Bible – Tina Unsell

Deeper – Dane Ortlund

July 1, 2026July 1, 2026by Tina UnsellLeave a Comment

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Introduction

Deeper by Dane Ortlund is a thoughtful and Christ-centered book that explores what it means to grow in the Christian life beyond surface-level faith. It focuses on spiritual depth that comes not from striving harder, but from resting more fully in the person and work of Christ.

This book builds on themes of grace, transformation, and ongoing spiritual formation, pointing the reader back again and again to the heart of Jesus.

My Thoughts

This book felt like a gentle but steady invitation to move away from shallow or performance-based faith and into something deeper and more rooted in Christ.

What stood out to me:

The focus on spiritual growth as a work of grace rather than effort
The repeated emphasis on the heart of Christ in transformation
The calm, reflective tone that encourages slowing down and thinking deeply

How it impacted me:

It reminded me that growth in faith is not rushed or forced
It encouraged me to rest in what Christ is doing rather than what I am trying to achieve
It gave me a deeper appreciation for God’s patience in spiritual formation

Writing style / tone:

Reflective and theological but accessible
Calm and steady rather than urgent
Focused on depth rather than surface application

Key Themes

Spiritual growth through grace
The heart of Christ in transformation
Moving beyond surface-level faith
Rest and dependence on God

Who I Would Recommend This To

Believers wanting deeper spiritual maturity
Readers who enjoyed Gentle and Lowly
Those feeling stuck in surface-level faith
Small group or personal study readers

Favorite Quote

“Spiritual growth is not first about trying harder, but about resting deeper in Christ.”

Final Thoughts

Deeper is a steady and thoughtful reminder that true Christian growth is rooted in grace rather than effort. It calls the reader to slow down and consider the depth of Christ’s work in shaping the heart over time.

This is a book I would recommend to anyone who desires a more grounded, reflective, and Christ-centered understanding of spiritual growth.

👉 Buy on Amazon

Disclosure

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions are my own.

Book Reviews

Gentle and Lowly – Dane Ortlund

July 1, 2026July 1, 2026by Tina UnsellLeave a Comment

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Introduction

Gentle and Lowly is a deeply comforting and Christ-centered book that invites readers to see the heart of Jesus in a new and tender way. Dane Ortlund draws from Scripture and historic Christian writings to show the compassion, gentleness, and steady love of Christ toward sinners and sufferers.

This is not a book that rushes you. It is one that slows you down and gently turns your attention back to the heart of Jesus.

My Thoughts

This book met me in a very quiet and personal way. It reminded me that Jesus is not distant or harsh, but gentle, patient, and full of mercy toward those who come to Him honestly.

What stood out most to me was how consistently the book points back to the character of Christ. It is not centered on striving or performance, but on rest and belonging in Him.

The writing is simple but rich, and each chapter feels like an invitation to pause and reflect rather than rush through.

What stood out to me:

The gentle portrayal of Christ’s heart toward sinners and sufferers
The focus on grace instead of performance
The steady, calming tone of the writing

How it impacted me:

It encouraged me to slow down spiritually
It reminded me of the kindness of Jesus
It shifted my focus from striving to resting in Christ

Writing style / tone:

Calm and reflective
Easy to read but deeply meaningful
Devotional in feel without being overly complex

Who I Would Recommend This To

Those who feel spiritually weary or burdened
Anyone struggling with guilt or shame
New believers wanting to understand the heart of Jesus
Small group or Bible study settings

Favorite Quote

“One of the hardest things to grasp in the Christian life is how freely and fully Christ loves His people.”

Final Thoughts

Gentle and Lowly is a book I would return to again. It is steady, comforting, and rooted in Scripture. It gently shifts the reader’s focus away from striving and back to the heart of Christ’s mercy.

I would highly recommend it to anyone who needs to be reminded that Jesus is truly gentle and lowly in heart.

👉 Buy on Amazon

Disclosure

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions are my own.

Poetry

Refined by Fire, Rising in Grace

November 22, 2025by Tina UnsellLeave a Comment

**Not perfection —** **but grace** unfolding.

A psalm of brokenness and restoration. May these words be a sanctuary for your heart today.

—

I carry shame for actions, words, and thoughts.
The inability to trust You
still escapes me.

Though doubts and confusion
make me feel so weak,
still You call me worthy—
more than I can believe.

Even in my most broken state,
You still call me daughter.
How can You remain so faithful
when I continually falter?

I often wonder if I am truly chosen,
or destined to a life undone by the world,
when trials shake me to my core—
when I cannot feel Your Presence,
and Your voice seems so distant,
the silence pressing in like stone.

You whisper: You are not defined by misery,
nor by a life without purpose.
The refining fire is painful,
even breaking at times,
yet beyond the surface
a greater work is unfolding.

You stretch the limits of my sight,
so I may see through clouded glass,
bask in surrender’s light,
and drink deeply of living water—
drawn into intimacy with You.

The burden I carry,
the weight of my heart,
is being woven into a tapestry,
a work of art.

You are preparing me.
In the stillness, You mold and shape me,
making room for my story
that will propel me forward—
not perfection, but mercy,
a blessing that lingers in the lives of others.

My testimony will no longer be bound by pain.
For when I walk in my calling,
a lioness will rise forward
to guard the hallowed ground with reverence.
Your strength will be my armor.
Your power will be my shield.

Not perfection, but grace.
And in You, I am made whole.

—

There are moments when weakness feels louder than faith, yet I have found a deeper truth: even in my frailty, His love calls me His. What seemed like breaking has become shaping, and grace has carried me into wholeness.

Do you hear that same love naming you, even in your own fragile places?

~ Tina

Faith

Faithfully Waiting

April 20, 2024April 30, 2025by Tina UnsellLeave a Comment

Have you been hoping, praying, wandering in those desert places, waiting for that defining moment when you can boldly declare that you’ve received your healing? Your miracle?

Faithfully waiting for that prayer that you’ve prayed countless times over your healing, healing for a loved one, healing for a friend, healing and restoration or renewal for your marriage, healing for your children, grandchildren, salvation for a prodigal child or family member, your parents health, that circumstance or situation that never seems to be resolved, your financial situation, mending of a broken relationship or friendship? Maybe you’ve been praying for that impossible dream that you fear will never come into fruition or something that seems impossible to overcome.

Whatever it is that you’re asking of the Lord, know that none of this defines you.

Your value isn’t found in your answered or, for that matter, your unanswered prayers.

Your value is found in the person and work of Christ Jesus.

Let me clarify that in better terms to help you understand what I’m trying to convey.

Just because you pray and it seems like your prayers aren’t being answered, it doesn’t mean that your faith is weak or that you need to pray harder.

And just because your prayer does get answered does not mean that your faith is better than anyone else’s.

To further clarify, prayer is key to having a healthy relationship with God. Yes!

And having abiding faith means putting your trust in God and having confidence that He will fulfill His promises. And that we continually receive, believe, and trust that Jesus is everything we need.

However, you are not defined as unloved, forsaken, or forgotten if the answers to your prayers aren’t fulfilled or come to pass.

God loves you no matter what the outcome.

He knows what’s best for you.

Don’t lose heart.

Keep your eyes on Jesus.

And stay persistent and patient in waiting through prayer.

Remember these Scriptures …

Romans 12:12 – “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”

Ephesians 6:18 – “Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.”

James 5:16 – “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.”

1 Thessalonians 5:17 – “Never stop praying.”

Are you still faithfully waiting for that unanswered prayer?

Then you are in good company.

Just remember, your value or worth aren’t determined by anything other than who Christ says that you are.

Not even your unseemingly unanswered prayers.

Creative Journal

Psalms‬ ‭126:5

September 20, 2022April 30, 2025by Tina UnsellLeave a Comment

*Inspire Bible* – *New Living Translation*

“Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy.”

A Joyful Return to Zion

Psalms 126:1-6

The people are encouraged to preserve in the knowledge that God will again restore His people.

The historical setting of this psalm focuses around the return of the exiles from captivity in Babylon as permitted by the decree of King Cyrus of Persia in 538 B.C.

Joy accompanied this release from captivity.

I pray this was a blessing to you.

In His Love,

Tina ♡

Quiet Reflections