Author Debbie Wood

Historical fiction books are plenteous today. Unfortunately, there are just a few that are about Christadelphians. Sister Debbie Wood from the Landenberg Ecclesia in Pennsylvania has written four fiction novels based upon the history of Christadelphians in North America.

A Precious Hope was her first book written in 1999. It is about the struggles, tragedies, and general lives of the members of a close-knit community in Virginia and its small ecclesia in the early 1900s. Like other historical books, it is true to the times but also includes the exciting spread of the Truth. The faith of the various characters bring tears, joy, and inspiration to the readers.

Sister Debbie went on to write three more novels. They are part of The Day Star Legacy series. The first book, The Early Years, starts in 1875 and takes place in Kentucky. The story continues in the books, The New Century and Year by Year following the various lives of families in both Kentucky and Virginia. Filled with the lives of fictional, but realistic Christadelphian brethren, these books show growth, progression, and stable, yet tried, faith. The fourth (and much anticipated) book in the series is in the making.

Two of these are currently out of print. The remaining two books can be purchased here.

The Lord Builds the House

A refreshing children's picture book was given to our family as a hospitality gift a couple of years ago. It is called The Lord Builds the House: The 127th Psalm and is illustrated beautifully by Johannah Bluedorn. It may help children memorize the Psalm and appreciate family life. A wonderful book to read together at bedtime. It is enjoyed by all ages.

Johannah Bluedorn has also illustrated & written other books as well. Another favorite which we own is Bless the Lord: The 103rd Psalm. We look forward to her new book!

All of her books can be found here.

"There is nothing which sheds such a soft luster upon the female character in youth, as gentleness of spirit, and a modest, quiet behavior. These traits of character will always make a favorable impression upon strangers; while it is difficult ever to wear off the unpleasant first impression that is made by a bold, noisy, boisterous girl." ~How to be a Lady, p. 96

"Did you ever stand by the shore of a placid lake or pond, in a calm, sunny day, and throw a little stone into its smooth, silvery waters? Did you observe how, first, a little ripple was formed around the place where it stuck, and this was followed by a wave, and then, beyond, another, and another, till the whole surface of the water was disturbed? It was a very little thing that you did; and yet it agitated a great body of water. So it is with the childhood and youth; the most insignificant action you perform, in its influence upon your character, will reach through the whole period of your existence." ~How to be a Lady, p. 9

How to be a Lady

How to be a Lady: Useful Hints on the Formation of Womanly Character was written by Harvey Newcomb for his younger sister in the year of 1850. This book applies as much to those striving to be godly ladies today as it did back in his day. Some chapters of the book include: Treatment of Brothers and Sisters and Others in the Family, Private Prayer, Habits, Education of the Heart, and Government of the Tongue. Such wise words are written to help young women to "do all to the glory of God".

"If you lay the foundation of your character now in the love and fear of God, it will rise higher and higher, in excellence, beauty, and loveliness, for ever and ever. But if you lay the foundation in selfishness and sin, and build it accordingly, it will forever be sinking lower in degradation and deeper in wretchedness." p. 23

Read an earlier book by Harvey Newcomb, The Young Lady's Guide to Harmonious Development of Christian Character, here

Read the young man's equivalent of the book here

Purchase How to be a Lady here

"This Is the Day Which The Lord Hath Made (Psa. 118:24)

Thank God for every new day. Make each one a fresh, thankful, enthusiastic beginning. Yesterday's follies, failures, fleshlinesses, weaknesses, time-wastings, area ll gone with the night: analyzed, learned from, repented of; forgiven. Today we try again: to do a little better, to grow a little more mature, to control the flesh more faithfully, to serve God more lovingly, to remember Him ore continuously--out of weakness to grow strong, upon passing sorrow and disappointment to build eternal hope and joy, with prayerful meditation to reach more deeply into everlasting Truth, to discern and set aside, one by one, the myriad follies of the flesh. We are nothing. God is everything. Only the totally self-emptied will He fill. Eschew self-confidence like the plague. It is the world's god, not ours. Do your best continually, knowing it is a puny nothing: but if God is in it, it is one small part of the Eternal Temple that will endure when all else has passed away." ~Search Me O God, p. 78-79

Search Me, O God

Search Me, O God by Gilbert V. Growcott motivates the reader to no longer be satisfied with complacent spirituality. Growcott awakens the mind to the seriousness of serving God and not the petty things of self or the world. These short snippets of writing can be read daily for inspiration to live a more godly life.

You may read it online here.
You may purchase the book here.

"Godly discipleship is never a natural characteristic in man: it has to be learned, and it has to be practiced. Like a skilled musician, the disciple can become rusty if he grows indolent or lethargic, or if he fails to practice his discipleship every minute of every day. But, while even regular practice can never turn a clumsy-fingered pianist into a concert virtuoso, God has promised that constant attention to the essentials of discipleship will have its reward now, and in the age to come." ~Genius of Discipleship, back cover

"Let there be no mistake. These chapters are not concerned to present the disciple as a genius. The genius is not in failing man but in the power of God. It is that process which transforms the disciple into the friend, the witness, the servant of the Master. It is that system of living, which changes failure into fulfillment and finally into victory.

True discipleship involves the whole man and its influence should be conspicuous in every department of daily living. The objective is conformity of the disciple's mind and will to the image of Christ, so that finally, when the Lord comes again, the whole man, body, soul, and spirit may be changed and fashioned like unto him, immortal and incorruptible. But now, while he tarries, the purpose is to create and develop faithful and consecrated souls, upon whom he can depend, through whom he may witness and by whom his cause is advanced in this world. The making of such through all the varied ways of life is the genius of discipleship." ~Genius of Discipleship, preface

The Genius of Discipleship

The Genius of Discipleship is an inspiring book about the way a servant of God should live and grow. Brother Dennis Gillett expounds upon Bible truths and how to apply them to our lives.

"The genius of discipleship -- the transformation -- touches every aspect of life: being called, conviction, trust, surrender, purity, peace, prayer, service." (p. 4)

Can be purchased here