The Listening Heart {plus giveaways}

 

I am so thrilled to share something with you today.

A few weeks ago, I received a wonderful devotional book in the mail from an online friend of mine, Judy Morrow.

I’ve never met Judy in person, but I have a feeling that someday I will. Smile

She and I have written back and forth through emails for a while now, and she always encourages me in so many ways.

Judy has just released a new book called The Listening Heart, Hearing God in Prayer.Screenshot 2013-12-11 10.10.02

It is a 365 day devotional book to drawer you closer to God each day through prayer.  I have kept it in my car ever since she sent it to me.  Sometimes I feel like I spend more of the time in my car than in my home, ya know? Smile

I love being able to take a few minutes to read from it while waiting in the car line or while Cy is driving.

The words bring so me so much comfort and peace.

Here is an sample excerpt from January:

Screenshot 2013-12-11 10.13.40

Judy did not plan on writing this book, but the Lord did.

He was writing the words of this book on her heart many years ago when she was going through a very difficult time.  She shares with you how this book came about in this short video:

In my desire to simplify Christmas, I am asking God to help me focus on what matters most in my life during this hectic time of year.  One thing I know for sure is that spending time with Him each day should be my number one priority.  Judy’s book is a wonderful addition to my quiet time with Him each day.

I’ve been blessed by The Listening Heart, and I know you will too! Smile

Here’s some good news!

 

Judy is giving away 3 copies

of her new book, The Listening Heart to

Beneath My Heart readers!

Screenshot 2013-12-11 10.10.02

Just leave a comment below to enter.  This giveaway ends next Sunday, December 15th, and the winner will be announced next Monday, the 16th!

*Must be 18 years old or older to enter and have a US address.

 

Also, if you would like to go ahead and

purchase Judy’s devotional book for

yourself or as a gift for a loved one,

click HERE.

The Listening Heart would make a great

Christmas gift of stocking stuffer!

Have a blessed day, friends!

148 Comments

  1. I recently found your blog and I love reading it! Please submit my name for the drawing for the devotional book. :)

  3. Exactly the daily inspiration & guidance I need. We are doing a ladies group bible study, “Choosing Simplicity,” a book from Women of Faith, and it will be a perfect match. Living simply and simply listening!!!

    Blessings!!!

  4. Thanks Traci for hosting the giveaway! I would love to have a copy of this devotional. Merry Christmas!

  11. I love to read! I loved the excerpt so I can only imagine how the remainder of the book will be. Sounds as if it’s the inspiration I often need! Thanks for sharing!

  12. This book is exactly what I need right now! Thanks not only for recommending it but offering such a beautiful giveaway!

  14. Hi Traci,
    It’s been my prayer for a long time, to be able clearly hear what God has to say to me. It seems this book could be a great help. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy.

  15. What a wonderful idea,,, I would love a copy,, I sometimes
    Think I talk too much to God and dont listen enough!

  17. Thank you for this chance to win this book- my husband and I are heading into a year of many transitions and certainly need to hear more clearly than ever before!

    God bless you as you simplify and sharpen your focus!

  19. Very touched by the video and her testimony. I will be sure to check out this devotional. Thanks for sharing.

  21. EXACTLY what I need at this point in my life. So hoping I win. Thank you so much for this amazing opportunity!

  22. Thank you for the opportunity to win this book and for the reminder to take time to remember the true meaning of this season.

  24. As I tired mom of three young kids, I have let my prayer time go by the way side. Would love a copy of this book to refresh my soul and hopefully spur me on to spending time with Him in prayer.

  25. I met Judy years ago, but after we moved, I lost touch with her. I’m so thrilled to see that God is using her to bring hearts back to Him! I’ve been feeling a little “hectic” lately with Christmas preparations, so I’d love a copy to get me back “on track” :)

  27. thank you for the reminder! love your blog! i struggle w/ prayer – always thinking i’m not “doing it right”.

  28. Looks like an awesome book. Thanks to you & Judy Morrow for this special give away!
    Merry Christmas!

  30. This has been a rough 2013 for my family. Keeping my fingers crossed for the chance to share with our families. Thanks!

  36. Through my sister’s cancer I was reintroduced to prayer. My sister passed away this past May and now I am struggling with the power or lack of power in prayer. Some times my anger over powers my belief. I am struggling to get back.

    1. Erin, my heart goes out to you in the profound loss of your sister. I am praying that God’s comforting arms will enfold you and that you will know how very much he loves you. He won’t let you go. Hugs to you, my friend.

  37. Oh how I need this book. I pray daily and I write notes to God in my “God’s bag of prayers” that I keep in my sewing studio. I try so hard to pray for those in need and for myself to be a better person for God.

  39. I need a devotional like this at this transitional time in my life.Thank you for writing it and sharing your life.

  42. Simplify…I have been going thru the house simplifying..cleaning out…throwing out…very freeing!!! Prayer is helping with this. I feel nudges lately that I assume are answers to my prayers.

    Nice giveaway!! Have a blessed Christmas!!

    I am originally from Kentucky…until I was 22 and then followed my hubby to Alabama. So for basketball it’s UL or WKU…football is Auburn…War Eagle!!!

  43. A nice reminder to start the day with God… loved the words “pray like you breathe.. naturally, freely and constantly.”

  46. What a nice offer. I’m struggling right now with some hard things in my life, but I know God will see me through. I sometimes struggle even with prayer. Being a pastors wife doesn’t make you exempt .

  49. This devotional would be wonderful and encouaging. I am going through some unwanted times as I see my 32 year marriage ending after serving together in ministry and work for so many years. The loss of my dear mother as well this year and a distant young adult son… 2013 saw a lot of loss. I am thankful for His faithfulness to hang on to!

    1. Teresa, my heart hurt for you as I read your words. I am so sorry for your year of painful losses. I pray God will daily give you just what you need as you look to him. He sees you and loves you more than you can imagine, and I pray you will catch new glimpses of his love for you during this Christmas season. Hugs to you!

  50. I always enjoy reading your blog and especially love your reminders of what is important. Prayer is such a gift and one that is easily taken for granted. The book is lovely and will be a delightful gift for many!

  51. I love this devotional book…Please put me down as a winner. Thank you Lord for leading this lady to write this book. Praise the Lord.

  52. It’s so true that the real meaning of this season, the gift of our Lord to a “weary world”, can get lost in the non-essential hubub. Thanks so much for the much-needed reminder that everything else in the world can wait…..our praise time is first!

  53. Looks like an amazing book; I would enjoy the opportunity to win it! Prayer is something we can all do MORE of!!!

  56. Thanks, Traci! This would add to my morning devotional time. It reminds me of the Jesus Calling series.

  57. This sounds wonderful!
    It can be the devotional I can use to read to my patients when they can’t sleep.
    Prayfully I will have this in my hands soon, thanks.

  58. I could really use this book. My adult daughter is a addict and I have the privilege of raising her beautiful daughter. Sometimes I get a little down but it doesn’t last long. Thanks

  65. Perfect gift for special friends! Thanks for chance to win – great idea to keep in car!

  70. I really would love the chance to win this book. After the loss of my son in June it is so hard listening to my heart because it is broken. I know God has given me the strength to go on most days and without him I would not have made it these last 6 months.

    1. Debbie, I can’t imagine the depth of your pain, and I am so sorry for your devastating loss. I pray God will heal your broken heart, and that you will sense his closeness and care during this tender season. I’m sending you my love and prayers.

  72. I’m going to look for this book in my local bookstore if I don’t win! Thanks for the review!

  73. I am about to finish a similar book, Jesus Calling, that I received from my husband last year for Christmas. I would love to read through The Listening Heart this year!

  74. Traci, I feel incredibly honored that you featured my book on your blog today. Thank you so much!
    Your kind words and the dear comments of your readers have so touched my heart. I wish I could give copies of the book to everyone! I am praying that God will somehow provide The Listening Heart to all of them, so we can be reading it together in 2014.
    Thanks again, Traci, for connecting me with your wonderful readers.
    (And, to the Kathy who knows me, please message me on my Facebook Author Page so I can know which Kathy you are. :-) Thanks!)

  79. I would love to have a copy of this book. I am always looking for inspirational thoughts from the scriptures.

  80. So many times, I look up to the heavens and say “God are you listening, this is Theresa and I need you more today then I did yesterday”. This looks like a book that will raise me up spiritually and also one to share with my christian sisters at bible study.

  81. I love journaling, which is me writing my love letters to God. I’ve not had Him speak to me in the same way Judy is suggesing, and would love to read more! Thank you for a wonderful post.

  83. God is so good to speak thru and to us by way of Our listening hearts. It is when we take those moments to be still that he speaks. Would love to add this to my quiet time. Thank you Traci for making room in your blog for these faith builders.
    Merry Christmas!

  85. It seems our world has gone crazy, so to have a devotional like this will give anxious
    minds true peace and rest from our Jesus.

  87. The Listening Heart is exactly what I have been looking for. I would love to win this. Thank you for the opportunity and thank you for sharing

  89. The excerpt sounds like a wonderfully intimate devotional – I would love to share this with my mom.

  90. I hope it’s in His plan for me to win this book of devotions… My heart & mind need reminders of the reason for the season.

  92. I love the idea of leaving it in the car to have a daily reminder as you run around busy. I keep a small bible in my glove box.

  93. It is my goal and desire to develop more of a listening heart. This book sounds very interesting! Thank you for sharing and for the opportunity to obtain a copy. So appreciate your ministry!

  94. It sounds like a wonderful book. What a fulfilling way to start off each day. Something I need to work on with our busy days. Merry Christmas!

  96. I need this book. My husbands son has moved back in with us and has bipolar and has done drugs and I am at my wits end. I pray each night and then I cry myself to sleep. We left him here alone and he hocked anything he could get his hands on and we will never be able to recover those things. We are retired and on a fixed income. Sorry to spill my guts but I just had to let it go.

    God Bless you!

    2. Shirley, I echo Angie’s words and will be praying for you. I am so sorry that you are experiencing such heartache. I pray you will feel the comfort and love of our Lord today. Consider yourself hugged, dear one.

  97. Sometimes I struggle with hearing from God.I would appreciate the chance to learn from this book. Thank you,Traci, I enjoy your writings so much.

  99. Just what I need in my personal growth journey, please enter me to win one of these beautiful devotional books.

  109. That excerpt that you put in there from her book is exactly what I prayed today…that the Lord could hear me even though my heart is to broken to speak.

    Thank you for posting this. My heart needed it today more than you could possibly know.

    1. Angi, I couldn’t get your comment off my mind, so I wanted to come back and let you know you are in my prayers. My heart aches for your broken heart, and I pray God’s comfort will wrap around you with his love and care. Hugs, dear one.

  110. Judy’s story hit home with me. I would love the opportunity to win a copy of her book. Thank you for the opportunity.

  111. Learning to listen and really hear what God is saying is difficult, especially during times of uncertainty. Due to a recent job loss, I’m again thrust into absolute dependency on Him (where we should be every minute, anyway). The harder part is being obedient to what we hear.

  112. What a thought-provoking and inspirational sounding book. I know that I need to spend more “time on my knees” listening to what the Lord has to say for my life. I too would love the opportunity to win a copy of this book. Thanks for sharing something so meaningful and profound with your www friends.

  114. Hi Traci,

    When I first read the words “The Listening Heart”, I thought, how appropro
    iate. I had written very similar words in a church report earlier in the week. God had nudged me to share how important prayer is to our board. Part of what I’d written, “Prayer is an essential part of our meetings, when we ask for God’s guidance then listen for the things HE will put on our hearts……”. This book seems like a perfect book to share with fellow board members, though at this time, perhaps we can share one book among us. Judy’s words and experiences can touch each of us in different ways.
    I look forward to reading and learning more about Judy. and
    Traci I really enjoy your blog — following your life journey, your family’s adventures, and how generously you share your faith with us all. So glad I found my way here last year.

  115. Aaaah…a listening heart! How I want to cultivate that in my daily walk with Him.
    Please enter me in your book drawing.

  122. Such a great reminder of how loving and faithful our God is! Thank you Judy and Traci~be blessed during this season!!

  124. What a wonderful blessing this book would be to anyone who wins. I would love for that to be me!

  130. While I would LOVE this devotional for myself, I know a couple that desperately needs to hear God’s promises as they go through a terrible ordeal right now!

  131. This book touched my heart. My daughter is going through just what the video described. Her husband left her just after moving across the country with nothing, she has a son in junior high in an area full of drugs and she just started a new demanding job. She does not have a car anymore and has a hard time getting to work. While she is a believer she feels lost with no hope. This book would be a wonderful gift for her. Thank you for bring the book to our attention.

    1. Penny, my heart goes out to your daughter–and to you as her loving mom. I pray God will meet her needs just as He did for me during those difficult years. I also pray God’s hope will shine brightly and dispel the darkness. He is truly our Hope. Consider yourself hugged, dear one.

  134. Just reading the numerous comments above makes me painfully aware there is an enemy that would like nothing more than to defeat us. Prayer is a powerful weapon in this spiritual warfare. We are a people in need of a Savior. We are promised if we draw near to God, He will draw near to us. In Him we can find the answers, if we only listen. Thank you Judy Morrow for listening & obeying when you were inspired to write this book & thank you Traci for sharing with us.

  135. I enjoy your blog each day, not only with the creative ideas, but also with the blog writings such as this one. Please enter my name for the new devotional book.

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