Weathering Change: Seeking Peace Amid Life’s Tough Transitions

by Courtney Ellis

“In this beautiful book, Courtney Ellis brings us along with her on a journey through weather, the seasons, the land, and the inhabitants of this earth we call home. … The juxtaposition of story and science, the natural world and spiritual growth—I will never tire of works like these. Courtney has written a book that encapsulates all of this beautifully and I cannot commend this work more to you.” – Lore Ferguson Wilbert, from the foreword If one thing is constant, it's change. You may know it's coming, or it may be unexpected. It may be a change you anticipate with joy, like a new job, a wedding, or the birth of a baby. Or it may be a shift you fear or even moving to a new city, changes that come with aging, or a lost or broken relationship. No matter what kind of transition you are facing, change is difficult. How can you find peace and hope even when everything around you is shifting sand? How can your faith help you weather change? Pastor Courtney Ellis has walked alongside countless people facing changes big and small, welcome and dreaded. She's found that the same two questions come up again and Why is change so hard? And where is God amid these changes? Weathering Change invites you to discover how God equips us to navigate life's inevitable changes. Ellis offers rich spiritual reflections from God's created world and from Scripture that help you prepare for change and show you how to journey through it with curiosity, adaptability, and resilience. In Weathering Change you'll Discover how you can navigate life's disruptive changes, big or small, with grace and courage, Learn deep lessons from God's creation about preparing for and adapting to change, Learn how to find hope and peace amid the challenges and hurts of change, and Use the included discussion questions to explore how these principles can be applied to your life in meaningful ways. Ellis brings a unique perspective, blending theology, biblical narratives, personal insights, and stories from nature to illuminate how God remains present through times of transition. God's "Second Book" of nature provides deep and abiding lessons to sustain us during tough transitions—lessons we can learn from nesting bald eagles, metamorphosing monarch caterpillars, migrating Mobula rays, microscopic aeroplankton floating along with the breeze, and more. Though change is often painful, it is also ripe with possibilities for newness, growth, and transformation. Get your copy of Weathering Change today and begin to face change with grace and courage, finding strength in God's ever-present guidance.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian Living, Christian Non Fiction, Spirituality

224 pages, Paperback

Published February 17, 2026

About the author

Author, speaker, and mom of three, Courtney Ellis serves alongside her husband as a pastor in southern California. Born in the northern woods of Wisconsin, she graduated from Wheaton College, Loyola U of Chicago, and Princeton Theological Seminary. Her books include "Uncluttered: Free Your Space, Free Your Schedule, Free Your Soul," "Almost Holy Mama," and "Happy Now: Let Playfulness Lift Your Load and Renew Your Spirit."

Courtney's passions are to find freedom through practicing Christian simplicity, to give and receive hospitality, to play continually, and to live missionally while inviting others to do the same. She also loves candy and hates being told by her dentist that she should eat less candy.

Courtney's words have been featured in Fathom, Christianity Today, MOPS International, (in)courage, The Glorious Table, Huffington Post, The Mighty, Two Peas in a Podcast, Woven, More Than This, and more.

Find Courtney:

* Blog: www.courtneybellis.com
* Twitter: @courtneyellis
* Facebook: authorcourtneybellis
* Instagram: courtney_ellis_ellis

Reviews

[Cindy]

The author weaves themes of the natural world and God together, both the beautiful and the ugly (exploding whales, anyone?). She then anecdotally places us in the midst of her observations…both the beautiful and the ugly….and gives us guidance, a formula, and alternative ways of thinking for finding our way through the difficult and unsettling road of “weathering” and “change” we all encounter. The chapters are beautifully written essays but it took me a few chapters to learn her rhythm, and from there my rating rose to 5 stars. It’s a rarity for me to reread a book, but I think this one is worthy of it.

[Seth]

At the book fair as a kid, one of my favorite kinds of books was the “encyclopedia of weird animal facts.” They make 9 year olds into little dinner table experts, spouting off a stream a fascinating details and injecting wonder back into their parents’ lives. This book pulls that same trick. Ellis continues her project from Looking Up, showing adults who are caught in the break neck speed of work and parenting and aging (and often loneliness) how to reflect and pay attention to the world around them.

She also is attempting, I think what Karl Barth insisted, that the book of nature isn’t enough, but needs the witness of the church to interpret it, to guide us to the conclusion that nature isn’t all red in tooth and claw, that the groans of creation are reminding us that God is in the midst of it, working out the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purposes.

[Marbara Stivers]

“Weathering Change” should be my phrase of the decade, both the past one and the future one! Courtney‘s beautiful writing brings together the changes we see both in the natural outside world and in our personal, bodily world. At almost 73 I can attest to the themes she has written about. Growth only comes when we step into the changes living on this earth brings…and we find God is already there. Do yourself a favor and read this book; it is worth your time.

[Ashley McNeese]

Beautiful ❤️

[Kayla Goodman]

Absolutely loved this book. Such true thoughts about change and living in the midst of it. Truly a great read.

[Sarah Butterfield]

Weaving research from the natural world, personal narrative, and deep spiritual insights, Courtney Ellis has written a wise guide and companion for those of us walking through seasons of change. Within these pages, Courtney explores how God meets us in seasons of uncertainty through small, sustaining practices, deep self-awareness, and the wisdom of nature. This book really encouraged me at a time when I was facing unwanted changes and I've already given an extra copy to a friend and coworker struggling through tough transitions as well!

[Miranda Almeida]

Love how Courtney highlights the life lessons we can learn from nature, and how noticing, wondering and learning from nature points us to the Divine.

[Jessica Whipple]

I love the humility with which Courtney writes, and the joy that's such an apparent part of her witness. She simply wants to point us all toward beauty, and she's especially good at finding it--along with echoes of God's love for us--in nature.

[Shemaiah Gonzalez]

Transitions are tough-- and awkward, but a constant in life. How we handle transition builds resilience for those to come. Through hilarious personal stories, practical advice and descriptions of the natural world, Ellis opens our eyes to see God has not left us to our own devices. In His graciousness He revealed ways to navigate this world and all it throws at us, through His marvelous creation. Not only did I learn much about birds and bears and even ice, in Weathering Change, but finished the book fortified to take on change myself ---as an opportunity to grow.

[Sarah]

After reading Looking Up, a book by this author that brought me such needed help and hope in my grief and trauma recovery, I was eagerly anticipating reading this newest book. Yet I feel tricked and betrayed by what I discovered, and I'm very disappointed.

I would happily give this book a 5-star rating like I did for Looking Up, which also made my top picks of over 180 books I read in 2025. However, due to the liberalism that crept into this book, I felt cheated of the healing experience I sought from it. If the liberalism was removed, it wouldn't hurt this book at all, and the author's beautiful, metaphor-rich writing would be more inclusive for conservative readers.

What offended me that I first thought was a typo was the repeated use of "united States" or "uS" rather than the standard "United States" and "U.S." in all major style guides. I noted a negative reference to MAGA and a story that clearly portrayed the border patrol in a negative light. This was not counterbalanced by negative references to liberals in her book. Though she talked about dressing differently to accommodate her church audiences in Wisconsin vs. California, it seems as though she was not willing to be as accommodating to potential conservative readers like me in her book.

Here's why this concerns me so much. Jesus' last recorded prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane was for future believers - literally for us today. What did he pray for us? That we would have unity in the church. By taking a left-wing stance of talking about the United States with less unity through the passive-aggressive lowercase settings, what example does this set for us in the church? Couldn't the editors at IVP and the author have agreed that this inflammation was completely unnecessary, not to mention contrary to industry-standard editing guidelines?

This book has made me lose trust in both the author and the publisher. I would prefer to read a Christian non-fiction book without unnecessary interjections of political leanings. Though I myself am conservative, I do not share my conservative political viewpoints in my books intended for discipleship in the church. I wish other authors would follow suit as to not offend readers.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.

[Mhughessc]

Courtney Ellis is a speaker and author, who prefers to center her writings around the lessons we can learn from nature. Her latest book is entitled, "Weathering Change: Seeking Peace Amid Life's Tough Transitions." Ellis asserts that we can learn from nature how to deal with change when she says the following: "Nature demonstrates how to prepare for impending change." In fact, she reiterates that nature deals with changes in four ways: preparation, curiosity, adaptability, and resilience. She describes preparation as "reading yourself for what is coming or may come," curiosity as "approaching newness with open-minded interest," adaptability as "the ability to learn something new in one circumstance and then applying that learning elsewhere" and resilience as "the ability to bounce back or carry on after a change or setback."

It's easy to determine just how much Ellis loves nature, particularly birds, in her writing. I think anyone who is religious and likes being outdoors will really enjoy this book. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Will Norrid]

After reading and enjoying Looking Up from Courtney Ellis, I preordered this one when it was announced. I had a slower start with this one, but once I got into it I enjoyed it and its broader vision that the primarily-bird and faith focus of Looking Up. This last few chapters of Weathering Change really focused in on the fact that change is our constant story and I found this emphasis added to my joy in the book. I read this one in both print/audio, and I enjoyed both approaches in this one. I thought the book of nature overlaid with Scripture was helpful for many of us who were taught that nature/science are/should be more suspect by believers. Many good references and takeaways here from Ellis once again.

[Dorothy Greco]

I very much appreciated this book. Ellis is warm, wise, insightful, and pastoral. From the publisher: "Ellis brings a unique perspective, blending theology, biblical narratives, personal insights, and stories from nature to illuminate how God remains present through times of transition."

Curiosity is one of her key themes throughout the book:
"Discernment is an exercise in curiosity."
"The more time I spend seeking Jesus, the more I've begun to realize that faith is really a sort of divine curiosity."
"Curiosity is a sacred discipline."

Could not agree more.

If I lived in her neighborhood, I would definitely attend the church she pastors!

[Courtney Ellis]

I loved it. But then—I wrote it.

I always write the books I need to read. I’ve always struggled with change. Since I was a little girl, my parents have stories of the ways I fought off change. It didn’t get easier in adulthood, so I decided it was time to learn from Scripture, theology, psychology, and the natural world how to weather change well.

The result is this book: part investigation, part witness, part story. What I learned was that change is hard, God is good, and nature can help us through.

Therein lies the tale.

[Mary Smith]

Here's the question Courtney Ellis asks in her new book, "Weathering Change:" "Is there a way to find hope in a God who promises never to change, even when all around us is sinking sand?"

Here's her answer: besides Scripture and the Holy Spirit, God has given us a third guide: the Book of Nature.

She covers many types of change, illustrated with examples from birds, lizards, ants and even dirt, finding hope in all corners of creation. She also illustrates with well-chosen excerpts from Christian writers. There's wisdom here for readers ready to explore and ponder.

[Christine]

This book is not quite as emotional or hard hitting as her first one and I connected with it a little bit more but Weathering Change still had me highlighting sections and turning the page. I like how Courtney Ellis weaves what could be dry and boring facts about nature into the narrative that makes them seem personal and I also enjoyed the scripture references and personal stories that tied everything together. If you enjoy reflections on life through the lens of God's creation and you enjoyed her first book, pick this one up!

[JILL ELLIS]

This book charmed me. Ellis artfully wove together science, spirituality, nature, Christianity and change - in such a delightful way. She creates an uplifting spirit and a framework for understanding what change can mean for us and how to approach it in meaningful ways. I especially liked the section on stasis and its benefits to us as we unknowingly prepare for the next round of upheaval - kind of like stashing away our acorns (or gummy bears) to get ready for the next stressful event.

[Cathy Winick]

I love the author's breezy writing style. The chapter on aging was particularly insightful and comforting at this stage in my life. I admire and appreciate how the author uses the natural world to provide the information and comparisons, providing life lessons for readers of any age. As someone who practices Judaism I was unsure whether this book would feel contradictory to my faith, and I was grateful to find it complementary. A very good read!

[Christie Stoneback]

Change is hard.

Sometimes we embrace it, sometimes we are pushed through it, but regardless of the path, we get through it. Courtney Ellis does a good job helping us look beyond the moment and resist the initial urge to fight. God has a lesson and a plan for all of our journeys.

Thank you NetGalley, Courtney Ellis and the publisher for the ARC.

[Marla]

I enjoyed the stories and sharing from observation of nature. I almost DNF mid-book because I wasn't super engaged with it, but then it felt like it picked up in the second half. LOVED the chapter on wind and the connection to the Holy Spirit!

[Inga]

Rich and wise and funny and uncomfortable. My favorite chapter was the one on water.

I approached the section on resilience with apprehension, but it’s the first time I’ve not angrily rolled my eyes while reading about it.

It’s a keeper.

[Melissa]

I loved this book. Wonderful. I enjoyed the quotes woven throughout. The author draws from her experience and she shares a vital message. Authentic, accurate, insightful … I highly recommend this book.

[Gina Dalfonzo]

Full review here: https://christandpopculture.com/weath...

[Karen Houlding]

Enjoyable book full of personal and faith stories and the way nature can be a role model for us to accept change. I loved how each chapter featured a different aspect of nature -- it really helped me to have a visual for ways to weather change. The Prairie chapter took me by surprise as my favorite! Highly recommended!

[Joelle Lewis]

Somehow, I always find myself reading one of Courtney's books just when I need it the most. Weaving nature, life, and pastoral wisdom with practical prose - though narrated in a salty tone I adore - she reminds us of the difference between being alone, and lonely. There is a gentleness and grace that pours from every word; she isn't afraid to offer a rebuke when needed. She doesn't fluff it out with current popular philosophy nor cherry pick verses to fit a theology of her own making. The words are hers, but the inspiration is clearly God-given. As evidenced by the myriad of other works she quotes, her beliefs are not a random collection of pretty things. If this many people are writing the same theology, using the same background of nature, then surely it behooves us to listen, learn, and release back into our worlds.

[MaryAnne]

The book is divided into four sections based on how nature experiences change:
1. Preparation (Stasis, Forests, Fledging)
2. Curiosity (Noticing, Ecotones, Aging, Flocking, Migration)
3. Adaptation (Urban Wildlife, Climate, Winter, Motling, Water)
4. Resilience (Wind, Prairie, Decomposition, Endings)
Conclusion: Wonder
Each section holds several chapters that focus on one aspect of nature woven together with personal stories and thoughts on bible passages.
"So much of what we've learned about change comes down to this courageous act. Living with open hands before God, receiving both grace and pain, hope and hardship. And learning to trust the grand story that started long before us and will continue into the eternity that lives beyond. We witness this peace in the wild things that do not ask how or why They simply are."

[Collin Huber]

I got a hold of this book in the middle of a season when my own life was marked by constant transition—living in three different homes, traveling internationally, helping our kids adjust to new schools, and walking with my wife as she stepped into a new job. In the midst of all that, this book met me exactly where I was. Ellis's approach to viewing change through the lens of creation is an original take to me, offering a steady, thoughtful way of navigating seasons that feel anything but steady. The final reflections on death especially stayed with me. They brought fresh clarity to ideas I’ve wrestled with for some time, particularly in terms of what it means to live well in light of our limits. This is a beautifully written, deeply meaningful book—one I’m genuinely grateful to have read when I did. In other words, it’s exactly the kind of work you’d expect from Courtney Ellis.