This devotion was inspired by something I read on someone's blog. She's not a personal friend, although I feel I know her after reading her blog for a few years. Perhaps you know her too. Her blog is called Especially Heather. She came to She Speaks last year, although I didn't get to meet her. If I had, I would have told her in person how much her writing has meant to me. I'm hoping I can tell her today.
Although I don't read Heather's blog regularly, when I do, I spend some time catching up. If you don't know Especially Heather, she has faced some serious challenges for a young woman, including cancer and having a special needs child.
On the day I visited, I read a post where she wrote something that reached down deep in my soul, grasped hold of the edges and whispered vehemently for me to pay attention. Although I can't quote her, she said she knows her story is going to end well, one way or the other.
Those simple words about her story ending well, caused me to step outside my rut and see the bigger picture. I'll be honest, seeing the bigger picture is hard for a woman like me. I'm the one who cuts bunches of grapes into handy individual sections, irons her children's t-shirts and doesn't go to sleep until all her teenagers are safely in bed. I don't do "big picture" easily. I'm a keep-your-head-down, worry-about-the-details type of gal.
But Heather's words have really stuck with me. They remind me of what I know to be true about living as a Christian: This moment is important, but it doesn't define me. I was created for a bigger purpose. I may face challenges, both major and minor, but they shape me, not crush me.
Remembering that my story ends well causes me to lift my head and get perspective. This isn't the end. It's just a chapter or maybe just a page in the story. There will be a happy ending for those of us who love Jesus and follow Him.
Today I'm thankful for stories. I'm thankful for Especially Heather who is willing to share her story, for thousands of authors (some published, most not) who write faithfully to craft life-changing stories, and for the Author of the greatest story of all.
What book (besides the Bible) has changed your life in some way? How?
What author (besides God and the authors in the Bible) has changed your life. How?
This question is to include all those incredible writers who haven't been published ... yet.
Are you wondering what book I read? I'll tell you. It was "Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett. I then read the follow-up book titled "World Without End." They were both rough for a historical romance reader like me. Can you tell I really like happy endings? And I"m determined?
In His Love,
Glynnis
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70 comments:
I think, hands down, Francine Rivers has touched my life with her books more than any other. She is so wonderful at giving life to Biblical truths - the good, the bad and the ugly! Many of her novels have caused me to reflect not only on my understanding of some scriptures, but how I am living those scriptures out in my life. In many instances, she has helped me to see situations through God's eyes and that has made a tremendous difference in my own story. Thank you for sharing today and for this reminder at how author's can be such an important part of our lives.
I don't have a book but an AUTHOR. Last Saturday, I went to a memorial service of a hero of mine that always said his life was living in HIStory.He REALLY did live that way..not just say the words. It made everyone that knew him want to know the author of this amazing life. I think that was the best reason for living HIStory authentically...the author becomes famous. He brought glory to THE AUTHOR of life. And yes, my hero is living happily ever after with this AUTHOR.
I have read so many books. I love to read! So, it is very hard to choose one author, one book. I will say though that Redeeming Love is quite a graphic story(it's by F. Rivers) but it is such a great picture of God's great love and forgiveness-no matter what you have done or where you have been. God really does desire to have all of us to come to Him. I am so thankful that I am HIS child for where would I be and what would I be without Him? Nothing that I know. Thank you again for your devotion and (now that I've read it:) your blog.
lmorr613@hotmai.com
I missed a letter on my comment when I left you an email contact, it is hotmail (I left off the "L")
Thanks!
I read a lot but I have to say one booke that I could not put down was Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. It was a great story of Hope. Lately, I have talked to people and there seems so much despair in ther voice and in the story they are telling. A lot of hurt going on......but one day it will be worth it all if there Hope is in the Lord.
Glynnis--fabulous devo. Your have such a wonderful gift of weaving the present with eternity! Especially touching as my friend has just lost her husband to cancer and the chapter she and her two teenage daughters are "up to" looks bleak.
As for authors, Francine Rivers revived in me the love for fiction.
I've read Rick Warren's Purpose Driven Life quite a few times over the years. It always puts life back into perspective for me--I "Amen" all the way through!
I recently read the book The Boy WHo Came Back From Heaven. THis book touched me so much, and not just because it is a great story that ends well. I read this story just after completing a Bibly Study on prayer, it couldn't have come at a better time. I learned from that just saying "I will pray for you" to someone is not good enough, I have to truly believe in my prayers and know they will come true if I believe and give my requests to the Lord.
tlgoldbach@gmail.com
I loved your devo today. It reminds me of a magnet on have on our frig; "It's all okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end." I love the book I wrote, "Single Moms Raising Sons", because it is our story of raising my boys as a solo parent with the Author of Fatherhood. Today, my grown boys and I are working side by side reaching out in Ch*na - their Father did a great job! ;-) Other books that changed my life are "This Present Darkness" & "Piercing the Darkness" - they changed the way I view pr*yer and sp*ritual warfare. Books are my world...too many to list. But, those haunt me and remind me to drop to my knees for every page of my own story. Thank you! Good work!
I enjoy seeing what other people have read and how it helps them. Can't say so much a book I read but a recent bible study with my MOPS group~Freedom for Mothers. Really has opened up my heart and eyes more to what is really important in life and how God is there at every moment.
Hinds Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard was such a picture for me of walking with the Savior on this side of heaven. Redeeming Love also rates high on my list. Love Life for Every Married Couple helped in a tough time in our marriage.
I'm so glad God uses authors and books to minister to me.
Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore was my life changing book. It really showed me what it is to LOVE other people...truly love, not just use words. It pushed to me to challenge my faith and get outof my comfort zone and realize that God loves each and every one of us...not just the churchgoing. There are so many other things that this book taught me, but it would take quite some time for me to put it all into words. I now give this book to my friends for Christmas and birthdays. I just love its message!
Joyce Meyers book Battle Fied of the Mind knowing I should be positive and not negative. She has so many positives in the book to live by.
But my favorite author so far is Lysa TerKeurst because I can so relate to her, she is funny, Godly women, inspirational, and everything she writes about is so "everydayish" things. She is a blessing as are all the authors of Proverbs 31.
Made to Crave is chaning my life and Lysa is an author that really touches me. I puts things on my level!
I think reading The Power of a Praying Wife would be just one of the books that changed my life. I read it in the first year of my marriage and I think it really helped me shape some of my ideas about my husband's needs and about how to be a truly supportive wife. Thanks for the chance to win...I've heard so many wonderful things about that book.
nikki.shoemaker@gmail.com
I love all Karen Kingsbury books. She writes about real people that make real mistakes, but shoes God is always there.
denise@lci-lineberger.com
Being an avid reader, it is so difficult to choose one author or one book. The writings of both Oswald Chambers and Ken Gire have greatly influenced my life. They have each called me into a deeper intimacy with the Lord. In the area of fiction novels, a little Christmas story by Richard Siddoway, "The Christmas Wish" called me to examine forgiveness, both the giving and receiving. I also have a old and precious copy of Taylor Caldwell's, "Tender Victory" that spoke to me deeply as a young girl.
I'm so thankful to personally know the Author who holds pen over my life and continues to write sentences over me. Sentences will become paragraphs. Paragraphs becoming chapters. A never-ending story that will continue for all eternity. Do the pages of my life rise as a sweet aroma to Christ? (2 Corinthians 2:15) My life is to be a letter from Christ, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on the tablet of a human heart.
Today is a blank page, a clean slate. Words wait to be written. An award winning novel, a best seller, a captivating love story between a Princess and her King. Currently His pen is writing some words I wouldn't have chosen and the story is going in an unexpected direction. However, I surrender to His plot. I trust His conclusion. Like you wrote Glynnis, it will end happily ever after!
Blessings,
Joy
joybells.brown@yahoo.com
Written words are so powerful and the ability to place the message of your heart on paper is truly a gift. I believe many authors are inspired by the heart of God and He pens the words through the testimony of their lives. Elisabeth Elliot's testimony changed my life years ago. I began to read any and everything I could get my hands on by her at the age of 14. As a result, my view of purity, marriage and family was shaped and formed at a young age.
Redeeming Love was a book I read in college when I was first learning what it meant to have a relationship with Christ. I had fallen many times and couldn't quite wrap my head around God's powerful, pursuing love for me. I couldn't get Angel out of my head. I embraced the way God pursued her (and me) and changed my view of God's love.
Jdavidson76 @ aol.com
I think the book Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer's is the first book that every impacted me more than the bible. It never dawned on me that my thought life affected so much of my life. I will be, forever, grateful for it.
An Echo in the Darkness by Francine Rivers is one book that has made an impact on my life. I loved all the Mark of the Lion series but I love the part of this book where a simple slave girl's life story is told to a Jew and the story of God is what is seen. So beautiful! I want my life story to be like that. When told all that is seen is God's glory, God's love, God's forgiveness.
angierouse@gmail.com
I love to read, mostly fiction best sellers...something to escape reality. And surprisingly there is often a thought or idea in these books that make me stop to think about my faith and my life. However I just started "Heaven is for Real" and reading about how prayers worked for this family is an inspiration to work harder on my prayer life. carjgrins@yahoo.com
I wrote a blog about the books that have changed my life. Off the top of my head:
Definitely Dr. Stanley's How to Liten to God.
J.I. Packer's Knowing God
Timothy Keller's Prodigal God and Counterfeit Gods (Can I just say, WOW!)
Sacred Marriage
Everything by Francine Rivers changes my life
As does Max Lucado's books
Here'a link to the ones I've read and another list of ones that have been recommended for the future (which just grew again after reading your post)... http://coopercrew4.blogspot.com/2010/11/books-and-more-on-wilderness-experience.html?showComment=1297259828469#c3032961885673021928
Thank you for this wonderful post!
Brooke
Coopercrew4@gmail.com
I have to say that the author that has truly changed my life is Stormie Omartian. I have read several of her books regarding prayer and they have really helped me grow so much in the past few years to have a stronger intimate relationship with God than I have ever had. I have had some pretty tough times over the past few years and her encouragement and wisdom have really directed me on how to talk to God about every little thing and trust Him completely.
Wally Lamb is my author that has changed my views and way of looking at life. He has made me seriously look at what being a christian means. Were in some of the judging, ridiculing, smugness my actions have on others and where in Christ vision this is not to be.
So, I have before making that "judgement" listened to that whisper that I know is Jesus calling. Mary A.
I think one of the books that has marked my life has been "Experiencing God" by Richard and Henry Blackaby. Talks about how God is always working around me, He wants to have a relationship with me, He invites me to work with Him, He talks through the Holy Spirit and circunstances, there always will be a faith crisis when you join him, I need to make adjustments to my life to be in His perfect will and when I obey Him I can have a experience with Him and He changes my heart.
norma.c.vazquez@gmail.com
Loved this, Glynnis! I think a lot about God as the "Author and the Finisher." (Hebrews 12:2) It's a wonderful name of God for a writer to consider, isn't it?
WOW - this is hard because in one area where my marriage is in dire straights I would have to say Gary Chapman or Dr. Emerson Eggerichs for helping me and teaching me along the way how to be the Godly wife God has called me to be (maybe a little to late at this point, but I'm still praying he comes back home). In a more individual spiritual realm I would have to say Francis Chan in helping me to see God in a much BIGGER way and opening up a new door in my relationship to God - it's been absolutely amazing and beautiful. - I guess in a way my books are more of the self-help type of books. However, I would love to read novel types, it is just hard for me sometimes to find exactly what I am looking for with a Christian undertone. Or maybe because in this season of my life I'm desperately trying to grasp any and everything to 'help' the situation. Thank you for the opportunity to win. email: mdeweese@centurytel.net
Thanks for posting what book you were reading...I was very curious! I started that book (on tape) some time ago and didn't ever finish, but now maybe I will!
I love the books by Brock & Bodie Thoene--especially the Zion series. Right now my Bible study is reading Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World -- really life changing!
I've read so many great books, one I would have to say changed me for the better is "Youniquely Woman" by Kay Arthur, Donna Otto, and one other I can't remember:) It really helped me solidify in practical ways how to become the woman/wife/mother God created me to be. Very encouraging and also a good kick in the pants to get me moving in the right direction!
"The Shack" is a book that has left a lasting impression. One of the many things I love about The Shack is that many non-believers have read it as well so it opens up discussions.
I read Angela Thomas's book "Do You Think I'm Beautiful?" and I have never been the same. I found this book at a very dark time in my life. I'd lost all hope as I realized I had been the proverbial foolish man building my life on sand. Her book led me to discover God in a life-changing new way. For the first time I understood all this talk of bride and bridegroom, and God's love gained new dimensions. I have to be honest, was very excited to see that you are giving away the Ann Voskamp book. This is a book I am just aching to read but money is tight right now and so I'm pinching pennies to buy it. Whoever wins this copy will be blessed, I'm sure. (and I can be contacted at rebeccaJberry@gmail.com)
Omartian's series, Power of Praying, wife, woman and parent have been instrumental in my prayers life. I'm enjoying Karol Ladd's series on the power of a positive mom and woman. She's inspired me with many of her suggestions. Many of them have became a yearly ritual for me.
There are so many. Francine Rivers' Mark of the Lion series...so many truths that challenged me personally. "The Help" is also an excellent story; one if the main characters (I forget her name now) wrote prayers out in her journal every night without fail. This simple devotional discipline inspired me so much. She didn't have much time or material possessions, but she owned a journal, a pen, and used the little spare time she had in the evenings to pray for others. <3
One of the books that I read years ago that changed my life and my perspective, it is called "After the Boxes are Unpacked" by Susan Miller. I read this book every time I move and it gives me hope and helps propel me forward to accepting and adjusting to my new life.I have given away several copies of this book and have suggested hundreds of movers read it.
Thank you for this post today, I really enjoyed the reminder that we have to take life not one circumstance at a time but look at the big picture!
I LOVE to read so I have many books. But a few of them are- Becoming More "Than A Good Bible Study Girl". Lysa is truly a blessing. She has taught me to not judge myself- to see myself the way God see's me. Also that God loves and forgives me even though I am a sinner. Lysa's book also taught me about prayer. I can't wait to read "Made To Crave". When I got married 13 years ago I started reading books By: Stormie Omartian.She has been a blessing also. I enjoyed reading- "The power of a praying wife"- "The power of a praying parent". "The power of a praying life". "A woman after Gods own heart". Thank you Glynnis for sharing your story. May God bless you in all you do. With Love and Prayers, Shawnia. Phil.4:13
Glynnis,
Thanks for sharing such a great post.
I was impressed and moved by
Steven Furtick's "Sun Stand Still." Truly a life-changing book!
edwina(dot)cowgill(at)yahoo(dot)com
I love to read and I can think of many books that have touched me in one way or another. But, this little book has touched my life in a special way, "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young. Its a simple lil book that reminds me on a daily basis that Jesus is there, thruout my entire day/life/situation even when it "feels" like I'm doing this alone. I also love Francine Rivers books because even though they are fiction they truly touch your heart and get you thinking. Thank you for your inspirational devotion today. I love the P31 gals!
dbadger@badger-family.org
God at War - Greg Boyd. If you ever ask why does evil happen or why does God let this or that happen, this gets into those topics in a clear and understandable way.
also The Shack by William P. Young. This book touched so deeply in my heart i cried.
I love your posts - keep up the wonderful work
Christine Mc
I will carry you by Angie Smith. My dad, my hero passed away 15 weeks ago...my sister and I are struggling, struggling a lot. We know he's in heaven but we are not...anyone who has lost a loved one knows what I mean. Angie lost her little baby girl shortly after birth. Angie boldly opens up her heart to the reader, which allowed me to know my emotions are ok. I'm not going crazy. Each chapter ends with a verse calling out to God in pain and then follows-up with a verse praising and thanking Him for His faithfulness. Wonderful book written from a mommy's broken heart, with the assurance there is a happy ending coming!
email: tshonk@zoominternet.net
The Noticer by Andy Andrews
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
The book - My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers, had never heard of the book when I found it at a garage sale, but it has since provided a lot of deep inspiration. It is a book of daily devotions, with very elaborate language, but with deeply affecting clarity to the soul. Someone's garage sale item is my treasure. Nancy
Lysa TerKeurst and her book "When Women Walk in Faith" truly helped get me through what has been and continues to be a challenging time. Without my faith I would be so lost and with Lysa's help, I hve been able to stay focused on God and His plan for my life. Your post on P31 was providential. I am having an overwhelming morning and your words quickly calmed me and put my day in perspective. thank you.
I just finished reading "Sisters in Sombreros" after my mom pick it up out of the free book bin at a local bookstore for me. I expected it to be an easy read (I like the 'easy on the brain' books to counteract my job at a law firm where my brain hursst by the end of the day). There were nuggets of truth throughout the pages, that I'm still sifting through...I didn't expect to glean much from this book, but that's how God works!
I enjoy reading and the profound effect of some books have been key to my growth in Christ. One such book is Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer,as well as Watchman Nee's "The Release of the Spirit." Fiction can also bring reality of the spiritual in life and I treasure reading from Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. What we fill our minds with is so important and reading godly books will bring growth and godliness in our Christian living.
I love to read so I have many books and many favorite authors. One book that I have underlined and seem to reference a lot is "Absolute Surrender" by Andrew Murray. What a challenge to yield our brokenness to the one that can redeem us and mold us into the character He can use for His purpose. He asks for our obedience. As son who desires deliverance from sin, this book challenges me constantly to examine those areas I don't surrender to God so easily.
An author that I dearly love is Charles Stanley. Anything written by him is life-changing. His words are truth from God's word, convicting, and he holds nothing back in telling his readers the consequences of not obeying God and the blessings of following God. He has a gentle and easy style of reading and writing.
But, the Word of God has really come alive to me these last two years as I've searched Him with all my heart. Isn't that what His word promises in Jeremiah 29:13 "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Just love to soak in that truth.
Blessings,
Donna
Thanks for your words in the devotion today.
Denise Hildreth Jones is an author who has touch me where I am. I've loved her books from Savannah from Savannah to Hurricanes in Paradise. The Lord has really used her words to speak to me and to remind me that He loves me and cares about me.
Thanks,
Elizabeth Richardson
lizzypreissr@gmail.com
Thanks for the great devotional today.
One book that I have read over and over and can always find something new waiting for me in it is The Purpose Driven Life. :)
Great devotion! It is so true that we will live happily ever after.
A couple books that really touched me recently was "Every Woman's Battle" and "Every Woman's Marriage" by Shannon Ethridge. they really helped me put my marriage in perspective and work at putting more effort into it. It opened my eyes to selfishness that had been in my life and part of my marriage.
Blessings to you and everyone at Proverbs 31 Ministries!
Linda l.preiss@comcast.net
I read a lot of books,but one that has had a big affect on me is The Pilgrim's Progress. It has such a neat ending and gives me hope on my own journey to the Celestial City!
An author that has had a big affect on me is Liz Curtis HIggs. She gets me laughing or considering how the truths of the Bible are for all time periods.
CRPrairie1@imonmail.com
So many good books Joyce Meyers and Anne Graham Lotz! The Three Battlegrounds by Francis Frangipane is eye opening.
Thanks Joanne CS
Stormie Omartian,"Lord, I want to be whole" or any of the Power of a Praying books by this Author. "Life on the Edge" A Young Adult's Guide to a Meaningful Future by Dr. James Dobson is a must read for young adults (ages 16-26). Love "Redeeming Love" by Francine Rivers. Love Author and Speaker Beth Moore, Jennifer Rothschild, Lysa Terkeurst.
For Paul Tsika, Evangelist at Hope Community Church, in Springfield, Missouri – For the phrase” that Paul wrote in a $2 book entitled “Understanding Your New Life” “doth not commit sin” means a saved person does not sin as a way of life; as a habitual practice. God used this God-Given Life Principle in my life in a mighty way. There are so many more Authors that are touching and changing lifes. Thanks to all!
Oh so many, but the one that truly started me on my new life began with Sharon Jaynes, "Your Scars are Beautiful to God" and her openness to let me know that hidden scars can be the worst ones to heal. From there to Wendy Blight's, "Hidden Joy" that book changed my life tremendously. My ongoing journey has been blessed with so many P31 authors and their lives. Recently and now reading Made to Crave has given me a new direction in my eating and relationship to God. Also read Shelia Walsh's "Get Off Your Knees and Pray". As far as fiction authors I will agree with others that Francine Rivers and Frank Peretti are very thought provoking authors. Thank you giving us the chance to share with others book that will change your life. email me at dcarpntr@bellsouth.net to discuss any of these authors.
I have both--a book and an author. The book that has been such a blessing in times of sickness, heartache, and transition is Master Potter by Jill Austin.It is an allegorical tale of a broken pitcher in the hands of Master Potter.
Author Sandra Byrd serves as a mentor with Jerry Jenkins Christian Writer's Guild. For two years she has taught, encouraged, and prayed for me. Sandra will never know what the right words at the right time have accomplished in my life. But God does.And I thank Him for wonderful writers who listen to His voice and share their hearts. God bless you, Glynnis.
Another Wally Lamb girl here! Loved I know this much is true, she's come undone....but then I also loved Water for Elephants, the latest novel I read. I too read Pillars of the Earth when it first came out in the last 80s. I reread it this summer and then World Without End. They are not an easy read, but I too loved them.
Leslie Ludy's book Authentic Beauty is the first book that I can honestly say made a positive impact on my life. Seeking approval and basing my worth on the responses I received from others was probably one of the biggest obstacles I have faced, as it influenced many, many areas of my life; this book really opened my eyes to the beauty that is found in Christ and in His approval.
I kind of had to giggle to myself because I thought the book you just finished reading was the Bible! (hee, hee!) It's hard to read, a little graphic at times, but has an amazing ending! I like those books that really challenge you. No specific authors, just books that challenge you to finish.
Glynnis I loved your devotion as always.
The author that has changed my life is Jennifer Rothschild. I'm just simply encouraged by her. I always thought I was doing well as a blind person by living on my own and doing things for myself but when I read a book by her and her blog I'm encouraged to know that there's so much more that God can use me for.
JenniferReneeRodd@gmail.com
One of the turning points in my walk with the Lord was Henry Blackaby's "Experiencing God" and
"The 7 Realities of Experiencing God". Prior to reading and participating in the accompanying study, I planned everything to the "nth" detail, including contingencies. When I was blessed with a vision from God of something that was to come or needed to be done, I planned it for Him. After "Experiencing God", I was able to better listen, watch and wait for God's direction once being blessed with a vision of where He wanted to send me. I have learned that God does not always call the equipped but He always equips the called.
that's an easy one. Being i have delt with insecurity forever Beth Moore's bood 'So Long Insecurity' really helped me to see that 1.we (gals) are all in this together no matter how me may appear on the outsied and 2. it has helped me to realize i am a strong woman in Christ and 3. just knowing Beth is in this boat was all powerful in that she rises above it to minister to us women.
Being i have dealt with insecurity forever Beth Moore's book 'so long insecurity' has 1.showed me all of us (gals are in this together), 2.with Christ i am stong and 3. knowing Beth fights this yet rises above it to minister to lots of women shows me it can be done. Since readng this book over the summer God has helped me to grow in this area. (kimmie.simmons@gmail.com)
Hi Glynnis!
Although so many life-lessons can be learned from Romans and Ephesians, I think the book of the Bible that I am most influenced by is the Psalms. They comfort and guide and offer me hope.
I have been influenced by many authors, but I believe my personal journaling has helped me to grow the most. I write to clear my head of emotions so that I make better choices in my life. Tho I have no published books yet, I have always been a writer. So I think I am my most influential author! :)
I am very excited about Ann Voskamp's book. I love to visit her beautiful blog and read her rich prose. The trailer for her book makes me cry every time I view it for the beauty it portrays.
Within the past couple of years I have stumbled upon Proverbs31 ministries. I don't believe I have read an author yet that hasn't changed my life, but I am drawn to Lysa Terkeurst the most. Although I have read most of her books the last two "Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl" and "Made to Crave" has changed my life. My perspective about my devotional life and my health choices has changed dramatically. I finally I been able to start routines in both areas of my life. God bless all the women who use their talents and share their Godly experiences with other women!
This is my first visit to your blog and I'm lovin' it. Thank you for your wonderful insights and sharing God's truth. I learned a lesson young that has stuck with me through my life based on the book Don't Waste Your Sorrows by Paul Billheimer. Just the words in the title always reminded me that God has a greater purpose in my story.
Blessings,
Carla
carlagade [at] gmail [dot] com
I knew it was Pillars of the Earth..I had tried to read it but gave up because it was so graphic! You have inspired me to pick it back up again :) My book is Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer. I re-read it at least once a year. My author is Charles Swindoll. He strengthened and solidified my Christian walk early on in my life. I will always love him for his amazing insights.
I've read many wonderful books and one that sticks out as helping to change my views on mother/daughter relationships is "Eve's Daughters" by Lynn Austin. This story, told through the eyes of a couple different women and their stories unfolds amidst struggles. It really changed my outlook on mistakes my own mother made and mistakes I've made as a mother.
A highly recommended story.
Amy V. in WI
I recently read 90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper which inspired me because I have had a similar situation with a life threatening illness being there and then just not. Also Max Lucado continually inspires me.
Email: cdfroggy@hotmail.com
When I read "The Cure for the Common Life" by Max Lucado, I was really searching for answers about my future. This book was life changing in the way that it forced me to see that work, and all of the things we are responsible for each day are not apart from our purpose in Christ. Before then, I think I almost felt like my spiritual life and my everyday life were two seperate things; thank the Lord He used that book to open my eyes. I was also made aware through this book how permanant our purpose is... What I mean is, God begins to reveal in us, even at a young age, what He means for us to do with our lives and how we are to serve Him. Many times, we miss those hints along the way when we are too focused on ourselves. Anyway... It is a very special book to my heart and I highly recommend it. (It would be really wonderful for high school grads to read! I wish I would have years ago!)
-Kristen
www.kristennicolejohnson.blogspot.com
kristen.johnson.81@gmail.com
Two books I've read that really impacted me are Secrets of the Vine, by Bruce Wilkerson. It made my walk with the Lord so important to me. Another is Hinds Feet on High Places, by Hannah Hurnard. It is an allegory of the Christian life. This may have made more of an impact than Pilgrims Progress, because the story is about a woman.
Glynnis, I think there have been countless stories that have made an impact in my life. That's why I write to share those stories, but more importantly I find whenever I read a touching story, I am constantly highlighting what really speaks to me. Recently I read an "old" book by Anna Quindlen called A Short Guide To A Happy Life." It was a 20 minute read that reminded me of how fragile life really is. Another book that left am impact thought not a novel is Sarah Young's Devotional, Jesus Calling. In just a few short minutes much of a busy busy day can be put in significant perspective reading the daily thoughts.
I know this comment is rather late. But I truly liked your question and I don't think you have enough space for me to list the books that impacted me in one way or another. Always enjoy your postings.
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