November Collection
Cozy cup-fillers from one of my favorite months!
Hello friend!
Okay, humor me for a moment. You know that feeling when you pull a well-loved blanket out of the dryer? It’s been in there for like an hour tumbling around, but at last you hear that beep, or perhaps even a little melody of beeps (some of these dryer companies have too much time on their hands), and you know it’s about to get cozy.
This pretty much sums up November’s resources. They’re like a warm, gentle, detergent-scented blanket—offering the comfort I’ve needed as darker days descend. I hope you’ll feel it, too. As always, I’ve split things into categories so you can navigate easily and take what’s helpful.
Substack Posts & Online Resources
Comfort for the Heart that Can’t Pray | Ashley Gibson
My friend Ashley writes with a tenderness that can’t be faked. She’s the real deal—gentle, compassionate, and wise. Reading this article felt like being wrapped in that fresh-out-of-the dryer blanket. It is gracious, reassuring, and saturated with Scripture. If you desire to pray but feel too weary to form the words, read this one. You’ll be encouraged. Pinky promise!
SING Worship Devotionals | Shane & Shane and The Worship Initiative
Where have these been all my life?! Y’all. Every weekday you can worship with Shane and Shane, accompanied by acoustics and the angelic voices of the Worship Initiative team. This is not a drill! Each podcast episode includes a brief devotional based on the truths in that day’s hymn or worship song. And then Shane & Shane invite you to pause whatever’s happening in your day to praise the Lord with them. It’s been a heart-quieting rhythm. Truly—I can’t recommend this one enough.
Music
In theory, I’m a Christmas music after Thanksgiving gal. But in practice, I cave by around November 10th. And let me tell you, no song gets me in the Advent spirit like this modern hymn by Andrew Peterson. The lyrics are simple enough that a child can understand them, and yet the truths they represent are unfathomable.
Behold the Lamb of God Who takes away our sin Behold the Lamb of God The life and light of men Behold the Lamb of God Who died and rose again Behold the Lamb of God who comes To take away our sin
Sometimes we just need someone to tell us, “Look at Jesus,” don’t we? A hundred griefs melt away at the sight of him. If you’re burdened by sins and sorrows this Christmas (and I know you are, because you’re human), then here’s your invitation to behold the Lamb of God. He came for you. Can you believe it?
Books
Speaking of Advent, here’s my favorite devotional to walk through. Each day is by a different author. We’re talking Augustine, Alistair Begg, J.I. Packer, Charles Spurgeon, R.C. Sproul, Joni Eareckson Tada, John MacArthur, and so many more. The cast couldn’t be more stacked.
It is staggering for me to perceive that the Lord Jesus Christ is the glory of the Lord revealed to us. It is more staggering to grasp that he is the glory of the Lord revealed for us. It is most staggering of all to understand that he is the glory of God revealed in us. “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
John MacArthur
Miscellaneous
This picture captures the JOY of seeing my writing published in a book for the very first time. Two summers ago, I had the opportunity to intern with Lifeway Christian Resources. It was the best experience, and one of my favorite parts was being invited to write a day in this year’s Advent study, Behold the Savior. I’ve dreamed of being published since I was about five years old. So here’s to milestones that remind us God is faithful and kind—that he sees the desires of our hearts and really, really cares.
Here’s a quote from my day of study!
Glory shines most brightly against the cover of night. If you’re sitting in darkness, you are in a wonderful position to behold Christ this Christmas. “The people who live in darkness have seen a great light, and for those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned” (Matt. 4:16). His glory is for lowly ones, for daughters in the dark.
Let me know something that’s filled your cup this month! I’d be delighted to hear about it.
Love you so, Abby Jo ☕
this was precious
Love the daily podcast from Worship Initiative…like their music and didn’t know about it!