Where Did I Go?

A Quick Update And New Books I Recommend

“Heaven” Photo by Jakub Kriz on Unsplash

A Quick Update:

Hi friends! You guys are always on my mind.

Some of you noticed that I have not been writing as much lately.

The last few weeks have been tough!

First, I had some oral surgery. A week into healing that, I came down with a doozy of a respiratory virus with tons of drainage (yuck), which next led to a major sinus infection. (Yeah, no fun. Prayers appreciated for healing in all this!)

So, what do you do when you’ve been taken down and out by life? I haven’t felt well enough to do much writing. (Boo.) But I have been able to do some editing on my book project, which is good.

And I’ve had the privilege to read and review a few new books coming out, which I happily recommend below.*

Also, there’s an easy question I’m asking my readers to answer…

Lastly, I’m trying to worship through it all, so there’s another song for you at the end :)

Some Book Recs:

1. The Pursuit of Holy Leisure: Enjoying God in Everyday Places by Cara Ray

Cara Ray is a writer, Bible teacher, and founder of The Writers’ Bloc community and podcast, where I first met her. I’ve really enjoyed being a part of this writing community, so when she needed readers for this new book, I was happy to volunteer.

I think Cara Ray has an excellent grasp of biblical theology. Her new book is an all-encompassing, helpful guide about learning to abide in the presence of Jesus in everything we do. I appreciated her personal examples as well as the insightful quotes she utilized from past and present saints. I believe this book will encourage others to press on towards seeking and knowing Christ more intimately.

(Plus, I just love the book cover!)

2. Longing For Home by Kate Motaung

Kate is an author and the host of Five Minute Friday, an online writing community that encourages and equips Christian writers. I got on Kate’s email list and found out she needed advance readers for her new devotional book about heaven. Of course, I was all in.

As some of you know, I’ve been reading books about heaven ever since my mom’s illness and transition to heaven. I really liked how Kate’s short stories and reflections encourage us to think about and prepare for our future with Jesus. She reminds us to keep our eyes on the prize (heaven and eternity) rather than on our earthly lives. And if you’ve ever felt homesick for heaven or a longing for something more, this book is for you!

The beautiful blue-and-gold embossed cover makes it a lovely gift.

3. Routed to Heaven by Julie Bonn Blank

I’m also excited about this— My friend Julie Bonn Blank here on Substack has released her new book, Routed to Heaven. (You can read her initial story about her trip to heaven and back here.)

I’ve had the opportunity to be an advanced reader, and let me tell you, her book really intrigued me! Here is my review for it on Amazon:

“I enjoyed reading Julie Bonn Blank’s new book about her journey to heaven, along with the twenty-two other stories included. These accounts are eye-opening, uplifting, and thought-provoking firsthand experiences from people who have visited heaven.

This book stands out in the genre of near-death experiences, trips to heaven, and miracles because it doesn’t just share incredible stories. Julie writes in the hope that readers will reflect seriously on their “Mission Manifesto” for the Lord during their time on earth. She includes sections at the end of each chapter on faith foundations, obstacles and strongholds that hold us back, and spiritual tools for growing closer to Jesus.

Lastly, I appreciate how Julie’s genuine voice shines through on each page. She’s fully committed to Jesus, and I believe she’s already planning to write more! I think you will find this first book both inspiring and engaging.”

But, as it is written,
“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,
nor the heart of man imagined,
what God has prepared for those who love him”—

these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.

1 Co. 2:9-10, ESV

My Easy Ask:

Can you help?

I’d love to have my readers submit any questions they might have about heaven for an upcoming video chat Julie and I are planning (provided I get well sometime soon!)

Julie’s researched many books about near-death experiences and visits to heaven, and she also met some of these writers at a Heaven conference this year. She has learned a lot from these different people’s experiences.

So what questions might you have about heaven—?

• Who might you see there?

• What it smells, sounds, or looks like?

• Wonder what the throne room might look like?

• And what about our pets and animals, will they be there?

I would love to ask her some of your questions when we chat! If you have any, leave them here in this Comment section— and thanks for your help!

For Worship:

I really needed to get my mind off my misery this week and back onto God. I remembered how I love this song and seeing the next generation worship!

Over and Over by Elevation Rhythm

*Note: As an Amazon affiliate, I may earn a little on qualifying purchases. I only recommend books that I’ve actually read and found valuable. If you do choose to purchase a book through one of these links, thank you for your support.