Women's Christian Fiction Series focusing on the Fruits of the Spirit

  Tracy Wainwright created a Fruit of the Spirit Christion fiction series which follows her female characters (Sarah, Jessica, Katie, and Emma) through their journeys of faith, family, and friendship.  Spiritual gifts and a real relationship with God are the recurring theme in all the books.  Tracy explores faith, hope, and love through great storytelling to uplift and inspire women as they feel each character's challenges in lifewhile reading how each one grows in their personal realationships with God.  These books show how everyone has problems in this world and the best hope for all is the love of God and salvation through His son Jesus.

The first two e-books in the series featuring the character Sarah, Hearing Whispers and Open Arms (Amazon ad) were released on Amazon in May 2025.  Empty Hands, Overflowing Hearts, Shifting Goals, Scorched Dreams, The Long Road, The Slow Dance, and The Best Path are titles and characters that will be released in following months.  Get the books to read and share with others in your life.  As a simple study of human thoughts and interactions, they offer an excellent way to share the Gospel of Christ with both believers and non-believers though the wonderful faith story of spiritual growth, as well as with the Bible references shared within each book.

Watch for new books releases and virtual book discussions with Tracy on her Facebook author page.  Check out other fiction and non-fiction books by Tracy Wainwright on her website.   

Servant or Leader, Which is Most Important?

Remember when Servant Leadership (new version on Amazon) was all the rage about two decades ago?  The idea was that to motivate others, you must treat them well and fairly.  You must be an example of a leader that they would want to follow.  This leadership/management teaching followed all the quality and/or team programs that were popularized for organizations a few decades prior to entering the millennium.  Was that the first time servant leadership was taught?  Is it still relevant today?  

"Jesus said to them, 
The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; 
and those who exercise authority over them call themselves benefactors. 
But you are not to be like that. Instead, 
the greatest among you should be like the youngest, 
and the one who rules like the one who serves." - Luke 22:25-26 (NIV)

First, is it relevant?  Seems to have gone by the wayside as rich "Big business" guys are more about making even more money by cutting costs or marketing hype instead of through excellent products,  good customer service, or having a qualified and informed workforce. Now forgotten as too-long-in-office politicians concentrate on party politics, increasing their own fortunes, and lobbyist favors rather than doing what their constituents desire.  Some of these "rich guys" are going into other markets not to help people but in a desire to rule over them, money was not enough now they want power too.  Even in the church, a few leaders seem more interested in how big their auditorium is and speaking on popular topics rather than teaching and preaching the true word of God to their flock.  Sounds like the current answer is that servant leadership is no longer relevant. However, it needs to be even more relevant in the world today!  So the answer should be YES.  We need to understand we should look to God for how to live, not to people.

"Not so with you. Instead, 
whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 
and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, 
and to give his life as a ransom for many." - Mark 10:43-45 (NIV) 

Was the publication of the book the first time the concept of servant leadership appeared?  The correct answer is NO.  Jesus taught the concept of servant leadership.  He instructed community and church leaders to put others first.  When asked which of God's commandments were the most important. Jesus replied love God first, then the second most important thing is to love others.  Jesus never taught personal power or wealth as important!  God will give you blessings, but that does not mean you can put yourself above others.  Instead, you are to help others and be a blessing to them - just as Jesus was/is. 

PSOT SHORT URL = https://tinyurl.com/43jx6ac3

Twelve Minutes with God

Feeling alone or abandoned?  Wondering how you can possibly survive with all the evil around today?  Are you thinking nothing can be done to improve your situation? 

It is time to reprogram your brain and renew your spirit.  How? Consider spending at least twelve minutes each day with God in prayer.  Forget the persistent "God knows" excuses for not praying - how I feel, what I need, when things are bad, where i need to go, who can help, why we need Him.  He wants you to talk to Him!  So ask for what you need, give God praise, trust Him, listen for His voice, and feel God's love.

Forget the excuse of "I don't have time to pray" - everyone has time to do something they value.  Do you value God?  Jesus believed prayer was important, you should too!  A relationship with God means more than time spent sitting in church or reading a devotional and then meditating on it.  Prayer is real communication with God and it leads to real spiritual growth.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 

by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, 

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, 

whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, 

whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." 

- Philippians 4:6-8 (NIV) 

“It has been found that 12 minutes of daily focused prayer over an 8 week period can change the brain to such an extent that it can be measured on a brain scan. This type of prayer increases activity in brain areas associated with social interaction compassion and sensitivity to others. It also increases frontal lobe activity as focus and intentionality increase." - Dr. Caroline Leaf, neuroscience PhD  + author of Switch On Your Brain and books on stress.  For more about how prayer changes the brain and body, visit Renewing All Things blog.

Personally, I have been doing this for a few months and am amazed at how much it has improved my attitude about things and increased my faith.  I walk daily for exercise and I spend the first 12-15 minutes of my walk praying and praising God.  I try not to ask for anything, instead I  use the time to acknowledge who He is and what He means to me.  I feel reassured that my awesome God has got this, He will take care of everything, He holds me and those I care about safely in his strong but loving hands.  Nothing is impossible for my God!  Indeed no thing is too small for Him to care about or too big for Him to conquer!

POST SHORT URL = https://tinyurl.com/6ddt7wft 

Good Books and Videos for Children

If you are looking for great book ideas for children to give as gifts for a holiday or birthday, below are a few good options for kids who enjoy reading.  These teaching books feature values for children and make them aware of the impact of what they say or do may have on their lives or those of others.  Many of the books listed below are part of a series, so you may buy one book or a collection to get a young reader started.  Also, many have been featured in cartoons or popular movies.  If the child you are shopping for has not realized the joy of reading yet, you may consider buying a video option instead.  

"Start children off on the way they should go, 
and even when they are old they will not turn from it." - Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) 

• Bernstein Bears classic series by the Bernsteins for ages 3-8 featuring good citizenship and manners. 
• Christian book bundles from Puppy Dogs and Ice Cream with titles for age ranges up to 8.   Also offers special 2022 season pricing on Christmas bundle.
• Christian Heroes biographical series by the Benges featuring Christian service examples for teens.
• The Chronicles of Narnia classic fantasy series by C.S. Lewis for ages 8 and up emphasizing good over evil. 
• Freedom Island Saga series of Christian-themed storybooks via Brave Books publishing.  Books are by various authors, most titles for up to age 10. Their website contains Real Reviews by Real People for parents, since newer books are not available elsewhere.  Discounts available for book-of-the-month club, email sign-up, or new book promotions.  An extra for the kids is a Resource page where parents may print coloring pages to go along with parts of the stories.  NOTE: Book "As We Grow" was #1 Best Seller on 12/31/2022 per Top 10 Books via @top10bs on Twitter.  
• God Gave Us storybook series by Lisa Tawn Bergren for ages  3-7. 
• Heroes of Liberty biographical history subscription, a gift that keeps giving over several months  for ages 6-12, books by various authors/editors.  While on their website, check out their blog and the media reports.  You may also want to review the articles by AMAC or JNS.
• Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle classic funny fiction series by Betty MacDonald for turning bad behaviors to good, ages 5-12.
• Mr Pickle Goes to Pickle Island (only in e-book) for ages 5-12 or for teens The God Bless Girl by Shirley Fine Lee.
• The Story of Christmas and The Story of Easter plus many other Bible-based stories or history books by Patricia A. Pingry starting age-group is toddler and going through pre-teen,  depending on title. 
• The Sugar Creek Gang adventure series by Paul Hutchens with an emphasis on faith-building for ages 9-12.
• Tuttle Twins adventure series by Connor Boyack with age ranges 5-11 original, young teens, and toddler too! 
• Veggie Tales animation series of Christianity-based stories for ages 3 and up.

For a list of children's Bibles, devotionals, and more story books, check out The Best Christian Children’s Books Teaching Biblical Values on A Mother Far From Home blog.  If your child is into mysteries, check out Giving Children’s Adventure Book Series on Organize This with Style blog for a list of classic detective books.

Blog readers, we welcome your Christian children's book suggestions in the comments of this blog post.  You may also want to check out our list of books for moms and dads too.  Thanks!  

POST SHORT URL = https://tinyurl.com/5n8942mr 

Good Christian Gift Books for Men

If you are looking for an idea of great Christian books to give as gifts for Christmas, below are a few good options for people who enjoy reading.  These books may be given to men who are already Christians and want to learn more about Christian living, get examples of faithful men, or study more of the Bible.  Or you can give Bibles or below reading  suggestions  to people new to Christianity or others who need Christ and/or inspiration in their lives.     

"But select capable men from all the people - men who fear God,  
trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain - and appoint them as officials..." -Exodus 18:21 (NIV)

• Disciplines of a Godly Man by R. Kent Hughes for spiritual growth and leadership
• How God Makes Men or Man in the Mirror by Patrick Morley for examples or solutions.
• Books by Mario Murillo on Christian leadership and overcoming spiritual challenges in the current culture.
• Talk Less Pray More Through the Prayers of Jesus by Gary Miller using examples from the Gospels 
• You Are Never Alone and other books by Max Lucado which references the Bible to help face challenges and understand the protection of God. 
• 3-Minute Devotions and 5-Minute Bible Studies by David Sanford are easy ways for new Christians, as well as busy fathers, to find time to grow spiritually.

For the patriotic man or history-seeker, consider a selection of non-fiction books and e-books on the foundational truths of the United States of America.  For even more book ideas, visit Top 10 Christian Books for Men That Will Challenge and Encourage Them on Cross Walk article website.   Additional gift ideas for women's and children's books on this blog.

Blog readers, we welcome your additional Christian book suggestions in the comments of this blog post.  You may also want to check out our Bible study guides for yourself or as gifts.  If you want to start reading daily Bible scriptures, consider our FREE devotionals for each month of the year.   Thanks!  

POST SHORT URL = https://tinyurl.com/5669m5tu 

Good Christian Gift Books for Women

If you are looking for an idea of great Christian books to give as gifts for Christmas, below are a few good options for people who enjoy reading.  These books may be given to women who are already Christians and want to learn more about Christian living, get examples of faithful women, or or study more of the Bible.  Or you can give Bibles or below reading  suggestions  to people new to Christianity or others who need Christ and/or inspiration in their lives.  

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; 

but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." - Proverbs 31:30 (NIV)

• The Blessed Woman by Debbie Morris for inspiration and motivation ( * If planning to use in weekly Women's Group or Bible Study, you may download free 9-page Leader's Guide for group discussion questions for each chapter.  At the end of the book, there are more questions that may be used for each participant to reflect on prior to group meetings.) 
• Good News for Weary Women by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick to relieve stress and find faith.
• 365 Daily Devotionals for Women by Jewell Johnson for inspiration and Christian history . 
• The Never-The-Less Principle by Marion Bond West to develop a positive attitude.
• The Power of a Praying books by Stormie Omartian to cover every area of life (* May be used in Women's Group or Bible Study as the option of purchasing study guides is available.  Each chapter in the book includes scriptures to reinforce the lesson and a sample prayer).
• Set Apart books by Leslie Ludy explains what is means to be set apart for God’s purpose. 
• Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin offers a realistic plan for studying the Bible.
• Fruit of the Spirit fiction series by Tracy Wainwright.
• The God Bless Girl by Shirley Fine Lee, which is a quick-read fictional story about current American culture and value changes influencing the Christian message and patriotism.

For more book ideas, visit 10 Best Christian Books for Women on Becoming Christians blog.  For Bible Study ideas, check out Top Beth Moore Women's Bible Studies on Lifeway blog.  Additional ideas for men's and children's books on this blog.

Blog readers, we welcome your additional Christian book suggestions in the comments of this blog post.  You may also want to check out our print or e-book Bible study guides for yourself or as gifts.  If you want to start reading daily Bible scriptures, consider our FREE devotionals for each month of the year.   Thanks!  

POST SHORT URL = https://tinyurl.com/58tb2xzn

Praise God Anyway

Praise God Anyway is the theme in one of the thirty-eight lessons in Susan Kerr's devotional "Intersections of Grace" (available on Amazon #ad)  where she introduces the accronym PGA. Praise God Anyway (PGA!)  In her study, she references the confinement verses in Acts listed at the bottom of this post.  There are more examples in the Bible, a few are noted below along with relatable questions for yourself.  

"Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.

Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name." - Psalm 63:3-4 (KJV) 

In Habakkuk 3:17-19, he is suffering because his garden and cattle are not producing enough to eat.  Even so, the prophet praises God anyway.  Could you praise even if you have no food, lost property, unable to achieve goals or other types of profit?  Instead, should you consider the home, family, and blessings you do have and be thankful for those?

Job 1:2 shows that even though Job has lost his wealth, family, health and is wrongly accused; he may have become depressed however, he refuses to abandon God and praises Him anyway.   If you are going through illness,being lied about, or suffering the loss of a loved one - could you praise God anyway?  Can you be grateful for your past and look toward Gods future plans for you?

"Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: 

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (KJV) 

Psalms 57 was composed by David (the slayer of Goliath and future king) when he was tired, sacred, and living in a cave. However, he praises God anyway.  Should you praise God anyway when you are afraid, depressed, or feeling alone?  Would things turn around for you if you look at what you have, where you have come from, and what joy could be there for you if you just praise the Lord?

In Acts 16:25-36, Paul and Silas are in chains within a prison for refusing to ignore their calling of God.  Even so, they sing praises to God anyway.  Would you praise God anyway if you were unjustly confined, lost your job, or your candidate did not win the election.  Instead could you consider the freedoms you do have and be grateful for those?

PGA!

Free For Five Days Christian Ficton Ebook: The God Bless Girl

Many housebound people are looking for something new or different to read.  To go along with the  mantra for the current crisis "We are all in this together,"  I feel Christian charity and love is important.  This is a time when globally we are seeking God to ask that the world will heal and the future health of our countries will get better.  If you want to take an hour to read a fiction ebook that focuses on Christian living in America either silently yourself or out loud with your family, check out the offer below.  

I am offering The God Bless Girl on Amazon #ad in Kindle ebook format for FREE during the five days of April 1-5, 2020.  Or if desired, you may choose to purchase the paperback version instead.  

"Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, 
and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, 
that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence." 
- 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (KJV) 

If you want to read a little more about the book than what is on Amazon, see The God Bless Girl Goes To Print for the inspiration behind the book and The God Bless Girl, In God We Trust for what each chapter in the book covers.

Please SHARE this post link on social media or in email so others can get this Bible Study free too.  If you get the free ebook or buy the paperback from Amazon, please also go back to Amazon and write a review of the Bible study when you complete it.  Thanks in advance.

Are You Trying to Live up to God's Forgiveness?

Are you trying to live up to God's image before totally accepting his forgiveness and following Him?  The God of Christians is a merciful God.  He sent His son as forgiveness of your sins.  You only have to confess your sin and accept Jesus Christ into your heart.  His forgiveness in instant!

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, 

and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." - 1 John 1:9 (KJV)

Once you do this, you are a child of God and you now have for God's grace over your life. You do not have to do anything else before that.  After that, you will begin to change as God moves in your life. and your faith  in Him increases.  You are now even more valuable to Him, because you are His. It is just as Rebecca Ashbrook Carrell wrote  about God's forgiveness and choosing of you simply as  you are "NOT rejected, so stop living dejected, and start living selected" (emphasis added) in her book Holy Hiking Boots (available on Amazon #ad).  He has selected you, adopted you into his family.  His mercy and love is forever.

"He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. 

For as the heaven is high above the earth, 

so great is his mercy toward them that fear him." - Psalm 103:10-12 (KJV)

Ministering and Witnessing via Bookmarks

I love to go to bookstores and peruse new titles and check out the sale prices.  The other day, while standing in the check-out line, I was pleasantly surprised to see a multitude of Christian bookmarks on display near the registers.  I thought, what a wonderfully easy way for a shy person or new Christian to share the word of God with others.

"Declare his glory among the nations, 

his marvelous deeds among all peoples." Psalms 96:3 (NIV)

It is simple to handout bookmarks with scriptures to anyone and everyone.  If the recipients like to read, they will review and use the bookmark.  If they are not big readers, they will  most likely pass the bookmark on to someone they know who will use it.  People rarely throw an actual bookmark away.  It is a small gift - it can be a quiet witness - it may be ministry.  So if you are looking for a way to share the Bible, consider giving bookmarks.  You can buy a few styles at most Christian bookstores or you can buy in blulk from Amazon #ad.  Amazon even offers some in different languages, as well as for various age groups or genders.

Visiting Six of the Many Rooms in the Lord's Mansion

In the book What the Bible is all About (available on Amazon #ad) the author tells us to think of each chapter of Ephesians as representing a room in a Lord's mansion.  I found this an interesting approach, so I took that idea, changed it a little (see Kings Castle terms she used that are different from traditional manor houses), added headings to break it up, found some beautiful pictures, and linked them together so we could enjoy  the magnificence of each room as a new Christian might tour through it.   Please enjoy the images and let me know what you think of this concept in comments on this post.

"My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, 

would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?"  John 14:2 (NIV)

Asking His Acceptance - coming to see the Lord
1. Vestibule (Anteroom)
2. Receiving Room (Audience Chamber)
3. Throne Room
Joining His Family - after acceptance by the Lord
4. Changing Room (Wardrobe)
5. Choir Room
6. Weapons Room (Armory)

See also Put on the Full Armor of God from Infographic based on Ephesians 6.