The Sacred Slow by Alicia Britt Chole

If yesterday’s word was “simple,” tomorrow’s word will be “slow.”

Our culture is shifting from fast food to health food both physically and spiritually. Self-care, soul-care, life coaches, and spiritual retreats all show our dissatisfaction in quick fixes and fast faith. The Sacred Slow is an invitation to unhurried honesty before God. Formatted as 52 experiences, The Sacred Slow reminds readers on every page that God never wanted to use them: He always wanted to love them.

Experienced devotionally or in small groups, each chapter features a short but unexpected reading and two options for application: a thought focus or a heart exercise. The content is the overflow of Dr. Alicia Britt Chole’s thirty+ years as a spiritual mentor to leaders and learners. The tone is personal, practical, and penetrating. The fruit is sustainable (as opposed to event-based) intimacy with God.

My Take:  In today's world of fast everything and instant gratification this book is about slowing down and taking the time to really developing your relationship with Jesus.  This book is perfect to take one chapter a week for a whole year and really working on that particular weeks topic and putting in the work. Each week is meant to bring you closer to Jesus and to take your spiritual walk to the next level.  I would recommend if you are seeking to grow closer to Jesus.

I received a review copy from Handlebar in exchange for my honest opinion.  

Water My Soul by Darla Weaver

From Goodreads.com:  Darla Weaver writes out of her own struggles with Christian discipleship so that others will know Old Order Mennonites are human too and often long to walk closer to God. She bares her heart in these 90 devotionals drawn from her home-centered life in western Ohio's hills. While family, gardening, cooking with home grown food, and living as naturally as possible off the land are the focus of her days, her utmost goal is to serve and honor the Christ she loves and serves through all aspects of her life. Women especially will relate to these meditations generously sprinkled with stories from Darla's children, marriage, community and wider friends and family. Daily scripture readings, poignant prayers and journal prompts or ideas for active responses are included with each inspiring devotional.

My Take:  I don't know about you but when I think of Old Order Mennonites and even the Amish I think that both have got this Christianity thing down pat and they would never struggle with the things that are addressed in this devotional.  After all they don't live with all the technology and rush rush of our modern world.  But just like the Israelites in the Bible struggled , they struggle too.  And we in all our technology and rushing around just might have something to learn from the people we may think are a little backward compared to us.  I would highly recommend this book if you feel the need to maybe slow down a bit and spend more time with God.  

I received a review copy of this book from Herald Press in exchange for my honest opinion. 

Prayers for a Simpler Life by Faith Sommers

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Prayers for a Simpler Life by Faith Sommers

From Goodreads.com   Do your quiet times with God feel disconnected from the rest of your overflowing days? Shouldn't our devotions affect how we live our lives? In this 90-day devotional for women, plain Mennonite mother and wife Faith Sommers helps connect your moments with the Lord to the rest of your life. Steeped in the faith of Amish and Mennonites, who maintain that how we live is as important as what we say, Sommers' words hold gentle warmth and wise nudging for readers tired of disjointed living. Offering daily devotions, prayers, journal prompts, and ideas for how to simplify your life and strengthen your faith, Prayers for a Simpler Life guides readers toward a deeper commitment to the way of Jesus.

My Take :  I was suppose to post this review last week but I didn't get the book until the day I was suppose to post so then I was suppose to post the review either on Monday or Tuesday of this week and for one reason or another I didn't find time to do that so I am posting today.  I am a bit happy that I didn't post till today because that gave me alittle more time to savor this book a bit more slowly which is kind of what this book is about.  Taking your time to spend meaningful time with the Lord.  Not just a read a short scripture and a little devotional about it then pray and your done short of thing.  Don't get me wrong these devotions aren't long and the Bible passages aren't either but they give you the opportunity to reflect on what you are reading and to really think about it.  Each devotion has a passage to look up and small article to read , a prayer and a reflection thought.  There are 12 whole weeks to really dig into.  each week is a different topic.  I look forward to using this devotional every year.  It would be perfect for the beginning of the year.  Highly recommend. 

I received a review copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion from MennoMedia.org.

Straight to the Heart - Moses by Phil Moore

From Goodreads:
A powerful devotional commentary series designed to inform and inspire
God is invisible. That's a problem. It was a problem in ancient Egypt and it's still a problem today. In a world where people tend to worship what they can see and feel and taste and touch, an invisible God is all too easy to ignore. That's why we need Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy to show us God's glorious master plan to be seen through his People.
Straight to the Heart of Moses is one of a series of devotional commentaries, which allow people to get to grips with each book of the Bible one bite at a time. Phil Moore does not cover the whole of each book, but rather focuses on key sections which together form a useful introduction. There will be 25 volumes in all, each containing 60 readings. The short chapters are punchy and relevant, yet crammed with fascinating scholarship.

My Take:  This is great commentary on Moses.  The chapters are short and sweet but when you are done you have learned alot. This book isn't taken from just one book of the Bible but from the Life of Moses so it takes you through several books. These books can also be used as devotionals.  I plan on getting more in the series.

Mornings With Jesus

About the book:

"Be still and know that I am God.” is one of the most beautiful verses from the Bible, but it’s not easy to practice in this busy world. Mornings with Jesus will help you do just that—“be still” in Jesus’ beautiful and powerful presence. For those who are seeking a deeper experience in their relationship with Christ, Mornings with Jesus offers a fresh perspective of who Jesus is (the Healer, the Son of God, the Comforter, the Good Shepherd) and what that means for day-to-day life. With a warm and friendly voice, 365 short devotional writings on the character and teachings of Jesus encourage readers to greet each day by drawing near to Him and inviting His presence into their day. Spend time with Jesus at the beginning of each day and experience His nearness and peace in a new way throughout the year. Each day’s selection includes: • a Bible verse • an entry based on Jesus: His words, miracles, and parables; His wisdom, compassion, and comfort; His mystery, power, divinity, and humanity • a “faith step” that will inspire and challenge readers to apply the day’s message to their lives

 

Link to buy the book:  http://ow.ly/8BbyO   

 

My Take:  I have decided to use this book as one of my devotionals for the year.  Everyday is written by a different author and addresses an everyday event that each of us can relate with and gives us some insight into that issue. I have been enjoying the daily meeting with other women.  Great for todays woman.

 

I was sent a copy of this book for review purposes.