Each month, Franklin Graham picks a book based on its inspirational message, while Bessie picks a book for children to enjoy.

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Franklin’s Pick: Always Near: 10 Ways to Delight in the Closeness of God

In this fast-paced culture, it’s easy to feel lonely and overwhelmed by life. In Always Near, Robert J. Morgan reminds us that God is closer than you can imagine. We need to train our souls to awaken to the simple pleasure of being present with our Savior so we can be relieved from what all-to-often overwhelms us.

Morgan shares 10 ways you can cultivate the blessings of God’s presence, including:

• Discovering special places
• Focusing on things unseen
• Abiding in Scripture
• Highlighting special times
• Trusting God in difficulty
• Serving God in ways large and small

This beautiful book contains a presentation page and a ribbon marker and is perfect to give as a gift for a friend or to keep on your own bedside table. It will remind you that no matter how you feel, God is in the room. You can relax in His presence and let the stress drain from you.

It is time to nurture a sense of the abiding nearness of Him, who is closer than a brother, so that you’ll know more of His joy, strength, and comfort. Experience a relationship with the God who made you, who loves you, and desires for you to enjoy His presence. Seek the Lord and soon discover He was, is, and will be Always Near.

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Bessie’s Pick: A Very Thankful Prayer by Bonnie Rickner Johnson, Illustrated by Natalia Moore

Help your little one grow gratitude as you join adorable animals thanking God for everyday blessings with this sweet fall-themed board book.

From watching the autumn leaves fall to picking pumpkins from the patch, from sharing a Thanksgiving meal with loved ones to learning how to give–there’s so much to be thankful for! Cultivate a grateful heart in your little one with this thank-you prayer to God, who gives us every good thing.

This read-aloud board book

• Encourages toddlers and preschoolers to notice all the good things around them;
• Models how to pray with a thankful heart;
• Engages young children with simple rhyming text, cute illustrations, and foiled leaves on the cover; and
• Makes a meaningful low-budget gift for fall and Thanksgiving celebrations.

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Stop by Ruth’s Attic bookstore in the Billy Graham Library to purchase your copy of these featured books and more. Not in Charlotte? Call (704) 401-3242 or email ralibrary@bgea.org to place your order. Orders can be shipped within the U.S. or curbside pickup is available in Charlotte, N.C., at the Billy Graham Library.