New Book Release -- Southern Sunshine by Dawn Wallis

 

Y'all, this is a fantastic book! Each of the 90 devotionals starts with a southern saying (many are familiar, but some are new to me), explains the origin and/or meaning of it, then relates it to a biblical principle or story, followed by application and prayer.

This author is new to me. I've been reading an advance copy as part of the launch team. I was hooked from the table of contents! I HIGHLY recommend this book!!

1. Bless Your Heart

2. Cattywampus

3. Pretty is as Pretty Does

4. Slower Than Molasses Running Uphill

5. Can't Never Could

6. Happier Than a Dead Pig in a Ditch

7. Highfalutin

8. Gimme Some Sugar

... and so it continues.

From Chapter 6 "Happier Than a Dead Pig in a Ditch":

"...to experience true joy, God's joy, we must spend time in His presence.  Practically speaking, that means praying, reading the Bible, and spending time with other Christians.  Then when joy-killers of life -- such as work stress, relationship stress, and financial stress -- roll in, we may struggle, but we won't sink. ... loving Jesus and following His commands leads to joy bubbling over in our souls.  And how amazing is that?  Much better than a dead pig sort of smiling in a ditch. Jesus, thank you for filling my soul will joy that not only strengthens me but sustains me.  I am grateful for moments of happiness but deeply moved by the presence of true joy.  Help me be intentional in spending time with you and walking in love so my joy overflows. Amen."

Available on Amazon.

New Book Release -- Birds on a Wire by Katie Powner

 Sometimes the hardest path leads to the most beautiful redemption.

After her son is taken by CPS, Bri Marshall faces the daunting reality of changing her life with no car, no job, and very little support. Across town, foster mom Laura Gambler finds that saying "yes" to a newborn drags long-buried pains from her own past back to the surface. Together, these two women must look in the mirror and the Bible to find a way forward through troubled waters.

It is a convicting and authentic story about the high cost of loving deeply for the sake of others.

Available now on Amazon: https://mybook.to/birdsonawire

This is a new-to-me author.  I was absolutely blown away by this powerful look at foster care from both sides -- the foster family and the biological family. I was engaged with the characters and hooked from the first page. I could barely put it down and kept thinking about it long after I finished. If you are or have been a foster parent, or a foster child, or know people who have, I cannot recommend this book highly enough!