When you think of just one, it does not seem likely nearly enough. Who eats just one chip, one grape, or one little m&m? Oh, not me. While just one cookie may be sufficient, my desire is for more than one. When tackling a project just having only ourselves does not seem like enough.
The number one sounds like a lonely number. Our daily calendars are overflowing with to-dos and multitasking is all the rage.
But what power can be found from choosing to focus on just one thing?
At any given moment I sit down at my computer, there are five or more (and that’s a conservative number) tabs open. I go there with the intent to research one thing and then another completely unrelated tab beckons my name. In an instance, my focus is broken, and I’ve been pulled away from my first mission. Before long I have to ask myself why did I come to the computer initially. Do you ever find yourself with such broken focus?
It’s a battle I am constantly fighting.
When I came across the invitation to read Lucinda McDowell’s book, Dwelling Places: Words to Live in Every Season captured my attention because of its call to move away from dwelling in busyness and noise and choosing to focus on just one word a day. I like the idealistic simplicity in honing in on one small word during each of the seasons. Just as the summer months are full of wonderful blooms, the book encourages readers to focus on the overarching theme of grow during this season.
One of my favorite devotions thus far as been on garden, which used my blog’s theme verse of Isaiah 58:11. As I chose to focus on that single word of garden throughout my day, my mind flashed back to my time earlier in the week spent in the community garden picking fresh vegetables. Some were at their peak, but others were immature and not yet ready for the picking. Lucinda’s words mixed with the garden imagery were a beautiful reminder of how we are all a part of God’s garden but each maturing at different rates. It takes time and nurturing from others and being firmly rooted in God to grow and be all that we are called. Equally as important is finding the value and beauty right where you are no matter how small it may appear.
Like most devotions, Dwelling Places offers a short easily digestible reading that can be added to your daily reading. But what is unique about this devotional book is that the author has chosen to break the devotional into four seasons each with its own theme.
- Season 1: Fall focuses on Dwell
- Season 2: Advent focuses on Shine
- Season 3: Lent focuses on Renew
- Season 4: Summer focuses on Grow
Although Dwelling Places is a seasonal devotional, the fact that it is undated makes it perfect for flipping through and selecting your own word of the day that most stands out to you. I look forward to using it throughout the year. If you enjoy devotionals and can use a bit more singular focus in your life, perhaps you should consider picking up a copy of Dwelling Places.
SUMMARY
With the dawn of each new year, Christians and spiritual seekers vow to seek a deeper, closer relationship with God and grow their spiritual life. Yet like many resolutions, as time passes, so does determination to stay the course. But what if a thriving, active faith were as simple as reading one word a day? Award-winning author Lucinda Secrest McDowell knows that if you spend a few minutes every day turning to God's Word for wisdom and guidance, your faith can flourish and grow. Through short and inspiring readings, McDowell unpacks a single word--like mercy, beauty, gratitude, or grace--to uncover a biblical blessing or lesson you can act on that very day. Each devotion includes stories and illustrations to foster understanding and ends with a benediction, written as if God were speaking directly to you. Organized into four seasons--fall, Advent, Lent, and summer--these devotions invite you to discover those "dwelling places" that offer the joy of God's promises and presence. Whether in the midst of busy holiday schedules, holy days, or changing seasons, a deeper faith can be a simple as a single word.
About the Book
Dwelling Places: Words to Live in Every Season by Lucinda Secrest McDowell
Published by Abingdon Press on June 7th 2016
Genres: Bible Study/Devotions
Pages: 256
Format: Paperback
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
Join Lucinda in celebrating the release of Dwelling Places by entering to win her Season of Refreshment giveaway.
Drown out the busyness and noise of everyday life and find a deeper faith with something as simple as a single word in Lucinda Secrest McDowell’s new book, Dwelling Places. Through short and inspiring readings, McDowell unpacks a single word—such as mercy, beauty, gratitude, or grace—to reveal a biblical blessing or challenge relevant to where you are. Full of stories and illustrations to empower you to live the word you have just read, each devotional ends with a benediction, written as if God were speaking directly to you.
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A copy of Dwelling Places
- A Dwelling Places necklace handmade by Lucinda
- A kit full of goodies you’ll need to make refreshing lemonade this summer
One second place winner will receive:
- A copy of Dwelling Places
- A Dwelling Places necklace handmade by Lucinda
Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on July 5th. The winner will be announced July 6th on Lucinda’s blog.
Sometimes one word is all we can take in–and all we need. Sounds like an interesting read, Wanda. Thanks for the review and recommendation.
Always my pleasure to share Pam.
This book sounds like a great devotional. I just read this week about choosing one thing from the book I was reading to put into practice. If I would do that with every book, it would be amazing! 🙂 Thanks for sharing this, Wanda.
I like that idea of implementing just one thing, Lisa. Being someone who likes to read that would help cement the books I read into my life practically.
Wanda, thank you so much for taking time to do one thing — read “Grow” in my new book “Dwelling Places.” You are an excellent writer and obviously “get” my idea that one word from God’s Word can be a powerful catalyst to growth. I hope you enjoy the other sections throughout the year. Summer Blessings! Lucinda
Lucinda, I appreciated the opportunity to read your devotional and I look forward to having it as my morning companion throughout the year. Thank you so much for your kind words and for stopping by.
Wanda,
This sounds like a great book. Just ONE thing is a wonderful idea. If we did more of this, we would probably live better, feel better, complete more projects and complete them well.
Cynthia so very well said. It’s a constant battle to focus on the one thing for a given moment.
Hi Wanda! First, I’ll start off by saying that I LOVE your new blog design…I guess I’ve been away too long, lol! Looks like I’ve missed the giveaway. ;-( The book looks like a great read and definitely something we all need…a season of refreshment. Yes, it is so hard to concentrate and focus. We get distracted, but as you’ve stated, we must reign ourselves in. And when we do and focus totally on Him, it’s all the sweeter. Have blessed weekend sis!
Thanks Michell. You have been away awhile 🙂 It definitely sounds like you have come back refreshed and used your time off to hone in on some great projects. Delighted to see writing books.
Just one thing. One simple word.
Such a restful idea. My heart goes softer just thinking it:)
Thanks for sharing this sweet breeze,
Jennifer
Hope you are finding plenty time to bask in the sonlight and take in the summer breeze, Jennifer. Blessings.
Wanda, I so enjoyed reading this review as today I wrote about summer and the rest which it brings. I love when God works this way to confirm His Word to me. Glad to have stopped here today!
Thanks Joanne. Love it when His Word full circle.
Did not make it in time for an entry for the drawing but no loss but the post was enough to wet a desire to buy the book. I have been looking for a new devotional .
Hi Betty, it’s the perfect time of year to pick up a new devotional. I like Lucinda’s unique approach in grouping it by seasons and choosing to focus on a single word. Would love to hear your thoughts on it if you decide to pick book up.