Good Books for Gift Ideas

A woman named Damaris by Janette Oke. A rich story of forming a family of pioneering to a Western ranch. A young man who grew up in an orphanage, a young woman who fled an abusive home, and three small children who lost their parents. Even an adopting grandmother. Through faith, love, hard work, and joy, they join together as a family.

 

Revelation for the rest of us: a prophetic call to follow Jesus as a dissident disciple by Scot McKnight and Cody Matchett. The authors mentioned at the beginning that many people are hesitant to read the book of Revelation. There are many views on the meaning of the book. I’ve never hesitated to read it. In my church at college, one leader said that one of the great things about Revelation is its worship. I’ve always enjoyed that, though I cannot claim to understand all of it.

 

In this book, the authors say that the book was written to the Seven Churches as they dealt with the Roman government, as well as Christians throughout all times and how we deal with the world around us and our own governments. They say that Revelation gives instructions for Christians to worship God and spread the gospel, through our words and actions, transforming the world as dissident disciples.

 

What the River Keeps by Cheryl Grey Bostrom. A breathtaking story of healing and forgiveness, nested in the beautiful natural settings and native people of Northwest United States.

 

Five days: the fiery reckoning of an American city

Authors: Moore, Wes, Green, Erica. Wes Moore is the current governor of the state of Maryland. I have read another book by him and appreciated it. This book discusses five tragic days in the city of Baltimore in 2015. A fight erupted between young protestors and the police after the death of a young Black man from an injury during his arrest. This story is told from the point of view of a handful of people, including protesters, a public defender, a businessman, a policeman, and the owner of the Baltimore Orioles. It talks about what some individuals and groups did to try to help this situation, and what still needs to be done.

 

In the Company of Others, A Father Tim Novel by Jan Karon. This is one of a number of books I come back to again and again, and it feels like coming home. Tim and Cynthia are not in Mitford this time, but on a vacation to Ireland. Such beautiful pictures of the land, of relationships struggling and coming together, of the grace of God.

 

Millie’s Christmas by Kathy McKinsey. Ruthie says Millie will love Christmas. Ruthie is Millie’s best friend, so she’s sure Ruthie’s right, but why does Millie keep finding Ruthie and her brother Jake crying?

A precious gift from God to the author, and I pray, to the reader.