Tuesday, April 14, 2015

3 Cherished Little Guidebooks

Devotions.

That sacred little quiet time with God has gotten a bad rap along the way.  Instead of a winsome invitation from the Lover of our souls that woos us deeper into His arms of grace and mercy, it's too often morphed into a heavy, cumbersome discipline that we run from.

For many of us, it's become a guilt-induced labor filled with shoulds and oughts instead of a sweet respite, a nest of solitude and silence that overflows with delight and strength-giving power.

Truth be told, we've all struggled with creating those sacred minutes that impact us at the soul level.  I don't know a single person who's arrived and is fully satisfied with how they connect with the One that loves them best.  

Sometimes a new little guidebook or a fresh translation of the Bible, a crisp-paged journal or figuring out a better time / location can make a world of difference.

A few weeks back, I scooped up a few of the devotional books I've collected over the years and snapped this photo.




I love these little guidebooks that have been gathered along the way.

But my all time favorites?  Probably these three.

Bread for the Journey: A Daybook of Wisdom and Faith ~ Henri Nouwen
Just a few paragraphs speak so deeply into your soul that you're kind of left in awe.  That's who Nouwen was, that's what this book offers.  Spending a quiet minute at his site has become a bit of a sacred breath in my morning online routine ...

'The table is one of the most intimate places in our lives. It is there that we give ourselves to one another.  When we say, 'Take some more, let me serve you another plate, let me pour you another glass, don't be shy, enjoy it,' we say a lot more than our words express.  We invite our friends to become part of our lives.  We want them to be nurtured by the same food and drink that nurture us.  We desire communion . . . Every breakfast, lunch, or dinner can become a time of growing communion with one another.'


Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence ~ Sarah Young
I often read one of Sarah's offerings to a client at the end of a difficult counseling session when we've gone deep and unearthed pain.  She often can't believe that the words weren't written just for her, for they speak peace and hope to her weary heart.

And now the book is not only at my office, but also on my desk at home in the form of one of those perpetual calendars which keeps me company when my computer's dragging its feet getting where I want it to go.

'Talk with Me about every aspect of your day, including your feelings.  Remember that your ultimate goal is not to control or fix everything around you; it is to keep communing with me.  A successful day is one in which you have stayed in touch with Me, even if many things remain undone at the end of the day.  Do not let your to-do list {written or mental} become an idol directing your life.  Instead, ask My Spirit to guide you moment by moment.  He will keep you close to Me.'


One Thousand Gifts Devotional: Reflections on Finding Everyday Graces ~ Ann Voskamp
Ann's original 1000 Gifts book changed my life upside down, propelling me into a gratitude focused mindset that slowly but surely impacted the dailyness of my life.

If you loved the book, the devotional will take you back to that place where gratitude abounds, even in the midst of the ugliest or saddest of circumstances.  I just finished it last week and I've already started paging through once more.  It's that good.

'It is the astonishing truth that while I serve Christ, it is He who serves me.  Jesus Christ still lives with a towel around His waist, bent in service to His people ... in service to me as I serve, that I need never serve in my own strength ... He calls us to serve, and it is Him who we serve, but He, very God, kneels down to serve as we serve.  Spend the whole of your wild and beautiful life investing in many lives, and God simply will not be outdone.  God extravagantly pays back everything we give away and exactly in the currency that is not of this world but of the one we yearn for - joy in Him.'


Let's talk about the devotional books you cherish



your struggles with a quiet time

&

and rewards of those nestling-with-God experiences



*

32 comments:

  1. My stack of devotionals that I love to have handy is growing but you do share two of my favorites. Jesus Calling sits on my desk at work, along with "Our Daily Bread" and "My Utmost for His Highest." I have found the devotions are good for me to have at the office. I turn directly to the Bible during my morning time. Thanks for including the photo too so I can check out a few of the others you have used.

    So appreciate you, friend.
    xoxo

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    1. Let me know what you think as you check out the other books, Beth! I was going to do a bit of a review on them ALL, but that seemed a bit of an overkill ... and a potential sleep inducer!

      I love that you get a bit of time on your breaks at work to re-connect with the Lord. If ever He needed to be present in the workplace, it surely is now!

      Have a wonderful week, friend ...

      Blessings!

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  2. Hi Linda! Well, I LOVE Henri Nouwen, and I own Jesus Calling, so you are really hitting some of my favorites. I also have a book that has daily thoughts on silent meditation. That is a practice that hangs like a stone around my neck at times. It's so important to my spirit, and yet I fight that 20 minutes like two cats in the alley. Sigh...

    We are called to help each other along, and that is why I do like devotionals and spiritual writing. Where would I be without it??
    Tuesday blessings my friend,
    Ceil

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    1. Thanks for bringing up the silent meditation, Ceil. I went through a season of practicing that kind of solitude and silence and it so calmed my spirit. Do check out Ruth Haley Barton's 'Invitation to Solitude and Silence,' probably one of the top books I've ever read.

      A huge game-changer for me.

      And yes and amen to devotional writing. You, my friend, have been deeply gifted with that art. I am grateful for your continued ministry to my soul.

      I'm waiting for your book to be published!!!

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  3. I love reading through devotionals.. I really wish my husband enjoyed it as much as I do! It's such a struggle to get him to join me for devotions.. he much prefers to listen to sermons or audio books. Which I hate. Haha! Go figure! - www.domesticgeekgirl.com

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    1. Whatever draws us to God's Word, the work of the Spirit in our lives, the sharing of our faith in Christ ... whether books or devotionals or music or drama or writing or sermons ... it's all about His message going forth!

      And that we can agree on!

      Thanks for sharing with us tonight, Gingi ... I'm grateful you're here.

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  4. We have many of the same books in common and of your three---I totally agree on one. NOT BAD for two probably polar opposites since you are a counselor and I am an accountant. We will always be on the same page concerning what is most important, Friend!
    Blessings! Thank you for sharing!

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    1. For sure, our very similar values strongly connect our hearts, Lulu. Our preferences may differ, but that's just fine. Maybe that's why iron sharpens iron ... and why you and I continue to be in each other's lives.

      And for the faith we share that brought us there, I can only praise God!

      Appreciate you, lovely friend ...

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  5. Funny, I've never really gotten into reading devotional books. I do love reading the Bible each morning, and one year I read the women's devotional Bible, which had occasional devotions. My devotional time with God is usually reading a short passage and journaling right into my Bible what it means to me, and then writing in a prayer journal. I am a prickly person, indeed, when I skip this time with the one who fills me up.

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    1. I love journaling, and am intrigued by the way you journal right into your Bible, Anita! Do you have great big margins or what?

      If I had to choose the order of the books I use, God's Word comes front and center. Always. Journaling and a little devotional book vie for second place. Some days I use one or the other, sometimes both.

      I like to change up the way I share this time with Him. I don't want it to get stale and ho-hum. He's done too much for me ...

      Thanks for jumping into the conversation tonight, friend. It's good to see you!

      ;-}

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  6. My 3 would have to be Streams in the Desert, Diamonds in the Dust by Joni E. Tada, and a new favorite is What Your Heart Needs for Hard Days by Holley Gerth. Holley's book is a new favorite. It goes through the book of Psalms. I've bought it for several friends.

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    1. Thanks for sharing the thumbs up on Holley's new book, Lyli. And yes, I love buying devotional books for friends. I guess if something works for me, I can't help but want to share it with those I care about ...

      Kinda like what's happening with this post. I'm grateful you're in on the conversation ...

      ;-}

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  7. Linda,
    Thanks for sharing your list. I always get so much when I read Henri Nouwen and Sarah Young's devotional. I also like The Daily Office by Peter Scazzero. I haven't read Ann's devotional but I imagine it is inspiring like her blog.

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  8. Peter Scazzero's 'Emotionally Healthy Church' and 'Emotionally Healthy Spirituality' are long time favorites. Thanks for this heads up to check out his little guidebook.

    Have a splendid day, friend!

    ;-}

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  9. Hi Linda, thanks for sharing it. I read through your article two days ago and I reflected on how I struggle for time lately.
    For now I have been digging through my Bible and journaling alongside. I hope to find time in a couple of weeks to get into some devotionals I got.
    God Bless

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    1. Digging into God's Word and journaling are a perfect match. Don't beat yourself up, friend.

      Grace, grace ...

      ;-}

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  10. Hi Linda,
    I too love Sarah Young's devotional and One Thousand Gifts is so lovely too, but this past Easter, I reread Michael Card's book about Peter called "The Fragile Stone" and it enriched the lent and Easter period as I lived it through Peter's eyes in this wonderful book. Thanks for posting this about books -- there's nothing I'd rather talk about! :)

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    1. I LOVE books ... especially the conversations they lead to. Especially in person. But online is still good, ya know?

      I was literally opening up your site as you wrote here, Val. How cool is that!!!

      ;-}

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    2. Linda,
      I LOVE that! And your sweet comment is just what I needed to start my day -- so love our online friendship! :) Yes, books, books and MORE books please! :)

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    3. Having you come into my life in the last month or so has been a delightful gift, Valerie. I'm grateful ...

      Truly!

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  11. I have that Jesus Calling daily calendar as well, Linda, and find it to be a great way to start my day. My sister bought Ann Voskamp's devo, so I'm glad to hear that you've found it to be inspirational and place you like to return. Thanks for letting us know about your devotional treasures! Hugs to you, sweet friend!

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    1. It's so encouraging to hear what other people are paging through as they draw closer to God. And, as we've all learned, reading comes in all shapes and sizes these days ...

      But I still like the real books, the ones with covers and dog-eared pages. They've got a history to them that only adds to their heart-value ...

      So glad you're in on this conversation, Beth! Hope you're having a good week ...

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  12. Pulling up a chair and sharing lunch with you today, my friend. My all-time favorite devotional is Daily Light Morning and Evening Devotions. My copy is edited by Ann Graham Lotz, but she didn't write it - God did. That is what I love about it - it's all scripture, no commentary. Correlating scriptures from throughout the Bible are arranged in a morning and evening devotional. It's quite powerful and really show the cohesiveness of scripture. Also at my bedside is My Utmost for His Highest and a devotional by Corrie ten Boom, Every Day, or something, the name escapes me at the moment. I've found it to be quite convicting!

    I've never read Jesus Calling, but have seen it mentioned so many times, by so many different bloggers, I think I must get a copy. I've been reading While I'm Waiting by Laura Hodges Poole and am enjoying it very much. I also just downloaded This Last Surrender by Rebekah Neal. I think she has it as a free download. I haven't gotten into it yet. It is a 31 day devotional for women.

    I do struggle with making time for God, and am really working to make Him a constant part of my day, not just a piece at the beginning or the end. Most of the time I walk around like a deer panting for Water. But then I don't know if our thirst can ever be truly quenched this side of heaven :)

    Such good stuff, Linda, as always. Thank you for sharing. I'm going to bookmark Henri Nouwen's site for later ;) Have a blessed day, my friend!

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    1. Thanks for doing lunch with us today, June! When you wrote that you are 'really working to make Him a constant part of my day, not just a piece at the beginning or the end,' well all I could do was breathe a simple amen. For that's what this life is all about ... His reassuring presence, the delight of our hours, our constant companion with us, never to leave.

      There is no discipline in that, just a sweet, unending grace. With you, I am so grateful.

      You can do lunch with me anytime, friend ... just pull up a seat and stretch your fingers over the keyboard. Only wish we could enjoy the conversation in person, yes?

      Blessings ...

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  13. Thanks for the recommendations! Jesus Calling is probably one of my favorites too!

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  14. Jesus Calling came at a very crucial time in my life and every page felt like it was written just for me. Since then I have dived into many other devotionals but Jesus Calling remains a favorite. I also love Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts. My favorite right now is Longing For More by Timothy Willard. It is not written like a typical devotional and I think that is why I really like it.

    I am intrigued by the comments about Henri Nouwen and think I might need to look into that in the future. Thank you for giving us your favorites as well as opening up the conversation. Have a great end to your week!

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    1. Yep, I'm with ya, Mary. It kinda takes my breath away when I read something and it's like reading my own story, peering into my own heart.

      Those words, sent straight from a loving Father to His beloved child. Don't you just love that?

      Thanks for dropping by ... I know you're in the home stretch and these are busy days for you.

      ;-}

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  15. This: "it's become a guilt-induced labor filled with shoulds and oughts instead of a sweet respite." Unfortunately I understand that all too well, my friend! I love your idea of shaking things up with a new devotional. I just pinned this so I can check out your recommendations when it's time for me to get a new one :). My son and I do the Jesus Calling one for kids every morning. He loves it and honestly I get a lot out of it too. I would love to read the Bible straight through but every time I start, I end up quitting. Some day I will accomplish that, but devotionals are the way to go for me right now.

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    1. Don't you just love when we glean spiritual truths from our kids?

      I hear you about reading the Bible straight through. I always thought it to be an overwhelming task and it took me a very long time to go there. What helped me was using an easy to read version like The Message and to read it chronologically, in the order the books were written. I took my time in reading, took breaks here and there, and didn't try to follow a Read-the-Bible-in-One-Year kind of thing.

      You'll know when it's time to give it another try!

      I so appreciate the way you've added to this conversation, Candace. I hope you have a rest filled weekend, friend ...

      ;-}

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  16. I've not read any of those. I have tried to make it a point the past couple of years to read either devotionals or Christian books i.e. The Purpose Driven Life, Love & Respect, Honor's Reward, The 7 Experiment, Crazy Love, etc. I actually look forward to sitting down and reading a chapter each day. It never fails to speak to me. I need to read 1000 Gifts. Thanks for the recommendations.

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    1. Yep, The Purpose Driven Life was a good one. It was, well, as the title says, purposeful. It moved you ahead, step by step. It wasn't overwhelming, but it was life changing. And I liked that.

      Maybe I'll pull it out again! Thanks for the idea, Pary!

      And yep, sometimes one chapter a day is good, gives us something to savor and guide us through our day ...

      Have a wonderful weekend, friend!

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Welcome to the table, friend!

This is where we gather and hang out. I'd love for you to pull up a chair and jump right into the conversation. Or simply say 'hello.'

l'll be dropping in to visit you sometime soon ...

Linda

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