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Written on Our Hearts
In the midst of every challenge or adversity, one thing is certain—the Lord will deliver us, and the Old Testament can help us understand how. We may not be called upon to cross the Red Sea, be led into captivity, or be confronted by armies with strength far greater than ours. But there will be days when we face obstacles, danger, oppression, and injustice. And in those moments we can recall how to trust like Gideon, to build like Nehemiah, to plead like Hezekiah, and to stand up for what we know like Micah. We can draw strength from courageous prophets and prophetesses, from great women and mothers in Israel. And we can experience the sustaining power these biblical stories can have in our own battles of life as we remember that just as the Lord delivered the children of Israel, He has the power to deliver us.
176 pages, Hardcover
First published August 29, 2013
22 people are currently reading
364 people want to read
About the author
Emily Belle Freeman
43 books273 followersEmily Freeman and Simon Dewey collaborated on the bestselling book The Ten Virgins. For nearly 20 years, Emily has addressed groups of women as a writer, songwriter, and motivational speaker. Her deep love of the scriptures comes from a strong desire to find their application in modern-day life. Emily and her husband, Greg, are the parents of four children and live in Lehi, Utah.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
October 28, 2013
Emily Freeman has written a book that takes principals and stories from the Old Testament and illustrates how the can apply to us in our lives today.
On page 2 she has written words that state, "So when things don't seem to be going exactly right, when the whole world seems to be crashing down around you, when you aren't quite sure if you are any good at anything, you might want to turn to Moses, or Abraham, or Genesis, and be reminded, God saw every thing that he had mad, and, behold, it was very good. Every thing.
There are times in our lives when we are drawn to books that are there to help us in our times of crisis or need. First, the Lord has given us his Holy Scriptures. He then has given mankind insights to be uplifted to understand the gifts that He has given us. Today Emily Freeman provided me with that gift.
I have had an extremely trying time, it came to a head in my attitude and my toleration for the things going on around me. If I could have run away, I think I would have. Instead I read this book. It lifted the burden that I am carrying and gave me hope that life will work out. Pgs 116 and 117. "Sometimes life requires us to shoulder a heavy load. It might be one we have not chosen. Often it is one from which we cannot get free....If someone who is dear to us shoulders this kind of load, we must remember that all is not lost:....There is One who can give us rest from bondage, who can remove the yoke." Sometimes it is good to be reminded of the truth's that I know.
This book deals with teachings from the Old Testament, but has an LDS viewpoint on them. The author talks about sending children on missions, Visiting Teaching, etc. These are activities that members of the LDS faith participate in. The messages delivered are for all people regardless of church affiliation. The lessons learned from the Old Testament are priceless.
On page 2 she has written words that state, "So when things don't seem to be going exactly right, when the whole world seems to be crashing down around you, when you aren't quite sure if you are any good at anything, you might want to turn to Moses, or Abraham, or Genesis, and be reminded, God saw every thing that he had mad, and, behold, it was very good. Every thing.
There are times in our lives when we are drawn to books that are there to help us in our times of crisis or need. First, the Lord has given us his Holy Scriptures. He then has given mankind insights to be uplifted to understand the gifts that He has given us. Today Emily Freeman provided me with that gift.
I have had an extremely trying time, it came to a head in my attitude and my toleration for the things going on around me. If I could have run away, I think I would have. Instead I read this book. It lifted the burden that I am carrying and gave me hope that life will work out. Pgs 116 and 117. "Sometimes life requires us to shoulder a heavy load. It might be one we have not chosen. Often it is one from which we cannot get free....If someone who is dear to us shoulders this kind of load, we must remember that all is not lost:....There is One who can give us rest from bondage, who can remove the yoke." Sometimes it is good to be reminded of the truth's that I know.
This book deals with teachings from the Old Testament, but has an LDS viewpoint on them. The author talks about sending children on missions, Visiting Teaching, etc. These are activities that members of the LDS faith participate in. The messages delivered are for all people regardless of church affiliation. The lessons learned from the Old Testament are priceless.
November 14, 2014
I can always count on books written by Emily Freeman to be thoughtful and inspiring. This book is full of invitations from the Old Testament to turn to God. I loved the premise of the book: that at some time in our lives we are going to need deliverance from hardship, sickness, trial, etc. The Old Testament can be a source of direction and comfort because it is within those pages that God delivers his people time and time again. This book was especially poignant because I've been studying the Old Testament throughout the year for my Sunday School class, and it was an insightful and meaningful summation for me.
November 22, 2018
This past year Emily has been my Sherpa, guiding me through the Old Testament with her more experienced eyes and heart, and it has changed me.
From the conclusion:
"There are moments when you might wonder if you can take another step. Perhaps it is the heavy load you shoulder. Maybe it is the fear of what lies around the next corner. It could be that you're not quite ready for the detour, or the change of course, or the incline ahead. . . . The Old Testament taught me that there is One who is with us through every journey, through every wilderness place, and through every mountain moment. . . . He is the Deliverer, Jehovah. He is Jesus Christ. . . . He lives. He loves us, and He will deliver us."
From the conclusion:
"There are moments when you might wonder if you can take another step. Perhaps it is the heavy load you shoulder. Maybe it is the fear of what lies around the next corner. It could be that you're not quite ready for the detour, or the change of course, or the incline ahead. . . . The Old Testament taught me that there is One who is with us through every journey, through every wilderness place, and through every mountain moment. . . . He is the Deliverer, Jehovah. He is Jesus Christ. . . . He lives. He loves us, and He will deliver us."
August 26, 2013
First of all I'm sad that Goodreads doesn't have the cover of this book up because it is crazy gorgeous! It's called Meditations and Blossoms by Annie Henrie! Look-
I found it and just in time! My favorite read of August! Hands down no contest! So this book is flat-out phenomenal! I loved it!!!! Hearts and stars and big fat X's and O's all across the board! I would like to cyber hug Emily Freeman and just say thank you for your beautiful thoughts on life and what it's all about! I needed to "hear" or rather read everything in this book because I was searching for a little inspiration! I think one of the reasons that I like Emily Freeman so much is because she is able to simplify and magnify different gospel stories and principles. She made me see the Old Testament (not the easiest of reads) in a whole new light! Go and read it! I promise you will not be disappointed! And if you are disappointed at least you get this gorgeous book cover!
"Sometimes you just need to know the Lord is near. Sometimes the journey seems long, and although the scenery is breathtaking and the companions pleasant, there are moments when you might wonder if you can take another step. Perhaps it is the heavy load you shoulder. Maybe it is the fear of what lies around the next corner. It could be that you're not quite ready for the detour, or the change of course, or the incline that lies ahead. Do you know those moments? The Old Testament taught me that there is One who is with us through every journey, through every wilderness place, and through every mountain moment. He is there through the detours, and the changes of course, and the occasions that cause us to climb vertically. He is the Deliverer, Jehovah. He is Jesus Christ. He will be with us on our very worst days. He will help us get through the longest nights. He will bring peace through the times of heartache. And in the moments we long for deliverance, He will not leave our side. He lives, He loves us, and He will deliver us. Of this, I am certain." -Emily Freeman
"I love the verse in Joshua 14:11-12 when Caleb says, "As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in. Now therefore give me this mountain...the Lord will be with me."
I found it and just in time! My favorite read of August! Hands down no contest! So this book is flat-out phenomenal! I loved it!!!! Hearts and stars and big fat X's and O's all across the board! I would like to cyber hug Emily Freeman and just say thank you for your beautiful thoughts on life and what it's all about! I needed to "hear" or rather read everything in this book because I was searching for a little inspiration! I think one of the reasons that I like Emily Freeman so much is because she is able to simplify and magnify different gospel stories and principles. She made me see the Old Testament (not the easiest of reads) in a whole new light! Go and read it! I promise you will not be disappointed! And if you are disappointed at least you get this gorgeous book cover!
"Sometimes you just need to know the Lord is near. Sometimes the journey seems long, and although the scenery is breathtaking and the companions pleasant, there are moments when you might wonder if you can take another step. Perhaps it is the heavy load you shoulder. Maybe it is the fear of what lies around the next corner. It could be that you're not quite ready for the detour, or the change of course, or the incline that lies ahead. Do you know those moments? The Old Testament taught me that there is One who is with us through every journey, through every wilderness place, and through every mountain moment. He is there through the detours, and the changes of course, and the occasions that cause us to climb vertically. He is the Deliverer, Jehovah. He is Jesus Christ. He will be with us on our very worst days. He will help us get through the longest nights. He will bring peace through the times of heartache. And in the moments we long for deliverance, He will not leave our side. He lives, He loves us, and He will deliver us. Of this, I am certain." -Emily Freeman
"I love the verse in Joshua 14:11-12 when Caleb says, "As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in. Now therefore give me this mountain...the Lord will be with me."
November 6, 2013
What a fabulous book and a gorgeous cover! I was interested to read Ms. Freeman's perspective on how the teachings contained in the Old Testament can apply to our lives today.
The chapters are short so it's easy to read a few pages at a time. However, the information found in these short chapters can be pondered over for a long time. I needed to get through it quickly but plan to read it again more slowly so I can savor her teachings and stories.
One of my favorite stories was found in her chapter titled, "Here I Raise My Ebenezer" (p. 53-55). She said that 25 years ago, she was asked to play "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing" at a missionary homecoming and she had never heard it before. The part that says, "Here I raise my Ebenezer; Here by Thy great help I've come" didn't make sense to them so they changed the words and left out that part of the song. After the meeting, the missionary came over to thank them and then told them that they left out his favorite part of the song. They explained why they left it out and asked him what it meant. With a smile, he told them they would need to figure it out for themselves and gave a hint that it could be found in the scriptures. She found the answer in 1 Samuel 7. You'll need to read her book to see what she learned. I enjoyed this because it's also one of my favorite songs and I've never taken the time to figure out what that part meant and now it means even more to me! And I'm thinking I need my own Ebenezer.
There are many other great experiences to learn from and I'm grateful for how much she opened up and shared. Her explanations have helped me see how the lessons taught in the Old Testament can apply to me and help me find peace during the tough times. This is a book worth reading again and again and I highly recommend it to everyone!
Mel's Shelves
The chapters are short so it's easy to read a few pages at a time. However, the information found in these short chapters can be pondered over for a long time. I needed to get through it quickly but plan to read it again more slowly so I can savor her teachings and stories.
One of my favorite stories was found in her chapter titled, "Here I Raise My Ebenezer" (p. 53-55). She said that 25 years ago, she was asked to play "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing" at a missionary homecoming and she had never heard it before. The part that says, "Here I raise my Ebenezer; Here by Thy great help I've come" didn't make sense to them so they changed the words and left out that part of the song. After the meeting, the missionary came over to thank them and then told them that they left out his favorite part of the song. They explained why they left it out and asked him what it meant. With a smile, he told them they would need to figure it out for themselves and gave a hint that it could be found in the scriptures. She found the answer in 1 Samuel 7. You'll need to read her book to see what she learned. I enjoyed this because it's also one of my favorite songs and I've never taken the time to figure out what that part meant and now it means even more to me! And I'm thinking I need my own Ebenezer.
There are many other great experiences to learn from and I'm grateful for how much she opened up and shared. Her explanations have helped me see how the lessons taught in the Old Testament can apply to me and help me find peace during the tough times. This is a book worth reading again and again and I highly recommend it to everyone!
Mel's Shelves
November 29, 2013
This book is absolutely FABULOUS! Seriously it is nothing short of phenomenal.
I've read the Old Testament cover to cover but think I got more out of this short book than I did from the entire painstaking reading of the actual Old Testament. If you are looking for a way to liken the scriptures unto yourself this it the book to read.
Each chapter is short, usually just a page or two. In each one Emily takes a story or line from the Old Testament and shares how it has impacted her life. The stories are personal and ones that in nearly every instance I could relate to.
Honestly this book is near the top of my list of best books ever. It brought me so much peace and comfort regarding some of the personal struggles in my own life. If you haven't read this one go get a copy.
Rating: 5 Stars - I Loved It!
Source: Review Copy
Content: Clean
I've read the Old Testament cover to cover but think I got more out of this short book than I did from the entire painstaking reading of the actual Old Testament. If you are looking for a way to liken the scriptures unto yourself this it the book to read.
Each chapter is short, usually just a page or two. In each one Emily takes a story or line from the Old Testament and shares how it has impacted her life. The stories are personal and ones that in nearly every instance I could relate to.
Honestly this book is near the top of my list of best books ever. It brought me so much peace and comfort regarding some of the personal struggles in my own life. If you haven't read this one go get a copy.
Rating: 5 Stars - I Loved It!
Source: Review Copy
Content: Clean
February 15, 2018
One of my main goals for the year is to read the Old Testament and gain a love for it. It's been many years since I've studied it and I'm finding such joy from diving deep into the lessons and stories it contains. One way I'm gaining more understanding for it is through beautiful books. Written on Our Hearts is one such book. Emily Freeman does such a wonderful job of applying scripture to her personal, everyday life. I slowly savored this book, wrote down many quotes, and gained so much insight from it.
May 12, 2017
I read this over the school year with my son. We read one little section a day. I loved it! Each section is pact with so much the think about and I love how she connects and teaches from stories in the Old Testament.
September 11, 2019
Emily Freeman has such a great voice, and I was really looking forward to this book about her experiences with the Old Testament. Though there were some touching and profound passages, I thought a lot of the conclusions at the end of the chapter felt rushed.
June 7, 2018
Great read.
April 15, 2019
4 1/2 stars. This is a lovely book in which the author tells stories and shares scriptures from the Old Testament, then extracts truths and lessons learned and applies them to modern life.
June 21, 2021
this was amazing.
September 20, 2021
Great insights into sometimes obscure stories from the Old Testament to inspire and uplift.
March 24, 2022
I wonderful study of Old Testament moments and modern day application. Loved this study...
April 19, 2022
I love the focus on the power of the Old Testament which can be so difficult to understand but she has helped me understand it better
May 18, 2021
Such a powerfully insightful study guide of the Old Testament! I have a new appreciation for certain passages in the Bible. I really enjoyed and appreciated this book.
February 7, 2014
What a wonderful book!! I have always felt comfortable reading The Book of Mormon and the New Testament but always felt intimidated by the Old Testament. All the manuals and guides and lectures are intimidating as well. This is exactly what I needed to open the possibility of finding guidance in the Old Testament outside of the main stories everyone knows. The chapters are only two to four pages each and very easy to understand. They are deep without being difficult.
Reading this book is like sitting down at the kitchen table with Emily Freeman and having her open her scriptures and lovingly explain all the little notes and markings she put in her Bible. She has a real gift for discerning the meaning of the verses and making connections to herself. She also has a gift for expounding on the stories by way of the Spirit so the teachings gently flow into your soul as you read. She quotes the best parts and tells you what it means to her but ultimately leaves the reading and studying up to you. I am amazed at the depth that she pulled out of the stories. At one point I stopped and thought, "Wait. Who wrote this again?? Are you sure she hasn't served on a general auxiliary board or something? This is amazing." It gives me hope that if I study the Old Testament with the intent to apply it to my life, maybe I too can find more uplifting gems that I never knew existed.
At first I was a little uncomfortable (jealous, maybe?) when she would say things like, "I am reminded of one of my favorite stories found in 2 Kings 4" or "Hezekiah's story is one of my favorite stories in the entire Bible." But as she unfolds her interpretations of how the stories apply to us today, it really opened things up for me. Somewhere in the middle of the book, I had a breakthrough and, dare I say it, found a new favorite scripture in 2 Chronicles! I took note of over a dozen sections I want to go back over and remember. This book is indeed written on my heart and will help me get more out of Sunday School this year.
Reading this book is like sitting down at the kitchen table with Emily Freeman and having her open her scriptures and lovingly explain all the little notes and markings she put in her Bible. She has a real gift for discerning the meaning of the verses and making connections to herself. She also has a gift for expounding on the stories by way of the Spirit so the teachings gently flow into your soul as you read. She quotes the best parts and tells you what it means to her but ultimately leaves the reading and studying up to you. I am amazed at the depth that she pulled out of the stories. At one point I stopped and thought, "Wait. Who wrote this again?? Are you sure she hasn't served on a general auxiliary board or something? This is amazing." It gives me hope that if I study the Old Testament with the intent to apply it to my life, maybe I too can find more uplifting gems that I never knew existed.
At first I was a little uncomfortable (jealous, maybe?) when she would say things like, "I am reminded of one of my favorite stories found in 2 Kings 4" or "Hezekiah's story is one of my favorite stories in the entire Bible." But as she unfolds her interpretations of how the stories apply to us today, it really opened things up for me. Somewhere in the middle of the book, I had a breakthrough and, dare I say it, found a new favorite scripture in 2 Chronicles! I took note of over a dozen sections I want to go back over and remember. This book is indeed written on my heart and will help me get more out of Sunday School this year.
October 13, 2013
I thought I'd just take a Sunday afternoon and read the book in its entirety, front to back. That plan could have worked, but within the first few pages, I discovered I needed to treat this book differently. There was no chronological story line, but there were characters to get to know. There was no dry historical background so that magically it would make sense in my life; instead, there were present-day applications that made sense in a personal way.
I'll give just one example, early on in the book. I found that Emily Freeman and I have something in common--a son with type-1 diabetes. One of the serious worries she had about her son has been on my mind as well. Listening as she explained how the Spirit whispered to her an application of the scriptures I hadn't considered has eased my own fears. And this book is full of pin-pricks of light, connections I made with the author, and moreover with the scriptures themselves.
I found that instead of drowning myself in stories about the Old Testament, I could sip from its pages as I needed to. Each chapter is but a page or two with real-life experiences and insights. I discovered that using it as a companion to reading the scripture passages, aided in my understanding.
I've not finished the book yet, but it is one I will always treasure. Like a glass of water, I will sip from it, enjoying each drop as I read the Old Testament and seek for my own modern-day understanding of what our brothers and sisters went through so long ago as they awaited the arrival of their Savior and I await His coming again.
I'll give just one example, early on in the book. I found that Emily Freeman and I have something in common--a son with type-1 diabetes. One of the serious worries she had about her son has been on my mind as well. Listening as she explained how the Spirit whispered to her an application of the scriptures I hadn't considered has eased my own fears. And this book is full of pin-pricks of light, connections I made with the author, and moreover with the scriptures themselves.
I found that instead of drowning myself in stories about the Old Testament, I could sip from its pages as I needed to. Each chapter is but a page or two with real-life experiences and insights. I discovered that using it as a companion to reading the scripture passages, aided in my understanding.
I've not finished the book yet, but it is one I will always treasure. Like a glass of water, I will sip from it, enjoying each drop as I read the Old Testament and seek for my own modern-day understanding of what our brothers and sisters went through so long ago as they awaited the arrival of their Savior and I await His coming again.
October 28, 2013
Written on Our Hearts is full of spiritual messages and questions that pierce the heart. Emily shares her talent for inspiring others through her heartfelt words and lovely artwork in this thought-provoking book.
Each section is only a few pages long, and these sections are grouped by books of the Old Testament. The size of each section is perfect for a personal morning devotional, family home evening, or revisit during a tough day when seeking inspiration or reassurance. There are beautiful sketches depicting Old Testament scenes sprinkled throughout.
Every single section of this book offers something that touches my soul and fuels my desire to become a better person and to draw closer to Christ. It’s difficult to single out a favorite section, but I will list some that really stood out to me personally:
-“Empty Your Sack”
-“My Whole Soul”
-“That Which Doth Cost Me Nothing”
-“I Will Heal Thee”
-“Filling the Empty Places”
-“Hope in Thine End”
I have always been overwhelmed at the thought of an in-depth study of the Old Testament. Written on Our Hearts has shown me that there are wonderful things to be learned from such a study. I highly recommend it, both as an addition to your personal library, but as a gift as well. After all, Christmas is just around the corner.
Review originally published on LDS Women's Book Review -- www.ldswbr.com
FTC FYI: received a free review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Each section is only a few pages long, and these sections are grouped by books of the Old Testament. The size of each section is perfect for a personal morning devotional, family home evening, or revisit during a tough day when seeking inspiration or reassurance. There are beautiful sketches depicting Old Testament scenes sprinkled throughout.
Every single section of this book offers something that touches my soul and fuels my desire to become a better person and to draw closer to Christ. It’s difficult to single out a favorite section, but I will list some that really stood out to me personally:
-“Empty Your Sack”
-“My Whole Soul”
-“That Which Doth Cost Me Nothing”
-“I Will Heal Thee”
-“Filling the Empty Places”
-“Hope in Thine End”
I have always been overwhelmed at the thought of an in-depth study of the Old Testament. Written on Our Hearts has shown me that there are wonderful things to be learned from such a study. I highly recommend it, both as an addition to your personal library, but as a gift as well. After all, Christmas is just around the corner.
Review originally published on LDS Women's Book Review -- www.ldswbr.com
FTC FYI: received a free review copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 16, 2013
Emily Freeman is one of my most favorite scriptural authors.
She has a way of explaining scriptures and helping me see how they apply to my life right now that resonates within my heart.
I know that she has personally gone through some very trying times and it is through those times that she turned to the Lord and to the scriptures and gained the insight she has.
How blessed we are that she is willing to share that knowledge and love with us.
All of us have challenges, trials and adversity!
We may "face obstacles, danger, oppression, and injustice."
There will be times of sadness, anger, fear, and despair.
Of one thing we can be sure...the Lord will deliver us!
We can learn to trust in the Lord like Gideon, Nehemiah, Hezekiah, Micah, and Moses and others from the Old Testament.
We can "draw strength" and courage from their stories that are found and explained in this amazingly wonderful book!
We can have the love of the Lord "written on our hearts"
This book is a treasure to be studied and pondered especially as we study the Old Testament in Sunday School next year.
This book will help you find your deliverance!
She has a way of explaining scriptures and helping me see how they apply to my life right now that resonates within my heart.
I know that she has personally gone through some very trying times and it is through those times that she turned to the Lord and to the scriptures and gained the insight she has.
How blessed we are that she is willing to share that knowledge and love with us.
All of us have challenges, trials and adversity!
We may "face obstacles, danger, oppression, and injustice."
There will be times of sadness, anger, fear, and despair.
Of one thing we can be sure...the Lord will deliver us!
We can learn to trust in the Lord like Gideon, Nehemiah, Hezekiah, Micah, and Moses and others from the Old Testament.
We can "draw strength" and courage from their stories that are found and explained in this amazingly wonderful book!
We can have the love of the Lord "written on our hearts"
This book is a treasure to be studied and pondered especially as we study the Old Testament in Sunday School next year.
This book will help you find your deliverance!
April 11, 2016
This book was a tender mercy for me. It came at a time when I especially needed its message, which was comforting, inspiring, and enlightening. It also made the Old Testament personable, relevant, and beautiful to me. I have been studying the Old Testament with commentary for over a year now and have struggled with a personal connection and relevance. I am grateful for Emily Freeman's ability to relate both common and uncommon scriptural stories in such meaningful ways. She helped me see the beauty in the Old Testament and gave me a different lens for my continued studies.
"There will come a moment in your life when you or someone you love will struggle with a challenge so great you will wonder how you will make it through...In those moments, much-needed verses of scripture have been written on my heart. When I need deeper courage, unyielding strength, and increased wisdom to face the situation at hand, I turn to the pages of the Old Testament. It is within those pages that I have come to know Jehovah, the Deliverer--Jesus Christ--in a way I might not have before."
"There will come a moment in your life when you or someone you love will struggle with a challenge so great you will wonder how you will make it through...In those moments, much-needed verses of scripture have been written on my heart. When I need deeper courage, unyielding strength, and increased wisdom to face the situation at hand, I turn to the pages of the Old Testament. It is within those pages that I have come to know Jehovah, the Deliverer--Jesus Christ--in a way I might not have before."
May 20, 2014
This is a really great book! I've been wanting to read some of Emily Freeman's books for a while and this was wonderful, as I expected! I love the premise and purpose of the book - to study and learn from the stories of the Old Testament and its invitations and applications to our lives. The Old Testament really is fascinating and so applicable to us today. There are so many lessons for us to take from the teachings of these prophets and their experiences with the Lord. I love the verses and questions and invitations she highlights.
I love the overall focus of the book on seeing and understanding Jesus as The Deliverer, remembering Him and relying on Him, and having His words written on our hearts. I'm inspired to study deeper and find the meaning and lessons from these stories as they apply to my life, and to come to know my Deliverer better, having His words always in my heart.
I love the overall focus of the book on seeing and understanding Jesus as The Deliverer, remembering Him and relying on Him, and having His words written on our hearts. I'm inspired to study deeper and find the meaning and lessons from these stories as they apply to my life, and to come to know my Deliverer better, having His words always in my heart.
September 26, 2015
I finished this book some time ago, but did not mark that fact so I picked up from a place I had marked with a sticky note and completed it again. That marked placed was actually a reminder to share the message of gratitude Emily Freeman had noted from the Old Testament to my family.
However, it was time well spent in reminding myself of two of her themes in this book: the need for kindness and gratitude. Indeed, the two run together.
In spite of my initial reluctance to purchase this book, I'm glad it went on sale for a reduced price because it was certainly worth my time and $! It has given me the impetus (or should I say kick in the pants) to reread the Old Testament in search of the the principles and lessons Freeman found.
I recommend this book as a daily devotional. The chapters are short and easily read to start the day on a spiritual footing; indeed, I recommend it heartily to homeschoolers to precede commencing their daily studies.
However, it was time well spent in reminding myself of two of her themes in this book: the need for kindness and gratitude. Indeed, the two run together.
In spite of my initial reluctance to purchase this book, I'm glad it went on sale for a reduced price because it was certainly worth my time and $! It has given me the impetus (or should I say kick in the pants) to reread the Old Testament in search of the the principles and lessons Freeman found.
I recommend this book as a daily devotional. The chapters are short and easily read to start the day on a spiritual footing; indeed, I recommend it heartily to homeschoolers to precede commencing their daily studies.
October 14, 2013
I absolutely loved this book! Each section of the book (2-4 pages) talks about one or a few verses of scripture from the Old Testament. Included in the sections are the author's observations or insights into the verse or verses and how we can apply them into our lives. It helped me to see these verses in a different light. Also in each section the author has included a question to ask yourself, a challenge so to speak. I immensely enjoyed these questions as they helped me to reflect on how I could apply each scripture into my life and try to become a better person. Reading the book was easy and the pages flew by quickly. This is definitely a book I would read again, it is a great learning tool and leaves the reader with much to ponder!
I received a copy of this book for free, this is my honest review.
I received a copy of this book for free, this is my honest review.
December 27, 2020
From the introduction, my heart has needed this.
I ended up purchasing it (although I can only get the kindle version now :( ) just because I had this insane desire to hi-light the entire first chapter.
From page 2: "So when things don't seem to be going exactly right, when the whole world seems to be crashing down around you, when you aren't quite sure if you are any good at anything, you might want to turn to Moses, or Abraham, or Genesis, and be reminded, God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. Every thing."
"The greatest blessings in life cannot come from that which doth cost us nothing".
I would take up miles of space to describe my favorite parts in this book. It has helped me to understand the Old Testament so much better, and to apply the experiences of the past to my life today. I hope to revisit this one regularly.
I ended up purchasing it (although I can only get the kindle version now :( ) just because I had this insane desire to hi-light the entire first chapter.
From page 2: "So when things don't seem to be going exactly right, when the whole world seems to be crashing down around you, when you aren't quite sure if you are any good at anything, you might want to turn to Moses, or Abraham, or Genesis, and be reminded, God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. Every thing."
"The greatest blessings in life cannot come from that which doth cost us nothing".
I would take up miles of space to describe my favorite parts in this book. It has helped me to understand the Old Testament so much better, and to apply the experiences of the past to my life today. I hope to revisit this one regularly.
October 28, 2013
What a beautiful book! Not only is the design gorgeous (I mean look at that cover!) but the writing is just as good. Keep in mind that this is not a doctrinal discussion. This book provides the author's person thoughts and feelings about some of the stories in the Old Testament. Freeman shares her thoughts on Abraham and Isaac, Rebekah, David, as well as some of the lesser known people from the Old Testament. I appreciated her focus on the stories because those are the parts of the Old Testament that I love the most. I often get bogged down in the doctrine, but there is so much to learn from the experiences of others. I highly recommend this book to those who sometimes feel as I do, that the Old Testament is often hard to understand and frustrating to read.
November 11, 2013
I'm not one for marking up books, but as soon as I started to read this one, I just knew there were lots of passages that I wanted to underline. This book was an amazing one for me to read. Emily Freeman explained some of the Old Testament stories in ways that I have never before read or heard them explained. I loved how she related them to her life and also to mine. There were tons of stories in this book that I don't remember reading ever before, but it has made me want to go back and read them for the first time or again. Next time I study the Old Testament, I'll make sure to have this book close by so that I can remember Emily Freeman's way of explaining the stories!
June 1, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. It's broken up into short entries, I read a couple entries a night. Each entry is about a scripture or story from the Old Testament. Emily Freeman's writing style is easy to read and relate too. I felt like I learned and connected with stories from the Old Testament that hadn't meant much to me before. Some entries were stronger than others but all were enjoyable. Good read- I think I'll try other books by this author.
November 17, 2013
Emily Freeman is one of our more talented writer's in the LDS community. She has the gift of creativity and spirituality in her writing. Combining her own experiences with Old Testament stories she is able to cause readers to contemplate the messages of the Old Testament on a deeper level, and ask us to ponder the messages and what they mean to us personally.
December 20, 2014
Short chapters on various verses and passages from the Old Testament. I loved the insight and application to today's world. Each essay is thoughtful and inspirational. Some of my favorite chapters:
"Some Blessings Come Late" Hannah
"A Mother In Israel" The wise woman, unnamed, in 2 Samuel 20
"Once Upon a Time" Esther
"Showers of Blessings" Ezekiel 34
"Consider Your Ways" Haggai 1
"Some Blessings Come Late" Hannah
"A Mother In Israel" The wise woman, unnamed, in 2 Samuel 20
"Once Upon a Time" Esther
"Showers of Blessings" Ezekiel 34
"Consider Your Ways" Haggai 1
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