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From the Back of a Donkey, Journey of a Lifetime – Second Edition
Nancy Elaine Hartman Minor’s From the Back of a Donkey: Journey of a Lifetime reimagines one of the most familiar stories in the Christian tradition, the birth of Jesus, through the eyes of Mary. The book blends biblical retelling, creative storytelling, and devotional reflection into a narrative that feels both ancient and deeply personal. Each chapter combines Mary’s imagined thoughts and prayers with scriptural passages and reflection questions for the reader, making it part story, part meditation, and part journal. The style is warm, vivid, and grounded in faith, giving life to moments that the Gospel of Luke only hints at.
Reading this book, I found myself unexpectedly moved. Minor doesn’t just recount events; she breathes humanity into them. Her Mary isn’t distant or saintly in the untouchable sense; she’s tender, curious, even a little scared, and wholly devoted to God. The writing feels like sitting down with someone who loves to tell stories by firelight, earnest and filled with wonder. There’s something beautiful in the author’s refusal to make Mary flawless. Instead, she lets her faith shimmer through her doubts and daily tasks, through her conversations with Joseph and her cousin Elizabeth. I loved that. It made the sacred story feel reachable, even intimate.
Stylistically, the book reads with a kind of musical rhythm, almost like a prayer. At times, I caught myself pausing just to let a sentence sink in. The writing is rich with sensory detail like the smell of baked bread, the roughness of wood, the brightness of stars, and yet it never drifts into heavy language. The author’s tone feels humble and heartfelt. Occasionally, the abundance of biblical references slows the pace, but it never feels forced; rather, it roots the story in the faith that inspires it. I could tell this book was written not only with literary care but also with devotion.
From the Back of a Donkey draws the reader into reflection, not just about Mary’s journey, but about their own. I would recommend this book to anyone looking to experience the Christmas story in a fresh, contemplative way. It’s perfect for believers who enjoy devotional reading, book clubs that center on faith, or anyone who wants to feel a deeper connection to the humanity behind the divine story.
Pages: 99 | ASIN : B0CP8WMQS4
Connect with God in Real Ways
Take A Step With Him Companion Guidebook takes readers on a transformative journey to discover a path to spiritual renewal and illumination in Christ’s love. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Writing this series was something I cannot take full credit for. Every element of the guidebook was actually a moment when God spoke to me, encouraged me, and lifted me out of my pit season. Every verse, song, journal entry, every question, was given to me as a personal encouragement. And they still encourage me – how could I not share that with others who are feeling dry in their faith, are walking hard roads of life, or just want to connect with God in real ways?
Should readers use this guidebook in conjunction with Take A Step With Him or after finishing previous books?
Great question. Each book can be a stand-alone, or read in conjunction with its companion book. It doesn’t matter where you begin, but if the reader wants to track the health testimonies, the first book, Be Held by Him, is when I was most unwell, and each book set represents levels of healing, hope revelation, and freedom.
The testimony books were always designed to be like a soft pillow of encouragement, tending and ‘nothing required from you,’ kind of reading. The ideal readers for these books are those who are dealing with health/life challenges and diagnosis, are walking hard roads of life and need some hope, or those who want to read some miraculous things that God has done with and for someone who could do nothing.
The guidebook is the activation and applying the things that are shared in the testimony books. Readers have let me know that the guidebooks are wholly unique devotionals that can appeal to anyone on a spiritual journey.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
Honestly…to finish!
It has been a passion project spanning 12 years living it out, and around 9 years writing it.
I am not much of a goal-setter.
Personally, when I write with God, then the kind of driven, striving space, and goals and strict timelines aren’t conducive to creating with Him. Having said that, I guess a goal I have about the books is that they’d find their way into the hands of those who need it.
I always wanted to give one book away for every three others purchase – that has been a satisfying thing to see who God brings along my path and how the books impact their heart. That is the kind of goal I love.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Take A Step With Him Companion Guidebook?
God’s motivation is always love, and He wants to connect, be found, and begin/continue a life adventure that you never thought possible, in the BEST possible way!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Tiktok | Website | Amazon
Is our Heavenly Father helping you get through a hard season? Are you looking to walk through recovery with God by your side? Are you starting to hear the Lord for yourself and looking for more? Autoimmune warrior Karen Brough has spent over a decade conquering hardships so she can thrive and share her powerful testimony. Now she’s here to provide those on a spiritual or life journey with encouragement and the wisdom to battle on while being renewed through His love.
Take a Step with Him – Adventuring with God into Fresh Beginnings is the final element you need to strengthen your personal walk in faith. Follow this transformative collection’s path to accepting your new normal to believing your life can get even better while learning that your circumstance does not define you. As you begin to embrace His promise and grace, you’ll understand the Almighty’s heart and believe that your journey can still hold joy.
In Take a Step with Him, you’ll discover:
– How your own story is an incredible beacon of hope to others
– Ways you are not a victim but a victor
– That the power of your words can lead you to long-desired blessings
– Why praying like Jesus is the divine intercession you can always use in your time of need
– The Word is your foundation of rock, God’s never-ending support, and much, much more!
Embark on the next crucial step to triumph over any challenge with ‘Take a Step with Him,’ the third book in the Be Held By Him series.
If you like optimistic futures, deeper spiritual connections, and seeing examples of His miracles, then you’ll adore Karen Brough’s inspirational declaration.
Buy Take a Step with Him to stride boldly forward today!
I Was Led By The Holy Spirit
God’s Voice and How to Listen is a study guide that helps readers deepen their relationship with God and hear when He speaks to them. Where did the idea for this book come from, and how did it develop over time?
The book is a companion to the original devotional, “Whispering in His Ear.” After I wrote the first book, I thought it would be important to provide discussion questions and deeper scripture for small groups or book clubs that might want to read the book. And so “God’s Voice and How to Listen” was born.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
The most important idea is to listen and hear God’s voice. We do that through understanding, through scripture, what God sounds like, and how he talks to us. One way He talks to us is through His Holy Word.
I felt this book was exceptionally well written and helpful for those wanting to build a stronger relationship with God. What’s your experience as a writer?
I have been a news writer for most of my career. I had only written objective non-fiction, but after a retreat to get closer to God, I was led by the Holy Spirit to write the devotional.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from God’s Voice and How to Listen?
I hope readers can see that anyone can seek a deeper connection with the Lord and spend time with him. The chapters and discussion questions can help people seek that connection. I thank you for your interest!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Don’t be afraid to ask for help in understanding His messages. This large-print companion to the Christian devotional “Whispering in His Ear” can help! As you explore these conversations and the associated scripture, you will find yourself closer to Him and better able to interpret His messages. With further exploration of scripture, discussion questions, and more room for journaling your thoughts and prayers, it’s the perfect book for studying alone, or in small and large groups. This study guide can be used with the original devotional or can work well on its own.
Jesus Came for People Who Need Help
Nobody Left Out – Jesus Meets the Messes is an encouraging Christian-based Self-Help devotional for readers struggling in life. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I wanted people to see the love and compassion Jesus has for people who don’t have it all together. I have a heart for people who feel left out.
I have cerebral palsy, and while I love the life I have, I understand the feeling of being left out. So it was important for me to remind people who feel the same way that Jesus came for people like them. Jesus came for people who need help, not for people who are perfect!
The Bible can be an intimidating piece of literature, and it’s hard to know where to begin. If you are struggling in life, I would say the best place to start is by reading stories about Jesus. There are so many stories in the Bible about Jesus meeting people in their mess and brokenness. I chose eight of these stories to highlight in the book, and honestly, there were many more I could have included. I tried to pick stories that encompassed a wide variety of struggles and situations. In some stories, the characters find themselves in a mess due to their choices and mistakes. But in others, they were thrown into a mess through no fault of their own. Either way, Jesus doesn’t forget them. He includes them in God’s story.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The biggest theme is Jesus’ love for people in the middle of a mess. My heart breaks for people who think their lives must be “perfect” for God to love them. It also breaks for people who have been harshly judged by Christians. As Christians, we should be the least judgemental people on the planet! The theme that Jesus meets us in our mess and brokenness is one that I hope will resonate with people. I know it’s a message I need to be reminded of every single day.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your book?
That God’s love is big enough for everyone! It’s my hope that as people read these eight encounters, they will see themselves in the stories. I think we can relate to a lot of these messy situations. By seeing how Jesus met the characters in their mess, I pray people will see how Jesus can meet them in theirs. I want readers to know that no matter what situation they are dealing with right now, Jesus doesn’t want them to be left out of the story God is writing.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
The next book in the Nobody Left Out series is titled Waves of Grace. It’s based on the book of Jonah in the Old Testament. Most people are familiar with the story of Jonah getting swallowed by the big fish. But there’s so much more to the tale than that! The story of Jonah is a true “Nobody Left Out” story. It’s a story about how God’s love is for all people and the lengths God will go to prove that. It’s also a pretty funny book that uses satire to get its message of grace across. I’m excited to “dive into” this story with others. Nobody Left Out: Waves of Grace will be released on May 17th, 2022!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
An unwelcome dinner guest.
A death-row criminal facing his final hours on earth.
What do all of these people have in common?
They all faced the messiness of life. Some made the mess themselves. Some were thrown headfirst into a mess through no fault of their own.
Then something changed. It wasn’t that they suddenly became unmessy. But they each came face to face with Jesus, and he invited them to be part of God’s story. He didn’t leave them out.
This 40-day devotional looks at eight encounters Jesus had with messy, broken people. In short, daily readings, you’ll explore each story and see how Jesus met each person in their mess.
The eight stories we’ll be walking through together are:
Jesus Meets The Lonely Thief
Jesus Meets The Know-It-All
Jesus Meets The Unwelcome Dinner Guest
Jesus Meets The Woman Who Was Exploited
Jesus Meets The Sick Woman & The Dead Girl
Jesus Meets The Blind Man With Perfect Vision
Jesus Sees The Invisible Widow
Jesus Meets The Honest Criminal
Whether you’ve been following Jesus your whole life or have never cracked open a Bible, Nobody Left Out: Jesus Meets the Messes will remind you that God’s love is big enough for everyone….
He doesn’t want anyone left out!
Nobody Left Out – Jesus Meets the Messes
Nobody Left Out – Jesus Meets the Messes: A 40-Day Devotional for Messy, Broken People (Like Me!) is an upbeat book that will help you get out of the mess you are in and also help you know yourself better. Michael Murray uses biblical stories and real-life experiences to talk about the complexities of life and how we can make our living experiences better. The author makes readers feel like they belong and is not judgmental. He understands that all his readers have their shortcomings.
Want to live a righteous life? Picking yourself up? Struggling with understanding the purpose of life? When you read Nobody Left Out, readers will feel the presence of other people that have gone through similar struggles. Reading this book will expand how readers think and improve their reasoning abilities. The author makes readers feel like they are a child of God and unique in everything they have. Michael Murray is not only a talented writer, he has the ability to give readers an encouraging outlook. This book is inspiring and eye-opening.
There are many lessons and messages shared in Nobody Left Out, patience, forgiveness, hope, faith, peace, tolerance, and much more. The biggest lesson, however, is about love. The author, through his text, preaches about the love of God and how God never leaves his people. By loving God and other humans, we get to live graciously and contentedly.
The eight stories the author shares in this book are all-powerful. There are, however, three stories that spoke to me on a different level. The story about Jesus meeting the unwelcome dinner guest, Jesus meeting the invisible widow, and Jesus meeting the honest criminal were the three stories that had me reflect on certain things about life.
Nobody Left Out – Jesus Meets the Messes: A 40-Day Devotional for Messy, Broken People (Like Me!) is recommended to any reader who wants to turn a new leaf, believers, and people who wish to strengthen their faith.
Pages: 126 | ASIN : B08MY583G8
Guided Ignatian Contemplation: Meditations on the Gospels to Come Closer to the Heart of Jesus
![Guided Ignatian Contemplation: Meditations on the Gospels to Come Closer to the Heart of Jesus by [Lawrence Keller]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51KRomyIERL.jpg)
I cannot think of another time in my life when I have craved peaceful meditation more than I have over the last year. Some of us are able to do this without prompts while others need inspiration in order to truly reach a peaceful state. Readers who may not necessarily feel versed in the books of the Bible can still benefit from the mediations provided by Lawrence Keller in Guided Ignatian Contemplation: Meditations on the Gospels to Come Closer to the Heart of Jesus.
Guided Ignatian Contemplation: Meditations on the Gospels to Come Closer to the Heart of Jesus, by Lawrence Keller, is a unique compilation of fourteen stories selected from the gospels. Each story builds upon the next and is designed to shape and encourage prayer and a deeper level of introspection. Keller’s collection is presented to readers as a way to spark conversations with Jesus.
Keller has shaped these particular fourteen stories into a striking collection written in a style that will capture readers’ attention and hearts from the first page. Not only is the visual imagery stunning, but the writing style is simple and straightforward while at the same time gripping.
Keller’s work takes me back to the days when my grandmother would share Bible stories with my sister and me. Her soothing voice and the beauty of the lesson were again brought to life with this lovely book of meditations. Keller more than accomplishes his goal of creating opportunities for readers to find ways to converse with God. He gives readers ample opportunities to relate to characters and see themselves in the evolving plotlines.
Guided Ignatian Contemplation is a book I didn’t really know I was missing. Many years have passed since my last encounter with a devotional book, and Keller’s work fills a real void in my spiritual life. I am beyond thankful to have met up with his work and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a book of meditations that is biblically-based.
Pages: 85 | ASIN: B099235JH8
A Moment Of Grace
A Moment of Grace is an uplifting devotional on christen values, the joys of living and how to make the best of ourselves. Dr. Jerome Butler makes the reader understand where he is coming from when talking about a particular topic.
A Moment of Grace; is a helpful book. You will get nuggets of wisdom and read about experiences from the author and those that he has interacted with. I enjoyed reading personal stories as they made me appreciate the differences in all of God’s people.
This book is especially great because of how the author has arranged the text. You can read a chapter a day for a whole month as the author has words of wisdom for each day of the month. The chapters are titled ‘Day 1’ through ‘Day 31’, which is a remarkable concept as the style the author used will enable the reader to consume the content in the book well and have a better understanding of what is discussed. I loved the topics selected through the days and would encourage those that consider themselves slow readers to get this book as it is more appealing to them. The author is also considerate and does not push readers to subscribe to what he believes in. He simply guides and lets the reader make a decision for themselves.
A Moment of Grace will enable you to live in grace and joy. By reading about the word of God and understanding Him, you will change your ways and start living a righteous life. I love that the author included bible scriptures when narrating the book. This was a great model as it encourages Christians to read their bibles more often. The author selected interesting bible scriptures and verses that related to the content that he was discussing. The language in the book can be described as optimistic, serious, and friendly. By the end of the reading, the reader feels more connected to their spiritual side.
Towards the end of the book Dr. Jerome Butler writes about a ’Devotional Minute’. This chapter was especially effective for me because I really loved the ideas presented as they were thought-provoking and had me pondering all day long.
A Moment of Grace is a powerfully moving devotional that will bring you close to God and leave you feeling refreshed.
Pages: 115
drajrbutler.com
LITERARY TITAN 