Last month I was gifted a copy of the new book Embracing the Love God Wants You to Have by Taffi Dollar from publisher Harper Collins! I hadn't read anything by this author before, but I love Christian inspirational books, so I was excited to see what this book was like.
Embracing the Love God Wants You to Have is a devotional, but the reading sections in it are longer then some popular devotionals (such as Jesus Calling). The way the book is formatted is that after several reading sections there will be a journaling space with some writing prompts based off of the past few reading sections, and there are also a few goals and challenges to implement in your own life based on what you have read, as well as suggested prayers. I have read other devotional books set up in this format before, but what I liked best about this book is that in the introduction Dollar writes to specifically not rush through the book. "The important thing to remember as you read and work your way through this book is that we cannot put love on a timetable. God loves us." she writes. I love that!
In this book, Dollar explores the many components of what love means in a Christian sense. Each reading section begins with a bible verse, and then Dollar's writings in that section elaborate her thoughts and interpretions on the verse. She also uses lots of real life applications and examples. Some topics from the first section of the book include "God's Love in Unconditional," "God's Love Casts Out Fear," and "God Meets Us Where We Are." I have found each of the sections so far to be very relevant to my life, and all of the readings to be very encouraging! Dollar's writing style is very warm- it almost feels as though she is talking to me and sitting right across from me in a coffee shop instead of me reading her book!
Here is a passage from the introduction that really stuck out to me: "For many reasons, we've come to think that love is 'out there somewhere.' We've come to believe that love is something that we have to seek and find. We have to know what love is to experience it. In this book I will help you recognize God's love is alread present in your life." This quote really sums up the message of the book- and I think that Ms. Dollar does a fabulous job with her mission!
I would recommend this book to anyone who is possibly undergoing a season of doubt in their faith, or just simply wants to explore the concept of God's love more in depth. Or honestly, it is a good and heartwarming read for anyone!
Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. -Psalms 91:14
I hope that everyone is having a great start to their weekend! I have family from my dad's side that is visiting from New York this weekend so I will be hanging out with them when I'm not at work. :-) Be sure to stay tuned for what is possibly my favorite fashion post ever- coming to the blog on Monday! Here's a sneak peak! (Picture by my friend Shara of Shara Lynn Photography.)
xoxo Miss ALK
Ohh wow, this sounds like an amazing book. I love what she said about not putting love on a timetable. I truly think that a lot of times we forget that love shows up in our actions, words and everyday life. God's love is all around--not "out there somewhere." It reminds me of a quote that says that every moment is an opportunity to choose love or fear. Love is ingrained into nature and growth--and simply who we are and who God is. It's sometimes hard to figure out, but in the end I think it comes down to intention and our hearts. Thanks for inspiring me today! And if I were you that would be my favorite fashion post :) Simply a gorgeous dress in my absolute favorite color!! Stay beautiful and stay loving, sweet friend! xo, gina
ReplyDeleteThis seems like a great book! Definitely adding it to my list for summer reading :)
ReplyDeleteXX, SS || A Little Seersucker Sass
Wow! I've actually been looking to find a book like this so I'm glad I can now add this to my list!
ReplyDeleteAlaska Renee