Most people know the story of Joni Eareckson Tada, a well-known advocate for the disabled. Following the swimming accident that left her a quadriplegic, she turned to the Scripture, and to writings of other Christians on the topic of suffering. A book she found particularly helpful was The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence, a 17th century lay monk, who spent most of his time working in the kitchen. Although she had read this book before, it came to have special meaning for her as she sought peace and acceptance of her condition.

In this devotional book, each entry begins with a short section from The Practice of the Presence of God, followed by Joni's own thoughts on its meaning and present day application. At the end there is a question for journaling or meditation. Some of Joni's drawings are sprinkled throughout the book. There is also an introduction that summarizes the lives of Father Lawrence and Joni.

Beautiful devotional by a Christian heroine. I requested this because of the author and expected nothing less than delight and edification in the read. I was not disappointed. Loved this book so much. Will make an excellent Christmas gift for my family members.

By now, it's difficult to imagine that you don't know the story of Joni Eareckson Tada. A beloved evangelical author, radio host, artist, and founder of Joni and Friends, Tada became a quadriplegic at the age of 17 after a diving accident. She has since become widely recognized for her work to accelerate Christian ministry in the disability community.

With "The Practice of the Presence of Jesus: Daily Meditations on the Nearness of Our Savior," Tada weaves together wisdom from 17th century monk Brother Lawrence and her own contemporary insights into a collection of daily meditations encouraging Christians to experience the nearness of God in daily life.

"The Practice of the Presence of Jesus" includes devotional content from Brother Lawrence's "The Practice of the Presence of God" along with original art and never before published insights from Tada. Tada's relatable wisdom approaches such themes as humility, thankfulness, fear, worship, obedience, and more. While Tada's writings are always accessible, there is a reason she's globally beloved after all, they're also rather no holds barred whether she's contemplating the diving accident that left her a quadriplegic during a time when she'd strayed from God and was praying for help to return or whether she's acknowledging that she has difficulty in social settings where Jesus's name is not present. Tada is a fully committed evangelical, uncompromising in her faith and that passionate devotion comes through throughout "The Practice of the Presence of Jesus."

After nearly 50 books, Tada's message remains consistent and those familiar with Brother Lawrence will no doubt admire the ways in which Tada is able to weave together the wisdom past and present. Having dealt with two cancer challenges in the past 10 years, it's remarkable to experience Tada's zest for life and faith just as passionate and energized as ever.

At the age of 73, Tada has far surpassed the expected lifespan for those experiencing quadriplegia. One of the many inspiring things about Tada is that she's very open about her own challenges and acknowledges her dark periods. Yet, it's easy to see that she truly lives into these daily practices and meditations and it's easy to understand how faith has allowed her to both survive and thrive.

If you love Tada, you will love this latest effort from her and you will love the simplicity and wonder of her daily meditations. You will discover the joy of choosing to intentionally dwell in closer relationship with God and you will see this intentionality modeled by a woman whose life exudes faithfulness even when tremendous adversity presents itself.

"The Practice of the Presence of Jesus" will most resonate with those familiar with Tada's ministry, evangelical Christians, people with disabilities and those who love them, and anyone else seeking to become more intentional and disciplined about living in nearness to the presence of Jesus.