New York Times bestselling author Squire Rushnell and his wife Louise DuArt share 21 brand-new and 9 classic true-life stories of extraordinary “Godwinks” at Christmastime, proving that what some thought was “coincidence” wasn't coincidence at all, but a supernatural “hotline” from God.
Think back to when you were a kid and someone you loved gave you a little wink across the dining room table, like Mom or Dad or Grandma. You didn't say, “What do you mean by that?” You knew. It meant: “Hey kid, I'm proud of you.” That's what a Godwink is: a message of reassurance from above, directly to you, out of seven billion people on the planet, saying “Hey kid...I have you on my mind right now. I love you. You’re never alone.”
A Godwink can be an unexpected connection to someone you love, a mysterious pathway to a life-changing opportunity, unanticipated income out of the blue, or an answered prayer that makes you say “wow”! Godwinks let you know that God is always extending you a tangible connection to Him, like a firm handrail on dark, wobbly stairs.
Now, just in time for the holiday season, comes Godwinks Christmas Stories, a collection of astonishing true-life stories centered around Christmas that demonstrate how God has shown Himself in the lives of others. He’ll do the same for you. Husband and wife authors Squire Rushnell and Louise DuArt remind you that Godwinks are like wondrous gifts left on your doorstep. Their aim with this book is to help you open the door and open your gifts of hope and encouragement.
I love these stories and have read many! It’s a joy to watch God weave things into our lives in ways we don’t always know at first what He is doing. But he always has a purpose!
Devotions based on true-life stories – it was a new concept to me, but husband and wife Bushnell and Duart carry it off well. Each entry consists of three parts:
1. A brief story (four or five pages in length)– some have been previously published, but all were new to me 2. Some brief devotional thoughts (“Reflections”) based on the story and asking the reader to reflect upon their own busy life. 3. A Scripture verse (a possible memory verse?) which again strengthens the lessons inherent in the stories.
The 30 parables serve to remind the reader that God can work in remarkable ways in a world full of broken people. Whether the brokenness is the result of loss, consequences, illness, etc., God can be ready to meet those needs in unexpected ways, if we will let Him.
The book will serve as a great gift (or stocking stuffer) for a couple, a young family, or a senior citizen. It could easily serve as an early Christmas gift for the members of a small group. Be sure to grab an extra copy for yourself as well. It would be worth 30 days of devotions. ______________ This review is based on a free copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.
A nice little book of collected stories about divine intervention, sometimes described as "coincidences". The book would appeal to faith following Christians as the author included a lot of biblical scripture as "lessons" for each story. That part could be skipped if the reader chose. I read it all as I am not familiar with much of the New Testament. Not sure if this counts toward my reading goal for the year. Stories were 'nice' but at times poorly written or unclear.
Goddwinked are not a coincidence but rather assurance of God's presence in our lives
This is a collection of true stories of God touching people's lives to provide assurance, encouragement, comfort and in some cases outright miracles. Through prayers we can see more and more instances of Godwinks in our lives and know that what some would call coincidence is definitely God at work in our lives.
There are miracles, answered prayer and "coincidences" all around! This book takes the time to show these "Godwink" true stories to show what they really are - not coincidences. My favorite one was the last one where the pastor meets someone who had made a tapestry, and later finds someone who was married to the one who had made the tapestry - he was able to bring the missing couple together!
I love the concept of this book. I call Godwinks "Tender mercies" but it is the same. The first and last stories brought me to tears because how amazing they were. I definitely want to get more of his books and read more of the Godwinks people have had in their lives.
Sweet stories to make you smile as you recognize God’s hand in even the littlest of things. The writing was a bit weak though, and listening to the audible version, the narration actually made me cringe. Took away some of the magic of the stories.
Rushnell and his wife have been collecting inspiring stories of “coincidences” better understood as events in which God has a part. They call these Godwinks, thinking back to when a parent might give you a wink across the dinner table. It signified recognition and affection. The authors liken these “coincidences” to a wink from God.
This collection of true stories centers on Christmas. Twenty-one of the stories are new while nine have appeared in previous collections. One of the stories is from Rushnell and explains how the whole idea of Godwinks came about. He also includes a reflection after the story to help readers explore how God moves in the lives of people.
These stories are nice, encouraging and rather generic. They would be appreciated by anyone who believes in God. While there is a Christian emphasis in the book, Rushnell does not restrict God's involvement to Christians. He writes in his Introduction, “This book proves that Godwinks happens to everyone. They are universal – crossing every border, every religion ...” (xii)
These touching stories remind us to pay attention to our lives. There are probably many times God has been involved and we have missed seeing it. People who like the kinds of stories in Guideposts will like this collection.
I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
This was a fun Christmas read on a cold foggy day. A few of the stories I had heard before, but the concept of God giving you a 'wink' is wonderful thought. Not a 'coincident' as things come together perfectly, but a wink that helps me be connected to God. Just what I needed to read & share it with someone else.
Such a wonderful feel good read. I loved the inspiration & how God works in His own way. After reading his it makes me wonderful how many God Winks I have missed. Hopefully I’ll be more in tune next time. Definitely want to read more God Wink Stories.
When I need a little pick me up I always teach for one of my Godwink Books. I feel such a connection when I read these short stories. I would recommend this book to anyone and it will for sure put a smile on your face.
These were such sweet stories of love and faith, and those special moments when God winks at us. If you're a believer, you know these moments. And these stories will lift your heart at this special time of year.❤
I read this for bookclub. Some of the stories were very touching. Some were pretty lame. It did reenforce my belief that God is in the details of our lives.
Loved this book. They are not coincidences, but Godwinks. They range from small to life changing. And the more you pray the more you’ll notice them. Little signs that you are on the right path.