Faith – 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

Closer Than Your Next Breath – Susie Larson

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

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Introduction

Closer Than Your Next Breath by Susie Larson is a deeply encouraging devotional-style book that focuses on the nearness and presence of God in everyday life. It invites readers to slow down and recognize that God is not distant or disconnected, but intimately involved in every detail of our lives.

This book feels especially comforting for seasons of stress, uncertainty, or spiritual dryness. It gently points the reader back to truth: God is closer than we often feel or realize.

My Thoughts

This book felt like a steady reminder to rest in the presence of God instead of striving to feel spiritually “strong” all the time. It brought my attention back to the simple truth that God is near, even when emotions or circumstances don’t reflect it.

What stood out to me:

The consistent reminder of God’s nearness in everyday moments
The gentle, encouraging tone that feels like steady reassurance
The focus on trust rather than striving or performance

How it impacted me:

It helped me slow down spiritually and reflect more intentionally
It reminded me that feelings are not the measure of God’s presence
It encouraged me to trust God even in quiet or uncertain seasons

Writing style / tone:

Warm and devotional
Easy to read and reflective
Encouraging without being overly complex

Key Themes

God’s constant presence
Trusting God in uncertainty
Prayer as connection rather than performance
Resting in spiritual reassurance

Who I Would Recommend This To

Anyone walking through anxiety or uncertainty
Readers who enjoy devotional encouragement
Those wanting to grow in awareness of God’s presence
Women’s Bible study or small group settings

Favorite Quote

“God is closer than your next breath, even when you don’t feel Him.”

Final Thoughts

Closer Than Your Next Breath is a gentle and steady reminder of God’s nearness in every season. It does not overwhelm the reader with complexity, but instead offers consistent encouragement rooted in truth.

This is a book I would recommend to anyone who needs reassurance that they are not walking through life alone, even when it feels quiet or uncertain.

👉 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, Thoughts & Reflections

Beauty Still Remains

December 16, 2025by Tina UnsellLeave a Comment

No one has to tell me that God exists.

I know that He does!

I see Him in all of creation.

I behold His goodness.

I notice the blessings of His handwriting.

I experience Him through all the beauty of nature.

I am convinced that everything has beauty for the eyes who wish to see it.

And, sometimes we have to look a little harder to see the beauty in everything.

In fact, I’m finding beauty in the space I’m in right now.

As I gaze out my window pane and I see beauty!

I feel beauty!

I breathe in beauty.

I see it in the blue skies.

I witness it in the bright morning sun that shines beyond winter’s barrenness.

I notice it in the leafless and naked branches of the sleeping trees.

I catch a glimpse of it in winter’s grass; she’s gone into survival mode to protect herself from the harshness of the cold.

I hear it in the birds singing their sweet melodies; the warmth of this morning’s air deluding them into thinking that Spring is near.

I feel it in my spirit, which peacefully brings me to a place of grace.

I find myself in complete awe and wonder that even through winter’s breath — beauty still remains.

We serve a creative God.

And we can be led to worship Him by seeing the beauty of His reflection in all of His creation

Beauty is His poetry, as is mine.

I hope today that you see some of the beauty that surrounds you, too.

And don’t forget to Thank God for painting His beauty upon our hearts.

Have a Beautiful day!

In His Love,

Tina ~ ♡

—

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

Poetry

Never Let Me Go

September 7, 2024September 7, 2024by Tina Unsell2 Comments

When I am lost Lord

You find me

When I am tired

You revive me

When I am weak

You give me strength

When I am wandering

You call me back to You

When my heart is heavy

You carry me

In my pain and sorrow

You comfort me

Even in my grief

Your love surrounds me

Thank You Lord

I can’t live without You

Thank You for loving me

And for never letting me go

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.

Faith, Parenting

Note to Self

April 14, 2024April 30, 2025by Tina UnsellLeave a Comment

Note to Self & to All Mamas/Parents!

You can’t always fix things for your kids.

I know its hard because, as mothers, we want to make everything easier for them. It is in every mother to nurture and protect them at all cost, but sometimes they have to figure it out on their own. That is all a part of growing, learning, and maturing.

We can teach them a lot of things, but some things they have to learn on their own.

You can love them and support them, but they have to walk their own path.

Loving them sometimes means letting them figure out the hard stuff and standing on the sidelines while watching them walk away from it better equipped, more mature, and better able to handle whatever life throws their way.

I am still learning this and, believe me, its hard, but sometimes love has to give them wings to fly.

In the meantime, keep praying and trusting God.

And if you say that you trust God, wouldn’t you trust Him with your kids as well?

They will be okay.

Amen.

Faith, Poetry, Prayer

Our Prayer of Faith

August 29, 2023April 30, 2025by Tina UnsellLeave a Comment

Lord,
Hear our hearts cry!
We are desperate
for a healing
touch from You.

We ask that You
would listen
to our pleas,
dry our tears,
and cleanse our bodies
from all impurities.

Hear our prayer!

We ask for Your
sustaining strength
for when we are
weary and weak.

Restore our frail
and sickened
bodies with renewal
and rejuvenation.

Pour out Your
healing balm of
grace, love, and
tender mercies
of rivers overflowing
into each
and every crack,
every broken piece,
every shattered hope,
every painful wound,
every grief and sorrow,
every part of our burned,
sickened, bruised, and
battered-mortal bodies,
every dry and barren ground.

This is our prayer for healing.

We believe that You heal those
who are suffering and sickened
in mind, body, and spirit.

We believe that You are
the God of the impossible.

We believe that, You God,
are our High physician.

We believe in Your
Miracle working power.

Immersed in Your love,
Your presence,
and in Your tender mercies
that are new each morning,
we find a renewed hope
and are sustained,
refreshed,
and strengthened
to face any challenge
that may come our way.

We prayerfully wait,
watch, and listen.

You cover us in Your grace
and we remember Your
promise in Your Holy Word,
that if ask anything in Your Name,
believing, You are faithful to answer.

This is our prayer of faith.

Your Will Be Done! Amen.

Faith, Parenting

Leave Them Jesus

August 22, 2023April 30, 2025by Tina UnsellLeave a Comment

Christian Parents…

Remember-what you do here or don’t do here on this side of heaven, as a follower of Christ Jesus; choosing not to witness to your children will have eternal consequences.

Point your children to Christ, if we don’t then the world will point them to destruction.

I know it’s hard, but don’t allow yourself to feel defeated. Keep fighting for your children. Keep seeking help from the Holy Spirit…. Who is … Jesus in You!

As we learn to lean on the Holy Spirit, He will do the work in us to help strengthen us; to help us persevere, fast, pray, and intercede on the behaves of our children.

It can seem like a losing battle, I know!

Keep faith in the Holy Spirit’s power to bring conviction to your children’s hearts, even when you’re tired and can’t see the results of your efforts. Whether saved or unsaved, the Holy Spirit is working in and on their behalf.

It might be exhausting; it might be difficult; it might be heartbreaking to witness their refusal to the truth-the truth that will redeem, cleanse, restore, renew, save, and set them free from the chains of sin and death.

You may not even realize it, but your children are watching. They see you. They hear the words you speak. They are witnesses to your faith, to the reflection you mirror as a follower of Jesus.

Continue to follow and set the example of Jesus in your daily life. Keep witnessing to them. Keep planting those seeds. Your children see your love and devotion for the one who changed you, made you whole, gave you new life, and opened your eyes to the revelation that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

And, it is my prayer and the cry of this mother’s heart; someday, my children will want to know Him more. They will choose Him as their Lord and Savior.

The Holy Spirit will empower you to be an effective witness for Jesus Christ. The fruit of your labor will not be in vain.

The treasure that you, as a Christian parent, will leave in the hearts and minds of your children will outweigh all earthly treasures.

Leave an inheritance to your children that matters.

Leave a legacy.

Leave them Jesus.