Have you ever felt stuck in a rut? Like you were getting no where fast or pain was your constant companion? No, this isn’t an infomercial. I just want to tell you about a book I recently read that helps release hurt and receive rest. Now I have your attention. Don’t I?
“Begin Again: The Brave Practice of Releasing Hurt & Receiving Rest” by author Leeana Tankersley is a 182 page Christian Living/Women book which is followed by Acknowledgments, Notes, and Author information. The vividly colored cover with fuchsia colored flowers and large white lettering refuses to go unnoticed. It drew me in and did not want to let go until the last page. #pageturner
This is the first book I have read by author Tankersley, and I was very impressed. Her style of writing is very much to my liking. After reading a few pages it felt more like a chat. I was talking with a friend about our problems and what needed done. She was transparent about her challenges and life, but she didn’t linger over longer on them. The book was well written, easy to understand, well researched and organized. It had Scriptural references and was inspiring as well as encouraging. I felt refreshed after reading it. The author was genuine and to the point in her book. She wanted to be helpful and was. I gleaned things from “Begin Again”. There was a feeling of hope.
Based on a quote from St. Benedict, “Always we begin again.”, this book was written as encouragement for readers to trust God and begin again when dealing with trials in life. The author leads us to see God is with us every step of the way whether we are struggling with pain, day to day issues, marital problems or whatever the case might be. God is still there as we begin again and helps us with that. We are not alone and never stuck. Always we may begin again.
The author provides practical, useful tips and information to assist readers that want to start afresh. Her ideas are to get readers moving beyond the past and the hurt it carries. Relying on God and His plans for our future help us start over. She advises to begin again with God directing your way. None of us can do this on our own. Author Tankersley also says we must realize we have a hurt or pain, whether emotional, mental, or physical. Then we should call out for help. Wow! Easier said than done sometimes, but none of us can do all things alone. So, the author encourages us to begin again by trusting God. Recognizing there is pain and a problem that needs fixed is the starting point. Then she explains we need to realize what we are dealing with can be enormous, as in a move, new job, new relationship, or as small as accepting where we are, without regret. So we need to do the next tiny thing that moves us forward.
Readers are nudged to listen for God’s guidance as we change things and handle our life. Aren’t you glad God allows us to write our own stories and edit them every single day? I certainly am very thankful. Actually I am blessed He is there to help and show me what needs to be changed. We receive as many “do overs” as we need. Maybe we need one every morning. That’s okay. God offers them freely and generously. This book made me realize that more. It steered me toward the sunshine of God and today, and away from the gloom of yesterday and its regret and pain.
I gladly recommend this lovely, soul stirring book. It stepped on my toes in parts and gave insight on what I could do to change. Do this as a reading group! There are so many that will relate and love the chance to discuss and pray. At times I wondered how the author knew I needed to read just that particular message. Bet she had a little help from above, don’t you. Rating on this is definitely 5 out of 5 stars.
If you think of an abstract version, very abstract, of Mary and Joseph without baby Jesus, author Conrad’s story is patterned along those lines she says. She has compared physical situations of being pregnant out of wedlock and how it has an effect on most everyone. Not everyone is loving and forgiving. Some point fingers and others want justice.
I was invested in their trials and triumphs. Each character was well rounded, including having some flaws. They were human and not perfect. I enjoyed the dialog which flowed seamlessly. It never sounded stiff or forced. The descriptions and subjects tackled took me there in the middle of the story. I cried and laughed. Like I said before, I was invested.
The author writes inspirationally how this effects so many people and how many are quick and free to pass judgment. We aren’t called to judge. Only God does that.
Mercy McClain works at the town’s orphanage and is also on the school board. As a child she was bullied by many kids but especially by George Firebrook. She is still carrying around baggage from her childhood.
He seeks forgiveness and wants to make restitution. Some letters are not answered, but one response brings him to the Orphanage. From then on all I will say is wow! My dishes piled up and nothing got finished except this book. Oh, my! What a book.
Trust me! This book is a thrilling, exciting read that takes only one page to grab your attention. It isn’t your typical Amish novel. This is a gritty, crime fiction with romance and Amish.
She is a faithful Christian mother of two living in Ohio with her hubby. There is a letter from her about her book, and she states Book 5 comes out July 2018. Next are discussion questions which are great for a reading group. It concludes with a sneak peek at Book 5.
Want to dive into a new world? Enter to win a signed copy of both Amber Eyes and Scarlet Moon, a grimmlie dragon of the dragon on the cover (made by the author), a charm bracelet (made by her Captain America), and a $10 amazon card. US only.
Often I will be given other to add to my library, like this one. “Devotions for the Hungry Heart” is the first book that I have read by author Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, but I am certain it will not be my last. I fell in love with this 20 week devotional immediately and devoured it within a few days. (I know! I couldn’t help myself.) This sweet 272 page hardcover book is published by Shiloh Press. The padded cover is inviting and feels nice to the touch. There are glossy full color pictures which adorn the center which are beautiful and have yummy recipes. I love recipes in books.
or Sister in Christ over a cup of coffee. One that just gets you. I found the author to be witty, humorous, God glorifying, encouraging, approachable and transparent. She taught me what being hungry for Jesus meant. Dividing that up into six topics: Sharing, Needing, Celebrating, Praying, Surrendering and Being Intentional, the author explained in her sweet Southern style. I have continued pondering them long after finishing her book. Have you ever thought what an example of being hungry for more Jesus liked like? Think about it a minute. Better yet, just get this book.
Published by Barbour, this inspirational 160 page book has a vibrant eyecatching cover with a golden sunburst overlaid with four biblical heroes. Inside are stories printed on thick glossy paper of fifty heroes and heroines from the Bible. Each story is three pages long and written for easy understanding. Readers will find a reference where each story is in the Bible, scripture relating to the story, followed by the story or devotional and a prayer, and finishing up with discussion/study questions to help dig deeper into what was just read.
Abba's Prayer Warrior Princess 