Come Close to Jesus What to Pray When You Need the Lord to Still Your Thoughts, Calm Your Heart, and Guide Your Way (50 Devotional Prayers) by Lysa TerKeurst - Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Gift

 Come Close to Jesus What to Pray When You Need the Lord to Still Your Thoughts, Calm Your Heart, and Guide Your Way (50 Devotional Prayers) by Lysa TerKeurst - Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Gift 

Pub Date Mar 31 2026

In the last few years, I’ve been recommending Lysa’s books a lot. She is incredibly understanding of difficult topics that are not very openly talked about in traditional Christian circles—such as divorce, deep emotional betrayal, and boundary setting. When you are healing from battles of that size, your body and mind are completely tired, making these short, simple reads absolutely necessary for survival.

Come Close to Jesus is a deeply restorative, objective prayer tool designed for those whose minds are too exhausted to formulate their own words to God. Rather than acting as a dense theological study, this book provides 50 beautifully pre-written devotional prayers paired with stabilizing scripture. It targets the specific mental chaos, anxiety, and deep exhaustion that follow life's heaviest, unglamorous trials.

Tactical Support for Spiritual Exhaustion The book bypasses superficial, generic religious advice to act as a practical first-aid kit for prayer blocks: 

• The "Right Words" Solution: Recognizing that pain often causes people to go completely silent, the book provides ready-made, scripture-backed prayers to bridge the gap during periods of intense grief or mental panic. 
• Prayer in Action: Every entry includes guided reflections and actionable steps to gently ground a wandering, stressed mind back into the present moment. 
• Connection to Past Works: While her previous bestsellers like Forgiving What You Can't Forget and Good Boundaries and Goodbyes explored the messy, painful mechanics of trauma, heartbreak, and setting relationships right, Come Close to Jesus serves as the quiet, practical resting place after those battles are fought.

Word before World 100 Devotions to Put Jesus First by Gretchen Saffles - Tyndale House Publishers

Word before World 100 Devotions to Put Jesus First by Gretchen Saffles - Tyndale House Publishers

The author seems authentic, she is committed to her cause and it is admirable how she expresses in this 100 devotions how she loves the word. Her invitation is loud and clear to put God´s message first in your life. She inspired me to get deeper and be constant in my journey digging in the Word. Any woman could benefit or get inspired by this content. 

Description

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)
When you think about your life and what you value, what would you put first? When you read God’s Word, are you doing so out of duty or out of a desire to delight in your Savior? When all we give Jesus is our leftovers, fear overwhelms our peace and worry clouds our vision.

Gretchen Saffles knows what it’s like to struggle to put Jesus first daily. During a season of spiritual discouragement, she learned that pursuing God is ultimately not a self-help journey, but rather it’s a Spirit-led surrender. This discovery led her to a simple phrase that helped her reframe how she desired to spend her time, start her days, and shape her mindset: Word before World. This three-word statement has become her morning manifesto, her afternoon anthem, and her evening comfort. When she practiced looking first to Jesus, she realized that while God’s Word never changes, yet it always changes us.

In Word before World you’ll discover ways to:

• Conquer the daily distractions that get in the way of time with God
• Develop a daily rhythm of seeking Jesus
• Set aside your phone, lists, and plans in order to seek direction and nourishment in God’s Word instead
• Transform your worldview, schedule, dreams, and desires to align with God’s purpose for your life.

Cultivate a deep love for God in this 100-day devotional journey to experience God’s faithfulness and goodness. Put God’s Word before the distractions of this world, believing that he will meet your every need.

New Morning Mercies for Teens A Daily Gospel Devotional by Paul David Tripp - Crossway

 New Morning Mercies for Teens A Daily Gospel Devotional by Paul David Tripp - Crossway

This devotional for adults is by far one of my favorites.  I´m beyond excited to have it available for my teens! Tripp is one of my favorites so it was almost certain that he would enjoy this book. I like that it's not "feminized" or "cheesy" like many year-round reads. The themes are presented in a brief and profound way, as they are, even if they sound strong. The beauty and hope of the gospel are contained in every page. When friends ask me about devotionals appropriate for men, I think this is an excellent gift choice. It is suitable for both sexes. I´m sure both of my children (boy and girl) will enjoy this content. I´m grateful they pull it together for us to learn and enjoy.

Description #NewMorningMerciesforTeens

Paul David Tripp’s Bestselling Daily Devotional New Morning Mercies, Adapted for Teenagers 

Teenagers today face unprecedented and complex challenges in their lives and relationships. Parents and youth leaders can offer valuable Christian guidance, but it’s in Scripture that we encounter the wisdom of Jesus, new and sufficient for that day’s difficulty and temptation.

This updated edition of Paul David Tripp’s bestselling book New Morning Mercies features 366 engaging daily devotionals, adapted for teenagers. Each day includes a one-sentence, gospel-centered reading and an extended meditation, Bible verses, and a prompt for discussion or personal reflection. Tripp also includes a bonus Q&A chapter in which he briefly answers questions around relevant topics including anxiety, gender, social media, and spiritual disciplines. Focused less on behavior modification and more on helping teenagers encounter the living God, this book helps young people to fall in love with Jesus, find freedom and joy within his boundaries, and live for his glory—day in and day out. 

Adapted from New Morning Mercies (Over 1 Million Copies Sold): Features 366 revised devotionals and new discussion questions for teenagers

Bonus Q&A Chapter: Tripp answers questions around 18 important topics including depression, pornography, social media, and church

Written by Paul David Tripp: Author of the bestselling books Parenting and Age of Opportunity: A Biblical Guide to Parenting Teens

A Great Gift for High School Students and College Students

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Advance Praise

“We give deep thanks to the Lord for Paul Tripp’s unique ability to apply the gospel of grace to the ins and outs of everyday life. For many years, Tripp has shaped our own lives, family, and ministry through his biblical wisdom, generous friendship, and wonderful way with words. Now, as the parents of four daughters, we are thrilled for our girls to receive the same blessing of biblical truth, beautifully distilled in devotional form, that speaks to the joys and fears, delights and concerns, questions and hopes of their growing hearts. We pray that they, and all other young people who engage the daily rhythms of this book, will find ever-increasing joy and peace as they encounter the glory of the Savior.”

—Keith and Kristyn Getty, hymn writers and recording artists, “In Christ Alone”; authors, Sing! How Worship Transforms Your Life, Family, and Church 

“Paul Tripp’s writing has been a great source of life to me. New Morning Mercies for Teens encourages those who have grown weary of the struggle, living under the weight of the world.”

—TobyMac, hip-hop recording artist; music producer; songwriter

“In an age when teens are more distracted and anxious than ever, Paul Tripp’s book is a clarion call to remember the one thing that is necessary. He urges young readers to examine the depth of their personal beliefs and consider how they will live out their faith in tangible ways as they move into adulthood. What a great resource to get teens thinking about and talking with God every day!”

—Jim Daly, President, Focus on the Family

“What a valuable application of Paul Tripp’s classic devotional for teenagers. New Morning Mercies for Teens retains the timeless and life-giving gospel message while adding reflection questions to help young Christians meditate on the truths. This book is a welcomed gospel resource for young people.”

—Cameron Cole, Founding Chairman, Rooted Ministry; coeditor, Gospel-Centered Youth Ministry; author, Therefore I Have Hope

“Solid countercultural truth! That’s what you can count on in this treasure trove for teens who are serious about nurturing their faith in God. Paul David Tripp does not serve up spiritual milk to teens but the meaty truth they need. Each day he provides a daily truth statement at the top of each day’s devotional. That single daily sentence alone is worth the price of this book.”

—Dannah Gresh, bestselling author, Lies Young Women Believe and the Truth That Sets Them Free

“Paul Tripp is one of the most skilled at connecting the gospel to all of life. In New Morning Mercies for Teens, he connects the everyday struggles and joys of teenagers to the hope found in the finished work of Jesus. I couldn’t be more excited to put this in the hands of my own children, and I would encourage you to do the same.”

—John Perritt, Director of Resources, Reformed Youth Ministries; Host, The Local Youth Worker podcast; author; father of five

Untangle Your Emotions Naming What You Feel and Knowing What to Do About It by Jennie Allen - WaterBrook & Multnomah

Untangle Your Emotions Naming What You Feel and Knowing What to Do About It by Jennie Allen - WaterBrook & Multnomah

I respect her enthusiasm to keep writing and encouraging reading in her community. If you want to read a personal experience with emotions and personal stories from someone who likes to open up, this is the book for you. The shared content is very shallow if you have previous experience in this topic. If you expect more academic work, if you already know the basics about emotions, if you are a counselor or professional in mental health is better for you to find another type of material or probably go directly to deeper content. This author is honest and very easy to read, but I think she is a communicator and leader, not a writer or scholar. I found J. Alasdair Groves & Winston T. Smith work more compelling. I got this Advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. 

Description

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The author of Get Out of Your Head provides a revolutionary path to embracing a healthy relationship with your emotions, one that leads to a life-giving connection with God and others as well as to a richer understanding of yourself.

“This book is worth thousands of dollars of counseling.”—Jonathan Pokluda, bestselling author and host of the Becoming Something podcast

How often have you heard, “Don’t let your emotions get the best of you”? But what if instead of ignoring our feelings, we noticed them, named them, and let God use them to draw us closer to Himself and others?

Many of us need to unlearn damaging messages about our emotions. We’ve been taught, for example, that emotions are untrustworthy, when, in fact, God can use them to help us see where we need His healing. 

In Untangle Your Emotions, Jennie Allen uses scientific research, biblical insight, and her own story to help you 

● exchange stuffing, dismissing, or minimizing your emotions for a five-step process to know what you feel and what to do about it
● debunk the myth that feelings are sinful by learning how emotional maturity leads to deeper connection with God and others
● live emotionally healthy by applying biblical wisdom and therapeutic research that works whether you self-identify as “emotional” or not
● sit with feelings that are confusing and painful by discovering the depth of God’s love and compassion for you

Feelings aren’t something to fix; they are something to feel. As we discover how to name and navigate our emotions, we’ll learn how they can draw us closer to the God who built us—soul, mind, and heart.

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The Practice of the Presence of Jesus by Joni Eareckson Tada - WaterBrook & Multnomah

 The Practice of the Presence of Jesus by Joni Eareckson Tada - WaterBrook & Multnomah 

Vivimos en un mundo de prisas, de correr, donde te aplauden si produces, no si haces pausas. Cuando alguien te recomiende meditar, reflexionar, hacer pausas, escucha. Te cuento que duré mucho tiempo buscando el libro del hermano Lawrence. En muchos libros que respeto y autores que sigo, lo citaban. En conferencias, podcasts y en muchos lugares más escuchaba referencias a este material, pero jamás lo encontraba. Algo me decía que debía buscarlo y leerlo. Fue hasta que murió un pastor italiano, que estaba de misiones en México y me donó muchos de sus libros, venía ese ejemplar, muy viejo y gastado (lo que le da aún más valor) por lo cual es un tesoro invaluable para mi. Ahora que Joni Eareckson Tada tiene este libro, hablando de este tema también, meditaciones para practicar la presencia del Señor como el hermano Lawrence, supe de inmediato que lo iba a disfrutar mucho. Si dentro de ti sabes que necesitas crecer en esta práctica, no lo pienses y consíguelo, este sí es mucho más fácil de adquirir. Bendiciones. 

ENG

We live in a world of rushing, of running, where you are applauded if you produce, not if you take breaks. When someone recommends you meditate, reflect, take breaks, listen. I tell you that I spent a long time looking for Brother Lawrence's book. In many books that I respect and authors that I follow, they cited him. In conferences, podcasts and in many other places I heard references to this material, but I never found it. Something told me I should look it up and read it. It was until an Italian pastor died, who was on missions in Mexico and donated many of his books to me, that copy came, very old and worn (which gives it even more value) making it an invaluable treasure for me. Now that Joni Eareckson Tada has this book, talking about this topic as well, meditations to practice the presence of the Lord like Brother Lawrence, I knew right away that I was going to really enjoy it. If within you know that you need to grow in this practice, don't think about it and get it, this is much easier to acquire. Blessings.

Description

Discover the joy of intentionally dwelling in the presence of God as the beloved author of Joni weaves contemporary insights with the timeless wisdom of seventeenth-century monk Brother Lawrence.

"Suffering has a way of heaving you beyond the shallows of life where your faith feels ankle-deep. It casts you out into the fathomless depths of God." —Joni, from the Introduction

Brother Lawrence lived through the drudgeries of monastery kitchen duty during the turbulence of 1600s France. Joni Eareckson Tada suffered a terrible accident that broke her neck and left her paralyzed. This tragedy led her from a life of distant faith to a life as a devout Christian, and she later became a worldwide disability advocate and influencer, sharing her experiences of suffering with grace. In both their lives, they each found the secret to peace, joy, and a way of being in constant conversation with the Father . . . every day and every hour . . . practicing the presence of God.

The Practice of the Presence of Jesus ushers in wisdom from these two everyday saints, more than 400 years apart, to teach and inspire you to experience the nearness of God in your life. Through rich devotional content from Brother Lawrence’s The Practice of the Presence of God, accompanied by original art and never-before-published insights from Joni, you’ll experience a unique blend of past and present wisdom on such themes as humility, thankfulness, fear, worship, obedience, and more. Each devotion ushers you into the peace of the Good Shepherd.

Being Elisabeth Elliot The Authorized Biography: Elisabeth’s Later Years by Ellen Vaughn - B&H Publishing Group

Being Elisabeth Elliot The Authorized Biography: Elisabeth’s Later Years by Ellen Vaughn - B&H Publishing Group

Pub date: Sep 12 2023

*ACTUALIZACIÓN: Ya está en español. (Marzo 1, 2025).

Estoy segura de que este título estará en español en algún futuro muy cercano. Espéralo!

Beign Elisabeth Elliot (Being Elisabeth Elliot) por Ellen Vaughn es una obra maestra que destroza la imagen estéril de "estatua de bronce" de este ícono cristiano para revelar a una mujer de carne y hueso con una fe profunda y tenaz. Como admiradoa de toda la vida de esta mujer, inspirada por sus enseñanzas, testimonios y charlas, que creció inspirada por sus materiales y libros, abrí esta biografía autorizada con un gran entusiasmo, y también con un poco de nerviosismo. Me preguntaba si correr el telón de sus últimos años, sus matrimonios segundo y tercero, y sus diarios privados disminuiría su legado. O si la presentarían como una "diosa/ángel" que eso también es bastante molesto con algunas biografías. Por el contrario, el retrato brillantemente objetivo pero profundamente afectuoso de Vaughn hizo que amara aún más a "Betty".

Este volumen retoma la historia después de su tiempo en la selva ecuatoriana, siguiendo su difícil transición de regreso a la vida suburbana común en América del Norte. Vaughn no se guarda nada; utiliza los diarios personales inéditos de Elisabeth (cosa que me hizo pensar mucho en hasta dónde tiene uno derecho a su privacidad en diarios... y  hasta donde la familia lucrará con tus "intimidades", pero bueno...) para mostrar que la mujer que hablaba con una compostura tan absoluta en la radio a menudo luchaba contra una duda interna profunda y agonizante:

• El misterio impenetrable: A diferencia de sus primeros años, marcados por certezas rígidas, su vida posterior la obligó a confrontar lo que ella llamó "el 'misterio impenetrable' de la interacción entre la voluntad de Dios y las elecciones humanas".
• La realidad del sufrimiento: Los seguidores saben que su primer esposo, Jim Elliot, murió como mártir. Pero este libro cubre de manera objetiva la dolorosa y lenta pérdida por cáncer de su segundo esposo, Addison Leitch. En medio de ese dolor, su diario refleja una disposición genuina a aceptar cualquier cosa que Dios permitiera: "Sea lo que sea que esté en la copa que Dios me está ofreciendo... estoy dispuesta a tomarlo porque confío en Él".
• Defectos y todo lo demás: Vaughn se mantiene justa y objetiva, negándose a maquillar la torpeza social de Elisabeth, su ocasional aspereza en las relaciones y las duras críticas que enfrentó por parte de los círculos conservadores. Nos recuerda que "los acontecimientos no cambian las almas. Es nuestra respuesta a ellos lo que finalmente nos afecta".

Para cualquier admirador verdadero, Being Elisabeth Elliot es una lectura esencial y reconfortante. Demuestra que su fe no era poderosa porque ella fuera una superheroína perfecta, sino porque servía a un Dios perfecto. Vivió con una "manera natural de vivir muriendo diariamente por Cristo", cargando su cruz incluso cuando el camino no tenía ningún sentido terrenal.

Espero luego contar un detalle que me contestó una duda que siempre había tenido y que no me resultaba congruente con las enseñanzas y las vivencias de Elisabeth, y finalmente al leer este libro y saber cómo fueron las cosas, pude tener paz y respuestas y wow, la admiré más. Agradecida profundamente por este contenido.

Description

WORLD 2023 Books of the Year, Winner

Elisabeth Elliot was a young missionary in Ecuador when members of a remote Amazonian indigenous people group killed her husband Jim and his four colleagues. And yet, she stayed in the jungle with her young daughter to minister to the very people who had thrown the spears, demonstrating the power of Christ’s forgiveness.
 
This courageous, no-nonsense Christian went on to write dozens of books, host a long-running radio show, and speak at conferences all over the world. She was a pillar of coherent, committed faith—a beloved and sometimes controversial icon. And while things in the limelight might have looked golden, her suffering continued refining her in many different and unexpected ways.
 
Her early years, related in Becoming Elisabeth Elliot, traced the transition of a young woman who dealt in “certainties” to the woman who lived with the unknown.
 
Now, being Elisabeth Elliot increasingly meant confronting how much she did not understand. She sought her reference point beyond her own experiences, always pondering what she called the “impenetrable mystery” of the interplay between God’s will and human choices.
 
And it is that strange mystery which shaped the rest of her startling life story.

Live Your Truth and Other Lies by Alisa Childers Exposing Popular Deceptions That Make Us Anxious, Exhausted, and Self-Obsessed - Tyndale House Publishers

Live Your Truth and Other Lies by Alisa Childers Exposing Popular Deceptions That Make Us Anxious, Exhausted, and Self-Obsessed - Tyndale House Publishers 

Siempre va a ser de mucho ánimo e impacto para mi escuchar historias de personas que cambiaron su cosmovisión al ser impactadas con la verdad. Este es el caso de Alisa Childers. Me gusta que en su libro no se trata todo de "ella" y "su testimonio" sino solo se tocan aspectos importantes para que comprendas su trasfondo y cómo este definitivamente tiene que ver con los temas expuestos por ella. Agradacida por sus esfuerzos para que la generación posmoderna inmersa en círculos que se autodenominan cristianos pero sus enseñanzas son manipuladoras, falsas o confusas, puedan analizarlo todo y cuestionar en dónde están parados. Es un libro con temas importantes a cuestionar y no porque tenga temas profundos, está escrito de una forma sumamente corta, sencilla y comprensible, quizá para comenzar a cuestionarte sobre estos temas y luego ir a contenidos más profundos y sustanciosos. Recordemos que es su esfuerzo de acuerdo a lo que ha experimentado y vivido. De acuerdo a tus creencias de si somos "malos" o "buenos" también algunas partes sentirás un poco de cringe... pero eso mismo te hará cuestionar. Se puede sacar cosas buenas de este contenido, no esperes perfección, nada la tiene. Actualización: Quizá quieras escuchar la serie también de ella "Another Gospel" en Revive Our Hearts

It will always be of great encouragement and impact for me to hear stories of people who changed their worldview when they were impacted by the truth. This is the case of Alisa Childers. I like that her book is not all about "her" and "her testimony" but only important aspects are touched on so that you understand her background and how this definitely has to do with the themes she exposes. Grateful for your efforts so that the postmodern generation immersed in circles that call themselves Christian but their teachings are manipulative, false or confusing, can analyze everything and question where they stand. It is a book with important topics to question and not because it has deep topics, it is written in an extremely short, simple and understandable way, perhaps to start questioning yourself about these topics and then go to deeper and more substantial content. Let us remember that it is your effort according to what you have experienced and lived. Depending on your beliefs about whether we are "bad" or "good" some parts will also feel a little cringe... but that will make you question yourself. You can get good things from this content, don't expect perfection, nothing has it. Consider to listen this serie by her  "Another Gospel" in Revive Our Hearts

Live Your Truth and Other Lies by Alisa Childers. #LiveYourTruthandOtherLies
Description

Are you tired of feeling like you have to check social media to find out what you’re supposed to think? Are you weary of the latest self-help books that promise to set you free but only imprison you with laundry lists of studies to consider, positive affirmations to recite, and Facebook groups to join?

We’ve all seen the memes that populate the internet: live your truth, follow your heart, you only have one life to live. They sound nice and positive. But what if these slogans are actually lies that unhinge us from reality and leave us anxious and exhausted? Another Gospel? author Alisa Childers invites you to examine modern lies that are disguised as truths in today’s culture. Everyday messages of peace, fulfillment, and empowerment swirl around social media. On the surface, they seem like sentiments of freedom and hope, but in reality they are deeply deceptive.

In Live Your Truth (and Other Lies), Alisa will help you to:

• uncover the common lies repeated within progressive circles
• hold on to the soul-restoring truths that God’s Word offers
• be empowered to live the way your Creator designed you

Being the captain of your own destiny and striving to make your dreams a reality is a huge burden that you were never meant to bear. Discover true freedom instead.

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Elusive Grace Loving Your Enemies While Striving for God’s Justice by Scott Black Johnston by Scott Black Johnston - Westminster John Knox Press

Elusive Grace Loving Your Enemies While Striving for God’s Justice by Scott Black Johnston by Scott Black Johnston - Westminster John Knox Press

Elusive Grace by Scott Black Johnston is a highly practical and clear-eyed guide on how to navigate extreme political and social hostility without losing your moral compass. Written by a senior pastor whose church sits just one block from Trump Tower, Johnston uses his unique, front-row seat to modern ideological warfare to deliver a realistic approach to a difficult mandate: loving your enemies while still fiercely pursuing justice. 

A Compass Over a Map

Instead of offering a rigid political checklist, Johnston structures the book around timeless tools for civil engagement: 

• The Seven Ancient Virtues: The text focuses on reclaiming core virtues like temperance, prudence, courage, and justice to act as an internal compass in a chaotic culture. 
• Radical Humanization: Johnston insists that true justice requires modeling fierce advocacy without stripping away the full humanity of the people on the opposing side of the argument. 
• Eclectic Dialogues: The book maintains objectivity by intentionally balancing biblical scripture with a diverse line-up of secular and historical thinkers, ranging from Ayn Rand and Ta-Nehisi Coates to Mister Rogers. 

Elusive Grace serves as a structured tool for community discussions. It successfully avoids naive idealism, offering an honest look at how hard it is to extend mercy to those who might wrong you again

Things That Matter Overcoming Distraction to Pursue a More Meaningful Life by Joshua Becker - WaterBrook & Multnomah

Things That Matter Overcoming Distraction to Pursue a More Meaningful Life by Joshua Becker - WaterBrook & Multnomah

Apr 19 2022

Have you read the other Becker book? He likes this kind of topics. Mee too. Things That Matter by Joshua Becker is a gentle but convicting wake-up call for anyone who feels like their life is slipping away to modern noise. Writing with the warmth of a trusted friend, Becker confesses how easily he still gets pulled away from his own family and goals, which makes his advice feel deeply relatable rather than preachy. He brilliantly shows that minimalism isn't just about cleaning out a closet—it is about clearing out mental clutter so you can actually live with intention.

Overcoming the Modern Distractions

Becker identifies the specific, everyday traps that quietly hijack our focus and energy:

• The Screen Trap: How mindless scrolling and the constant itch for digital affirmation hijack our daily attention spans.
• The Accumulation Trap: The exhausting mental and financial toll of chasing consumerism, bigger paychecks, and newer possessions.
• The Approval Trap: How easily we waste decades chasing external accolades or living out other people’s expectations for our lives.

This book is a refreshing, faith-informed guide to reclaiming your time before it is too late. It forces you to look in the mirror and ask if your daily habits actually align with your deepest values.

Description

Discover practical steps you can take today to live a life focused on things that matter, from the bestselling author of The More of Less and The Minimalist Home.

“Things That Matter points the way to free ourselves from the distractions of everyday life so that we can build the lives we seek to create.”—Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project

Do you want to live a meaningful life—with very few regrets—and make a positive difference in the world? But is culture distracting you from doing so? Perhaps moments, days, and years go by without you stopping to ask yourself, Am I living out my true purpose? Even if that question whispers to you, are you brushing it aside because you don’t know what to change in life’s busyness?
 
In Things That Matter, Joshua Becker helps you identify the obstacles—such as fear, technology, money, possessions, and the opinions of others—that keep you from living with intention, and then he provides practical ideas for letting go of those distractions today so you can focus on what matters most. He uses practical exercises and questions, insights from a nationwide survey, and success stories to give you the motivation you need to
 
  •  identify the pursuits that matter most to you
  •  align your dreams with your daily priorities
  •  recognize how money and possessions keep you from happiness
  •  become aware of how others’ opinions of you influence your choices
  •  embrace what you’re truly passionate about instead of planning that next escape
  •  figure out what to do with all those emails, notifications, and pings
  •  let go of past mistakes and debilitating habits
 
Things That Matter is a book about living well. It’s about overcoming the chatter of a world focused on all the wrong things. It’s about rethinking the common assumptions of today to find satisfaction and fulfillment tomorrow.
 
How do we get to the end of our lives with minimal regrets? We set aside lesser pursuits to seek lasting meaning. And we discover the joy of doing it every day.

The Loneliness Epidemic Why So Many of Us Feel Alone--and How Leaders Can Respond by Susan Mettes - Baker Academic & Brazos Press - Brazos Press

The Loneliness Epidemic Why So Many of Us Feel Alone--and How Leaders Can Respond by Susan Mettes - Baker Academic & Brazos Press - Brazos Press

PD Nov 30 2021  

The Loneliness Epidemic by Susan Mettes delivers a fascinating, data-driven wake-up call that completely shatters standard stereotypes about who is lonely and why. Written by a behavioral scientist using extensive Barna Group data, this book moves past vague anecdotes to provide a concrete, analytical look at modern isolation. It is an essential read for ministry leaders, community builders, or anyone trying to understand why a hyper-connected society feels so entirely disconnected. 

Shattering Common Myths

Mettes uses hard statistics to challenge what we think loneliness looks like, offering several eye-opening insights: 

• The Youth Shock: Contrary to the belief that the elderly are the most isolated, data shows that young adults are actually facing the highest rates of loneliness. 
• The Social Media Twist: Instead of completely blaming technology, Mettes highlights how social media can occasionally act as a positive supplement to sustain real-world connections. 
• Intimacy Over Numbers: Loneliness is defined as the painful gap between the relationships you have and the emotional intimacy you actually need—meaning you can be surrounded by people or married and still feel deeply alone. 

The Three Pillars of Protection

Rather than offering shallow advice like "just go out and meet new people," Mettes builds a framework around three protective pillars that communities must foster to combat chronic isolation: 

1. Belonging: Creating secure, stable spaces where individuals feel completely accepted as they are, heavily emphasizing the overlooked value of deep, non-romantic friendships. 
2. Closeness: Cultivating emotional intimacy and vulnerability rather than settling for superficial, polite small talk.
3. Expectations: Aligning our social desires with reality, helping people navigate the inevitable disappointments of human relationships without immediately retreating into isolation. 

What makes The Loneliness Epidemic stand out is its pairing of objective social science with a deeply compassionate, faith-informed perspective. It gives local leaders and everyday friends the precise vocabulary and practical tools needed to spot hidden isolation and build genuine cultures of shared life. 

If you are interested, you can read it all and learn about the data findings regarding young adults or the specific ways Mettes suggests faith communities can reshape their small groups to foster better belonging.