Recently I have fallen back in love with words. I know. You’re thinking: for someone who had fallen out of love with words you sure did keep writing a lot of them. And you’re right. And you haven’t even seen the half of them. Words are how I make sense of this crazy thing called life. This keyboard and the journal beside it are a lifeline. When everything is a mess and a jumble (or even when it’s fun and easy), if I start to write, I start to tell myself things I didn’t know I knew. And then I start to see the hand of God in all of it in a way I hadn’t seen before–in a way I had missed in the midst of the living. But over the past five months, I have fallen back in love with reading. Particularly reading words written by people born before about 1950. They don’t look to impress you with any overcomplicated insight. They just carefully and comfortably explain to you what it is that they have learned about life and the Lord, and then they leave you to live it. It’s beautifully simple and refreshing. And profound. And so very encouraging.
It’s also been a year since I started blogging. (I mean, technically it’s been five years, but I’m not sure an annual blog post really counts.) I have had the best time with you! Thank you for reading. Thank you for your comments and your texts and your hugs and your eye-rolls. Thank you for meeting me here and for knowing me and for letting me ramble on before I get to my point…which I promise I am.
Because I love you and because I love words and because we’ve been here a year and usually on birthdays there are presents, I thought it would be super-fun to give away four of my favorite books. Two I just read and two I read years ago, but they’re all good.
The books are:
1. Ruthless Trust by Brennan Manning. A friend recommended this book to me a few months ago. I had purchased and read the entire thing within three days. It is not clarity that we need in this life, Manning suggests, it is trust–trust in a God that we do not always understand. He says:
“The way of trust is a movement into obscurity, into the undefined, into ambiguity, not into some predetermined, clearly delineated plan for the future. The next step discloses itself only out of a discernment of God acting in the desert of the present moment. The reality of naked trust is the life of a pilgrim who leaves what is nailed down, obvious, and secure, and walks into the unknown without any rational explanation to justify the decision or guarantee the future. Why? Because God has signaled the movement and offered it his presence and his promise.” (Manning, page 12-13)
2. The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. This is a fun one but still makes you think. It’s a collection of letters from “an experienced demon” to his younger nephew and protege. He is teaching the younger demon how to best lead his Christian “subject” astray. It’s kind of mind-twisty. But it’s insightful and intriguing and makes you think about spiritual warfare in a different, perhaps, but incredibly practical way.
3. The Helper by Catherine Marshall. I read it years ago, but it remains one of my favorite introductions to the Holy Spirit and His ways. It’s also divided into 40 readings, so if you’re looking for something to read through this Lent, this might be perfect. In it, Marshall says:
“We wonder how anything could be more wonderful than the physical presence of our Lord. Yet Jesus never spoke lightly or thoughtlessly. And here we have His solemn word in His Last Supper talk with His apostles that there is something better–His presence in the form of the Holy Spirit.” (Marshall, page 38)
4. Secure in the Everlasting Arms by Elisabeth Elliot. I’m not quite finished with this one yet, but it is amazing. She is filled with such strength and wisdom, but her words are also laced with tenderness. I have been convicted and comforted, challenged and encouraged. One particularly powerful quote:
“It is tempting to imagine that, given a different lot in life, circumstances other than those in which we find ourselves, we would make much greater strides in holiness. The truth is that the place where we are is God’s schoolroom, not somewhere else. Here we may be conformed to the likeness of Christ.” (Elliot, page 131)
Here is how you play this game:
That’s it! Happy Friday!
84 comments
Corlischa
January 9, 2015 at 3:45 pmThis is so fun!! Happy birthday Cody’s Blog!! I totally want to win number 2!!
Cody
January 9, 2015 at 11:06 pmYay! Next time, I promise to make it more of a competition!
Corlischa
January 9, 2015 at 3:45 pmThis is so fun!! Happy birthday Cody’s Blog!! I totally want to win number 2!!
Cody
January 9, 2015 at 11:06 pmYay! Next time, I promise to make it more of a competition!
Pepper Helms
January 9, 2015 at 3:56 pmRuthless TrustThe Helper
This is fun!
Cody
January 9, 2015 at 11:06 pmGlad you’re having fun with this. So am I! 🙂
Pepper Helms
January 9, 2015 at 3:56 pmRuthless TrustThe Helper
This is fun!
Cody
January 9, 2015 at 11:06 pmGlad you’re having fun with this. So am I! 🙂
Katie
January 9, 2015 at 3:57 pmFirst, I fall in the rule number 5 category and I’m in. But second, I love how you love words. And I love that you’re giving them away. And hi – so fun.
Katie – Safe in the Everlasting Arms
Cody
January 9, 2015 at 11:07 pmI’ll mark you in the “compliant #5” category. Thanks for playing 🙂
Katie
January 9, 2015 at 3:57 pmFirst, I fall in the rule number 5 category and I’m in. But second, I love how you love words. And I love that you’re giving them away. And hi – so fun.
Katie – Safe in the Everlasting Arms
Cody
January 9, 2015 at 11:07 pmI’ll mark you in the “compliant #5” category. Thanks for playing 🙂
Mom
January 9, 2015 at 4:58 pmI like rule 8 — I taught you well – always reserve the right to change the rules!! The only book I don’t have is the last one Secure in the Everlasting Arms, so I’ll try for that one!! I love that there’s something to win
Mama
January 9, 2015 at 5:02 pmMy comment got cut off. Here’s the rest of it– And I love the fun ways you challenge us to draw deeper into the Lord!! And I love you!!
Mama
Cody
January 9, 2015 at 11:08 pmLove you too, Mama! And love that you love to win.
Mom
January 9, 2015 at 4:58 pmI like rule 8 — I taught you well – always reserve the right to change the rules!! The only book I don’t have is the last one Secure in the Everlasting Arms, so I’ll try for that one!! I love that there’s something to win
Mama
January 9, 2015 at 5:02 pmMy comment got cut off. Here’s the rest of it– And I love the fun ways you challenge us to draw deeper into the Lord!! And I love you!!
Mama
Cody
January 9, 2015 at 11:08 pmLove you too, Mama! And love that you love to win.
Becky
January 9, 2015 at 5:23 pmLove your blog and love presents!! I’ve never been in your home, but you’ve been in mine so I’m playing!! I want #2 (sorry Corlischa!!).
Cody
January 9, 2015 at 11:09 pmThank you for playing, Becky! (And Corlischa loves competition, so I’m so glad you entered against her. Haha.)
Becky
January 9, 2015 at 5:23 pmLove your blog and love presents!! I’ve never been in your home, but you’ve been in mine so I’m playing!! I want #2 (sorry Corlischa!!).
Cody
January 9, 2015 at 11:09 pmThank you for playing, Becky! (And Corlischa loves competition, so I’m so glad you entered against her. Haha.)
Darcee
January 9, 2015 at 5:52 pmThis is insanely fun!
I’m going for:
#3- The Helper AND
#4- Secure in the Everlasting Arms
Side note for anyone who may read this: Go get RUTHLESS TRUST, right now!
SOOOO good!
Cody
January 9, 2015 at 11:10 pmThanks for playing! AND…for the further endorsement of Ruthless Trust. So glad you think this is fun. Be brainstorming for the next one… I already have some ideas. 😉
Darcee
January 9, 2015 at 5:52 pmThis is insanely fun!
I’m going for:
#3- The Helper AND
#4- Secure in the Everlasting Arms
Side note for anyone who may read this: Go get RUTHLESS TRUST, right now!
SOOOO good!
Cody
January 9, 2015 at 11:10 pmThanks for playing! AND…for the further endorsement of Ruthless Trust. So glad you think this is fun. Be brainstorming for the next one… I already have some ideas. 😉
Patricia Dewey
January 9, 2015 at 6:33 pmHello! I subscribed to this blog a few weeks ago and haven’t looked back 🙂 I love reading your stuff (and now getting to call you a friend)!
Since this season of my life can be summed up in one word, TRUST, I would like to enter the drawing for the first book, Ruthless Trust! I’ll take any opportunity I can get to read more about God’s perfect love for me and why I can trust Him.
Lots of love – keep doing what you’re doing!
Patricia
Cody
January 9, 2015 at 11:14 pmLots of love to you too, Patricia! Loved meeting you the other night. Thanks for reading and for playing 🙂
Patricia Dewey
January 9, 2015 at 6:33 pmHello! I subscribed to this blog a few weeks ago and haven’t looked back 🙂 I love reading your stuff (and now getting to call you a friend)!
Since this season of my life can be summed up in one word, TRUST, I would like to enter the drawing for the first book, Ruthless Trust! I’ll take any opportunity I can get to read more about God’s perfect love for me and why I can trust Him.
Lots of love – keep doing what you’re doing!
Patricia
Cody
January 9, 2015 at 11:14 pmLots of love to you too, Patricia! Loved meeting you the other night. Thanks for reading and for playing 🙂
Liesel
January 9, 2015 at 7:22 pmYou’re the cutest. And we totally draw out of hats and/or kitchen mixing bowls. It’s legit.
Ruthless Trust!
Cody
January 9, 2015 at 11:16 pmWoohoo! And yes, totally legit.
Liesel
January 9, 2015 at 7:22 pmYou’re the cutest. And we totally draw out of hats and/or kitchen mixing bowls. It’s legit.
Ruthless Trust!
Cody
January 9, 2015 at 11:16 pmWoohoo! And yes, totally legit.
Morgan
January 9, 2015 at 8:16 pmI’ll try for The Helper – I’m on the market for a Lent read.
Yay free books!! Love you.
Cody
January 9, 2015 at 11:16 pmYay free books 🙂 Love you back, Morgs!
Morgan
January 9, 2015 at 8:16 pmI’ll try for The Helper – I’m on the market for a Lent read.
Yay free books!! Love you.
Cody
January 9, 2015 at 11:16 pmYay free books 🙂 Love you back, Morgs!
Kimberly
January 9, 2015 at 10:35 pmYou are so fun! I love this. Here’s to the year of books on books!
Kimberly – Safe in the Everlasting Arms & The Helper
Cody
January 9, 2015 at 11:17 pmThe year of books on books! What could be better?!
Kimberly
January 9, 2015 at 10:35 pmYou are so fun! I love this. Here’s to the year of books on books!
Kimberly – Safe in the Everlasting Arms & The Helper
Cody
January 9, 2015 at 11:17 pmThe year of books on books! What could be better?!
Dad
January 10, 2015 at 1:34 amSince family members are eligible to participate I choose book number 4, mostly because mom says we have books 1 thru 3.Love you,
Dad
Cody
January 10, 2015 at 4:21 amK! (You may also not have 2 anymore. Because sometimes the way I get books is by stealing them from Mom’s shelf…)Love you too, Dad!
Dad
January 10, 2015 at 1:34 amSince family members are eligible to participate I choose book number 4, mostly because mom says we have books 1 thru 3.Love you,
Dad
Cody
January 10, 2015 at 4:21 amK! (You may also not have 2 anymore. Because sometimes the way I get books is by stealing them from Mom’s shelf…)Love you too, Dad!
Lisa M.
January 10, 2015 at 2:21 pmHi! I’m excited! I love to win things (or at least try). I would love to try and win:
Ruthless Trust
Secure in the Everlasting Arms
Thanks for doing this!
Lisa M.
January 10, 2015 at 2:21 pmHi! I’m excited! I love to win things (or at least try). I would love to try and win:
Ruthless Trust
Secure in the Everlasting Arms
Thanks for doing this!
Charlotte Keifer
January 11, 2015 at 8:29 pmSecure in the Everlasting Arms
Charlotte Keifer
January 11, 2015 at 8:29 pmSecure in the Everlasting Arms
Anna Johnson
January 11, 2015 at 8:42 pmI want The Helper and Secure in the Everlasting Arms!!
Anna Johnson
January 11, 2015 at 8:42 pmI want The Helper and Secure in the Everlasting Arms!!
Erin
January 11, 2015 at 9:18 pmI can’t remember if I just thought about leaving a comment earlier or if I actually did
Cody
January 11, 2015 at 9:38 pmI think you didn’t… Do you want to put your name in?
Erin
January 11, 2015 at 9:18 pmI can’t remember if I just thought about leaving a comment earlier or if I actually did
Cody
January 11, 2015 at 9:38 pmI think you didn’t… Do you want to put your name in?
Sarah Black
January 11, 2015 at 9:35 pmput my name in the hat for Elisabeth Elliott’s book!!! ❤️
Cody
January 12, 2015 at 12:06 amDone!
Sarah Black
January 11, 2015 at 9:35 pmput my name in the hat for Elisabeth Elliott’s book!!! ❤️
Cody
January 12, 2015 at 12:06 amDone!
Lexi Swinimer
January 11, 2015 at 10:01 pmso fun! secure in the everlasting arms please!
Xoxo
Lexi
Cody
January 12, 2015 at 12:03 amHey Lexi! Hope you’re doing well 🙂
Lexi Swinimer
January 11, 2015 at 10:01 pmso fun! secure in the everlasting arms please!
Xoxo
Lexi
Cody
January 12, 2015 at 12:03 amHey Lexi! Hope you’re doing well 🙂
Lindsey Carver
January 11, 2015 at 11:07 pmThis is so fun! Definitely either Ruthless Trust and/or Secure in the Everlasting Arms. Can’t believe I haven’t read it because I have almost everyone of her books. So many good ones.
Cody
January 12, 2015 at 12:07 amI’ve never read anything by her. But I loved this one! Do you have a favorite of hers?
Lindsey Carver
January 11, 2015 at 11:07 pmThis is so fun! Definitely either Ruthless Trust and/or Secure in the Everlasting Arms. Can’t believe I haven’t read it because I have almost everyone of her books. So many good ones.
Cody
January 12, 2015 at 12:07 amI’ve never read anything by her. But I loved this one! Do you have a favorite of hers?
Angela
January 11, 2015 at 11:08 pmSecure in the Everlasting Arms & Ruthless Trust
Angela
January 11, 2015 at 11:08 pmSecure in the Everlasting Arms & Ruthless Trust
Susan Kuruvilla
January 11, 2015 at 11:29 pmCody, I have loved reading your blog and have been blessed.
I would love to win #4. Elizabeth Elliot has always been one of my favorites and I have not read this book!!
Cody
January 12, 2015 at 12:05 amShe is one of my new favorites! This is the first thing I’ve read of hers. Thanks for reading and for your encouragement. Much love!
Susan Kuruvilla
January 11, 2015 at 11:29 pmCody, I have loved reading your blog and have been blessed.
I would love to win #4. Elizabeth Elliot has always been one of my favorites and I have not read this book!!
Cody
January 12, 2015 at 12:05 amShe is one of my new favorites! This is the first thing I’ve read of hers. Thanks for reading and for your encouragement. Much love!
Sarah Starkey
January 12, 2015 at 12:12 amThis is so fun! I love reading YOUR writing, but these other ppl sound good too! 😉 both The Screwtape Letters and Secure in the Everlasting Arms sound particularly interesting!
Sarah Starkey
January 12, 2015 at 12:12 amThis is so fun! I love reading YOUR writing, but these other ppl sound good too! 😉 both The Screwtape Letters and Secure in the Everlasting Arms sound particularly interesting!
Cathy Frank
January 12, 2015 at 4:06 amRuthless Trust by Brennan Manning
Cathy Frank
January 12, 2015 at 4:06 amRuthless Trust by Brennan Manning
Kim
January 12, 2015 at 4:37 amPick me! Pick me!Ruthless Trust by Brennan Manning
Kim
January 12, 2015 at 4:37 amPick me! Pick me!Ruthless Trust by Brennan Manning
Lisa Montgomery
January 12, 2015 at 3:34 pmCody, you are so precious! I LOVE reading your blog!I would like to win:
#1 Ruthless Trust
#3 The Helper
Lisa Montgomery
January 12, 2015 at 3:34 pmCody, you are so precious! I LOVE reading your blog!I would like to win:
#1 Ruthless Trust
#3 The Helper
djh019Darcee
January 9, 2017 at 9:09 pmReader Recommendation: Let’s do this again in 2017 if the opportunity arises! I’m volunteering to help! 🙂
djh019Darcee
January 9, 2017 at 9:09 pmReader Recommendation: Let’s do this again in 2017 if the opportunity arises! I’m volunteering to help! 🙂