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Letters from Ruth's Attic: 31 Daily Insights for Knowing God's Love
A collection of unique reflections from Ruth Bell Graham's pen will lift your spirits, stir your smile and encourage you in your walk with God.
71 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
4 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Bell Graham
57 books79 followersRuth Graham was born in China; her parents were American medical missionaries at the Presbyterian Hospital 300 miles north of Shanghai. Ruth was a Christian from an early age. She graduated from Wheaton College, Illinois, where she met her future husband Billy Graham. They were married on August 13, 1943 in Montreat, NC when she was 23. Her husband became a full time evangelist preaching the gospel all over the world. She loved to move behind the scenes, away from the spotlight, and helped him craft and research sermons and even books. She wrote as an emotional release, while her husband was so often on the road. Ruth convinced Billy to move the family to Montreat, near her parents, when their first child was on the way. Her ministry flourished in the mountains of western North Carolina, where she built the family homestead and raised five children. Ruth and Billy were married over 65 years and had 19 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. Ruth Graham died at the age of 87.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 4, 2025
Focuses a bit too much on punishment for my taste. I like the readings more that focused on how to be Christlike
August 3, 2012
Ok, someone's bound to get mad at me for only giving this book 2 stars, but I really did not care for it. My problem is that the devotionals are not focused on the verse at the top of each page, but rather on Mrs. Graham's stories. It's very easy to take verses out of context and add a nice little story to each one to give them meaning, but that usually leads to us applying our own "interpretation" to the text rather than discerning what the author's purpose was, which is what I saw a lot of in this book. I thought the first devotional was good (even though it did not really deal with the point of the text) only because she talked about spiritual nourishment and exercise through studying scripture. But after that, there was no real depth, no meat, just stories. Yes I understand it it is a devotional and they're meant to be short, but I believe even a short devotional can have meat (Take Charles Spurgeon's Morning and Evening for an example). If you want to grow, find a devotional that will direct your focus to the Word of God, talking about passages in their context. Little five minute devotionals can be dangerous if their not nutritious, so make sure the devotional you use is packed with meat. So again, I'm sorry but I would not recommend this book.
June 7, 2012
Thank you, Christina! Ruth Bell Graham presents gentle and uplifting 1-page devotionals that, as the book cover says, "lift your spirits, stir your smile, and encourage you in your walk with God." I agree with you, Christina, when you said,"I've been using this as a summer devotional and I was sad to finish it. If you are looking from a break from your regular Bible study routine, it's encouraging to read some of Ruth's thoughts and wisdom." I especially liked Day 18--one quote--"...we may be tempted to try to do God's work and to neglect the very responsibilities that He has given to us. He asks us to take care of the possible and to trust Him for the impossible."
October 16, 2017
This was just okay for me. In order for a devotional to be effective for me, I think it has to be very direct. The author has to be both assertive and succinct for me to glean something that will actually change my behavior or recall to mind the devotion later in the day. I don't need niceties - I need blunt truth. I haven't read anything else from Ruth Graham, so I can't say if this reflects her true writing style, but her stories were just too soft and fluffy to reach me in such a short excerpt each day. Maybe I would like her full lengthed books better.
July 5, 2011
Excellent! I've been using this as a summer devotional and I was sad to finish it. If you are looking from a break from your regular Bible study routine, it's encouraging to read some of Ruth's thoughts and wisdom.
July 2, 2023
Excellent thoughts in a little devotional about life with God by a wonderful author/poet/godly woman...
If you've never read her books or poetry, you'll be blessed when you do. I read this every once and awhile as part of my personal devotions.
If you've never read her books or poetry, you'll be blessed when you do. I read this every once and awhile as part of my personal devotions.
April 27, 2009
A delightful book that all Graham fans will adore! :D
June 26, 2009
If you're looking for something inspirational.
August 14, 2009
Very Inspiring! A quick read but one that you won't forget!
January 3, 2017
Loved It
July 19, 2017
I love this devotional book, for me it will be a once a year reread!
May 28, 2020
This is a sweet little book. The daily readings are very brief, only about a page and a half each day consisting of a Bible verse, an anecdote, and a short prayer. Some of my favorite points are as follows.
“Satan fears prayer because God hears prayer. Satan will stop at nothing to distract a person from praying...Start praying where you are, as you are, about whatever concerns you, about whatever is lying most heavily on your heart, about whatever is irritating or frustrating you at present” (15).
“To your spouse, give a frank, honest reappraisal of yourself. Remember how much he or she has had to put up with and for how long. Ask yourself, ‘If I were my spouse, am I the sort of person I would want to come home to?’” (34).
“...our responsibility is to minister lovingly to the immediate needs of our families, whether it is by providing a happy home, by preparing a good meal and washing clothes or by offering words of encouragement, love and appreciation” (35-36).
“Each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore let us stop passing judgement on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way.” -Romans 14:12-13, NIV
“Lord, You have blessed me and my needs. Help me to be as generous to others and remember to do all things for the glory of Your Name” (54).
“Satan fears prayer because God hears prayer. Satan will stop at nothing to distract a person from praying...Start praying where you are, as you are, about whatever concerns you, about whatever is lying most heavily on your heart, about whatever is irritating or frustrating you at present” (15).
“To your spouse, give a frank, honest reappraisal of yourself. Remember how much he or she has had to put up with and for how long. Ask yourself, ‘If I were my spouse, am I the sort of person I would want to come home to?’” (34).
“...our responsibility is to minister lovingly to the immediate needs of our families, whether it is by providing a happy home, by preparing a good meal and washing clothes or by offering words of encouragement, love and appreciation” (35-36).
“Each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore let us stop passing judgement on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way.” -Romans 14:12-13, NIV
“Lord, You have blessed me and my needs. Help me to be as generous to others and remember to do all things for the glory of Your Name” (54).
March 28, 2023
This is such a wonderful devotional book. Ruth has a way with words while using relatable situations to help navigate the Christian life. She also helps to strengthen your knowledge of the bible, as the scriptures pertain to these situations. I'm so thankful my friend loaned me her copy! As always, there is an invitation for the reader to accept God's gift of salvation. In step by step form, so as to explain who God is, what His son Jesus did to redeem us, and how the Holy Spirit is with us, once we make that decision to follow!
October 28, 2020
This is an extremely good daily devotional books. For each day, it includes a bible verse, an essay regarding it by Mrs. Graham and a prayer. You can read it over and over. I put it away for a couple of months and then pull out again. Today, I am giving to a friend who just had surgery. I told it will brighten her recovery days. I'll miss this devotional but I have others. I highly recommend this to anyone.
August 21, 2020
I loved this book. Ruth's simple style is comforting and sweet without compromising on good truths. It's definitely a good book to shore you up, comfort you, and encourage you. I loved it and would (and probably should) definitely read it again.
December 31, 2020
she is a saint!
December 10, 2023
This is a must read if you want to become closer to God!
January 23, 2016
I have no idea where I got this book, but I thoroughly loved it. It contains such comforting (and sometimes challenging!) writing, and is strongly based on the Word of God. I loved Ruth Bell Graham's other writings over the years.
Sometimes one or more of my younger children would creep to my side and join me in this morning devotional.
Favorite quotes:
"Prayer means not always talking to Him, but waiting before Him till the dust settles and the stream runs clear." - F.B. Meyer
"The Lord is near to all that call upon Him; yea, He can feel breath when no voice can be heard for faintness." - John Trapp, commenting on Psalm 145
"With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." - Ephesians 6:18, NIV
"Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone." - 1 Thessalonians 5:13-14, NIV
"I think of baby Christians who, after their first painful encounter, call it quits unless a stronger Christian offers a word of advice, a shout of encouragement." - Ruth Bell Graham
"I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown." - Revelation 3:11a, NIV
"We are honored to have had the opportunity to serve our country under difficult circumstances." - Captain Jeremiah Denton, after his time as a POW in North Vietnam
"Why should we wonder, then, when we Christians struggle? We are not native plants. The earth is not our home, and we can expect to have rough times." - Ruth Bell Graham
"Forgive me, Lord, for paying more attention to my needs than to the needs of those whom You have called me to serve. Please give me the strength to serve others - and You - with joy."
"Each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way." - Romans 14:12-13, NIV
"Please forgive me and replace my judgmental attitude with Your love for them." - Ruth Bell Graham
"You do not stay angry forever, but delight to show mercy." - Micah 7:18b, NIV
"Neither knew that the scales in one young heart were being tilted inevitably toward the Savior because of an older man's close resemblance to Him when under attack." - Ruth Bell Graham
Sometimes one or more of my younger children would creep to my side and join me in this morning devotional.
Favorite quotes:
"Prayer means not always talking to Him, but waiting before Him till the dust settles and the stream runs clear." - F.B. Meyer
"The Lord is near to all that call upon Him; yea, He can feel breath when no voice can be heard for faintness." - John Trapp, commenting on Psalm 145
"With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." - Ephesians 6:18, NIV
"Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone." - 1 Thessalonians 5:13-14, NIV
"I think of baby Christians who, after their first painful encounter, call it quits unless a stronger Christian offers a word of advice, a shout of encouragement." - Ruth Bell Graham
"I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown." - Revelation 3:11a, NIV
"We are honored to have had the opportunity to serve our country under difficult circumstances." - Captain Jeremiah Denton, after his time as a POW in North Vietnam
"Why should we wonder, then, when we Christians struggle? We are not native plants. The earth is not our home, and we can expect to have rough times." - Ruth Bell Graham
"Forgive me, Lord, for paying more attention to my needs than to the needs of those whom You have called me to serve. Please give me the strength to serve others - and You - with joy."
"Each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way." - Romans 14:12-13, NIV
"Please forgive me and replace my judgmental attitude with Your love for them." - Ruth Bell Graham
"You do not stay angry forever, but delight to show mercy." - Micah 7:18b, NIV
"Neither knew that the scales in one young heart were being tilted inevitably toward the Savior because of an older man's close resemblance to Him when under attack." - Ruth Bell Graham
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews