There is a distinction, Shaw writes, between an impulse to takes risks and God actually leading us in a certain direction. Living cautiously isn’t always a bad thing; discovering God’s leading in our lives is key to understanding what risks we are to take.

Shaw uses numerous biblical examples to support her position for seizing opportunity. And one of the most difficult emotions that prevent us from seizing opportunities is fear. Fear can paralyze us and cause us to miss out on what God can do with us and through us.

Shaw challenges the reader to critically examine our lives and realize where God might be leading. It’s not a call to abandon, but instead a call to adventure.


“Writing for the Soul: Instruction and Advice from an Extraordinary Writing Life” by Jerry B. Jenkins
Writer’s Digest Books, 241 pages
When most people see the name Jerry Jenkins, they immediately think of the highly successful “Left Behind” series—and rightly so. Yet, Jenkins is the author of some 150 books, both fiction and nonfiction. He has compiled, in “Writing for the Soul,” part instruction book for beginning and intermediate writers and part writing autobiography.

Jenkins leads the reader through his start in writing and how he became a fulltime freelance writer. Throughout it all, he gives tips and suggestions for writers at various stages in their careers. The section at the end of each chapter where Jenkins describes working with notable people on book projects is perhaps one of the book’s more insightful components.

Jenkins provides a broad overview of a writing life that is useful and approachable. While the reader might not be partner to a fair amount of unique information, there is enough here to satisfy writers at any stage in their careers.


“Winter Birds” by Jamie Langston Turner
Bethany House, 399 pages
Hospitality is oftentimes a forgotten practice in our fast-paced 21st-century life. Yet it’s a vital part of the Christian faith. Jamie Langston Turner weaves the practice of hospitality into the story of Sophia Hess, a widowed former teacher in her 80s who has chosen to live out her days at her nephew’s home.

Hurt deeply by events in her past, Hess is skeptical and often critical of her nephew and his wife. Her nephew seems loud, always willing to draw attention to himself and regularly trying to prove to others how smart he is. Yet the faith of this couple is intriguing, and as an acute observer of human actions, Hess’ understanding of this faith matures.

Our personal tragedies daily remind us that we live in a fallen world. The maze of loss and recovery is central in our lives. Turner compels the reader to see how Hess will work through her losses. The book is well written and convincing—a great read for the cold winter months.