Karol Ladd, a Bible teacher and bestselling author of over 20 books, is all about positive, and her newest title offers readers “hundreds of reasons to be thankful.” Ladd is known for challenging women to embrace a stance of gratefulness and positivism, using their influence to strengthen, teach and encourage their families, friends and colleagues. In this devotional, Ladd succeeds in communicating that same uplifting outlook towards God.

"When emotions run rampant and life’s stresses seem to overtake an awareness of God’s presence, Ladd’s work is a solid reminder that every day, come what may, He stands close and at-the-ready to offer whatever His followers require."

Despite hard times, difficulties, broken-heartedness, and losses of every variety, Ladd helps readers see that God is near, faithful, interested, and always working on their behalf. She has written almost 300 brief yet powerfully effective (in lifting one’s eyes off the dismal and to the divine) devotionals in this lovely little hardbound gift book. She begins each devotional with the words “He is…” or “He Is the…” or “He…” and then finishes the statement with a corresponding Bible verse. Next, she offers a neatly written explanation of the meaning behind the verse and how today’s Christ follower can apply it to their daily lives. In every devotional, Ladd “brings it home,” and she does it as in a grace offering that will appeal to readers’ hearts and emotions, thus drawing them closer to the heart of God.

Staying with the theme of PURSUING GOD IN THE QUIET PLACES, Ladd shares biblical stories and current ones in hopes of steadying the emotions, stabilizing one’s mind, and peacefully engaging the senses. Reading her devotional --- slowly, thoughtfully and introspectively --- will afford readers the richest takeaway…and to take into their days.

A few of Ladd’s topics focus on God’s will and plans not being thwarted, no matter what: “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” (Job 42:2). She describes Job’s tragedies and the surrounding questions Job and his friends had. Looking from the outside, certainly there was a mistake, right? Nope. Over time, God revealed He was in charge. There wasn’t, as Ladd shares, “A mix-up with someone else’s blueprints…” Job wrestled indeed with his losses (as would we, as we do), and yet God gave Job what he needed to survive the heartbreaks and then thrive later in life.

Ladd also does a lovely job discussing God as our deliverer from trouble: “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:2) Describing David overlooking the hills and declaring that the Lord would be his help, Ladd assures readers that today that same principle is true. God promises to lead us to help and to bring us help. And, perhaps most importantly, God Himself promises to BE our very help in time of need.

When emotions run rampant and life’s stresses seem to overtake an awareness of God’s presence, Ladd’s work is a solid reminder that every day, come what may, He stands close and at-the-ready to offer whatever His followers require. That promise alone will quiet even the most restless heart.