If you, or someone you love, is struggling to overcome depression, whether it’s a small thing or a major issue, you need more than just Christian platitudes. Even depression scripture can be misused and misapplied by well meaning people in a most unhelpful way. There is power and hope in trusting Scripture for depression coping strategy. Science and scripture can work together in practical ways to overcome depression and other issues. Today, I would like to share 3 top Christian resources to combat depression scripture based, scientifically proven, and worth your time! The Book that Links Science and Scripture For … Read More
The Best Fun Women’s Devotional Books for Women Who Love Christian Fiction
First, have you ever considered the purpose of your devotional? {then we can talk about what I think make the best fun women’s devotional books for women who love Christian fiction} Definition of Devotional: of or used in religious worship We all know that Jesus is supposed to get our best. He absolutely deserves our worship and devotion. Yet as busy 21st-century women, we often get distracted by the urgent, the visible, whatever is screaming loudest: after all, if we don’t change the baby’s diaper, who will? And if you have 5 minutes, reading the latest Christian fiction or scrolling … Read More
Culture Shock: How One Girl Challenges Assumptions
I’ve seen Culture Shock examples a few times, but until I read Past Forward, I had no idea how many cultural assumptions there are in my own life! Nothing quite as dramatic as Willow’s but: If you want me to know something, you will tell me. (drives a few people in my family crazy, because they ask me questions and all I can say is “I don’t know, I didn’t ask” ) It’s hard to Enjoy downtime because my brain is thinking of all the things I “should” be doing. I’m still trying to connect the Christian churches in the … Read More
An Emotional Baggage Check: Laugh, Love, and Look in the Mirror
Emotional baggage check: Baggage is everywhere, and yet we’re often surprised by the effects of it. It gets packed by us, and by others. We carry it around and as miserable as it makes us, it’s reassuring because it is familiar. Then sometimes our baggage gets a little bit too full and heavy, so it explodes on those around us. Making sure that we go see the Baggage Handler* with all types of emotional baggage is the best way to deal with our baggage. ? Please note that this post contains affiliate links for your convenience. If … Read More
3 Biblical Allusions In Christian Fiction To Keep Watch For
In my opinion, Biblical Allusions are one of the best things about reading Christian fiction. I find Gospel parallels in literature are a great educational tool. You can find out more about why authors use Biblical allusions in literature and those best Gospel Parallels below the book review, but first: From Celebrate Lit, here’s the latest in Christian Allegory / Fantasy and Gospel Parallels! Bible Allusions and Biblical Parallels in The Arrow Bringer A new Allegory inspired by The Chronicles of Narnia, but an absolutely different and unique allusion to the Bible. Definitely a bit more mature material … Read More
Keeping Your Promise When It’s Hard
How important is keeping your promise? On a scale of one to ten, where would you place the importance of keeping your word? I would venture to say that It’s not meaningless (1) but is it a consistent 10? Jesus said: “let your yes be yes, and your no, no.” (Matthew 5:37) Basically, mean what you say, and follow through. A lot of things are easier said than done, or we wouldn’t be urged to “count the cost in advance.” Can we talk about what keeping a promise means for a bit, then I will share a great book I’ve just … Read More
The Hidden Treasure of Jews in Austria
I love historical fiction. It opens up new experiences. For example, in today’s book, Hidden Among the Stars, where we meet the Jews in Austria before World War II. Such a tough time in history, that was. Normal everyday people got caught in the chaos of the war. On both sides. The Jews were definitely targeted harder than most, as our enemy the devil has it out for God’s chosen people. I have not studied much about Austria, aside from my mom’s favorite movie, The Sound of Music. (Yes, I realize that great liberties were taken, and it’s nothing like … Read More
Leaving a Spiritual Legacy: A Costly Gift that Lasts Forever
Are you being intentional about leaving a legacy of faith for your kids? Living your legacy in front of your Grandkids? Leaving a spiritual legacy is a priceless gift that takes intentional effort! My Mom, Granny, and 2 Great Grandmas were there when I was baptized at age 17. These ladies have been very intentional in leaving a spiritual legacy for me and my brothers and cousins. The impact is Huge. Their faith in hard times, and their daily habits show us just how living your legacy looks, which will have an impact for generations to come. And family memories, … Read More
Behind The Scenes in her House of Dreams
House of Dreams. Anne Shirley had one. It was safe, happy, filled with love and laughter, heartache, Jesus and joy. I have spent a lot of time with her there in her House of Dreams. The Anne of Green Gables series has been one of my all-time favorites since I was 8, I believe. It has never failed to shock me when I meet someone who has never read them. (But it’s becoming more and more common that people have no idea what I am talking about here!) We all have a House of Dreams, real or imagined. Maud’s imagination … Read More
Just for Mom: 21 Days of Joy Devotional
One more Celebrate Lit Book Review for you, 21 Days of Joy, a short story devotional that is pretty much unforgettable! About the Book Title: 21 Days of Joy Author: Kathy Ide Genre: Non-fiction, Devotional Release Date: April 1, 2016 Tour Dates: April 28 – May 11 Oh, the joys—and struggles—of motherhood! 21 Days of Joy honors mothers of all varieties. Biological moms. Adoptive moms. Stepmothers. Grandmothers. Godmothers. “Second moms.” Even men who “mother” children when circumstances put them in that position. Whether you are a mother, have one, or know one, these heartwarming fictional stories will touch your soul and help you see that you are … Read More