Way back in June, I posted my review of Ava Pennington’s devotional book. At the time, she and I decided to delay her interview until fall. I didn’t intend to wait as long as December, but I want to share her wise insights. And for all you shoppers, her book makes a wonderful Christmas gift! Ava Pennington is the author of One Year Alone with God: 366 Devotions on the Names of God (Revell). She has also co-authored a children’s picture book series, Faith Basics for Kids(Standard Publishing). The first two books in the series, Do You Love Me More? and Will I See You Today?, were released in January, 2011. In addition to her books, Ava has published stories in twenty anthologies, including fifteen books in the inspirational Chicken Soup for the Soul series, and four books in the Cup of Comfort series. She has written for periodicals such as Focus on the Family’s Clubhouse magazine, The Lookout, Evangel, Light & Life, and Haven Ministries’ Anchor devotional. Before beginning her career as an author, Ava enjoyed a successful career as a Human Resources Director in financial services in New York City. She earned an Adult Bible Studies Certificate from Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, IL, and an MBA in Executive Management from St. John’s University in NY. Ava is also a passionate speaker and teacher, and delights in challenging audiences with the truth of God’s word in relevant, enjoyable presentations. For more information, visit www.AvaWrites.com. You have contributed to a number of compilation books. How and why did you decide to write a book of devotions?            In addition to contributing to compilations, I also write devotions and magazine articles for the Christian market. One of those projects was a including a thirty-day devotional on the names of God. I enjoyed writing it so much that I didn’t want to stop after thirty! One Year Alone with God has a unique flavor in its focus on the names of God. Can you tell us how this came about?           I’ve been drawn to the names of God ever since I completedKay Arthur’s Bible study on this topic almost twenty years ago.  But I wanted this project to be more than an intellectual survey of God’s names and attributes.I wanted it to be a devotional that intimately touches us and challenges us to apply the revelations of God’s nature and ways to daily life. And I’m honored and humbled to say Kay Arthur has endorsed it. You have a background in the corporate world. How did you transition into a career as an author? We relocated from New York to Florida twelve years ago. At that...

Would you like to spend a year getting to know God in a deeper, more intimate way? Would you like to spend time acquainting yourself with the details of His character and meditating on how they affect your life? Would you like to immerse yourself in Him? If these questions intrigue you, you’ll want to pick up a copy of Ava Pennington’s recent release, One Year Alone with God: 366 Devotions on the Names of God (Revell, 2010). The author organizes her work around God’s character and attributes rather than particular dates, so you can begin your reading any day of the year. The strength and focus of One Year Alone with God lies in its author’s deep knowledge of His Word. Pennington opens our eyes to God’s names and essential qualities by putting them into language we can understand and sharing insights that bring them life. Each devotional ends with questions and challenges that allow the reader to move from understanding to application. Would you like a theology course in a personal, practical package indwelt by the heart and Spirit of God? Spend One Year Alone with God and watch how He changes your life. Do you have a favorite name of God? Why is it special to you? Feel free to leave a comment and share the...