Tripping Over Typeset

This summer I have read some great books. One of them I am sharing with you today ~ Deeper Waters by Denise J. Hughes ~ Immersed in the Life-Changing Truth of God’s Word.

When I first read the tagline for this book, I thought, “Oh no… is this going to be one of those tough-worded, theological, heavy reads that I’ll have to plow through?” But once I opened it and began reading, Denise’s storytelling, easy style pulled me in and I kept reading to find out how she was going to tie it all together.

She does a great job of mixing her own story and application pieces together, creating an easy flow. And as I went through it I was underlining great ideas and making notes in the margins. (For me, this is always a sign of good book!)

“Many voices will compete for our attention, but we’ll find our way when we choose to listen to the voice of a trusted Friend.” – Denise Hughes

Denise takes her love for God’s Word and lays out practical principles and application pieces for discerning God’s voice. She shares how to study His word effectively and in practical ways for everyday living.

She reminds us that keeping a consistent, daily time in God’s Word balances our lives and helps our days run smoother. There are so many good nuggets in this book that I had a hard time picking which one to share with you.

Here’s a taste of how the book reads.

“Not too long ago I spent the better part of a day in my car running errands. They were all important errands, or at least they seemed important at the time. One errand after another ate up my day until none of what I really wanted to do got done. By the time I got home I was worn-out and a little cranky. Okay, maybe a lot cranky.

I grumbled my way through the kitchen, irritated that I hadn’t been able to clean it earlier, and, of course, no one else bothered to clean it either. I complained about the backpacks piled up by the door because I had tripped over one of them— again. And I shuffled around the living room, unhappy with the loads of laundry that seemed to grow on the couch out of nowhere.

My negative thoughts were spiraling downward with negative actions to match. I was out of sorts and struggling to snap out of it. If ever I needed some transformation it was on this icky day when everything irked me. I needed a do-over. Some quiet time away. My heart and mind desperately needed a reset button.

Whenever I have a yucky day like this, what bothers me the most is the fact that I know these frustrations are minor inconveniences, not life-threatening illnesses or life-altering accidents. So on top of the normal, everyday frustrations is an added layer of guilt for being bothered by them in the first place.

The good news is transformation is possible. When my mind leads me down another trail of negative thinking, I can redirect these thought patterns with the truth of God’s Word. Small, negative thoughts may seem harmless in the moment, but if left unchecked, those same negative thoughts grow into negative actions. Thankfully, Paul confirms in his letter to the Romans that renewing our mind is, indeed, possible.

• Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:1-2)

When we take those negative thoughts captive and examine them under the light of God’s truth, they lose their power. Because God’s Word is truth and the truth sets us free.

Time with God in His Word brings a renewed strength— a quiet confidence— because this is where I’m reminded best that everything’s not dependent on me. I forget that sometimes. I start carrying on with my days, and before I know it I’m fretting over small stuff. But God has everything in His hands, and sometimes I need to take a time out to remind myself He’s got everything under control.”

Don’t you love that?  —- We all have days where we need a do-over and even a time-out to reset and grasp a better perspective. This book will give you great ways to do that along with encouragement and principles of faith and truth.

“We find our path in life once we’re listening to the voice that matters most.” – Denise Hughes

Deeper Waters releases this Friday, September 1st. You can preorder your book today by clicking here. And when you do you can receive a free copy of “Word Writers: James” plus 18 Scripture Prayer Cards and a 365-Day Bible Reading Plan. These gifts can be redeemed here.

If you are ready to start reading it now, before the book releases, you can download the INTRO and Chapter 1 for FREE by clicking here. (This link is good until September 1st when the book releases so download today and check it out for yourself.)

I love being able to pass on great resources to you! This is just one that I will be sharing with you in the next couple of weeks. So stay tuned for some other great books from my summer read list. They have been fun, refreshing and all around good for the soul.

Take care, friends, and happy reading to you!

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*I received an advanced copy of this book for an honest review and promotion. I don’t, however, receive any commission or throwbacks from any sales of this book. I just like passing on great resources to you, my friends, and letting you know about some fun, great authors and what they are doing in the writing world. — Thanks for reading.