Book Review: Running Barefoot on Holy Ground

What does “childlike-faith” look like? This book review of Running Barefoot on Holy Ground: Childlike Intimacy with God addresses several aspects. Published by Kregel Publications, this devotion book is for adult Christians longing to look afresh at their Abba Father’s love.

I’ll give away a copy of this book. Read and see if it’s a good match for you.

The Author

Writer, blogger, and producer, Jeanne Gowen Dennis, wrote Running Barefoot on Holy Ground. Readers will enjoy the inclusion of a few of her original poems and song lyrics in the book.

Dennis connects with adults and with children via her writing and the online ministry: Heritage of Truth. Her writing includes ten books written with a Christian worldview, including the latest, Bible KidVentures: Stories of Danger and Courage, from Tyndale House Publishers and Focus on the Family.

In Running Barefoot on Holy Ground, Dennis incorporates her experience with children with the encouragement she offers to adults.

Do you yearn to let loose and run free like a new child of God enjoying your Daddy, the Eternal one?

In this book, we will explore the characteristics of children that can help us learn to live in closer fellowship with God.

Jeanne Dennis

Barefoot on Holy Ground Contents

There are fifteen chapters. Each begins with a quote or a poem followed by a story or several vignettes. Many of these are culled from the life of the author.  The stories tie in with the theme of the chapter. Then, Biblical wisdom is applied.

Following the stories, each chapter ends with a section titled “Child’s Play,” and a section called “Daddy Says So.”

“Child’s Play” provides suggested activities that encourage readers to practice childlikeness and draw closer to God.

Read it in the spirit of freedom instead of legalism. It is meant to be an adventure, just as our life in Christ is an adventure.

Now kick off your shoes, lay aside your adult inhibitions, and get ready for the elation of running barefoot on holy ground.

Jeanne Dennis

One example suggests for readers to “make mud pies and thank God for using even the dirtiest, grossest things in life to open [their] eyes to His love.”

However, many of the activities aren’t as child-like.

For instance,

“When you are sad or grieving, find someone who needs help more than you do. Volunteer at a homeless shelter. Tutor a child. Befriend an adult trying to learn English. Secretly take groceries to a single parent. Send an encouraging note. Go on a mission trip.”

The “Daddy Says So” sections are filled with scriptures. The versions used are NIV, HCSB, NASB, and NKJV.

The Recommendation

I recommend this book for Christians who are going through a “dry spell.” People who are in need of a different perspective, in order to refresh them in their spiritual journeys, will find this book helpful. It’s written for all adults, but I think women will enjoy it the most.

Also, you may want to check out Jeanne Dennis’ website. She has numerous, helpful articles and entertaining interviews with various Christian authors and filmmakers.

The Giveaway

I’ll choose someone off of my email list to win a copy of this book on October 18, 2019. If you’d like your name placed in the drawing twice, be on the email list and leave a comment below.

As always, it’s my pleasure to pay for all shipping costs. Winners never pay anything.

Do you want some ideas on what to comment on? Share something you enjoyed doing as a child but have not done it since then, such as making a mud pie! Or tells us about your spiritual training as a child, or when you first accepted Christ.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. 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.