Signs in Life: Finding Direction in Our Travels with God

by Deanna Nowadnick

SIGNS IN LIFE begins with a late night encounter with law enforcement. In the harsh glare of a flashlight, author DEANNA NOWADNICK learns the consequences of speeding through a stop sign. Other incidents follow. All are linked to the divine signs she's encountered in that bigger journey through life.

Join Deanna as she shares humorous anecdotes and inspirational lessons from her travels with God. See the signs in life. She might be speeding through a stop sign--yet again!--while you're carefully navigating a busy street, but together we're all part of a bigger journey, a greater purpose. We're all part of God's great story.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian

144 pages, Paperback

First published May 8, 2015

About the author

Deanna Nowadnick is an author and speaker. She loves helping women of faith connect our delightfully ordinary stories to God's extraordinary love and faithfulness, so we can be encouraged and empowered, knowing God's been in the details--always has been, author will be.

Deanna has written three books: Fruit of My Spirit, Signs in Life, and a 30-day devotional, Bouquet of Wisdom. She has also written two children's books: Grandma, You Found Me! and Grandma, I Did It!

Deanna and her husband Kurt live in Monroe, Washington.

Reviews

[Sheila]

Beautifully presented and nicely based in the Bible, Doeanna Nowadnick’s Signs in Life invites readers into her life story, shows how traffic signs relate to everyday living, and offers a wonderful guide to hearing and heeding God’s guidance. Well-chosen Bible passages (from Exodus) introduce each section. Very human photographs invite the reader to make friends with the author’s voice. And the signs...

Stop signs are important—they save lives—but we’re all careless drivers sometimes, mouthing “Oops, sorry!” and glad to have been kept safe. Life signs matter too, when friends see we’re falling apart and show us the way. And Bible signs help—not just the Ten Commandments, but the history of obedience and disobedience, of danger and consequence, and of freedom and hope. It’s a history well-told in Exodus.

“Facing the Red Sea, Moses had stopped and trusted in God for direction. Facing my own Red Sea of career choices, I plunged in,” says the author, each story segueing from driving, to personal life, to faith, to a rest area’s questions. “God’s able to work with our imperfections,” and the author’s life offers signs to readers, where we can see His work on our own path.

I love the author’s natural, never-preachy voice, her gentle (sometimes even laugh-out-loud) humor, and the way these stories flow, as if I’m sitting at table with a friend. Did that really happen? And did you...? There are surprises, and deep revelations. There’s advice quoted from many sources. And then there are the questions, which make it all personal. Of course, I also love the book of Exodus. And...

Deanna, I will cling to the picture of you at the bookstore, and I too will pray, “Please help me to get out of the way and let You lead.” Perhaps that’s the sign of a really good inspirational book—it’s sunk into my heart.

Disclosure: I was given a free ecopy and I offer my honest review.

[Juan Stella]

Deanna writes with the kind of honesty that invites you to drop your guard and reflect on your own experiences. Our book club had some of our most heartfelt discussions after reading this. We laughed about the driving stories, but we also shared about moments when we had ignored warning signs in our own lives whether in relationships, jobs, or personal struggles. Her book reminded us that God uses all of those experiences to guide us. Several of us left our meeting saying we wanted to pass the book along to our daughters, sisters, or friends. It’s the kind of read that keeps giving.

[Deborah G.]

When our club chose Signs in Life, we didn’t expect to laugh as much as we did. Deanna opens her book with a late-night run-in with law enforcement that had us all chuckling and shaking our heads because who hasn’t been there? But what’s brilliant is how she weaves humor into moments of truth about listening for God’s guidance. By the end of our discussion, we were talking about our own missed signs and times when God redirected our paths. It’s rare to find a book that can entertain, inspire, and still spark meaningful conversation, but this one did all three.

[Carrie Blackburn]

I think what made this book resonate most with our group was Deanna’s vulnerability. She doesn’t sugarcoat her mistakes, she shares them openly and lets us in on her thought process. Instead of presenting herself as a perfect Christian, she’s honest about being impatient, stubborn, and sometimes blind to the obvious. That’s what makes her lessons so powerful. We all agreed that her stories reminded us of times in our own lives when we ignored God’s nudges or barreled ahead with our own plans. Reading her book felt like listening to a wise but funny friend who always finds the deeper meaning.

[Rochelle Callaway]

One of the reasons our club picked this book was because it promised a balance of faith and humor—and it delivered beautifully. Each chapter stands on its own, so we were able to read a few at a time and then gather to talk about them. That format worked so well for us because it gave us time to reflect and apply her insights to our own week. The way Deanna turns everyday frustrations—like a stop sign or a speeding ticket, into spiritual lessons reminded us that God is present in both the mundane and the extraordinary. This book truly deepened our conversations as a group.

[David Beaton]

What impressed me most about Signs in Life is that it never felt preachy. Deanna shares her faith with warmth and humility, not from a pedestal but from the passenger seat of a very real, very human life. Our club loved the fact that she included plenty of humor alongside her spiritual reflections—it made the book approachable, even for those of us who don’t normally read ‘faith-based’ titles. By the end, several of us said we wanted to start keeping our own journals of ‘signs’ we encounter in daily life. That’s the mark of a great book, it changes how you see the world

[Irvin P.]

Our book club unanimously agreed that Signs in Life is one of the most heartfelt reads we’ve had in a long time. Deanna’s use of traffic signs as life lessons sparked such meaningful conversation. The “Yield” chapter reminded several of us how difficult it is to surrender control, yet how freeing it becomes once we do. Every story felt relatable, from career confusion to learning patience. We all left our discussion night encouraged and reflective.

[Gregory J.]

We loved how this book turned everyday experiences speeding tickets, wrong turns, and detours into divine moments of learning. The “Stop” chapter especially spoke to our group. It reminded us of times we’ve all rushed ahead of God’s timing and later realized He was protecting us. Deanna’s honesty opened our hearts to share similar moments from our own lives. It’s rare to find a book that teaches and comforts in equal measure.

[Janice R.]

Our church reading circle couldn’t stop talking about Signs in Life. The “School Zone” chapter led to one of our deepest discussions about slowing down and being present for others. We loved how the author admitted her own mistakes without shame it made the lessons feel attainable. We found ourselves reflecting on what “school zones” exist in our own lives places where God asks us to slow down and pay attention.

[James K.]

Our group was so moved by the “Construction Zone” chapter. It gave us permission to embrace the messy, unfinished parts of our journeys. We realized that God is constantly rebuilding and restoring, even when life feels chaotic. The author’s vulnerability reminded us that perfection isn’t the goal progress is. We all closed our discussion with gratitude for the reminder that we’re “works in progress.”

[Priya K.]

Inspiring, practical, and relatable. I found myself reflecting long after each chapter. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for encouragement and guidance in life. Deanna writes with warmth and grace, making every page feel like a personal conversation. I truly recommend this book for believers who need fresh perspective.

[Craig K.]

The “Wrong Way” section sparked such powerful sharing in our group. We each recalled moments where we thought we knew better than God, only to find ourselves redirected back to His plan. What stood out most was Deanna’s humor and humility she never preaches, just invites. We all agreed this book would make an amazing companion for women’s faith groups and mentoring circles.

[Ardis C.]

We appreciated how Signs in Life intertwined Scripture with real, sometimes funny, personal stories. It gave us a new perspective on how God uses ordinary experiences to teach extraordinary truths. The “Milepost” chapter helped us reflect on moments that mark growth in our faith. We ended our session by sharing our own “mileposts” of gratitude. This book truly deepened our fellowship.

[Sandra J.]

Our women’s group read Signs in Life over four weeks, and we didn’t want it to end. The “Scenic Viewpoint” chapter made us pause and talk about how easy it is to rush past joy. Deanna’s story of pausing to appreciate her blessings reminded each of us to slow down and enjoy the view. We decided to end every meeting sharing one “scenic moment” from our own week.

[Jessica E.]

We were drawn to this book’s theme of direction how God uses signs to guide us even when we’re distracted or defiant. “No U-Turn” led to some eye-opening sharing about regrets and second chances. The author’s tone is so relatable that even the heavier lessons felt gentle. We all left feeling renewed and hopeful about the future God is shaping for us.

[Danny V.]

As a mixed-age group, we appreciated how Signs in Life resonated across generations. The younger members related to the “Yield” and “Stop” chapters, while older readers connected with “Divided Highway.” The conversations flowed naturally, especially about trusting God during life’s transitions. We agreed that this book bridges experience and faith beautifully.

[Catherine R.]

We couldn’t help laughing during parts of this book especially the driving mishaps! But beneath the humor, there’s so much truth. The “Turn Right” chapter helped us discuss the times we’ve ignored clear direction and later seen God’s mercy guiding us back. It’s a rare devotional that can make you laugh, cry, and reflect in the same chapter.

[Randy A.]

Our club loved how Signs in Life made faith feel practical. Each road sign became a metaphor we could relate to whether it was slowing down, staying the course, or finding a new path. The “Under Construction” section led to a raw, beautiful conversation about healing and forgiveness. This book united our group in a very real way.

[Marcia K.]

Reading this book together reminded us how storytelling can draw people closer to God. The “One Way” chapter especially inspired our discussion about trusting that God’s path is not only right but good. We loved how Deanna didn’t shy away from her doubts her transparency made her story powerful. It’s the kind of book that stays with you.

[Gilberte J.]

This was the first faith-based book our community club read together, and it was perfect. The mix of humor, vulnerability, and Scripture kept everyone engaged. The “Road Narrows” chapter reminded us that growth often comes from discomfort. We spent an hour sharing our own “narrow roads” and how God carried us through.

[Lee A.]

Our book group found Signs in Life incredibly relatable. We talked for nearly two hours about the “Stop” and “Yield” chapters, realizing how often we resist pausing. The author’s storytelling felt like talking with a friend who’s been through the same struggles. Every woman in our group said she found at least one chapter that spoke directly to her heart.

[Michael D.]

We loved how Deanna used everyday experiences like traffic signs to explain spiritual lessons. It made faith feel tangible and alive. The “Milepost” chapter sparked a heartfelt talk about remembering where we’ve seen God’s faithfulness. We even made a list of our own “mileposts” as a group activity. This book was a joy to study together.

[Mary R.]

Signs in Life made for one of our most interactive meetings. The “Wrong Way” and “Construction Zone” chapters brought out honest confessions about mistakes and grace. We appreciated that Deanna never presents herself as perfect. Her humility made us feel safe to share our own stories. This is a book that opens hearts.

[Alice J.]

Our club found so much wisdom in this book. The “Scenic Viewpoint” chapter was a group favorite it reminded us that gratitude is a discipline, not an accident. We talked about how hard it can be to stop long enough to notice blessings. The conversation turned into a beautiful session of shared thankfulness.

[Barbara J.]

As a book club that’s read many devotional memoirs, we found Signs in Life refreshingly unique. The driving metaphor worked so well it kept the lessons memorable and fun. We found ourselves quoting lines to each other throughout the week. It’s both insightful and heartwarming perfect for reading aloud in a group.

[Kevin J.]

Our group discussed how relatable Deanna’s honesty felt. When she described ignoring God’s guidance, we all nodded because we’ve done the same. The “Yield” chapter opened a deep conversation about obedience and trust. We closed our meeting with prayer, thanking God for second chances. A wonderful, Spirit-filled read.

[Erin E.]

Signs in Life gave our group more than just conversation it gave us connection. Each chapter’s theme sparked honesty and laughter. We especially loved the “Divided Highway” ending, which reminded us that even when life splits in unexpected directions, God remains constant. We finished our last meeting grateful for both the book and each other.

[Marina R.]

Our group found the “Stop” chapter to be both convicting and comforting. We laughed about how often we ignore life’s stop signs until God forces us to take a break. Deanna’s honesty about rushing through life felt so real. It opened a conversation about burnout and obedience. We all agreed that learning to stop can sometimes be the holiest act.

[Michele D.]

The “Yield” chapter brought us to some heartfelt confessions. Every one of us had a story about trying to take control instead of trusting God. We appreciated how Deanna admitted her own impatience it made us feel seen. The discussion reminded us that surrender isn’t weakness; it’s strength guided by faith.

[Denise J.]

We loved the “Construction Zone” message. It became a beautiful metaphor for the messy seasons we’re all living through. Some of us are rebuilding faith after loss, others after disappointment. The author’s transparency gave us hope that God’s not done with us yet. We left that night encouraged and lighter.