Book Review: HIStory in 30 Days by Carole O. Schryber

On top of my love for all things musical, I am also a lover of God and literature. I have been contemplating adding a new blog series of book reviews for all of you to enjoy, both brides and not. So, when my friend Natalie asked me to write a book review on this great devotional, I figured this was a great book to start off with. 

The Book

HIStory in 30 Days: Genesis to Revelation with Daily Devotionals by Carole O. Schryber

You can purchase the book here! 

It is set up in a daily format. Here is the general layout of the devotional:

HIStory continues… (This is the devotional text)

Devotional: Where Are We in HIStory? (A daily verse and its application)

Today I Pray (A daily prayer)

A quote from the author: “The Bible isn’t a random collection of unrelated books. Rather, it tells one story from beginning to end. There is one plot throughout. Many of us are so accustomed to moving around in the Bible that the fact it’s one linear story, threaded throughout, can get lost.” - Carole O. Schryber

Every book, from Genesis to Revelation, is mentioned. The story is seamless. It is the story of God, and His love for us, which resulted in His plan from the beginning of time, to send Jesus to die for our sins. 

My Thoughts

It took me a bit longer than 30 days to complete the study, but that is alright. It is not important how long it took, but that I finished it, and did it chronologically. Reading from the beginning to the end helps to lay out how God had plans for us from the very beginning, and He never wavered in that plan. 

There were mornings where I didn’t want to sit down and do this study. There were so many things that would call to me, like a siren song, trying to convince me to step away. Don’t you want to wash these dishes, Whitney? - Shouldn’t you check your email again…just in case? - Maybe there is something new on Pinterest you should look at? My brain came up with myriad excuses to put it off. But, I soldiered on, and I am glad I did.

This study came during an emergence from a spiritual dry spell for me. It was a really great way to get me back in the Word every day. I thrive on routine, and having a study that only took 10 minutes of my morning was perfect for my checklist-oriented personality. 

As a result of this study, which gave great snapshot views into every book of the Bible, I am now motivated to dig into the word more and more. I am also itching to read some of the books I might not have been drawn to in the past. Because the Bible is one story, His story, and it deserves to be savored. 

The Verdict

Read it!!

I 100% recommend this book for anyone who is wanting to learn more about God, Jesus, and Christianity in general. I also recommend this devotional for my fellow brothers and sisters who feel like they have been drifting and are looking for a life raft to pull them back in the right direction. 

I hope you like the book review idea! What books have inspired you? 

With love, 

Whitney

Engagement Stories: Abby & Tyler

This month's Engagement Story is about a couple who has been together since high school, and has only grown to love each other more every day since then. With their wedding coming up in May, they are about to celebrate their love story in the most beautiful way possible. Everyone: meet Abby and Tyler! 

How They Met

It all started in physics class their junior year of high school. Abby thought Tyler was a good-lookin' baseball boy, and Tyler thought Abby was a cute girl who needed help on physics homework (she didn't ;) ). They went to see Taken at the movies - Tyler drove his mom's mini van. They clicked immediately, and got in trouble for talking during the previews (they didn't even notice they had started). The rest is history! 

The Proposal

After so many years together, Abby and Tyler both knew that a proposal was fast approaching; it was simply a matter of time. But, Tyler was determined to make the moment a surprise, no matter how difficult that was going to be. At this point, Abby was suspicious that any special moment could lead to a proposal, so Tyler had to get creative. He enlisted the help of Abby's roommate - she was in on the plan for months and was a crucial accomplice. 

One Saturday in October, she invited Abby to go with her to Arrington Vineyards to spend the afternoon with some "girlfriends." Little did she know, something much different had been planned. When they arrived, Abby's roommate led her to a secluded part of the vineyard where her "friends" were already waiting for them. Instead, Abby discovered Tyler waiting for her at a picnic table he had set up with a tablecloth and vases of red roses. He got down on one knee as she approached, and the surprise proposal was a complete success! 

But the surprises didn't stop there. Tyler and Abby enjoyed a glass of wine at the vineyard and then headed back to his place. Abby had no idea that Tyler had also gotten several of their friends to drive hours to celebrate the big day, and they were waiting at his apartment when Abby and Tyler arrived. The next morning, both of their parents were waiting for them at a restaurant to surprise Abby at breakfast. The proposal was certainly one for the books. 

The Details

Today, Tyler and Abby have grown to know so much about each other and a lot has changed. But, some things still remain the same - they're the best of buds, talk about pretty much everything, and still know Harry Potter Trivia like the back of their hands. They are thrilled to continue taking on life together, and can't wait to see what this new chapter of life has in store for them. 

Congrats to Tyler and Abby on your upcoming wedding! I am so excited to get to be part of your special day! 

If you have an Engagement Story you would like for me to tell, please let me know in the comments below! 

With love,

Whitney