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The Last Song Of Winter by Lulu Taylor

Apr2

So Beautiful

The Last Song Of Winter by Lulu Taylor is a most beautiful dual timeline novel that consumed me from the start.

The stories are set in the 1940’s and in present day. Both time periods are linked to a couple of families. The war consumes characters in the 1940’s. In present day there is a search for the truth. A resistance member ‘disappeared’ and her family and descendants really need to know what happened to her so that they can put the past to bed.

The novel is one of discovery as characters learn just who they are. A teen in the 1930’s is ‘helped’ to blossom as she is taken under the wing of a Parisienne lady. Her time at finishing school opens her eyes to new possibilities under the guidance of the older, more sophisticated female.

A lonely island off the Pembrokeshire coast holds its own secrets. The wild, untamed landscape appeals to some characters but not others. It contrasts sharply with the gay sophistication of Paris before the war.

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Treasures Of The Wise: 30 Devotions For Storing Up Heavenly Riches by Tracy L Smoak

Dec3

In God We Trust

Treasures Of The Wise by Tracy L Smoak is a powerful book of thirty devotionals which will aid our walk with God.

Each devotional has an accompanying coin which is from the author’s collection and means something to her. The coin reminds us that we are God’s treasure, far more important than wealth. We are God’s riches.

There is a beautiful half page photo opposite the main devotional. It is something that means something to the author who adds her thoughts. My favourites were: the teacups belonging to the author’s great grandmother (chapter 8); letters and a Bible (chapter 29); and a gorgeous puppy (chapter 4 and the end of the book).

As Tracy L Smoak introduces each devotional, she gives her personal thoughts, a relevant scripture and a prayer.

As the book progresses, hopefully you will draw closer to the heart of God and discover His will for your life.

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Encountering Christlikeness by Brad Simon

Apr17

Becoming More Like Jesus

Encountering Christlikeness by Brad Simon is a powerful Christian devotional that will encourage us as we walk with Jesus.

There are fourteen devotionals each based on a Bible reference. The author expands the story, using scripture to back up his words. Each devotional ends with a prayer and three identical questions designed to help us digest and apply what we have just read.

All the devotionals are New Testament based. They cover a variety of topics. We need to be obedient servants, using the gifts that God has given us, to help others and for His glory.

We need to have a heart that gives and is motivated by love, as we give of our time, talents and money. “He [God] can use even the smallest offering to do amazing things.”

Having a forgiving heart is vital. Forgiveness may not be a one-off event. It may well be a process. We forgive because we have been forgiven. Forgiveness brings healing and restoration.

My favourite devotional was about Martha, Mary and Lazarus. We learn that we need to balance work, worship and witness as embodied by these three characters.

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Encountering The Master Carpenter by Brad Simon

Apr17

Walking With Jesus

Encountering The Master Carpenter by Brad Simon is a devotional book that will aid you in your faith walk. This book is designed for us to get to know Jesus and to discover His will for our lives.

There are fourteen devotionals based on fourteen biblical passages. The author gives his thoughts on the passages, backing up his words with scripture. Each section ends with a prayer and identical questions which are designed to help us think about what we have read and how we can apply the truths in our lives.

The passages are all from the New Testament. We want and need to know the heart of Jesus. When the storms of life hit, and they will, we need to have firm foundations so we do not crumble. “When the floods of life overwhelm us, we can stand firm on the solid rock of God’s Word and experience peace, joy and stability.”

The devotionals cover different topics. We hear about Jesus calming the storm and also walking on the water. We need to know that we have Jesus in our boat. “They [disciples] looked within and saw fear. But they failed to look up by faith and see God.” Fear and faith cannot exist side by side. If we have faith, we need not fear. When Jesus asks us to ‘come’, we can step out of the boat and trust Him.

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