Bestselling novelist Michelle Ule brings Biddy’s story to life as she traces her upbringing in Victorian England to her experiences in a WWI YMCA camp in Egypt. Readers will marvel at this young woman’s strength as she returns to post-war Britain a destitute widow with a toddler in tow. Refusing personal payment, Biddy proceeds to publish not just My Utmost for His Highest , but also 29 other books with her husband’s name on the covers. All the while she raises a child alone, provides hospitality to a never-ending stream of visitors and missionaries, and nearly loses everything in the London Blitz during WWII.
The inspiring story of a devoted woman ahead of her times will quickly become a favorite of those who love true stories of overcoming incredible odds, making a life out of nothing, and serving God’s kingdom.
Since I knew almost nothing about Oswald Chambers (author of the devotional My Utmost for His Highest), it was amazing to learn about his wife, who actually took notes on all his lectures and sermons and used them to publish his books! Mrs. Chambers was a stenographer, a pastor’s wife, a Bible college president’s wife, and the wife of a YMCA chaplain during World War I. I won’t tell you too much about her, but she lived in Egypt for a few years during World War I and moved back to England once the war ended. She also lived through the Great Depression and World War II. Her husband didn’t have much to offer her when he proposed, but she married him in spite of the fact that he did not have a regular salary and they never owned a home.
Hannah Adams raised her nephew John to be a good, Christian man; so when newly-ordained John accepts a job ministering to a congregation only a few miles away, Hannah couldn’t be happier—or prouder.
John Remington begins pastoring at the Belleville church with his new bride, Martha at his side. And what John and Martha lack in experience, they make up for with enthusiasm. In the face of nosy neighbors and church gossips, they’re certain their faith and vigilant prayer will carry them through. But when the congregation misunderstands Aunt Hannah’s act of kindness, their faith will be tested in ways they never could have imagined.
You can read more about Aunt Hanna and Martha and John; their story continues in John Remington, Martyr.
This is one of my all-time favorite books, and I have read or listened to it numerous times. It tells about the joys and sorrows of a pastor and his wife and also about an aunt who cares enough to help in the most loving way. The author deals with the subject of gossip in a very thorough manner, in story form of course!
You can read my blog post about homemaking lessons from Aunt Hannah and Martha and John here.
One of the worlds most beloved Christian authors gives us insight into one of the most beloved passages of Scripture. This devotional study of the Sermon on the Mount is doctrine in work clothes, truth becomes reality, redemption expressed. And, as he does in all his works, Oswald Chambers reminds us that our focus must be on God alone and not on those among whom we live.
This series on Matthew 5-7 was first presented during Chambers’ teaching ministry in the U.S. in 1907. Since then, it has become a favorite among all his writings for its timeless truths and relevance to the daily Christian life. Once you delve into it, you’ll better understand Jesus’ teachings on what living really means and find new ways to apply Scripture to your daily life.
As Chambers says, “God remakes us, puts His Holy Spirit in us, then the Holy Spirit applies the principles to us and enables us to work them out by His guidance.”
You may be familiar with Oswald Chambers because of his devotional My Utmost for His Highest. However, that is not his only book. This is one to which I listened after reading his biography, and it is so good that I listened to it again after finishing it. The book is short but full of amazing truths. It will is definitely going on my “to listen again” list!
You can listen to the book here.
Please visit the other lovely ladies on my team to learn about more books about community!
Heather @ Heather Flynn – Author
Katja @ Little Blossoms For Jesus (co-host of the blog party)
Also, there is a giveaway on the hosts’ blogs, and today is the final day to enter!
Katja and/or Kate will be sharing daily in their posts which teams are offering freebies; feel free to hunt through the blogs for the books.
Oh, and one of the authors of the books shared this week will be interviewed on my blog soon, Lord willing! To be the first to learn about the interview, subscribe to my newsletter. Just enter your email address below. 🙂 Also, I often have book recommendations in my newsletters.
Which of these books have you read? Which ones will you add to your to-be-read list? What are your favorite books from this year?
In case you missed them, here are all other the blog posts from this week:
Day One: Books about Community
Day Two: Books about Traditions
Day Three: Books about Nature
Day Four: Books about the Arts
Day Five: Books about Family
