Reviewed by: Megan Alms, a Professional Writing Major at Taylor University.

Introduction

Title: Simply Blessed: Finding Joy in the Little Things

Author: Kim Chaffin

Publisher: Broad Street Publishing

Publication Date: 2018

Format: Print book

Length: 161 pages

OVERVIEW

Making the decision to dive into God’s love and word is exciting—and scary. To a new convert, there seem to be many things that experienced Christians just instinctively “get.” They understand how to pray, how to make right decisions, how to witness, and how to live without any burdens of shame over their previous life actions and behaviors. In Simply Blessed, Kim Chaffin breaks down these barriers, revealing that everyone struggles. Everyone needs a community for support, and everyone needs a place of solitude. Yes, when the Bible says all have sinned, it means all, indeed.

In this 31-day devotional, Chaffin provides solutions to practical, everyday problems, ranging from managing time and money to being able to serve others while also personally growing spiritually. Her daily readings are split into manageable chunks to fit in any reader’s busy schedule. Each lesson is followed by several reflection tools, including recommended songs, fill-in answers, prayer prompts, meditations, challenges, and even some journaling space.

     Simply Blessed tackles the everyday struggles faced by both new and seasoned Christians. Chaffin offers simple anecdotes from her own life to illustrate more complex concepts. The stories about Chaffin’s husband and children (and dogs) are relatable and convey deeper meanings applicable to anyone’s life. Through her stories, Chaffin teaches readers to rely on God, release anxiety and guilt, keep a steady course, and choose what it right.

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5)

4 stars

Suggested Audience

New or mature Christians who are unsure of their next steps in faith.

Christian Impact

This book offers encouragement and guidance to those seeking help in their faith journey. It can also be used as a teaching tool for those who are mentoring newer believers.

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