What Your Heart Needs for the Hard Days: 52 Encouraging Truths to Hold On To
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Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9780800722883 |
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| Publisher: | Baker Publishing Group |
| Publication date: | 09/02/2014 |
| Pages: | 256 |
| Sales rank: | 107,316 |
| Product dimensions: | 4.20(w) x 6.20(h) x 1.00(d) |
About the Author
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
What Your Heart Needs for the Hard Days: 52 Encouraging Truths to Hold On To
4.6 out of 5
based on
0 ratings.
20 reviews.
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I absolutely love Holley Gerth's books, and her new book, What Your Heart Needs for the Hard Days is wonderful! I love Holley Gerth's writing style. She's encouraging and warm. She makes you feel like she gets you! You don't have to read Holley Gerth's books in order. When I need a little pick me up or encouragement, I can flip open to any chapter and after a few paragraphs, my heart feels lighter.
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When I received an invitation to review Holley Gerth's latest book, What Your Heart Needs for the Hard Days, I had just gotten back from vacation. After reading another book of hers, I knew this one would be an absolute hit.
From the moment I held the brown paper package in my hands I couldn't wait to start reading. After the first couple of entries, I knew I wanted to run out and gift a copy to a close friend of mine. She had been stressed out lately and seemed like she could use an extra dose of encouragement.
Sadly, I never got to gift her a copy as she felt she'd had enough and took her precious life one morning about a month ago.
I believe God knew what he was doing when he gave me the desire to review this book. He knew that I would need the love, comfort, and encouragement that Holley so graciously extends between the pages.
Each devotion provides a prayer starter, a bible reading, and room for a few notes.
I liken Holley to a big sister. You know the one you always looked up to as a child. The one you watched and admired and always sought out for special advice. It truly feels that she has every ones heart health (in the emotional/spiritual sense) in her best interest. I picture her sitting with me, leaning in and giving me a knowing look that says "you're going to be OK."
One of my favorite entries has to be God Knows Your Calendar. This specific entry talks about how life's tragedies tend to find their way to our calendars. Each year we recognise those days that "mark us" and remind us that life is fragile and fleeting. Holley also talks about how when we are met with tragedy, we take more time to spend with loved ones, telling them how much we love them, living life more courageously.
I especially love the advice "Live like this day will never come again. Because it won't.
And live like you will exist forever. Because you will."
I recommend this book to anyone needing some comfort during a rough season. The encouraging words and supporting bible verses have been refreshing and uplifting for this grieving soul.
A special thanks to Revell publishing for providing me a copy of this magnificent book to review.
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This book is cute. It is hardcover with bright and fun colours. The book is small, about the size of a photograph (4x6) but jam-packed with wisdom, hope and insightful truths taken from the Psalms. It makes an excellent gift!
Each of the 52 devotions are about three pages long with room to write at the end of each section. She encourages the reader to ask what their heart is saying to God and what they're hearing from God. Also, each entry is titled such as "God will give you courage, not condemnation." Or another title is "God will be with you through the whole process". This allows the reader to pick and choose which entries to read at any given time. Each one is numbered but not dated - lots of freedom here.
Holley uses stories and anecdotes to relate to the issue or topic being discussed, Then she breaks down the spiritual elements using scripture and biblical truths about God's character. Finally she caps it all off with a short prayer of the heart.
Readers will love the way Holley brings hope so effortlessly into the aches and pains we face just by living day-to-day. Pick up her latest encouragement for you and let your soul rest in the unfailing love, peace, strength and joy of our Lord and Savior.
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group"
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Everyone gets hit by life. We all face pain. And Holley managed to write a devotional that makes you feel known in that pain. She writes from experience, sharing personal examples and as I read it felt like she was sitting across from me: encouraging me, loving me and given me of her time. I certainly felt less alone as I realized what I am feeling she's felt. When reading this devotional on a daily basis it will help you see the light. No, it will not fix your troubles, there will just be someone walking with you as you heal from your troubles.
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This is a great little devo that will speak to the heart of many women.
I love how Holley is almost telling a story each day. At the end of each brief thought is a place for you to respond. She has a prayer for you and then blank space where you can write down what is on your heart.
After that is a place where you write down what you feel God is speaking to you followed by scripture for you to read.
If you are looking for something quick but you still want to be in the word and have a meaningful encounter I believe this book does just that.
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This devotional has 52 entries, so you can read it once a week for a year, or daily for 52 days. Either way, this book will encourage and enlighten you.
Now, I did not read the whole thing cover to cover. I read one every day for a week, and then flipped through the rest, although I will continue to read one every day until I do get through all of them. But already, I have been so touched and encouraged by this devotional. Each short chapter is based on a Psalm, and although they may be short, they hold a lot of truth. Holley Gerth has a very unique writing that actually holds your interest. I'm not one for devotionals, but this one is very easy to read, as if you were chatting with an old friend.
We all need encouragement and to hear God's voice in our daily lives. This book really is what your heart needs for the hard days.
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Holley Gerth in her new book, “What Your Heart Needs for the Hard Days” published by Revell gives us 52 Encouraging Truths to Hold On To.
From the Back Cover: We all have days that make us want to pull the covers back over our heads and eat a dozen cupcakes.
Thankfully, Jesus said we don’t “live on bread alone”–that includes cupcakes–“but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4). What we really need is truth.
If you’re tired, discouraged, or feel a little empty inside, my prayer is that by the end of our time together, you’ll be refreshed and nourished in a way that will sustain you through whatever the future may hold.
Remember, you’re not alone, my friend.
In this uplifting book, Holley Gerth invites you to be filled with the strength, peace, and joy that come from God’s promises. Each of the 52 devotions based on the Psalms will help you remember that God is good and we’re all in this together.
There is not a one of us who has not had a hard day. Some of us can say we have even had a hard week. When those happen we feel zapped of all strength, discouraged, unfocused and a little lost. Holley Gerth has had those experiences as well and has gone to The Psalms for help for refreshment, nourishment and sustainment. There are fifty-two devotionals, one for every week of the year, though, I suppose they could be read daily no one is going to say no. At the end of each devotional is a prayer,”What My Heart Is Saying To You and a small space for thoughts then What My Heart is Hearing From You and more space for thoughts. We need help in our hard days and weeks this is the book to help you through them. It is a perfect gift for friends and family so they have something to turn to for their hard times.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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This book is a great, encouraging gift for friends who are facing difficult times. In the middle of the storm, she can read this book, and God can minister to her in the hospital room with her spouse, in the car ride line waiting on her children, in the doctor's office while she awaits test results, or whatever struggle or season of life she is facing.
I personally attribute this book to helping me to feel once again alive and passionate about ministry to others. I look forward to reading this book over and over again. I feel in different seasons of my life God will use this book to speak to my heart. I appreciate Holley Gerth's vulnerability and honesty about life, pain, and faith.
Holley Gerth writes in a style that feels familiar and comforting, and I am thankful for her transparency and vulnerability in her writing.
My prayer is that God would use this book to encourage thousands upon thousands of women!
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When I saw this book had 52 devotionals I thought, “Oh one for each week of the year.” Well when I started reading it was more like 3 or 4 a day! They were like potato chips, I couldn’t stop with just one!! I have been having many hard days since the death of my husband and all life’s “extra’s” to face alone. I truly found this book very encouraging.
Each devotional draws its encouragement from a scripture in Psalms. The Bible is the true source of all of our encouragement. The titles of every one of them spoke to my heart. They were worded perfectly to catch my attention. I found them to be exactly the thought or questions I might be consciously or unconsciously thinking about my situation. Holley’s stories and thoughts that followed helped me look outside of my “hard day” and focus on my loving Heavenly Father and His Word. I know sometimes when I have dealing with difficulties I tend to concentrate on the problem looming before and forget to give all my attention to the Lord. I found myself thinking, “Yes! I am not alone. God has this under control. I can make it with Him!
The devotionals are only 2 to 3 pages each. I appreciated this because when I am troubled I find myself having difficulty concentrating on things for a prolonged length of time. There is also a prayer at the end of the devotional and a place to write down how God spoke to you. This is special to me because then I can refer back again and again to His comfort and guidance. I also liked the contents at the front of the book. It made it easy to skim the titles and find just the one I needed at that moment. The book is the perfect size to fit in a purse, or backpack, and easily fits in your hand when you are reading. You will want to have one for you and several to give to friends who are struggling with “hard days”.
I received this book free from Revell Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
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Wonderful Devotional - Very Encouraging
I loved this devotional. These past few weeks Holly's word have been an encouragement and comfort during some trials I have faced. The Psalms (which is the foundation of this book) are so full of encouragement, hope, situations we can relate to as David expresses his deepest feelings. And Holly, well, she is just amazing at putting the words down on paper. As I read, I felt uplifted as though Holly were speaking to me.
I have read other books by Holly, and she is very gifted. Each devotional begins with a verse, followed by words of encouragement by Holly and maybe a story we can relate to as women. She ends the devotional with a prayer and a few suggested chapters in the Psalms to be read.
It takes you through the whole book of Psalms, with 52 devotionals that could be read daily or weekly based on your personal preference. This devotional is a reminder that whatever we are going through - we are not alone. Others have been through it before us, there will be those who come after us, and God is with us through it all!
What Your Heart Needs for Hard Days was provided by Revell in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
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The words in Holley Gerth‘s new devotional are soothing. What Your Heart Needs for the Hard Days is signature Holley: encouraging. She ushers in peace and calm through gentle redirection and powerful truths.
As I read through each entry, I nodded and smiled, identifying with the examples Holley uses to present each truth. Yes, I have been feeling that way, I’d realize. And Holley would explain how to let go of wrong thinking and harsh emotions and offer truths with which to replace them:
What Your Heart Needs for the Hard Days includes a passage from the Psalms, a prayer, and room for personal reflection in each entry. It can be used daily, weekly, or as often as desired. It’s perfect for personal use, and it makes a great gift.
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Like calling a friend when you are having a tough day...
Got this cute little devotional in the mail one day I was having a rough day. I showed it to my husband and said, 'Hey, this is exactly what I need today isn't it?' I read the back, 'We all have days that make us want to pull the covers over our heads and eat a dozen cupcakes.' Yup.
It has 52 devotionals based on the Psalms and each are about 2 or 3 pages long, just enough to get some encouragement for the day and start things off on a positive note. It also has about 3 suggested Psalms to read to go along with the devotional so if you read each three by the end of the book you would have read all 150 Psalms. It's perfect for keeping by your bed and with its small size I've kept it in my purse and read it while waiting for appointments.
Each chapter is a quick reminder of a truth from the Psalms like, 'God calls you his own', 'God's ways are best for you' and 'God is preparing you.' We can get in such a tizzy when things are going wrong. We can get so upset by our circumstances and our mind can have our feelings going crazy. We can change our feelings by remembering the truth about the things going on in our life-that God is with us and will give us courage and protects us and is our defender. When we focus on the truth of God's word then things around us don't seem as stressful and unmanageable.
I read Holley's "You Are Going to be Okay" and really appreciated her style of writing. I feel like she's a good friend and we are talking over a cup of chai. This devotional is the companion book and it's been a great way to remember each day that God is with me and I can make it through whatever comes my way.
Thank you to Revell for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
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This book is a balm for the soul! Once you open the pages it feels just like you are sitting across from a dear friend receiving life-giving encouragement that uplifts and points back to God. I love the way Holley Gerth writes just as I imagine she would talk in person. She brings life to her books and then it is as if she sees straight into your own heart. This book is 52 days worth of devotions, I can't wait for Holley to write one for 365 days. I can tell that this will quickly be a favorite and may well be read many times throughout the year!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Reads Blog Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
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If you read and enjoyed Holley's latest book You're Going To Be Okay then I think you'd really like this follow-up devotional. It is filled with 52 different devotions that can be used as a daily pick me up or a weekly boost just when you need it most.
Holley's wit and wisdom shine through in this little book. She opens with this little gem in her classic style of upbeat realism.
"We all have hard days. The kind that make us want to pull the covers back over our heads, move to Hawaii, or eat a dozen cupcakes. Deep inside we know those aren't the best options for our lives or our thighs. So what's a girl to do?"
Did I just hear you shout AMEN? I know I did. Holley just has a way of putting into words exactly what we are all thinking and feeling. Then she comes along and sprinkles wonderful words of Scripture over the top of the situation and allows the Word to speak healing and hope over each of us.
What Your Heart Needs for the Hard Days takes us straight to the book of Psalms. Each of the sections start with a verse and then a short portion filled with stories meant to encourage your daily walk with Christ. It is followed up with a section that is entitiled What My Heart Is Saying To You. In this part Holley begins a prayer and then adds a prompt for you to finish the thought on your own. There is a small blank area that you can write out your prayer if you wish. Each day's reading ends with a section that is entitled What My Heart Is Hearing From You. This part gives a suggested portion from the Psalms for further reading (usually a couple of chapters). It also has a small blank section that you can add personal thoughts.
If you are looking for a gift for a sweet friend or even just a little treat for yourself this would be the ideal thing. What could be better than Holley's writing and God's Holy Word mixed together?!!
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I LOVE THIS BOOK!
All you have to do is LOOK at it and it will cheer you up!
Yes I am a sucker for a cute little book that has a coffee cup on the cover... but that is only a part of this book's charm!
Just wait til you get a look inside! Holley Gerth is a genius! She has put together a beautiful, endearing, uplifting book and anyone - absolutely anyone can find something inside that will apply to their life!
Yes it is set up so that you can read and study one concept each week for 52 weeks of the year but I don't think many of you will want to stop reading once you get started!
It is such a comfort to find good, Biblical advice, especially in this crazy, upside down world we live in.
And I absolutely love the little sections provided at the end of each chapter for notes, the bible verses and the wonderful prompts. Not only does Holley delve deep into what the Bible tells us Jesus wants for us - she draws us in and interacts with us while doing it.
Bravo Holley!
I am compelled to go out and find more of Holley's wonderful books and I hope you will feel the same!
Why oh why haven't I seen these fantastic little books before!
This is a book that everyone needs to have handy for those everyday challenges that make us feel worn out and defeated - along with their personal Bible of course.
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.
Thank You and God Bless!
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I am really enjoying this book! It's a sweet little devotional that's making a big impact on in my life.
Holley writes as though she's sending me a personal note of encouragement, like we're old friends.
Each devotional opens with a psalm followed by a brief typical-every-day-life situation that makes me
recognize right away that the truth she's sharing is meant for me. Each devotional closes with a lined
space where I can write down a prayer and a reflection. It's short and sweet, but it packs a big punch
of faith.
I've shared more about this book on my blog, Jennifer's Life Between, please visit to read my full
review.
Special thanks to Revell Reads for providing me with a free copy of the book in exchange for my
honest review.
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I have so enjoyed every single book or devotional I have read by Holley Gerth. The woman is just flat out encouraging. Every word she writes sinks deep into your heart, infusing a heart with exactly what is needed.
And this is because the woman shares truth – God’s truth in every word she pens.
photo-170I recently received her newest devotional, What Your Heart Needs for the Hard Days to review. It could not have come at a more opportune time in my life. Honestly, any time will be the opportune time for this little book.
Each short devotional, and there are 52 of them, is based on a Psalm and is written to remind you that God is good all the time and we are all in this fight together. Let’s be honest, difficulties can cause us to forget who God is and even who we are. We question. We doubt.
Through these devotionals, I found myself infused with hope and strength. I was reminded to praise God. On the days which are difficult. And on the days which were joyful. I found myself reminded to praise God every. single. day.
“I will praise the Lord at all times.
I will constantly speak his praises.
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!
(Psalm 34: 1 & 8, NLT)
I you are finding your heart has a need, this book will remind you of the promises of God. You will find truths, God’s truths, to hold onto in the hard days.
**Yes, I was given a free copy to review. This review was a pleasure to offer and is given honestly. Bless yourself with a copy of this book!
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Some days a girl just needs a spiritual pick-me-up. The author has taken thoughts from the Psalms and written quick, encouraging thoughts to brighten any woman's day. Each devotional starts with a verse from Psalms. The author then shares a relating thought. It ends with a prayer that can be added to, some space for writing, and some more verses from Psalms for further reading.
I loved the look and feel of this small book. It's perfect for a quick moment with God. The devotionals are thought provoking, but encouraging. I liked how each one could be tailored to the time I have with the further reading in Psalms. This would make a perfect gift or stocking stuffer.
I received this book free of charge from Revell Reads in exchange for my honest review.
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I am still working my way through this wonderful new book by Holley Gerth, and I am finding so many words of encouragement that I can personally relate to. In fact, I have already flagged a number of pages that I know I will want to go back to so I can reread and savor the messages on days when I might be feeling a bit discouraged.
What Your Heart Needs for the Hard Days contains 52 similarly formatted devotions based on the book of Psalms, written in a way that helps us remember that “God is good and we’re all in this together.”
Because there are 52 entries, you could easily use this book as a weekly devotional to be processed over a year, taking your time to read the opening Scripture quote and Holley’s words. Then adding your own words to complete the prayer, which has already been started for you under “What My Heart Is Saying to You.” During the week, you can go back and write in your thoughts under “What My Heart Is Hearing from You,” and at any time, you can open your Bible and read and reflect on the three Psalms referenced at the end of that week’s entry.
Of course, the devotions are short enough that you could also read them as daily devotions. Either way, Holley provides real-life stories for us to connect with, as well as encouraging thoughts and passages from God’s Word to help us focus on what’s really important—the internal and the eternal.
Already a fan of Holley Gerth and her blog, her latest book does not disappoint. Not only will you find this book to be soothing for your own soul, but it would make a great gift for a hurting friend or perhaps even a wonderful donation at a women’s shelter. It is also the perfect companion to one of Holley’s other books: You’re Going to Be Okay. You might consider getting both books and using them together.
Disclosure: This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Revell.
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What Your Heart Needs for the Hard Days
We all have hard days, whether we just woke up on the wrong side of the bed, or obstacles before us seem insurmountable. But we can find comfort in knowing that God is good, He loves us, and He keeps his promises.
These lovely devotions for women are wonderful tidbits to encourage us when we need encouragement, and truth when we need assurance.
Perfect as a daily reading (or weekly, since there are 52 devotions) and study time. It’s also a thoughtful gift for a friend or loved one that might need encouragement through tough times. Either way, this lovely little book is a great addition to anyone’s collection. The small size allows you to take it on the go, or, if you wish to read them at night, on your night table beside your bed.
With scripture, words of encouragement, and a place to journal your thoughts, this is a nice supplement to your Bible reading, or prayer time.
Cover: Love it
Title: Like it
Publisher: Revell
Pages: 257
First Lines: We all have hard days. The kind that makes us want to pull the covers back over our heads, move to Hawaii, or eat a dozen cupcakes. Deep inside we know those aren’t the best options for our lives or our thighs. So what’s a girl to do?
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Revell Books book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The options I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
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