Pawverbs: 100 Inspirations to Delight an Animal Lover’s Heart

by Jennifer Marshall Bleakley

A charming and wise collection of lessons from Proverbs . . . taught by teachers with paws.
Many of us believe a house isn’t a home unless there is fur on the floor. Pawverbs , a collection of 100 short stories featuring real-life animals, presents the godly wisdom of Proverbs in a whimsical way―inviting us to explore deep spiritual truths alongside tales of our lovable pets. In this book you will meet Like little fuzzy, hairy, scaly, or feathery ambassadors, animals are a gift from God to point us to Himself―to the One who promises to never leave us, is always available to listen, and who loves us more than we can fathom. If you are looking for encouragement and inspiration, or even just a kibble-sized morsel of wisdom, Pawverbs is sure to delight your pet-loving soul.

Genres: Nonfiction

336 pages, Paperback

Published May 5, 2020

About the author

Jennifer Marshall Bleakley is the author of Joey, Project Solomon, and the Pawverbs devotional series. She has a master’s degree in mental health counseling and worked for several years as a grief counselor. Jen loves writing stories about the ways animals can teach us about ourselves, each other, and about God—and how they can even point our hearts toward hope.
Jen lives in Raleigh, NC with her talented software engineer/wood-working husband, their two rapidly growing teenagers, and her very needy golden retriever. You can connect with her online at jenniferbleakley.com or on social media @jenbleakley

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an author who writes stories of hope in the midst of a hurting world, animals and nature are often irreplaceable in conveying the great mercy and faithfulness of the Lord when humans inevitably fail us. In the same way, with themes like trust and discernment, fear and comfort, kindness and gentleness, humility and rescue, this tender collection of real life animal stories takes "creature comforts" to a whole new level. I laughed, I cried, and I discovered renewed assurance of God's goodness demonstrated through the sweet beasts He has given us. The very first verses of the Bible tell us God created this incredible diversity of creatures because He knew we needed their companionship--and what a gift they are! Dogs (including three of my own!) and cats, squirrels and deer, goldfish and lizards, guinea pigs and dolphins, and everything in between are featured in this treasured collection. A must-have addition to the library of every animal lover. And as the owner of three retrievers, I especially appreciated that the pages do not shed!

[Patricia Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pawverbs is series of 100 short stories with animals as the main characters. After each short story is a set of thought questions "Paws & Ponder" and then a section called Paws & Pray. The stories are truly comforting in these trying times and as the author states, inspiring. It's a calming, relaxing read. The thought questions were very well written, very analytical ; useful for personal insights and/or in a discussion group, aiming at gaining insight into your own feelings, dilemmas, sources for help, life patterns, etc. the Paws & Pray addresses a Judeo-Christian Bible and Jesus as Lord, however the message in this section truly appeals to your spirituality and goodness, ethical behavior, and a central moral compass. For real enjoyment, I would recommend one story a day, thinking and perhaps writing your answers to Paws & Ponder. The way I would use it would be to just "open" the book to whatever chapter appears each day and answer the questions, think of the spiritual lesson.... Although more would likely read each in succession. A great little book, good for all ages, especially great for animal lovers. Thanks Goodreads for this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

One hundred tales of animal antics and what they teach their people.

Admittedly, each chapter starts with a proverb, then the story of two to three pages. Ends with Paws . . . and Ponder and Paws and Pray. Even if you do not want to avail yourself to the pray part, thinking about what the story intends to teach and allow yourself to 'ponder' is enough to make you want to read this slowly. Even if the cute stories - mostly dogs and cats although there is a horse, a pair of guinea pig sisters, a goldfish and a bearded dragon - just make you want to read the next. . . and the next. . . and the next. Just because they give you a warm feeling and a wistful smile.

Although, the reader can gulp the entire book - it really reads that fast - in a couple of sessions, it's meant to have the lessons considered and maybe provide a positive insight or two.

2021-127

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of my favorite devotion books so far. I truly believe angels come with fur and whiskers and to see an animal teaching a lesson or simply making you stop and dig deeper into your thoughts and feelings is a wonderful thing to experience. Theres something powerful in being able to learn something from a precious friend who doesn't speak our language. This book is full of little gems just like that, animals making you stop and "paws" giving you a wonderful lesson in the end. Perfect for the entire family!

[Kaciyo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of my favorite love books so far. I truly believe that angels bring wool and whistles and see an animal teaching or stop you and dig deep into your thoughts and feelings. There is something powerful to learn from a valuable friend who doesn't speak our language. This book is just like this, the animals are full of gems, and the "stop" gives you a wonderful lesson to finally. Perfect for the whole family! So, I stand with Animal X.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pawverbs, by Jennifer Marshall Bleakley, is a daily devotional featuring true stories of animals and how God uses them in our lives. It is full of hope, wisdom and encouragement. This book is just what 2020 needed!

[Bill Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was fortunate to get to read this book before being published. Amazing stories of faith, love, and hope in all these hurting times.

[Kathy Koepke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful book! I am an animal parent and have always believed that God speaks to me thru my animal child and thru all animals.

It gives you insight into yourselves from a different perspective.

Wonderful book!