Glory Awaits!
JUNE 2025 NEWSLETTER
Hello Reader,
A question that often haunts the bereaved is “Will we recognize loved ones in heaven?” This month I tackle that in a new post that I hope will comfort and encourage you. In honor of Father’s Day, I also have several links related to fatherhood (including God as heavenly Father). I’ve got three book reviews and the latest book news as well. May your summer be filled with hope and joy.
Blessings,
Jean E. Jones
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wILL wE rECOGNIZE lOVED oNES IN hEAVEN?
“Will my husband remember me in heaven?” a grieving widow asked us. It’s a common question. Indeed, an internet search of “Will we recognize loved ones in heaven” resulted in over 10 million returns.
This concern over loved ones forgetting us comes from Isaiah 65:17:
For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind.
Isaiah 65:17
Taken alone, this verse sounds like people’s memories might be erased in the eternal abode. But is that what this passage means?
links Related to Fathers
Terrific Reads
Find all of this year’s recommendations here.
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The Seven Sayings of Jesus on the Cross: Their Circumstances and Meaning
Murray J. Harris
This outstanding book examines in detail Jesus’s seven sayings on the cross. Despite excruciating pain, Jesus tends to others’ needs in the first three sayings. Then he voices anguish. Finally, he shouts his victory and commits himself to his Father. This short book increased my gratitude for and awe of Jesus’s sacrifice even more. College level.
Get it here: https://amzn.to/4jphIsr (affiliate link).
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Writing by the Book: 101 devotionals that encourage and equip writers to write well
Kathy Widenhouse
Widenhouse finds writing insights throughout the Bible in this inspiring set of devotionals for Christian writers. I enjoyed reading one of these devotionals before settling down to write. What I liked best was that they modeled what they taught. Each includes a Scripture, a short illustration, a summary truth, and a prayer. From the back cover: “The fundamentals of good writing are woven into scripture. Biblical truths provide the cornerstone for our lives. That includes our writing lives.”
Get it here: https://amzn.to/4mJXtbZ (affiliate link).
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Paws Vs. Claws
Spencer Quinn
I read this funny children’s mystery while we were out at Cedars-Sinai for Clay to have a procedure. It was the perfect light distraction. Queenie the cat and Arthur the dog narrate the chapters, and they have quite different views about events. The adventure begins when Queenie wants her cream, but the cow is missing. Meanwhile, her humans are distressed about strange things happening around Catastrophe Falls. Arthur wants to help, but he is oh-so forgetful. Grades 3 to 7 plus adults who love children’s books.
Get it here: https://amzn.to/4k8E6HI (affiliate link).
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What's New
Book News
We’ve finished going through our editor’s suggestions for our manuscript, “How Does God Use Suffering for Our Good?” Our publisher, Harvest House, has great editors.
Meanwhile, Clay and I have started working on a proposal for another book, this one a study on Ephesians.
Personal News
We’re praising God that Clay’s latest MRIs of his bones show no significant increases in the size of the lesions! His oncologist says his immune system seems to be keeping the cancer at bay. Meanwhile, he had a Watchman procedure last week on his heart that we hope will allow him to go off blood thinners. The procedure went well, and we should find out the results in early July.
Your Thoughts
Next Question
Who is your favorite mystery author? Click REPLY and let me know.
