Pages & Pursuits

"Levi opened the door. He stepped inside, keeping one hand on the doorknob in case he had to leave quickly. the smell of dead worms filled his nostrils.  'Why are you here, Levi?' said a voice.  'You know my name?' 'Of course.' Levi took a deep breath. 'I want to see you. I want to see... your face.' 'Close the door.' Levi hesitated. Then he slowly closed the door. To his surprise, the room brightened, a pale light rising up from the dusty floor. Levi gasped at what he saw..." I work in a bookstore, and Priscilla Shirer's Prince Warriors  books are some of the most popular children's books we have in the store. I think these books are so popular because they weave in truths from the Bible into an engaging fictional story. Readers learn more about God and His plan for their lives as they read these books.  Before I go any further, I would like to clarify that I, personally, did not read this book, nor hav...

Over the past few years, journaling Bibles have grown in popularity. With the increased interest, publishers have made available many more options for both the young and the old. The Inspire Bible for Girls is a special edition of the Inspire Bible that is geared to young girls ages 8 and up. This Bible includes over 500 illustrations, space for journaling, and short devotionals and questions to prompt discussion and prayer.  Although this Bible is geared towards younger girls, I find it interesting and beautiful! I think it would be the perfect gift idea for any of the young girls in your life. The illustrations are beautiful and the devotionals provide meaningful applications to take to heart. The New Living Translation is also an easy-to-read translation that allows people of all ages to read and understand the Bible.  To purchase the Bible, click here .  To read more about the Inspire Bible, click here .  I received this Bible for free from Ty...

I watched a video of a family who did a test with their little boys. They took their oldest son, a 3 year old, and had him sit at a table. The dad then explained that he could have the marshmallow that was sitting in front of him if he wanted it, but if he waited, and did not eat the marshmallow, then he would get another marshmallow and something better. Instantly, I thought, "Well I would choose to wait because getting two marshmallows would of course be better than just getting one," but I honestly did not think this little guy would be able to last very long with this marshmallow sitting in front of him. His dad left him for 5 whole minutes and he DID NOT EAT his marshmallow. This little 3 year old WAITED because his daddy had promised him something better, and he fully trusted him.  After asking him a few questions, they then brought in the second son, a 2 year old. They went through the same procedure, and then left the little guy with the marshmallow. Well, he didn...

Case Keenum is a professional football player who is the current starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos. Although he has found success in his football career, if you looked at the path he took to get there, you wouldn't have thought he would get there. Keenum received only one scholarship offer for college. Even though he broke records, he was not drafted into the NFL. He was picked up and released several times before finally finding himself as the quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings. Keenum led the team to a 13-3 season and won the NFC North Division in what is known as the "Minnesota Miracle." Throughout his book, Case Keenum outlines his story while also pointing out how God has worked in every season. There were times when Keenum did not know what would happen next, but he kept trusting and God showed Himself faithful time and time again.  Football happens to be my favorite sport to watch. Over the years, I have loved having the chance to "get to kno...

Quinn Collins just wants buy a flower shop and follow her dreams. Grady Benson's career has taken a tumble and he simply wants to hide from the public while figuring out how to get back on his feet. Through a series of interesting events, Grady's and Quinn's completely different worlds collide in the small town of Harbor Pointe. Courtney Walsh's  Just Let Go  follows both Quinn Collins and Grady Benson as their lives begin to intertwine and they grow together through many of life's challenges.  Honestly, I didn't love this book. It was difficult for me to get into and didn't keep my attention. HOWEVER, this type of book is not usually what I find myself reading. If you like a clean, Hallmark-like romance novel, then you will absolutely love Walsh's writing. I think this book would be perfect for someone looking for a light, relaxing read (especially if taking to the beach!).  If you would like to read the first chapter click here .  To vis...

 Written in 1955, Hinds' Feet on High Places is an allegorical tale which recounts Much-Afraid's journey to be closer to the Shepherd. Hannah Hurnard writes this story to illustrate the mountains and valleys of a Christian's walk. As Much-Afraid encounters trials and tribulations, she must learn to accept that life will not be perfectly easy and must fully rely on the Shepherd to guide her through. As she endures each obstacle, she is being refined and is growing into who God created her to be. When she overcomes each of these trials, Much-Afraid becomes closer to the High Places.  A few years ago, I read this book for the first time. At the time, I did not fully appreciate it, nor fully enjoy it. Although this probably had to do with the fact that I was reading it for school, I wish that I had taken more time to dig into the meaning of this book. Hurnard's ability to weave such a beautiful tale while also connecting to the Christian's walk is astounding....

Dear friends,  Do yourselves a favor and go buy Joel Rosenberg's latest release, The Kremlin Conspiracy . Seriously, this book is amazing! If you have known me for any length of time and we have discussed reading at all, then you have probably heard me mention Rosenberg's name a few times. He is by far my favorite author and always produces the most captivating reads.  Oleg Kraskin and Marcus Ryker could not be living in more different worlds. Although seemingly polar opposites, they actually have a lot in common. They both were married around the same time, had one son, and possess a sense of pride and loyalty for their country. Though one works to protect his country, the other is used to further his country by hurting others. Over time, the two come together in unexpected ways. Their passions for their countries and their knowledge of what is right and wrong collide to force them to make hard decisions which could put their lives at risk.  Joel Rosenberg's...