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.

Continue reading →

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.

Continue reading →

Bloodshed On The Boards by Judy Leigh

Apr16

Warm, Witty & Welcoming

Bloodshed On The Boards by Judy Leigh is a gripping contemporary cosy mystery which I loved. It is part of A Morwenna Mutton Mystery series but can be read as a stand-alone. I enjoyed meeting up with familiar faces.

Morwenna Mutton is a wonderful leading lady. She is in her sixties, a very unique character as she rides her electric bike through Cornwall’s winding lanes. Her heart is warm and welcoming. Her mind spins as she tries to solve the puzzles around her.

Bloodshed On The Boards is amateur sleuthing at its finest. Morwenna Mutton is a modern-day Miss Marple, preferring her own investigating before involving her friend in the police. She thinks on her feet as well as in her head.

This is a small community that lives together, laughs together and supports local businesses together. The local café is warm and welcoming, being easy to picture in my head. Judy Leigh writes with an artistic pen, ‘showing’ us around the area.

Wild swimming happens weekly but only the hardiest of souls turns up.

Continue reading →

Swimming To The Moon by Jane Elson

Apr15

Celebrating Differences

Swimming To The Moon by Jane Elson is a beautiful contemporary novel for ages ten years and over. It is a book that will warm your heart whatever your age.

This is a book that celebrates friendship and differences. We follow lead characters eleven year old Bee and Moon-Star. Both are united by their kind hearts and their ability to empathise with each other.

We all have different gifts. If we see someone struggling and we can help them, we should do so. As we enter the world of year six in primary school, the reader is horrified by the cruelty of the bullies. They continually make fun of those who are different.

Bee is a dear soul who loves bees, Judy Garland and Marilyn Monroe. She is unique. She is also forgetful and suffers with asthma, which is described as an elephant sitting on her chest. She is also grieving from the loss of the one person who truly understood her, Great Grandma Beatrix. “Great-Gran Beatrix said I can do anything I set my mind to.” Though gone in body, her love remains and it is beautiful to see. Great-Gran Beatrix lives on in the heart of Bee. Every child needs a Great-Gran Beatrix in their lives.

Continue reading →