Let’s talk books for today. Perhaps you are already thinking of gift purchases and each of these three would make a meaningful gift. Maybe you’ll even get a gift for yourself!

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I remember seeing the movie for the very first time in my teenage years. The story of the two sisters amazed and moved me to tears like no other movie had before. Betsie and Corrie Ten Boom had marked my heart for life and I left the church still sobbing at the suffering they endured.

The movie was “The Hiding Place.”

God Is My Hiding Place is a collection of forty devotional readings based on the writings and experiences of Corrie Ten Boom.

In these days which are rapidly changing, we need truths to encourage our hearts and infuse our souls with courage and deep faith.

Corrie Ten Boom lived her life, constantly reminding herself of this one simple truth which carried her throughout her entire life: “God is your hiding place.”

This book is a beautiful reminder for us all to do the same.

Between the covers of this book, I found words of comfort:

“God’s truth shines clearly even when darkness surrounds me.”

“God has surrounded me with the beauty of His creation so that I can discover His presence and refresh myself.”

“It is not what I feel that counts, but what I believe. God has not forgotten me.”

“In every dark trial, I have the opportunity to bring light and release those imprisoned in darkness. I will shine my light.”

“The Lord knows the way through the wilderness, I put my hand in His, and He leads the way through.”

Each reading closes with a prayer sure to impact and center one’s heart on God’s truth.

This is a hard cover book with a ribbon bookmark, making this not only a book to gift, but a book to truly treasure!

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Christmas will soon be upon us and the rush will begin. What matters most to you this Christmas? How would you like to approach this Advent season? How would you like to prepare your heart for Christmas?

Prepare Him Room by Susie Larson is a daily advent devotional through the book of Luke. Each day will focus on a chapter in Luke and on Christmas Day, Jesus’ birth, life, ministry, death, and resurrection will be seen through eyes of expectancy.

The author brings this challenge:

“PREPARE: to make ready; to make necessary adjustments; to position yourself to receive your King and to receive His blessing.”

(from page 11)

If we make the adjustments, we can make this Christmas the most meaningful one of our lives.

You will be encouraged and challenged as you read:

“The first Christmas was anything but commercialized, hurried, or overdone. Jesus came into the world through the womb of a poor, teenage girl, was born in a cave and placed in an animal trough. The world didn’t make room for Him. Still, heaven celebrated Him.” (from page 22)

“There’s nothing like God’s presence. There’s no substitute for His power. He’s working in your life even now. What if you were more present with God and with others this holiday season? What might God show you?” (from page 65)

“Over and over, Jesus shows Himself to be strong and gentle, patient and powerful, tried and true. He doesn’t belong in a box, and He’s not bound by formulas. He is the King of an everlasting kingdom, and we are His joint heirs.” (from page 146)

The daily readings offer other Scripture passages and a closing prayer. The readings are beautiful and thought provoking, exactly what we all need to prepare Him room in our hearts, our minds, and our homes.

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I love looking for new books to read to our three year old granddaughter. As soon as she saw the cover, she was eager to sit and hear the story. She was drawn in by the happy face on the crab.

The Happy Crab by Layla and Kevin Palmer is a delightful story about a happy crab who suddenly finds himself being taken home by a boy who loves his unbroken shell.

Unbeknownst to the boy is that the shell is still occupied.

Giving the little crab a new name, the boy makes the decision to return the crab to the ocean.

The story has been whimsically illustrated by Guy Wolek. Each page is filled with colorful characters from the land and ocean. Children will be intrigued with the stingrays, whale, pelicans, and smaller fish.

The story will help children to understand the importance of putting others ahead of ourselves. The book is sweet and engaging sure to quickly become a family favorite.

Best part – our granddaughter asked to read the story three times today!

*** I received these books from Bethany House Publishers and Chosen Books. The opinions I have expressed are my own. This post contains affiliate links.  If you click through and make a purchase, I will receive a small percent at no additional cost to you.

Today I am joining … Inspire Me Monday and Remember Me Monday .