Beauty on the Backroads

Stories of grace for life's unexpected turns

The Weekly Read

How to hear from God: review of Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer

“How do you know it’s God speaking?”

“How do I hear God’s voice?”

“Does God speak to people today?

I’ve heard these questions from friends and in Bible studies, and I’ve asked them myself. “How do I know it’s God and not me?” seems to be a question every Christian asks himself at least once on the journey.

So I was excited to find this book by Priscilla Shirer. Discerning the Voice of God offers practical advice for God-glorifying decision-making. Shirer takes a complex and sometimes confusing issue — “Is it God?” “Or me?” “Or the Enemy?” — and breaks it down into simple pieces. Will it bring glory to God? Is it consistent with His truth? Is it confirmed by external circumstances? Do you have a sense of peace, even if the decision is challenging? These “tests” make hearing from God accessible to all believers, not just a chosen few.

Discerning the Voice of God was my introduction to Shirer’s writing and teaching, and I have to say, I want to read more. She speaks from the heart with conviction and confidence. Her teaching is to the point and simple, bringing clarity not creating confusion. Her passion for the Lord and His truth comes through in her writing.

My family is facing some major life decisions and I’ve found Discerning the Voice of God to be a trustworthy guide through the process.

FAVORITES: Shirer uses personal examples and common experiences to illustrate her points. I connected with her like I would sharing a cup of coffee with a girlfriend. Her insights make hearing from God less intimidating.

FAULTS: A couple of Scriptures seemed stretched to fit her point when looked at in context. However, I haven’t studied those Scriptures in depth nor did I look up the original language. Those rare instances didn’t detract from the overall message.

IN A WORD: Understandable. Shirer speaks to new Christians and seasoned saints alike. She doesn’t just say, “listen for the still small voice” in answer to the “how do I hear from God?” question. She tells you what that looks like and sounds like and how she’s experienced it in her life. This book is a great resource.

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WANT YOUR OWN COPY? In exchange for my review, I received a free copy of Discerning the Voice of God from Moody Publishers. I’ve underlined, starred and circled in my copy, but lucky for you, I received a bonus copy of the book in the mail. I’d love for one of you to have it! Leave a comment on the blog about why you want to know how to hear from God, and I’ll pick a winner next Wednesday, May 9 and post the winner’s name on next week’s book review post. Want extra chances to win? Of course you do! Share this giveaway with your Facebook friends or Tweet it (1 extra entry each), subscribe to this blog via e-mail (1 extra entry) or follow me on Twitter (1 extra entry), and leave ANOTHER comment her on the blog about it. Confusing? Just spread the word and come back here and tell me what you did!

BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE! If you like FREE books (and who doesn’t?) check back here on Friday for an announcement about more books I’m giving away during the month of May.

Epic road trip: review of Harriet Beamer Takes the Bus by Joyce Magnin

A bet between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law can’t end well, right?

Rest assured, it’s not as bad as it might sound. In fact, it’s better. It’s the premise for Joyce Magnin’s latest novel, Harriet Beamer Takes the Bus.

When Harriet Beamer, a 70-something widow, falls off a chair while hanging ornaments on the Christmas tree, her son and daughter-in-law decide it’s time she move from her home in suburban Philadelphia to their home in California. The catch is: she only has to move if her ankle is broken. Harriet, never one to turn down a bet, agrees. When the X-ray comes back showing she’s broken her ankle, Harriet has no choice but to keep her end of the bet. She packs up her salt-and-pepper shaker collection and puts her basset hound, Humphrey, on a plane. Realizing she’s never been anywhere, she decides not to get on the plane with her beloved canine. She’s going to move to California, but she’s going to see some sights along the way.

What follows is Harriet’s bold, outrageous and sometimes frightening journey across the United States on public transportation, with a few alternate means. Her trip is nowhere near a straight shot from east to west, which is how she intends it.

I’ve been a fan of Magnin’s books for about a year. (Read my reviews of a couple of her other books here.) She weaves a tale that is remarkable and inspiring with characters who feel like old friends. Magnin has a knack for creating outrageously believable scenarios and is a master of imagery. A person Harriet meets doesn’t just have wrinkles. He has more wrinkles than the prunes Harriet ate for breakfast. The book is brimming with clear pictures of people and places. What a treat.

FAVORITES: In the midst of Harriet’s travels are nuggets of wisdom that hit you almost out of the blue. Harriet is on a physical journey and a spiritual journey.  What she learns spoke to me in the midst of a journey of unknown destination in my own life.

FAULTS: If there is any fault at all, it’s that Harriet  Beamer may not appeal to a younger generation because of her age. Although with the popularity of Betty White and her friends on television, there is hope. And I do hope that readers of all ages pick up this book, or download it, because just like our grandparents’ generation, Harriet Beamer has something to teach us all.

IN A WORD: Vicarious. Reading Harriet Beamer Takes the Bus makes me want to travel and do unexpectedly courageous things. Now. Not when I’m 70. I even marked a couple of places in the book to look up later as possible travel destinations.

Harriet’s journey continues on her blog. Yes, that’s right. Harriet Beamer has her own blog. You can follow her ongoing adventures here. I’m eager to catch up on her travels.

Side note: If you’ve got a Kindle, Magnin’s first book in the Bright’s Pond series, The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow, is free (as of Tuesday night). Check it out here.

About the Author

Joyce Magnin is the author of five novels, including the popular and quirky Bright’s Pond series and the middle grade novel “Carrying Mason.” She is a writing instructor and frequent conference speaker. Joyce lives in Pennsylvania with her son, Adam, and their crazy cat, Mango, who likes to eat nachos.

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In exchange for this review, I received a free advanced digital copy of the book from Zondervan.