Book Review: Endless Grace by Ryan Whitaker Smith and Dan Wilt

About the Book:

Endless Grace helps us rediscover the rich treasures of the Psalms--through free-verse prayer renderings of their poems and hymns--as a guide to personal devotion and meditation.

The church has always used the Psalms as part of its prayer life, and they have inspired countless other prayers. This book contains seventy-five prayers drawn from Psalms 76-150, providing lyrical sketches of what authors Ryan Whitaker Smith and Dan Wilt have seen, heard, and felt while sojourning in the Psalms. While each prayer corresponds to a particular psalm and touches on its themes and ideas, it is not a new translation of the Psalms or an attempt to modernize or contextualize their content or language. Rather, the prayers are responses to the Psalms written in harmony with Scripture. These prayers help us quiet our hearts before God and remember the Lord's daily mercies.

This artful, poetic, and classic devotional book features compelling custom illustrations and beautiful hardcover binding, offering a fresh way to reflect on and pray the Psalms.

Read an excerpt from Endless Grace on the publisher's website.

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My Thoughts:

Endless Grace by Ryan Whitaker Smith and Dan Wilt “approaches the Psalms as literature designed for prayerful meditation (p. 14).” Each free verse prayer of Endless Grace responds to a Psalm with emotion and praise/supplication to God. New Testament phrases and teachings pepper the prayers, and I enjoyed the connections between the Psalms and teachings of Jesus.

Personally, I like to read one Psalm and the correlating selection from Endless Grace per sitting. These entries invite unhurried meditation and offer concepts that merit consideration. Often, the entries present historic ideas in fresh, lyrical wording that hooks my attention and renews my appreciation for such tenets. An example from the first prayer (Psalm 76 response): “Your peace is stronger than violence; / Your mercy fiercer than judgment.”

With its sturdy hardcover and lovely illustrations, Endless Grace: Prayers Inspired by the Psalms by Ryan Whitaker Smith and Dan Wilt can be a gift. It’s appropriate for any Christian desiring meditative readings with a strong prayer emphasis.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Book Review: Peace in the Midst of the Storm by Kaleb Thompson

About the Book:

Anxiety and fear seek to prey on the damaged and create heavy burdens that scar the soul, being heartless and insensitive to the lost, unkempt, and broken-spirited in a troubled, unwholesome world. However, they do not reign for eternity, as faith, resilience, and empowerment remain planted from within to help overcome pressing obstacles, regardless of how difficult they may be.

Peace in the Midst of the Storm primarily focuses on the beauty of positivity, selflessness, and honorable confidence that symbolizes the importance of light being present within darkness. This book also holds accountability in facing the realization that as life may prove frustrating at times, giving up is never an option! This shows that regardless of our mistakes, life does not promise us that we will remain positioned in negativity. What we were in our pasts will not seep into who we have grown to be as positive individuals. What we have now realized is that we often must prepare to speak victory over our storms and, as we continue to encourage ourselves to do that, we will overcome anything.

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My Thoughts:

In Peace in the Midst of the Storm, Kaleb Thompson invites the reader to join him in being “passionate in denouncing negativity of any kind (page 32).” The poetry in this collection seems so deeply personal that I’m remiss to critique the narrator’s experiences and feelings. Rather, I’ll note that the purpose of this collection is to encourage the reader toward wholeness and wellbeing. The poetry presents a compelling, recurrent message about setting boundaries and leaving toxic relationships. It also emphasizes career empowerment and financial success.

The poems in Peace in the Midst of the Storm Thompson are written in easy-to-read, contemporary English. Sometimes, the narrative tone switches from prayerful lines to prophetic declarations within a stanza. All the poems adhere to a freestyle form to express powerful thoughts and strong feelings, but the lack of ending punctuation stood out to me. Depending on the reader’s tolerance for grammatical deviation, this may or may not be an issue.

Recommended for readers who enjoy inspirational, freestyle poetry.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Book Review: Walking With My Angel by Adam Scott Campbell

About the Book: 

Walking With My Angel is a series of poetic letters to and from a real, heavenly Angel and her mortal warrior companion. They are shared in the hope that others find hope, encouragement, empowerment, and even enlightenment from reading them.

Read excerpts of Adam's poetry at: https://adamscottcampbell.com/

Purchase Link: Amazon

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Mini-Interview with Adam:

This video features excerpts from a full interview with Adam. Both interviews are available at: https://adamscottcampbell.com/

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My Thoughts:

In Walking With My Angel, Adam Scott Campbell presents a poetry collection based on his physical and spiritual experiences with his angel. I highly recommend viewing Adam’s condensed interview on his website as it gives substantial information about his experiences that are helpful to know prior to reading the book.

In Walking With My Angel, the reader enters an ethos of the poet as a writer-warrior with his personal angel as his soulmate. I’ll pass on trying to examine any theology as the Bible only gives snippets of information about angels and I am no expert on the matter. I will say that the poetry includes basic Christian beliefs of Jesus as the crucified and resurrected Savior as well as God as a loving Father with a divine will for each of His sons and daughters. 

The poems in Walking With My Angel interested, soothed, comforted, and inspired me. Though independently published, the book is professionally formatted and the author’s passion for his craft is evident. The poems carry elements of rhythm and rhyme with careful word choice that adds art and beauty to the narrative.

Suicide Trigger Alert: Several times, the author mentions his desire to end his mortal existence and enter eternity with his angel. However, the poems do not glorify suicide. They are presented with the narrator’s knowledge that ending his life prematurely is not God’s chosen path for him. Still, I feel it is appropriate to offer a suicide trigger alert due to such content.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Author Interview & Giveaway: About Face, Rest, and Intents & Purposes

About the Books

Book: About Face, Rest, and Intents and Purposes
Author: Tonia Colleen Martin
Genre: Illustrated Poetry
Release Date: 2019 and 2020

The terrible accident happened too long ago to remember the specifics. Having lost what she doesn’t remember owning, it takes the miracle of crossing paths with Hush, Shush and Silence, to reveal the truth. The shock of realizing she struggled to maintain an identity never meant to be hers, floors her. From a position of surrender, the surface of her tears mirrors who she has always been but hasn’t seen and does not know. Unimaginable possibilities, surprising choices and thrilling freedom ensues.

At the core of all anxiety is mistaken identity. About Face invites readers to consider who they might be apart from other people’s expectations and who they might become.

Click here to get your copy of About Face!



A perennial gift book for the stressed and beleaguered. Falling into the growing category of children’s books for adults, Rest: An Invitation to Freedom, lures readers out of frenzied productivity into a state of peaceful contemplation. Written for exhausted high achievers, this story is suitable for office lobbies, coffee and bedside tables.

“The heart of Christianity is a myth which is also a fact. At its best, the fairy story or fantasy is far from being a flight from reality; it is, rather, a flight to reality.”- JRR Tolkein

“The trumpet of imagination, like the trumpet of the Resurrection, calls the dead out of their
graves.” – GK Chesterton

“Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again.” — C.S. Lewis

Click here to get your copy of Rest: An Invitation to Freedom!

This story took longer to live than to transcribe. For daydreamers, truth-seekers, joy-feeders, and those longing to let your heart instruct your mind, this little book is for you. Falling into my own stylized category of children’s book for adults, Intents and Purposes, chronicles the path of a life abandoned by disconnection and loneliness as it moves to the threshold of hope and contentment.

Both text and illustrations are mine. Although countless versions reside in my constantly reconfiguring memory, this compilation seems to be its truest version.

Click here to get your copy of Intents and Purposes!
 

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About the Author

I earned my MFA in Writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts, received the Hallberg Award for Art; Best of Show, Blue Line Gallery, Membership Medley; published in The Arts in Religious and Theological Studies; Ruminate Magazine; Metonym; Sierra College Journal.

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More from Tonia

They are ready! Finally! These three illustrated books are condensed chronicles of various phases of my spiritual development. Over the years, I’ve learned that the deepest matters of the heart seem to be resistant to the confines of words. Images aid in the capture of emotions, but even still, the heart is shy. It runs from impatience and requires a concentration of listening and a suspension of judgment.

Each one of these books hovers over distinct territories and touch down in depths most avoid. I struggle to put my experiences into a kind and beautiful package, hoping to lure readers into places of feeling many might avoid. Not realizing they would be officially released during this unnerving pandemic, I am now so grateful for the message of hope that invites readers into possibilities and faith in our merciful Father of Lights who brought all things into being and is, even now, administering Peace to those who simply ask and expect. For those who suffer in the unknown, as I have and often do, I invite to include the reading of these missives of encouragement and their distribution of the message of Hope hidden in their pages.  They were written to uplift you on the days when you can find no words for your longing, no relief for your uncertainty and a deep desire for encouragement.  I am eager to get them out in the world.

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Author Interview

What was the inspiration behind this series?  

Tonia: The three books being promoted by Celeb Lit were developed as a response and an exploration of the path from living like an orphan in a story of my own invention to living out the redeemed story of my position as God’s daughter and a joint heir with Christ Jesus.

How long did it take you to write this novel? 

Tonia: These books are not novels. They are gift books, much shorter than a novel, more dense and concentrated in terms of their messages of hope and how to overcome discouragement and loneliness. Several years went into the writing and illustration of the books. I can’t say I kept track. I just kept whittling away at my message, carving off unnecessary words or superfluous ideas.

What was the most surprising thing you discovered while researching and writing this set? 

Tonia: It surprised me how often the core issues of abandonment and misidentification propel people into recycling back over and over again in a direction of repetitive harm.

Do any of the novel’s characters hold a special place in your heart? 

Tonia: They all hold a special place in my heart. Their struggles are my struggles.

Do you have a favorite quote from this novel?  

Tonia: “When people with poor eyesight mingle with those with selective hearing, accidents happen.”

What do you hope readers take away from this novel? 

Tonia: I hope readers will be encouraged to have their struggles revealed & represented by the various characters.

If the novel was made into a movie, who would like you to see play the main characters? 

Tonia: My little books would lend themselves quite well to very short videos that could be sent to encourage people who are feeling alone and discouraged. 

Would you share something about yourself that most readers wouldn’t know? 

Tonia: I lived most of my life being afraid of freedom, even though I didn’t realize it. When a life-altering tragedy put me in a position of having the freedom to make all kinds of decisions, I suddenly realized how frail my faith was. 

In what setting do you enjoy writing the most? 

Tonia: I need big blocks of time and silence.

What are you reading now? 

Tonia: I am reading a novel about the Israeli/ Palestinian conflict.

How many bookshelves are in your home? 

Tonia: Five….they are everywhere.

Who is an author you would recommend to anyone and everyone? 

Tonia: C.S. Lewis; Frederick Buechner; Wendell Berry.

What do you like to do when you aren't writing? 

Tonia: I paint, garden, cook; spend time with children and grandchildren, participate in “story” writing workshops.

Where can readers find out more about you and your novel?

Tonia: www.toniacolleenmartin.com; I love email correspondence: tonia.colleen@gmail.com.

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Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 19

Texas Book-aholic, September 20

Beauty in the Binding, September 21 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, September 21

For Him and My Family, September 22

For the Love of Literature, September 23 (Author Interview)

Inklings and notions, September 24

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 25

Tell Tale Book Reviews, September 26 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, September 27 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Ashley’s Bookshelf, September 28

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 29

Sara Jane Jacobs, September 30

Through the Fire Blogs, October 1 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, October 1

Emily Yager, October 2

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Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Tonia is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/100e9/about-face-rest-and-intents-purposes-celebration-tour-giveaway

Book Review: The Christian Book of Mystical Verse

About the Book:

"... some of the best devotional verse the English language affords..."

While the term "mystic" may have connotations that reach beyond traditional Christian thinking, it actually refers to a common spiritual experience that unites anyone who has fellowship with God.

The poems in this book were hand-picked by Tozer and follow a logical pattern, going in line with the very nature of salvation itself and the death of Jesus on the cross, man's contemplation of his own sin, redemption, communion with God, awaiting the return of Christ, and celebrations of eternal fellowship with God in Heaven.

Both intimate and exhilarating, The Christian Book of Mystical Verse is a book for anyone who seeks to worship God the Father, and who finds the rich language of Christians of old a great help in that endeavor.

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My Thoughts:

I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Christian Book of Mystical Verse compiled by A. W. Tozer. This collection includes hymns and prayers, but the majority of it is lyric poetry. Most selections are not written in easy-to-read, common speech; however, the effort to read slowly and experience the text is worth the effort. Many of the poems contain exuberant praise that serves as an uplifting reminder of the greatness of God.

The Christian Book of Mystical Verse is divided into fifteen topical sections and The Prayer of Quiet was my favorite section. This collection did not include some of the well-known poets I expected, but I enjoyed being introduced to new-to-me authors such as Frederick William Faber whose beautiful poetry featured often. Some of my favorite poems were: The Greatness of God by Frederick William Faber, Prayer for Purity by Nicolaus Ludwig Von Zinzendorf, My God! Silent to Thee! By Thomas Moore, and In Immanuel’s Land by Anne R. Cousin.

Perhaps you’re wondering about the word “mystical” in the title. A. W. Tozer explains in his introduction: “The word ‘mystic’ as it occurs in the title of this book refers to that personal spiritual experience common to the saints of Bible times and well known to multitudes of persons in the post-Biblical era. I refer to the evangelical mystic who has been brought by the gospel into intimate fellowship with the Godhead… He [or she] exists in a world of spiritual reality.” (Pg. 16)

I recommend The Christian Book of Mystical Verse: A Collection of Poems, Hymns, and Prayers for Devotional Reading compiled by A. W. Tozer to any Christian believer who enjoys lyric poetry.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Book Blast: God's Little Instument by Sandra Hall

So, this is my first time hosting a Book Blast and I think it's pretty neat. It even comes with a chance to win at $25 gift card, so keep reading.  :)

About the Book (from the author):

This book is about relationship and the joy of loving our Lord because He loves us for who we are not for who we think we should be. This book is inviting you to set aside your bucket lists. The poetry encourages you to slow down and to view God through the eyes of a child. To remember when your only goal in life was to please Him and not the world. Read the poems and lose yourself in the artwork that will take you to heaven and back. This book is meant to be enjoyed by the whole spectrum of life; from the very young right through to the old, ( I should know I’m 61) as you share it with your loved ones. It’s about embracing the little child in us that God so fearfully and wonderfully made. One look at the dynamic illustrations drawn by my niece Danielle Marie Robinson and you will feel inspired to sing praises to the Lord. The poems were written as celebrations of key moments in the authors life that touched her very soul. God never said keep his blessings to yourself so she shares her vision of being God’s little instrument with you. Enjoy and be blessed.


About the Author:

Sandra Hall has been working as a legal assistant the past twenty-three years in an extremely busy law office. She is the mother of three adults and grandmother of six wonderful grandchildren, with numbers seven and eight putting in their appearance this summer. The unexpected loss of a younger sibling eleven years ago opened the floodgates of her heart and the pent up poetry about her life just poured out. The onslaught was so intense that she would wake in the middle of the night and have to scribble the words down on a pad by the bed. Unable to contain it she wrote poems on envelopes, scraps of paper even ran down the street one time after a poem about her mother that the wind blew away. Now at this phase in her life her writing is all about her legacy. She wants to leave behind a body of work that will bless her family as well as others for years to come. Most of her poetry is like small prayers of gratitude to God that she prays will be knocking at God’s pearly gates long after she is gone. Her poetry is about the joy of life and how we will never find peace unless we embrace our inner child and go before God’s throne with a contrite heart. She has previously written and self-published two other poetry books; (The Poetic Offerings of a Creatively Frustrated Christian and God Whispers). Currently she is working on a fantasy love story.

Purchase your copy:

Authorhouse Book Spotlight:

Title: God’s Little Instrument
Author: Sandra Hall
Publisher: Authorhouse
Genre: Christian Inspirational \
Pages: 36
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-1-48176-161-1

Purchase at Authorhouse

Enter the giveaway:

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I Heard The Bells by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

I Heard The Bells is a well-known poem that has been put to music. When listening to the song, sometimes it's easy to miss the meaning. I am posting it here because I love the words and the authenticity of the song. Too often our culture makes Christmas out to be a happy time for everybody. But it is not always a happy time filled with peace and joy. Families fight. Parents abandon their children. People go without the basic necessities of life.

However, when we encounter unhappiness during the Christmas holiday, we must remember that God is not dead, nor doth he sleep. He is alive and present and came to bring joy and peace for all men.


I Heard The Bells by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

I thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along th'unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head:
'There is no peace on earth, ' I said
'For hate is strong, and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.'

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
'God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men.'

Till, ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime,
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

A Little Bit Of Poetry...

This is a little poem I wrote this morning in response to a local radio station contest. They wanted a poem about the autumn written in iambic pentameter and ABAB rhyming scheme. They didn't read my poem, so I don't think I won. It's not that great of a poem, but I thought I'd share it here:


Oh, sing a song, enjoy the autumn time,
The summer months, so long, are over now.
So shout with joy and tap the music chime.
It's true, you beat the heat, so take a bow.