Hi friend,
I hope you are having a fabulous week and FYI, it’s *almost* Friday so you should be feeling pretty good. In this month’s newsletter and below you will find:
Monthly book giveaway winner
On my radar links
Book to Read & Book Review
September essay + video
Worth Your Time podcast episodes
Book Updates (BIG NEWS! Scroll down for details!)
FAITH TIP: Pick ONE Bible verse — a LIFE VERSE. My husband uses Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” It’s only the first half of the verse too — but it can apply to basically EVERYTHING. He has it on repeat and never forgets it. Can you pick just one (feel free to use that one) and write it down, say it daily and ingrain into your mind? Let me know what you choose!
➡️➡️➡️ GIVEAWAY WINNER for: “Anything” by Jennie Allen
—-> auds3568@gmail.com ←—-
**PLEASE NOTE: You must open the email and claim the book in order to get it. So don’t miss out!
Next month, I will be giving away “Holier Than Thou” by Jackie Hill Perry. If you know someone who would like to be entered win a book each month!
On My Radar
Masks are Tough for Deaf People. I had not even considered how awful masks have been for the deaf. This TikTok video of a deaf woman treated incredibly inhumanely at a Dunkin Donuts really opened my eyes. There’s got to be another way, people.
If America Had 6 Political Parties. This was a fun little quiz that shows you where you would be if we had 6 political parties instead of 2. I kinda wish we did! Where do you fall on the scale?
God Uses Climate Change to Change Societies. I thought this was a thoughtful and well-done piece on an issue that matters.
Book Review: The Reason for God by Tim Keller
You really can’t go wrong reading Tim Keller. I’d heard so many good things about this book. Though I’m not a skeptic, I talk to many who are — and have a big heart for those who struggle with doubt and skepticism about faith.
In this book, Keller directly addresses some very specific struggles, even quoting those he’s spoken to in effort to really pose meaningful answers. Where so many have questions — about God’s existence, Jesus’ resurrection, the purpose of Hell, etc. — Keller answers them directly and effectively with answers that make sense.
I would recommend this book too all. For those who want to better understand their skeptical friends, and those looking for answers to the tough questions about their Christian faith.
Currently Reading
Essay: Do Christians Take the Bible Literally?
Christians take the Bible too literally. You’ve heard it before. But is that really true? The short answer is NO! While there are some things we are to take literally, so much of the Bible is symbolism, parables, poetry and more.
After I heard this take one too many times, I decided to break down a few ways we can be absolutely certain that NO ONE actually takes the Bible literally.
I’ll cover what people REALLY mean when they say or ask this question below the video.
Read more on this, including some of the examples I mentioned here.
Favorite IG Follows:
@fullmhouse. This is the best account simply because Kelsey and Caleb are hilarious and fun — the break we all need in the midst of a very serious world. You will not regret it!
@KatielRuga. Love finding new momma friends that align with my faith on IG. Katie definitely fits the bill and does a great job with her content!
🎧🎧🎧 Worth Your Time Podcast 🎧🎧🎧
You can listen to “Worth Your Time” podcast on iTunes, Spotify or anywhere you get your podcasts. If you are new, I have nearly 3 years of episodes to binge! Be sure to search my name “Ericka Andersen” if you are having trouble finding, as some apps locate the show more easily that way.
Amy Gannett: Theology is For Everyone
Amy Gannett does a lot of things. Being a church planter with her husband is no small task, but in addition to that — she’s an entrepreneur, Bible teacher, online leader and Mom to 1-year-old Emerson. I first discovered Amy through her company, Tiny Theologians, which makes theology cards for young children. She’s got a book out THIS month & so much wisdom. Don’t miss this episode!
Kristen Young on Biblical Motherhood
Kristen Young is a lot of fun, but she’s also got a lot to say about things like Biblical motherhood and living. By her own description, she’s a “homemaker and a truth speaker” who is wants to encourage Christ followers to live out their faith boldly. She’s a mom of 3 (and pregnant with #4) and has made a name for herself on Instagram in the past year.
Ericka’s Book Update: BIG NEWS! 📚📚📚
FINALLY: Some of you have heard, but for those that haven’t: I signed a book deal with NavPress. I wrote more of the details in the Instagram post below ⬇️⬇️⬇️ — but sufficient to say, I’m so excited and honored to have this opportunity. The book will be out in Summer 2022 and I’m currently finishing up the manuscript now.
I covet your prayers and want every single person reading this to be part of this. It’s not just a book. And it’s certainly not about me. If you are interested in joining the prayer team and getting a little more inside baseball over the next year, just sign up here (I will not be sending a lot of email, but maybe a few more than you get here!)
If you think someone you know would appreciate the content of these monthly emails, please do forward on and ask them to sign up. Don’t forget: There is a chance to win a NEW, popular Christian book from an awesome author every single month just for being on this list.
Got something you’d like me to talk about or cover? Let me know! Be sure to follow me on Instagram and check out my latest Reels & IGTV.
Love you and appreciate you!
Ericka