Are you beginning the year with a resolution to read more books? I enjoy books that teach me things, encourage me, strengthen my Walk, and provide a little time away from my day to day life. If you do, too, let me introduce you to one that comes out January 16th. “Isaiah’s Daughter” by author Mesu Andrews is a fabulous Christian novel. I loved everything about it. This paperback by Waterbrook Publishers has a striking cover that immediately took me back to Old Testament times. There is a hefty total of 384 pages that might sound like a lot but they absolutely flew by. This novel was an absolute page turner. I could not put it down and yet did not want it to end. Author Andrews is a truly gifted wordsmith and gently lifts readers out of their chairs to place them smack dab in the middle of her setting. I felt like I was there in Israel and Judah myself.
“Isaiah’s Daughter” by author Mesu Andrews is a fabulous Christian novel. This paperback by Waterbrook Publishers has a striking cover and is a hefty 384 pages that absolutely flew by. I could not put it down and yet did not want it to end. Author Andrews is a truly gifted wordsmith and gently lifts readers out of their chairs to place them smack dab in the middle of her setting. I felt like I was there myself.
Her latest novel is the tale of a young woman that has been taken into Isaiah’s household. Ishma is adopted by Isaiah and her name changed to Zibah, which means delight of the Lord. Isaiah is a prophet during a time when Israel has become divided in its religion. The North has turned its back on God and now worships false, pagan gods. The South, Judah, has remained faithful to Yahweh. It was a turbulent time.
Reading this book gave me a glimpse into the life and struggles of the Israelites. There was a big struggle between good and evil, right and wrong, worshipping God or the idols. That is why Abba sent prophets to speak to men and turn them from their wicked ways. In her wonderfully written novel, the author tells us the love story of Judah’s King Hezekiah and Queen Hephzibah as well as the love story of Yahweh for His people. It teaches us about the culture and customs of that time. Her book encourages us to put our trust in God now, even as they did in Old Testament times.
Characters in “Isaiah’s Daughter” absolutely come alive because of the writing. They are well defined so that each one is like a new friend that I have just made. Dialogue rings true to what I imagined it would be back then. The book is written in a narrative. I liked that as it made me feel closer to the characters. Not much is written about or know of women from biblical times. Men are deemed more important and recorded. Reading about a woman was nice.
I highly recommend this book. It has so much to offer. If you like romance, history, inspiration, learning, adventure, suspense, intrigue, and having a Bible story come to life, this book is for you. It would be great for a book club. So many things were in it that I wanted to discuss with my reading friends. You will, also. I rated it 5 out of 5 stars. Preorder yours before January 16th to receive goodies!
That’s right, your very own word that offers encouragement or inspiration for the year. Maybe He will give you more than just one. Whatever it is you need, He will give.
Do you have expectations for 2018 or yourself? A new year is wonderful. It’s like getting a blank piece of paper to begin a new chapter in your story. Exciting, isn’t it?!
On it is usually one item that seems greater than any of the others. If you have a prayer list you know the one I mean. It is the one you give over to Jesus to handle and take to the Father. Then later that day you start fretting over it again and try to tell Him how to work it out. (How silly!) You pick it back up and cannot seem to give it away. The problem is so big and seems unsolvable. Oh, but I have great news for you. God is bigger and more powerful than anything. Period. He is also in the business of miracles.
As it is eaten up by flames and disintegrated, I give thanks that the problem is out of my hands and into His. I have totally surrendered it. He is doing what needs done according to His perfect will. Before my prayer ends the paper has turned to ashes, tears stream down my cheeks, and my worry has vanished. I am at peace.
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.
She loved that game. It reminded her of her childhood and holidays at home. Research on this game revealed that it could be done for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It started as a custom that was broadly practiced by families from the southern parts of the United States. My Grandmother (paternal) grew up near Richmond, Kentucky and was definitely a fine Southern lady.
This year just might be the perfect time to start a new Christmas tradition. One that is pleasing to and lead by Jesus. Pray about it, open your heart and mind. Maybe some type of donation or charity would be for your family. Perhaps buying some livestock, chickens or seed for someone makes your heart sing. If you decide on one, I would love to hear about it. “Peace on Earth and goodwill to men.”
Siblings and cousins eagerly await the new one, also. Funny, adorable pictures are sent or put on Facebook to let everyone know a new member will be added to the family. There are showers to flood the family with all kinds of things for the baby. Several of my friends have had Grammy showers.
Mary left pregnant and came back a mother. The journey took a while to make, too, with no way to get news to her family. Oh my! Mary had her baby without her mother or other family there. Did she return and announce “here is Jesus, our Savior.” Probably not. Mary most likely had to keep that bit of knowledge to herself. Treasuring that blessing and holding it deep within her. However, I would think Mary’s family gathered around to see her new bouncing baby boy when she and Joseph returned from Bethlehem. Families are universal and a baby unites them. He brings hope and joy. Everyone smiles around a baby. Happiness abounds when an infant is nearby. Women want to hold him. Children want to see his toes. Men turn into a pile of mush and say sing-songy things in a funny voice. Babies bring families together.
Wow, total honesty. Our God already know that anyway, but He just wants us to admit it to Him and ourselves. All of the prayers are like this, meant to draw us closer to God.
The prayers are not complicated or overthought, but they are sincere and moving. The issues are real. Some days I read prayers over and over again. I read them to help me or to a friend that needed encouragement. The intent of this prayer book is to lead us to God each day and live our lives with our hearts. We should give our hearts to God and watch where He takes us. Talk about inspiring and encouraging. This is it! I loved it. It is definitely a 5 star recommendation from me. I will be giving some for Christmas gifts as well as keeping one for myself. You should check it out.
Giving gifts is a privilege, and getting them is a real treat. I love how it makes me feel to know someone cared enough to spend time on me. I feel loved.
They should relate to others that we thought about them during this Season of Miracles and Love. They should let others know how important they are to us, as important as a teacher or mailman. They should build memories, happy ones.
Abba's Prayer Warrior Princess 