Reader Reviews

One Before Breakfast

It’s no wonder that Authentic, the publisher, and Emily, the author, go so well

together. They both have a “passion to produce resources that build up the

body of Christ, promoting spiritual growth, wisdom, mission and creativity.”.

Authentic’s passion is shown on the back cover of the book. Emily’s passion is

shown in the book’s content.

Emily has summed up her own work in ‘You Say’ herself in just a couple

of telling sentences. In her Introduction she writes, or put in a better way she

‘says’, because I heard her speaking rather than read her writing: We look at

ourselves and see negatives, damage, failings. And God looks at the same

thing – us – and sees us differently.

With good use of Scripture, Emily tells us that God is looking at us

through His eyes and she, and we, know that He sees things differently from us

for He is The Creator of each one of us and so He loves us and knows each of

us inside out. And so it is that through each bite-size devotion, with its own

relevant prayer, there is faith, hope and love to help each one of us see

ourselves in a much better light. I like to take one before breakfast as a good

start to my day.

Rev. Barrie Swingler, Peterborough

Highly Recommended

The devotions are relatable to everyday life, with some resonating with your personal situation more than others.

They are easy to read, short starting with a bible verse.

You have the ability to choose a devotion at random to read on a particular day or you can work through the book from the start reading a devotion a day.

At the end of the devotion, it goes back to the original question ‘Look with my eyes, what do you see?’. This helps us to think about this, how God sees us.

Whilst we Acknowledge how others see us, we would know God tells us the truth even if it is hard to see or believes at times due to what is happening in our personal lives or current situations.

I like that it has a notes section at the end of the book where it says part of the devotion is from, this helps us to be able to explore the story and topic further.

In the devotion teamed it talks about the lost sheep, at times we might feel like the lost sheep, alone and scared trying to find our way back home, physically and/or spiritually.

You Say has a devotion for everyone at different times, I highly recommend to others to read as a devotional.

I have enjoyed reading the different devotionals, thinking and reflecting on what I have read.

Emma Lenton

This Book Is For Everyone

If you have thought the world is getting on top of you, and God seems to be somewhere else (if he’s there at all), then this book is for you.

When we feel overwhelmed and our emotional energy is exhausted, and we cannot face many words, this book is for you.

If we have trouble reading – our eyes are dim or we struggle with dyslexia, or our brains are simply clogged and unable to concentrate, then this book is for you.

In a very few words, Emily takes us right into the heart of a relationship with God.

Here is love. Here is belonging. Here is being understood. Here is eternity. I do not know any other writer who does this as well as Emily Owen.

You don’t have to begin at the beginning. Open this book anywhere and just read one of the 101 ways of discovering God is with you. The front cover says, ‘101 Devotions’.

If these are devotions, then it is God who’s leading them – what we learn is that it is He who is devoted to us. All we have to do it let Him in.

Emily tells her life story in her memoir, Still Emily. She has not gone through the easiest of times, but, throughout all the challenges, she has been profoundly aware of the presence of God with her – an awareness that is beyond words.

And yet, brilliantly, Emily gets us into her space with words. Emily uses her condition as a gift to explore God’s deep love, and then shares it with us.

Each of the 101 ‘devotions’ occupies a carefully designed page and a half. It begins with a single-word title, followed by a carefully chosen quotation from Scripture.

This is expounded by a mini-story that moves into a dialogue with God, which ends with Him assuring us that He has got this, got us, and concludes with a prayer.

Sadly, the Kindle price is quite high, but I think the nature of this work is best in a printed book that we can just pick up and delve into while we are waiting for the kettle to boil, the microwave to ping, or, even, in the hospital waiting room.

This book is for everyone, however long we have been travelling with God, wherever you may be, and however you feel about yourself or the world right now.

Rev. Trevor Stubbs

Found It Hard To Put Down

Emily’s latest book, is so thought provoking, warm and honest. Using Scripture

readings from both the Old and New Testaments, each daily section closing in a

relevant prayer. Found it hard to put down!

Sharing so many reflections, personal stories from Emily, challenging and so meaningful,

everyday situations that we can all relate to through our daily lives and our journey with

our Saviour and Friend, Jesus Christ. Suitable for all age groups, excellent present for

birthdays and especially as Christmas draws near.

Chris Ward

Life Giving And Healing

In my opinion, Emily’s book is one which is much needed by all of us today.

We need to know what God thinks about us, and we need to hear the truths He speaks over us.

We need to have our identity founded in Him. We need to know we are loved by Him, that He has chosen us, that we are known, accepted, forgiven and so much more.

These things and more are what we learn as we read “You Say”….

More here: Book Review: You Say by Emily Owen – Vicki Cottingham

Vicki Cottingham

Daily Reminders, Devotion, Inspiration

Emily writes with honesty and provides encouragement without dismissing feelings of doubt, fear, or insecurity.

She doesn’t rush past these emotions, but she also doesn’t allow them to have the final say.

Again and again, the devotions point back to Jesus—His love, His promises, and His unchanging truth.

This book isn’t about self-help; it’s about God’s help.

It encourages us to shift our focus from “what I say about myself” to “what He says about me,” and that makes all the difference…

More here: Daily reminders, devotionals, inspiration.

Ms E. Gray