bring the Bible to life for you as you read about: Joseph, Ariel, John, Tirza, Simon and more.  Each reading in Draw Close to Jesus is followed by reflection questions and a prayer. This would be a good time to do some journaling if you like to do that sort of thing. Then, if you would like to, there is also a list of more Bible verses to read to support the day's reading.   I received a copy of this bo...

Do you observe Lent? In Uncovering the Love of Jesus by Asheritah Ciuciu, she starts the book talking about what it means to observe Lent and ways to observe Lent that create meaning in your heart. She ends the first section with a prayer based on Ephesians 3:16-24. There are 40 days of reading, as you would probably expect, in Uncovering the Love of Jesus . Each reading includes a Bible verse and a Bible section to read, a short devotional reading, a challenge, a prayer and more Scripture to look up if you would like. One of the neat features of this book is that it can turn the season of Lent in to a family time of learning and growing in Jesus. There are activities for your family to do listed for each week. First of all I have to say Uncovering the Love of Jesus is a beautiful small well-bound book. I love the gorgeous full color spring flowers bordering the title on the cover. This book would be easy to carry around with a Bible in a book bag if you want to get out and do ...

Honestly, it has been awhile since I took time to celebrate Lent and focusing on the way to the cross through the Easter season. I picked up this journaling devotional, Journey to the Cross , to use this year. It is written by Mary Carver and the (in)courage team--some of my favorite writers who live the Christian life and honestly reflect their thoughts to other Believers. I have read through the first week's devotionals. There are readings from women who know what it is like to live the Christian life in today's world where we are overwhelmed with distractions and a lot to do. I like that each day is a little different. Some have more to read and some have more questions. Each one will turn my thoughts to God, to gratitude, and/or to living for Jesus. There is plenty of space to write in the journaling areas and I like that. The front of the book also has a Lent calendar to check off that you have done each day's reading and a place to write down the biggest lessons...