I have a confession. For nearly a year I coveted my friends in possession of a certain book. Not just any book, mind you. The book. Nearly every week someone in my writer’s group sang the praises of The Synonym Finder, a 1,300 page thesaurus. The more I heard about this wonderful tool, the more I came to see it as the thing that transforms someone’s writing. Oh, the thought! However, my budget never allowed for the purchase of said desired item, so I continued using the same repetitious words. You can only imagine my excitement when I ventured to Amazon one morning and found a used copy for less than four dollars. One click later and my long-awaited thesaurus was on its way.

I tore open the packaging when the cherished tome arrived. Thousands of words greeted me, daring me to piece them together in extraordinary ways. My writer’s mind celebrated the possibilities. I had arrived. But as the weeks passed, my writing remained the same without any sudden improvements. It’s just a hunch, but it probably had something to do with the fact the very thing I desired for so long quickly found itself next to my desk, gathering dust.

There is another book that has the power to change us. And yet, all too often we allow the most incredible story of love and redemption to remain on our nightstand untouched. We unknowingly forfeit the many blessings it holds for us, as we hold to the same “words” we’ve always known.

John Ortberg recommends allotting five minutes daily to commune with God when learning how to pray. I think the same suggestion can be said with reading your Bible. If you aren?t sure where to begin, Navpress Bible reading plan provides an outline for reading through the entire New Testament in a year by reading five minutes a day, five times a week. Or, google “Bible Reading Plans” to find something that works for you. Ask God to give you insight and understanding. Let Him show you how it applies in your life.

Krista and Michele are gifted writers, but when it’s all said and done, we are nothing more than fellow sojourners. Let us encourage you to read the words that will alter your lives in ways you’ve never dreamt possible. Cherish them. Savor them. Let them penetrate your soul, and yes, even bring about the most radical transformation.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105

Sweet, sweet baby
So tender and pure
Allowing me to care for you
Savoring my touch

Smiling
Laughing
Anything Just for my attention

Do you not know?
You have my heart.

I wrote these very simple words for my son, thinking of the times he does a reverse belly laugh to get me to put down the dishtowel and play with him. As I smother his face once again with kisses, the most innocent, awe-inspiring, holy sound comes from his mouth: a blissful squeal. His contented heart cries out in joy as he receives his "prize."

Just a few short moments after penning this poem, my Savior quietly whispered to me. ?Read it again. These are my words to you, child.?

Fighting back tears, I’m astonished by the ways I try to earn God’s love, all the while being reminded this beautiful, sacred gift is already mine.

Oh dear, sweet Jesus. Thank you for your love.