Always In God's Hands: Review

Jonathan Edwards is one of the earliest most respected American theologians. In Always In God’s Hands Owen Strachan invites us to meet the real Jonathan Edwards: thinker, father, and reformer. Edwards believed that God is ever-present in each of our lives—caring for and encouraging us in every moment. This devotional is rooted in that perspective and truth; Owen takes us into the heart of the faith of Jonathan Edwards. Always In God’s Hands is a one-year devotional. Each day begins with a quote from Edwards, continues with a reflection from Owen, and ends with a scripture for the day. Each devotion is short and sweet—easy to digest when you sit down for some reflection time. 

I did not know what to expect from Always In God’s Hands. I was intrigued by the fact that it is based on Jonathan Edwards’s teachings. Early theologians fascinate me; their wisdom and devotion to Christ is inspiring. The devotions I have read are both encouraging and thought provoking. By the end of this devotional one will have read over 30,000 words from Edwards, which is more than most will read from him in a lifetime. If you are a church history buff or would like a new to you perspective on truth, I think you will enjoy this one-year collection of devotions. Always In God’s Hands would make a great Christmas gift and an excellent way to start the new year. 

- Hannah

*I received this devotional from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review. 

When We Were Young: Review

Karen Kingsbury is back again with a love story for this generation, When We Were Young. Social media plays a role in everyone’s life, but for Noah and Emily it has become their livelihood. Noah started sharing their love story on social media early on and over the years their following has continued to rise, but their picture-perfect reputation is not the reality of their situation. Their marriage is over. For Noah things have become more about the fans than his relationship with Emily and their two kids. During his last night at home, before moving to an apartment, he dreams about the future of the family he’s leaving behind. Emily can’t sleep and starts reliving their story from the beginning to see how this all came about. Can one night really change the course of their family or will they break every promise they made to each other when they were young? 

I am a huge fan of Karen Kingsbury you will continue to see her latest releases pop up on this blog, because her stories are relatable and life-changing. When We Were Young, is a love story for the modern age. There is a lot of buzz about becoming “social media famous” by publishing everything about your story online. Even if you are not “social media famous,” there is pressure to get likes, follows, and mentions. But, online is not real life. Real life is right in front of us, and it is easy to loose sight of it when everyone is on their phones. When We Were Young not only explores the dangers of misplaced time but how easy it is to forget the people right in front of our faces. We can easily forget the love from those that care about and support us in real time and to love them in return, not in social posts but in real time. If you love, love and stories that touch your heart and your mind, you will enjoy When We Were Young. It would make a great Christmas gift for any reader in your life, or if you are planning to observe the Icelandic tradition of reading on Christmas Eve, it would make a great read. I hope you enjoy! 

- Hannah

Remember God: Review

Is God really kind? This is the question Annie F. Downs explores in her new book Remember God. It’s easy for Christians to talk and boast in the fact that God is in control, but when things are not going like you hoped, it’s harder to accept. For centuries people have been building temples, cathedrals, altars, and markers to God. They built these beautiful symbols to remember God and the moments they were in, in honor and love they wanted to remember that moment they believed in God’s goodness, kindness, and faithfulness to them. Because when life goes every which way and we can’t see what’s happening, we forget and it’s hard to hold onto and believe the truth. Annie reminds us to Remember God in our circumstances through sharing her own story of remembering who God is in the lows of her life. 

I was blown away by Remember God. I’m a fan of Annie’s writing, for years I’ve been uplifted by her humor and heart. Her books read like an authentic and magical over coffee conversation. I knew this book would be good, but I didn’t expect to be as impacted and rocked as I was through her story. Annie gets really vulnerable in this book and while there are some lighthearted moments, Remember God is real talk about faith and the choice we each face daily to choose him over our circumstances. It’s not easy and in fact it’s painful. His kindness rips at us and breaks us down in ways that don’t feel kind or loving at all. I’ve been there and will be there again, it’s life and it’s hard especially when you look up and it’s not what you expected or thought you’d have. The only way through is to Remember God. I’m thankful that Annie wrote this book and it’s in the world and in my world at this very moment. I needed this coffee talk from Annie and I think you’ll be encouraged by it as well. This would make a great Christmas gift, any of Annie’s books would make a great Christmas gift this season. Remember God is a beautiful and authentic book that’s built for personal and spiritual reflection and discovery. I hope this book meets you where you’re at and lifts up your heart as it has mine. 

- Hannah 

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