Tuesday, September 14, 2021

A Homespun Devotions Giveaway

What does it mean to do devotions?

A devotion is a quiet time 
that you spend praying, reading God's Word,
and 
reflecting on your relationship with Him.
You might also choose to sing hymns, meditate,
or write in a journal during your devotion time. 
 - Google -

I'm forever changing up my quiet time with God.  Anything done by rote easily becomes too routine and ho-hum for my liking. 

He is worthy of so much more!  

Our anticipation, our focus, our joy, our worship, our creativity.  Hearts wide open to receive whatever He's inviting us to.  Like renewing our oft' weary souls.  Cultivating a deeper faith.  Receiving a sense of direction or an extra portion of comfort and peace.

You'll find me changing up location - sometimes propped up in bed leaning back on my big ol' 50 year old pillow {don't ask}. Curled up in the chair by the fire in the living room, or settled into the wicker sofa on the porch.

Maybe early morning ... or a few hours later.  Evening right before bed.

With a faded quilt or soft throw in hand.

I may read my Bible outloud.  Listen to a prayerful meditation on the Soulspace app ... or head to Let Go and Trust God if I'm feeling a bit anxious.  Sometimes a song weaves its way into my heart and I find it on YouTube.  I might grab a pen and unearth the dusty journal.  Or simply sit peacefully.  There's no set routine and I like it that way. 

And yes, very often a devotional book propels this sacred time.

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Cheryl Smith has done what many of us bloggers dream of doing but never set out to accomplish.  She's complied her favorite writings into a wonderful quiet time companion, Homespun Devotions: Volume One.  This volume is filled with 50 short stories of God's loving impact on her family, home, workplace, decisions, sorrows, and joys.

My friend writes, 'Christian living is like a quilt - multi-colored scraps of wisdom gleaned and assembled one stitch at a time.  We learn as we go, as the common thread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is woven throughout the everyday moments, events, and situations we encounter.  Only He can tie the pieces together and create something of beauty that will serve to warm the hearts of others ...'

Cheryl's narratives are refreshing, personal, and yes, homespun.  I'm happy to highly recommend this devotional not only for your personal use but also to jump-start a family devotional time if that's something your gang is lacking or has given up on.

Cheryl is generously giving a paperback copy of Homespun Devotions to one reader!  Please leave a comment to enter the giveaway by this Friday, September 17th, at noon {eastern}, USA only.  And be sure to check back to see if you've been randomly chosen!

Sorry - I am not able to track the winner down or ask for your name and mailing address!  I must have your snail mail address within 48 hours or you will forfeit your book.
linda stoll @ juno . com

Let's talk about having devotions.  Is this spiritual practice new to you?  Or have your quiet times faded over time?  If you're a long time devotee, what works for you and what doesn't?  
Linda

P.S.
Hint - it's time to start your Christmas shopping!
Kindle - $7.99
Paperback - $12.99
7/17 UPDATE
Congrats to the giveaway winner, 
Nancy Ruegg!

*


*
doing life with
Anne  .  Richella  .  Lisa  .  Jeanne / Lisa J

*
if you purchase the book using one of 
the Amazon links, I may receive
a small financial benefit.
thank you!

42 comments:

  1. Hi Linda! I get easily distracted so my Encounter Time (what I call my Quiet Time) has been in the same spot. I know what is in the room so I don't have to wonder or look around. Plus I sit at the table where it is totally quiet except for some outside sounds. I do a daily devotional blog called "Living in the Shadow" and I have often dreamed of having them published but haven't been able to pull the lever or to find the time to go back and redo some (probably most) of them. I have 2 or 3 years worth. Yikes! Anyway, I will not enter but give someone else a chance to win. :)

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    1. Good morning, Bill! I like the idea of sitting at a table ... I'm thinking it would help us stay focused. My default mode is to lounge around. I guess that says that I value comfort?!

      I need to check out your 2nd blog. Meanwhile, thanks for kicking off this dialogue. No better person than a pastor to give us a bit of guidance.

      Have a good day.

      Delete
  2. Years ago I wanted to come up with a new term for 'quiet time' and 'devotions.' I've never quite found a replacement.

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    1. I think I hear what you're saying Susan.

      It's all about saying 'yes' to God's invitations to come closer, isn't it. Bill {above} refers to this as an Encounter Time. I'd love to hear what others call these set apart minutes!

      Delete
  3. Hi Linda. I am currently reading Cheryl’s book and enjoying her homespun stories. Both of you are excellent writers and I so appreciate your devotion to God’s word!

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    1. Pam, hi! We're all in learning mode, hopefully growing closer to the Lord. When it comes to the regularity of my devotional life, I've got a long way to go but I'm still praying without ceasing throughout each day and appreciating His continued presence.

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  4. Well, Linda, you beat me to the punch! I'm going to be posting a review of Cheryl's book next week with a give-away tied in, too. So obviously, don't enter my name into the drawing. Your assessment of Cheryl's downhome writing is so good, I don't know how I can measure up, but I'll give it a go. God will richly bless the winner of this book, that's for sure!

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    1. It's always fun to read other reviews of the same book, isn't it! I love to hear where others are coming from, what they see and appreciate. And that certainly includes you, my published friend!

      Delete
  5. I change up my quiet time every so often. Right now, I'm reading the Bible through chronologically, but I've used multiple devotion books over the years. I also do Bible studies. I would love to tell you that I'm faithful with a daily quiet time, but that isn't always the case. Just this morning, I slept late and didn't have time get to read today's reading before going to work.

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    1. I know of few people who never miss a day, Mary Lou. You're in good company. I'm so grateful God looks at the intentions of our hearts. He loves us so and continues to beckon us forward to a deeper relationship with Himself.

      I'm grateful He never gives up on us.

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  6. Loved what you wrote! Maybe I will win the book.

    I am finishing my devotions in Breckenridge, CO at 11,000 feet. And looking at many slopes waiting for snow and many peaks above the timberline.

    God is present, always!!!

    * via email

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    1. Breckenridge, Colorado! Oh it must be gorgeous there, friend! Enjoy every moment, every vista!

      God is good.

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  7. I like your change from the routine, Linda. All things can easily become routine. I don't even think when I am doing the routine--just on automatic pilot. Good advice to constantly change the venue, time, etc.
    Blessings, My Friend!

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    1. Some routines serve us well, don't they, Lulu. And others beg for a fresh outlook.

      Delete
  8. I do my Bible Study Fellowship study each year September through May, so we are getting started again. It regularly keeps me busy, so I cannot really partake in much more during the year as far as study goes with teaching in the children's program and still having to do my adult study questions as well. It keeps me very accountable. Summers are hard to stay motivated.

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    1. Heidi, hi! I hear great things about Bible Study Fellowship. It's been years since I've done a Bible study with a guide but they can be so helpful, especially when you get to walk through them with other kindred spirits.

      And yes, I hear you about summers! It's hard to stay motivated with anything!

      ;-}

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  9. I loved Cheryl's book too Linda. Such a breath of fresh air for me and I loved it that she used her life stories. I will have to do a review soon as I finished her book in two days! When I enjoy reading something it's hard for me to put it down. I will use her sweet and precious book for a future devotional. Love how she gives God all the glory in the good and bad. Happy Wednesday dear Linda. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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    1. Cindy, yes, I saw on your blog that you were totally immersed in Cheryl's book! I love how she packs so much biblical truth into these short 3 page inspirations.

      I'm enjoying reading a few every day.

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  10. Hi Linda, I have a 50 year old pillow, too. It's all broken in. I won't be online for awhile so I won't enter the drawing but I know someone will be very lucky!

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    1. Enjoy unplugging, Jeanie! Come and visit when you get back, ok?

      ;-}

      Delete
  11. Some days, like today, I feel I need the whole day as quiet time. :)

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    1. ;-}

      Ain't that the truth. And aren't those the best days when we can actually do so?!

      Delete
  12. Most early mornings this time of year you'll find me on our deck with my current Bible study and memorization materials, a box of prayer cards, and perhaps a journal (I have several of them going at once, on different themes). If the weather doesn't cooperate, I'm in my office with a candle lit, reminding me of the Light of his Presence. Tranquil moments with my Heavenly Father, first thing in the morning, positively impact the whole day--just as so many before me have affirmed!

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    1. I'm fascinated that you have several themed journals going at once, Nancy. I'd love to hear more about how that works for you.

      Thanks for sharing what your early mornings look like. Your thoughtful rhythm will inspire others.

      Delete
  13. I love all the ways you spend your quiet time with God. He reaches, touches, and teaches in different ways, doesn't He? I need to quiet my soul and open it wide enough to listen. Many thanks for this lovely post.

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    1. You're right, Barbara ... the older we get the more we see His hand reaching, touching, and teaching in ways that sometimes take our breath away.

      He knows what captures our attention and draws our hearts to His own.

      Delete
  14. This is one habit I relish. Thank God, He instilled in me the importance of my time with Him. I love to see His mercies and joys new every morning. There is no spiritual strength without that time devoted to soaking…listening….talking…reading the truth. Hallelujah. (Wow forgot how to spell hallelujah…blame it on brain surgery)

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    1. Looks like your brain and your heart and mind are all in a good place, Buds. You've been a faithful role model to me in connecting with the Lord on a steady basis.

      And this, right here --> 'There is no spiritual strength without that time devoted to soaking…listening….talking…reading the truth.'

      Hallelujah indeed!!

      Delete
  15. Bit late. Ah, well.

    I do not do emotional,
    though some say I should,
    and this day's devotional
    comes from carving wood.
    The chisel did the first of it,
    and files now come into their own,
    taking care the wood won't split,
    and I find that I have flown
    my heart into the moody hiss,
    going forth and yon.
    Did Jesus, too, get lost in this?
    Did He smell the sawn
    boards awaiting His own hand,
    to help Him grow, and understand?

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    1. Jesus as carpenter. That He was a creator here on earth makes absolute sense, doesn't it ...

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  16. Linda, I love the description and versatility of your quiet time! It's so "real" in pursuing relationship with Christ; how do we pursue relationship with others? In a myriad of ways, so should we pursue Christ and make ourselves available to Him! I truly covet my quiet times extra early in the morning (4:30 am) and again last thing at night. BUT I find at times I need a few minutes here or there in quiet solitude "listening" throughout my day too!!

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    1. 4:30! Wow, Donna. You are an early bird. And allowing ourselves, encouraging ourselves to pursue spaces to listen quietly during the day is an absolute must more than ever in this uncertain season.

      He whispers peace.

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  17. So good, Linda! I too like to switch things up when it comes to my alone times with God. It keeps my time with Him so refreshing and sweet. And I'm looking forward to checking out Cheryl's devotional as well! Thanks for sharing! Blessings!

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    1. Tai, hi! It's so wonderful to see you again! I look forward to reconnecting ...

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  18. God bless you, dear Linda, for mentioning our book here and hosting the giveaway. I am so blessed and humbled by your words and the words of others who are reading/have read the book. To God be all glory, honor, and praise for all He is doing in all of our lives. He is so faithful!

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    1. It's a pleasure to be reading your book, sharing your book-birthing with this community, and celebrating its impact.

      I'm looking forward to reading all the reviews from your friends and followers in the weeks ahead.

      Bless you guys!

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  19. Thanks for sharing. I am with you on changing up my morning routine, The bones are still there like a trellis or framework and I do try to pay attention if I neglecting or forgetting a practice my soul is thirsting for. Good words from you!

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    1. I like what you're saying about the bones, the framework, Jean. I truly believe God delights in us using a joyful creativity as we interact with Him.

      He deserves our enthusiasm!

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  20. I remember getting into set patterns with my devotional times and thinking THIS is the way that will always work for me. Until the season changed and I had to change with it, including my devotional time. I'm grateful now for the ways that it changes instead of trying to keep it static. Thanks for reminding me of that, Linda!

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    1. Even the thought of trying to keep it static is a drag, isn't it ...

      He deserves the absolute best we can offer Him.

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  21. This illustration of the homespun quilt reminds me of Corrie ten Boom's illustration of us being a tapestry. God sees the upper-side while we see the underside and we can trust He is making a beautiful tapestry of us.

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