GOOD BOOKS!

A GOOD BOOK is a delight to the soul. Here are three books I have read this year. I mentioned the first one earlier, but it bears repeating. The third one was finished this week. Its author, Annette Hubbell, had requested a review from me, and I was happy to do so after reading it. Her book was a little out of the ordinary, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. She takes on the persona of the person she’s writing about (after much research). The other two books were archived in my mother’s books (her books furnished most of my reading material for 2019). They were a joy to read, as well.

⇒Book 1

TRANSCENDS TIME

IN HIS STEPS: What would Jesus do? 

First published in 1896

THE  TIMELESS truths in In His Steps transcend the decades since it was written over a century ago. I guess I have always heard of this book but I knew absolutely nothing about it. “What Would Jesus Do?” WWJD was a popular acronym several years back. But I had no idea that it had historical significance. In this book’s story line that is the predominant question, what would Jesus do?

The challenge is a good one for any person of faith. Could we live what these people seek to do? Is faith strong enough to be lived out in ordinary circumstances? This novel seeks to present the underlying pressure to do just that. Even though this book is outdated, we are still served a large portion of reality. I can’t help but think the world would be a much better place if its people would follow in His steps.

To tell the truth I couldn’t put this book down. My grandmother had given the copy I was reading to my mother in the 1940’s when Mother was a teenager. The book is falling apart. Its paper is like old parchment. It is not surprising to me that it became a classic. Timeless truths hidden in a well-written story oftentimes keep their value. Wonderful.

In His Steps on Amazon  Updated versions also available.

⇒Book 2

DESPAIR TO DELIGHT

THE HIDDEN LIFE: Revelations from a Holy Journey

First published in 2005

Updated version in 2016 – THE HIDDEN LIFE: AWAKENED

ALONE in herself, desperate for understanding and relief, Betty Skinner is adrift and lost in angst and despair. Set on a path of over-achieving and inner isolation, she experiences life events that are destructive to her inner core. She lives for years by sucking it up and relying on her own resources. Her needs are not met and her fears increase.

This story is a painful one, which many can relate to. But her story is one that leads to a divine resolution, restoration, and improbable but life-giving rejuvenation. Betty finds God. She clings to God. Silence in nature befriends her. Scripture verses are enlivened. Poetry is written. Prayer is soul-conversation with her Forever Friend. She becomes a listener, which leads to personal healing and life-long learning.

I loved Betty Skinner’s story as one loves something precious to you. Even though I have never met her, I know we are kindred spirits. I wish I could meet her. We have story in common. How beautiful it is to know and love that which touches the heart of God. My mother had a hardback copy of “The Hidden Life” in her books. I recently found it as I went through my mother’s things after her passing. Betty’s story is a testament to God’s healing grace. He speaks and lives are transformed.

I found Betty Skinner online at the authors’ www site. I watched some of her recent videos (at age 104, no less!). Thank you to Kitty Crenshaw and Catherine Snapp, Phd, for sharing this encouraging story. Blessings.

The Hidden Life on Amazon

The Hidden Life: Awakened on Amazon

Betty’s blog, writings, photos on The Hidden Life Awakened

⇒Book 3

WELL DONE

ETERNITY THROUGH THE REARVIEW MIRROR: How simple faith changes everything–Seventeen Extraordinary Lives

Published in January 2019

WELL DONE, Annette Hubbell. Well done, people of note. Well done, faithful servants to His dear cause. Hubbell tells seventeen stories of people’s life journeys that make a difference and leave a lasting impact. To take us there, she unveils their lives by using first-person narrative to tell their stories. These past heroes were overcomers in their own right. These individuals offered their lives in some remarkable way–and we can say the world is better off because of them.

One soon sees that these individuals are not a common mix of people. Their ordinary turned extraordinary lives were realized through events strewn with a greater purpose beyond the temporal state of daily existence. Courage, fortitude, vision, obedience, faithfulness, determined purpose, and personal strength defined each one’s successes. All were extra notable by how their lives intersected with God’s ability to multiply His grace in response to the human offering of self. The hard work ahead for each person was inspired and enabled by their relationship to God. Faith practically shouts in their lives.

Kudos to Annette Hubbell for taking on a daunting task to bring to life the character that drives action despite human frailty, disappointment, imprisonment, obstacles, and the ‘whatevers’ that make life a difficult row to hoe. They are examples to us all. Greatness need not be silenced by limitations. Obstacles are part of the journey. I eagerly await the author’s next book, should she chronicle snapshots of brilliance in unfolding another set of historical personalities for the perusal of her readers.

Eternity Through the Rearview Mirror on Amazon

HAPPY READING!