This Week's Read

This Week's Read: Godspeed

Sometimes as believers, just figuring out why God has us where He has us is half the battle, isn't it? A young mom might feel trapped and useless in and amidst days overflowing with diapers and the ever-present dirt and mess that accompanies the raising of small children. At the same time, the truck driver nearing retirement age might be struggling to understand why a door to reaching others around him seems firmly shut. 

The dentist can feel largely ineffective, as can the clothing store manager, the teacher, and the college student. If each of us is supposed to be living with a mission in mind, what exactly does that look like right here, where God has me today?

Affiliate links below. Disclosure here.

I'd been a fan of pastor Britt Merrick's sermons and books when Godspeed: Making Christ's Mission Your Own was released. Britt had been preaching through the pain of the loss of his own daughter Daisy to cancer, and we were battling our personal ills at the time, as well. God let Britt step into our lives just when we needed to hear what he was saying. 

But when Godspeed launched, the Merricks were deep into Daisy's fight with the cancer that eventually claimed her life, and Godspeed went quietly into the bookstores with not a lot of fanfare.

That's unfortunate because Godspeed: Making Christ't Mission Your Own is an excellent, engaging, tightly constructed book that is appropriate and helpful reading for pretty nearly everyone. No joke. We chose to use it with our community group shortly after I read it the first time, and that group could not have been a more eclectic bunch. We were comprised of two middle-aged married couples, three college students, two single moms, two single women, and a high schooler. We had medical professionals, homeschooling moms, administrative assistants, baristas, and one woman awaiting a sentencing for a felony crime. And yet, Godspeed spoke to each of us, individually, right where we were.

Would you, too, like to know how you can be a part of the grand and beautiful plan of redemption? How to recognize the unique mission God has given you? Be encouraged that you have been made for such a time as this? Start here. 



This Week's Read Should Be on Your Summer List: My Man Jeeves

Hi again! I'm back with another good read to put on your list in case you need to add to your already toppling-over stack next to your bed. My pile is currently seven books high, and that of course doesn't include what's in my Kindle and Audible queues. So many books . . .

If you're looking for summer books that are enjoyable but not extremely dumbed-down and you've never picked up a book by P.G. Wodehouse, then OH! I have the book for you! 

P.G. Wodehouse

P.G. Wodehouse

Wodehouse wrote the classic 1920's comic novels about a young dandy and his butler, Jeeves. The language is intelligent and compelling (Wodehouse was quite a wordsmith), the plots slightly ridiculous and quintessentially British upper crust, and the comedy so often funny, I actually laugh out loud when I read them. 

And if you love words, language, and turns of phrase, you will really love the genius of P.G. Wodehouse. Start with My Man Jeeves. This Kindle version is just .99 (and that's my affiliate link).


This Week's Read: Wise Up: 10 Minute Family Devotions in Proverbs

Yep. There is an affiliate link below.

Ah, the family devotional. It sounds so great, so we buy the book, set it next to our plate at dinner, and then . . . reality hits. The toddler is hijacking the deep discussion, the teens are daydreaming, and mom is falling asleep because it's been a long, long day.

And you thought it only looked like that in your home. Uh, no. Family devotions can be really difficult to pull off with any regularity and enthusiasm, and you aren't the only one struggling.

Is there another way? How about an author who has a lot of kids of all ages, loves God's Word and encouraging families to soak it in together, but also writes in a way that keeps everyone engaged? He exists!

We recently interviewed author Marty Machowski on the Homeschooling in Real Life podcast, and it's good. But what we're loving so much in our home right now is his family devotional, Wise Up: 10 Minute Family Devotions in Proverbs.

Ten minutes. Yep. And the text is engaging and the questions are good! Even our teens will listen and engage, while the 10-year-old thinks as he answers, and Mighty Joe tries. I love the recalibration at the end of the day, too. It's a winner for all.