Although our circumstances vary, we all ache with a longing for something more. We are born with dreams, and some of us even have detailed plans about how to make them happen. Yet we all come to a point in life when we realize that we are not in control. A loved one gets sick, a tragedy occurs, our plans backfire. What we may not realize is that even if we can’t depend on our circumstances or … circumstances or even ourselves, there is One who will always provide what we need, just when we need it.
With compassion and enthusiasm, Meredith McDaniel invites you to walk alongside God’s people in Exodus as they wake up each morning to manna, God’s provision for them in desert places. As she unfolds their story of complete dependence on their Creator, you’ll discover through guided journaling how God is providing for you right now, where you are in your own unique story. Along the way, you will develop a comforting awareness that you are seen, guided, protected, and filled by a good God in the person of Jesus.
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Whether you are currently walking through the desert place or not, Meredith McDaniel’s “In Want + Plenty” will speak to your heart. Subtitled “Waking Up to God’s Provision in a Land of Longing”, it gets to the heart of the matter, because we are all longing for something, and the only One who can satisfy us is God Himself in the person of Jesus. This book is unique and interactive, taking readers through the book of Exodus on a journey to recognizing and drawing sustenance from God’s provision. The author’s compassionate heart and counseling background shine through and coalesce as she guides readers through the Israelites’ journey, which our own lives mirror in so many ways. This connection focuses on manna: that which God provided for the Israelites in the wilderness and that which we receive today. McDaniel explains that “God’s willingness to enter in and hear the hearts of his people is a form of manna. He is God and he does not owe us that gift of his presence, yet he offers it constantly.” Indeed, this is our blessed assurance, that “when we surrender to trusting Jesus and enter a relationship with him, recognizing him as the ultimate Manna in our life, we do find peace.” Regardless of our circumstances, God is always there, “making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” (Isaiah 43:19).
“In Want + Plenty” has an integrative format perfect for either group or individual study. Its arrangement reminded me of a devotional. There are nine sections interspersed with questions for personal reflection, as well as re:story questions for journaling at the end of each section and a re:sound, a song meant to heal. Highlighted phrases throughout the text and quotations pulled from the text and placed in the margins appear in green and draw the reader’s attention to them while summarizing the valuable skills. Each section begins with an exploration of the Exodus journey, followed by personal stories from the author that are germane to the Biblical story and to the focus of that section. This is a great arrangement because it teaches how the Old Testament is still vitally important to our faith. Furthermore, “In Want + Plenty” demonstrates that our own journey through the desert will lead us, also, to a land of milk and honey if we accept the Manna that God sent for us in the person of Jesus.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All opinions are my own.
If your an organized, Type A, planner and life doesn’t seem to be going your way…this book is for you!
I’m a control person and this book not only validated my longing but directed me to the source of plenty, offering my heart peace. The author offers readers the opportunity to search the areas of their hearts, mind, soul, and lives to see where control is lurking and how to release it. I liked that the author also included some song suggestions to further the experience as well as journaling choices that I think really bring an added value to this book. This book is a great resource to rediscover how we can all learn how to wholly depend on God to meet all our needs.
***I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.***
Thank you in advance to the publisher for providing a complimentary copy to review. All words are my own in this review and a positive review was not required.
Right off this cover grabs me. The water color design is soothing and calming, so it already feels like a comforting talk with a friend who happens to be a counselor.
This book is more geared towards women, which makes sense as in most families – women tend to worrying more about the finances, cooking, raising the kids, and the school work.
As with books of this type, this is not a one-time read. This is going to be one to hang on to, especially with questions that are more “journal” like that anything else. There are also some excellent self-assessment questions in this book.
In the beginning, there is a guide to elements and visuals used. Some text is HIGHLIGHTED and others is “spot-lighted”.
As of note, this is the second Revell “non-fiction” book I’ve read that quotes C.S. Lewis and also mentions letting go of our “false self”.
Despite its Christian theme – it doesn’t preach at the reader. McDaniel understands, as she is a counselor, that situations are very different for each of her clients as well as the readers. There are also song recommendations to enforce the lessons that McDaniel is teaching us.
This book is a bit different from other Christian Living/Self-Help books.
While most take a “Jesus” approach to problem solving, this goes back to the Old Testament with examining the story of Exodus, which is a rare take. Thus it combines Judaism with Christianity, or Jewish-Christian beliefs.
The theme in this well-written and structured book is God’s provision for us in our times of need and want. It is more about trust in God to give us what we need when we need it, much like the daily manna that God provided for the Israelites. Not to be confused with WHAT we WANT though. Exodus is used to highlight the thought of letting God provide for us and watching us provide for us.
For those who aren’t family with the story of Exodus, this will definitely inspire you to read more about it – I am definitely inspired by this book enough to look into it.
McDaniel uses real-life examples of troubles, along with God’s “manna” or provisions for us in our circumstances. This book is extremely relevant in today’s time when the rate of suicide, depression, and anxiety is on the rise.
McDaniel examines the anxiety and also talks about finding moments of stillness – turning off or putting devices down.
What I enjoyed was the soft colors, gentle highlights, reminders, and self-assessment questions. I have yet to put them into practice though; I can easily see myself doing it.
This book was so well-written and very hard to put down. I went halfway through it in the first sitting.
There were some interesting references to the prior Israel, and YHWH (Yahweh) which is God’s name.
This is recommended for those who want a different take on a Christian self-help.