THE SECRET GARDEN DEVOTIONAL – Rachel Dodge

The Secret Garden Devotional, beautifully compiled by Rachel Dodge, is a chapter-by-chapter companion to the beloved classic by Frances Hodgson Burnett. As we wander through the long corridors and winding passages of Misselthwaite Manor, we lose ourselves in the delightful mystery of the Secret Garden, a hidden place where we can quiet our hearts serenely to find lasting peace and tranquility. It is a place where divine healing, perfect restoration and new life are always possible, even in the most extremely distressing circumstances or difficult-to-endure situations.

The Secret Garden bursts with latent themes, hidden motifs and meaningful symbols that illustrate deep spiritual truths, when viewed from a Biblical perspective through the lens of faith. Like the garden, our hearts must be carefully tended and cultivated to bloom in the Spirit.

This inspiring companion devotional is the ideal book for a quiet study to meditate on deep spiritual truths and assess our own personal walk with God. As we read on, we find our minds being led to dwell on secret truths that highlight our spiritual growth. I recommend this book to everyone who loves the classic books of Frances Hodgson Burnett.

Miriam Jacob

SHE LAUGHS – Carolanne Miljavac

In “She Laughs” by Carolanne Miljavac, humor keeps us focused on what really matters, by rubbing off all our corners, dusting the cobwebs away. Laughter lifts us up. It is truly the best medicine. The ability to laugh is a gift of God. It helps us to lift up our faith and conquer fear. Laughter, the gift of a profound sense of humor, helps us to endure the hardest days. It helps us to persevere against all odds, even when everything is against us. Laughter gives us beauty when we are ashen and gray. “She laughs without fear of the future.” There is always hope for us at the end of the tunnel, as long as humor knocks at the door of our hearts, requesting to be allowed in.

Laughter fills us with a beautiful sense of esteem and self-worth. It makes us feel good about ourselves, and in spite of ourselves. The lady who laughs is dignified and victorious, empowered to succeed, against all the odds aligned against her. Laughter fills us with faith and shows fear the door. Faith keeps our hearts rooted in the truth that God is good all the time. A lady who laughs is at peace, even with an unknown future before her. She does not need to know the whys and wherefores. The gift of laughter is precious. Cherish it like a priceless jewel. Laughter embues us with hope. It gives hope a voice and speaks life into our spirits. Faith, laughter, humor and hope go hand in hand. Laughter fills us with hope and joy for the future God plans for us.

Losing her little niece to cancer taught Carolanne to surrender to God, and in doing so, she found herself and God. Carolanne’s authentic life reflects beauty for ashes. She pulls heartstrings with love and laughter. Her life’s purpose is to spread love and joy, honestly and truthfully. I highly recommend “She Laughs” for all those who opt to choose faith over fear.

© Miriam Jacob

THE INN AT HIDDEN RUN – Olivia Newport

Shiloh Run Press, Barbour Publishing, Inc. ISBN: 9781683229940. Price: $12.99

---

“The Inn at Hidden Run” by Olivia Newport is a well-written, time-split story that arrests our attention, when a genealogist daughter and her lawyer-cum-mediator father sort out the baffling problems between Meri, the main character and her family. The story is split into two time frames, with a strong Christian theme, providing ample food for thought. It is a moving story about family relationships, reconciliation, depicting how the same family members are influenced by different family traits. An interesting, inspiring and immersive read, this book deftly portrays how to pursue one’s own dreams, in a love letter to the past, a romantic mystery in which Olivia Newport uses the “time slip genre” to root her story in the interesting art of genealogy, reaching back to past generations. The first book in the Tree of Life Series, “The Inn at Hidden Run” celebrates unforgettable family stories and interesting family histories that inspire readers to connect in unique faith journeys. Olivia Newport expertly examines the innate human desire for a sense of roots and belonging, creating a unique patchwork quilt of family histories, intricately woven into the daily fabric of human lives.

Miriam Jacob

Morning by Morning – Charles Spurgeon

Morning by Morning
The Bestselling Classic Daily Devotional
by Charles Spurgeon

Barbour Books, Barbour Publishing, Inc. Pub Date: 01 Nov 2017
ISBN: 9781683223269
Price: $15.99

---

“Morning by Morning” is Charles Spurgeon’s bestselling classic daily devotional, from the heart of one of history’s most beloved preachers. Charles Haddon Spurgeon is known as the prince of preachers. This inspiring devotional has encouraged, motivated, challenged, and brought thought-provoking insight to the whole world for well over 150 years. It teaches us to travail in prayer constantly, trusting God to bring us through trials victoriously. We see a wrestling Jacob, a Daniel who prayed three times a day in the privacy of his home, and a David who called upon his God with all his heart. We see Elijah on the mountaintop, and Paul and Silas praising God in the prison. We have myriads of God’s commands and priceless promises to teach us of the sacred importance and utmost necessity of prayer. A prayerless person is utterly powerless. Prayer is the triumphant shout of the courageous believer and the last thought of the dying saint. It is the comfort, strength and honor of a Christian. A child of God seek the Father’s face, and lives in His love, to be a blessing to others, growing in grace, favor and in the knowledge of God. May this awe-inspiring devotional teach us to behold the beauty of the Lord all the days of our lives.

Miriam Jacob

 

 

Daily Wisdom for Women 2018 Devotional Collection – Barbour Staff

Daily Wisdom for Women 2018 Devotional Collection
Compiled by Barbour Staff

Barbour Books, Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Pub Date: 01 Oct 2017.
ISBN: 9781683222118
PRICE: $15.99

---

“Daily Wisdom for Women 2018 Devotional Collection,” compiled by Barbour Staff is a beautiful and inspirational daily devotion book for women. All women of God will be blessed by Him everyday through this awesome devotional book. We can experience a most intimate connection to God, our heavenly Father with this inspiring collection of devotionals. It provides inspiration and encouragement for our souls, giving us comfort and spiritual blessings all 365 days of 2018. This is a delightful, easy-to-read devotional book providing uplifting thoughts to enrich our days all through the year. I highly recommend this beautiful, soul-refreshing book to all women who love God and want to be blessed by Him.