Hello dear friends. I hope you are enjoying beautiful autumn weather. The last few days have been picture perfect in our Appalachian Foothills and I am savoring every moment.
“And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.”
Mark 1:35
How do you begin your day? I am usually up before my husband and go straight to the kitchen to make my coffee. Most days he leaves for the office by 6:15. With my second cup of coffee in hand, I sit down to have my quiet time. I have learned that beginning my day with time alone with God is the most important part of my day. Reading scripture, spending time in prayer, and just being still prepares me for the day. I always enjoy adding a devotion book to my quiet time and today I am sharing a special one with you.
My precious blogging friend, Cheryl Smith, has just released the first volume of a series of books called Homespun Devotions. The book records the piecing together of many of the stories of her life and the rich spiritual truths God has imparted along the way. In Cheryl’s own words, “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 and surround them with His grace.”
As I have read her homespun narratives, I have felt her deep abiding faith in the One who never changes. Her stories resonate God’s faithfulness in all of life’s situations. Each short chapter encourages the reader in their own personal walk with the Lord.
Chapter 20 “Solitary Places” speaks to our need of getting alone with God in a solitary place. In Cheryl’s words: “We live in a noisy world and stay engaged with activity and busyness. Constantly texting, scrolling, talking, listening, watching, and filling our minds, we don’t make an effort to do what it takes to hear God’s voice. How can we listen to Him when we bombard our ears, eyes, and minds with constant stimulation and commotion? Getting alone with God requires us to turn off all the noise, make ourselves unavailable to all other tasks, find a quiet and uninterrupted place, and get still and calm before Him.”
Do you find it hard to turn off all the noise?
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
Psalm 46:10
Cheryl has generously offered to give away a copy of her book to one of my readers. It is so easy to enter…just leave a comment on this post. The contest closes at midnight on Friday, October 1st and is open to residents of the continental U.S. The winner will be announced on Sunday, October 3rd.
Cheryl is a gifted writer and I highly recommend Homespun Devotions, Volume I. This inspiring devotion book would make a lovely Christmas gift or a birthday present for a special friend. You can order it here. Cheryl writes a beautiful blog at Homespun Devotions.
Thank you for your visit and comments, they always make my day. Wishing you a joy-filled week!
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Imparting Grace,Life and Linda
I would love to have this inspiring book.
This sounds like a wonder addition to quiet morning time.
I do have a Birthday around the corner & would enjoy this devotional book so much. I read Gods word each day with my walk with him. If I win I want to thank you both. Kay
Beautiful and inspiring post. Your post will certainly be part of my morning devotion as I have watched the sun rise on the beautiful Atlantic coast. Oh, I would love this book. Bob and I are enjoying some time away with friends. Will get into full swing of Fall decorating when I return to the beautiful mountains of WNC. Love and blessings.
Good morning Pam, Homespun Devotions sounds like a wonderful addition to any devotional time. Thanks for sharing. Clara❤️.
Beautiful post. What a lovely addition to our morning devotions.
Happy Tuesday sweet friend!
I always love your post each week. Your gardens and you sweet Sunshine Cottage are beautiful. And most of all, love seeing your beautiful grandchildren.
This devotion book sounds amazing.
Always enjoy your posts and all the fabulous pictures. I would love to add this book to my bible time in the morning. Have a blessed day.
This book and setting aside a devotional time is just what I need.
Quiet time, my favorite part of the day!
I admire your habit of quiet early morning time, to enjoy peace, pray and devotion to God. Yes, we are constantly bombarded with busyness, and it’s too easy to get “lost.” Your words this morning have given me much to think about, and the book sounds lovely…I need to add a quiet time to my day, thank you Pam…
Jenna
Pam, your blog is a devotion in itself. Today it feels all warm and lovely and I can see you beginning each day with peace, love and faith.
Good Morning Pam, you are such a wonderful inspiration. I love seeing your post everyday. Psalms 46:10 is my favorite Bible Verse. Love to have the Devotional book.
I love that her first devotional book is a volume 1! Knowing there are more to come brings hope!! ☺️
I think the book sounds wonderful and I love the idea of quiet time early in the morning with coffee. Thanks for the chance to win.
Pam, what a wonderful review! You articulated so well the essence of Cheryl’s book. I need to redo the review on Amazon- if I can and then post it on my blog. What a blessing Cheryl is and her book makes you feel you are right across the table. Love your photos too!
Hugs, Noreen
I appreciate being considered to receive this book of devotions. Thank you both.
I have been looking for a new devotional book! I am chaplain for our JOY (Just Older YOuth) Club at church and am getting close to finishing the book I have now. This sounds good! Hope I win!
My computer got corrupted this morning. I’m thankful for my computer guy (hubby) and hope all will be restored soon. However, not being able to use it has clearly pointed out how much it sucks me in and distracts me from better things…like my Bible opened in my lap. May God richly bless your friend’s devotional book, and may many be drawn into time spent in His Word because of it.
What a lovely giveaway! I do find it a challenge to have quiet time with God. It feels like a gift to actually sit in silence and read His word.
Pam, the book sounds lovely. We all need such things to help bring us to a quiet place. It is so peaceful to turn off the noise and ‘simply be.’ Blessings, dear friend.
Like you I am the first up and treasure my time alone with the reading of my devotion and the Bible. My day starts and ends with hearing the word on DAYSTAR also. What peace He gives.
This is a lovely book to win.
Marion
I would love to win this lovely book.
Marilyn
Thank You for the chance to win this beautiful book.
Joan
What a blessing you are to gift this lovely book to one of us. You are such an inspiration to so many who follow your life’s
spiritual adventure, highlighting wisdom, beauty, kinship and just plain fun along the way. So happy that Cheryl’s insights
and devotions will be a series to meet the challenges of our times. The very best to her in this endeavor.
I begin my day just like you, Pam. My quiet time with the Lord is very special to me.
How nice to be introduced to Cheryl’s devotional book and her blog.
Have a wonderful week.
Dear Pam! You will never know how much I appreciate your beautiful review and all your support and encouragement over the years. My heart is so moved and deeply touched by your kind words. May God richly bless you, my friend.
My pleasure dear one. May God receive all the glory and honor with your devotion book!
In the past, I have tried to make time for quiet time in the mornings. However, lately it has been difficult. You have reminded me this morning of that important time of day. Cheryl’s book sounds lovely. I am going to have to check her blog out. My dear friend, I hope you have a most wonderful day!
Good morning! i treasure the quiet. Yesteday no one was home. It was nice. I would love this book for fresh words from another author during devotions.
Sounds lovely.
Thank you for your inspiring posts and the opportunity to win this devotional book!
I especially love quiet times in my garden in the Fall ~~~ my mind seems to become free from worldly stress
because I can feel God’s presence.
Sounds lovely.