DEVOTIONALS IN DECEMBER

I find this particular Holiday season more meaningful for many reasons. First, my health is good for the first time since July; we had the opportunity to help out a refugee family this year; we simplified the gift-giving and card sending this time around, and I am reading four devotionals during each day; yes, four, and it has given me a sense of contentment, no matter, what and peace.

First, I am going a second time through Simple Abundance, a book I refer to as my “secular devotional.” It often speaks directly to me just when I need to hear the words set out for that day.

I am passing this one to a friend and book buddy after Christmas this year.

Another is a beat-up small but powerful book reminding me of God’s promises and includes snippets from some of my favorite inspirational writers like Charles Standley and Max Lucado.

Short, sweet, and reassuring

In sync with the season, the week before Advent began, I started a book that was donated to my Little Free Library, A Child in Winter.

A Catholic publication, this book has guided my Baptist mind through the meaning of Advent and the celebration of it for the first time.

Finally, a friend gave me a book for my birthday in November with the admonition, “I haven’t read it yet, so I want it back when you’re finished.” Courtney, I finished it Monday and will bring it over soon.

This has been a lovely, meditative look at a tranquil life and how to achieve it. It has made a difference in my “season” that hopefully will carry on into the year.

DeMoss opens this 2000 publication with a discussion of what makes up the “Devotional Life.” Each chapter ends with thought questions under the title, “Making it Personal”. Also, at the end of each chapter is a selection from an inspirational writer titled “From the Heart of.” Some of my favorites appear: Elizabeth Elliott, Vonette Bright, Kay Arthur, etc.

This manual on how to create one’s own “devotional life” includes many questions or issues I have/had in trying to do just that. My favorite chapters were “The Purpose of a Devotional Life” and “The Problems of a Devotional Life.” Each had helpful thoughts, questions to think about, and practical “solutions” to try. An appendix at the end of the book offers a list of recommended Devotional Books, which may be very helpful.

Hmmmmmm, maybe my friend may not get her book back until I have copied copious pages. LOL

Thanks, Evin

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