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Savor: Living Abundantly Where You Are, As You Are
Shauna's honest, beautiful storytelling style makes this devotional as comforting and inspiring as an hour around the table with the people we love.
Combining content from Bread and Wine, Cold Tangerines, and Bittersweet, as well as new writing and recipes, this devotional from Shauna Niequist speaks spiritual truths to women in short passages that invite us to connect with God and the goodness He created all around us.
Shauna loves gathering people around the table, and loves words that connect us to one another and to an awareness of God's presence. She writes about the beautiful and broken moments of everyday life--friendship, family, faith, food, marriage, love, babies, books, celebration, heartache, and all the other things that shape us, delight us, and reveal to us the heart of God.
Combining content from Bread and Wine, Cold Tangerines, and Bittersweet, as well as new writing and recipes, this devotional from Shauna Niequist speaks spiritual truths to women in short passages that invite us to connect with God and the goodness He created all around us.
Shauna loves gathering people around the table, and loves words that connect us to one another and to an awareness of God's presence. She writes about the beautiful and broken moments of everyday life--friendship, family, faith, food, marriage, love, babies, books, celebration, heartache, and all the other things that shape us, delight us, and reveal to us the heart of God.
392 pages, Hardcover
First published March 10, 2015
591 people are currently reading
4755 people want to read
About the author
Shauna Niequist
36 books2,650 followersShauna Niequist is the author of Cold Tangerines, Bittersweet, and Bread & Wine. Shauna grew up in Barrington, Illinois, and then studied English and French Literature at Westmont College in Santa Barbara. She is married to Aaron Niequist, who is a pianist and songwriter. Aaron is a worship leader at Willow Creek Community Church and is recording a project called A New Liturgy. Aaron & Shauna live outside Chicago with their sons, Henry and Mac. Shauna writes about the beautiful and broken moments of everyday life--friendship, family, faith, food, marriage, love, babies, books, celebration, heartache, and all the other things that shape us, delight us, and reveal to us the heart of God.
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July 20, 2017I feel bad. I never do this, but I am abandoning this book. Instead of looking forward to my devotional "snack" for the day, I am becoming resentful and reading out of duty with a begrudging attitude.... not a good sign. First off, I really can't call this a devotional. I know what she is trying to do, but the material presented is not executed in any sort of way that convicts, nor encourages me in my walk with God. I love life applicable lessons, but this, for me, reads very choppy and often feels forced. I am still going to try reading another book of hers that I own, though. Maybe this devotional just wasn't a good fit for me.
April 7, 2015
I'd read her grocery list. And that's saying something since I hate to cook. This book is gorgeous, inside and out.
April 1, 2016
No one writes more beautifully than Shauna Niequist.
That being said, this was a book of her essays, chopped down into smaller bits for a "devotional." Most of this isn't new material, but her wonderful essays that appear elsewhere like Bread & Wine and Bittersweet.
Read those instead.
Firstly, because this is not really a devotional. At least not enough to suffice for a year spiritually on its own. It would be a wonderful inspirational passage to read in the afternoon as a pick-me up over tea or something, but it is milk, not meat. Delicious, sweet milk. Life-affirming and inspiring for sure. But I don't know God better after having read this. I know myself a little better. And that's ok. But a little beside the point if I'm DEVOTING myself to something. Niequist is a fan of labeling so very much "sacred" that it sort of loses its meaning (moments, crumbs, beauty, space, story, a sunset, chopping, a track star, friendship, tables). And in fact, a couple of times she dances into territory that is bordering on unbibilical. [By way of example, she states that in marriage we should "take responsibility for your own emotional and spiritual health." While there is an element of truth there, that we only depend on God for holiness, the tenor of her overall message runs contrary to the picture of marriage described in Ephesians 5, where it is clear that we are to love and sanctify and nourish the other. This, and other places, sound a bit more like pop psychology than the counter-cultural mysteries of God.]
If you have time only to read a page or so a day for a devotional, go with something with more depth and focus on the character of God, like Oswald Chamber's My Utmost for His Highest, that focuses on and expounds the Word instead of assigning a verse loosely to a topic.
If you're interested in the topics she explores of being grateful for the gifts God gives us, read some of these as well:
John Piper - Desiring God
Joe Rigney - The Things of Earth
James K.A. Smith - Desiring the Kingdom
Frederick Beuchner
Robert Farrar Capon - Supper of the Lamb
That being said, this was a book of her essays, chopped down into smaller bits for a "devotional." Most of this isn't new material, but her wonderful essays that appear elsewhere like Bread & Wine and Bittersweet.
Read those instead.
Firstly, because this is not really a devotional. At least not enough to suffice for a year spiritually on its own. It would be a wonderful inspirational passage to read in the afternoon as a pick-me up over tea or something, but it is milk, not meat. Delicious, sweet milk. Life-affirming and inspiring for sure. But I don't know God better after having read this. I know myself a little better. And that's ok. But a little beside the point if I'm DEVOTING myself to something. Niequist is a fan of labeling so very much "sacred" that it sort of loses its meaning (moments, crumbs, beauty, space, story, a sunset, chopping, a track star, friendship, tables). And in fact, a couple of times she dances into territory that is bordering on unbibilical. [By way of example, she states that in marriage we should "take responsibility for your own emotional and spiritual health." While there is an element of truth there, that we only depend on God for holiness, the tenor of her overall message runs contrary to the picture of marriage described in Ephesians 5, where it is clear that we are to love and sanctify and nourish the other. This, and other places, sound a bit more like pop psychology than the counter-cultural mysteries of God.]
If you have time only to read a page or so a day for a devotional, go with something with more depth and focus on the character of God, like Oswald Chamber's My Utmost for His Highest, that focuses on and expounds the Word instead of assigning a verse loosely to a topic.
If you're interested in the topics she explores of being grateful for the gifts God gives us, read some of these as well:
John Piper - Desiring God
Joe Rigney - The Things of Earth
James K.A. Smith - Desiring the Kingdom
Frederick Beuchner
Robert Farrar Capon - Supper of the Lamb
April 17, 2015
We are a gulping people —
A swallowing whole, planning the next mouthful before the bolus lands kind of people
We’re that way with our food, too.
Savor by Shauna Niequist is a daily flavor of the Word —
A slow down and think about it experience of considering one verse, one concept at a time.
Shauna describes the book as her “attempt at paying attention, at clearing away space and noise.” To facilitate this focus, she has arranged her writing in 365 daily readings, each with a relevant scripture verse and followed by a question or suggestion to guide the reader’s thinking. For example, Job 2:10 (“Shall we accept good from God and not trouble?”) leads Shauna to ponder the term bittersweet, to reflect on the idea that in all things “there is both something broken and something beautiful.” Her pondering is velvet, and her conclusion is steel:
“When life is sweet, say thank you and celebrate, and when life is bitter, say thank you and grow.”
Having thus whet the reader’s appetite for spiritual food, Shauna tantalizes the literal palette with twenty-one recipes from savory to sweet, sprinkled throughout the book, and accompanied by a story-behind-the-dish. Personally, I intend to start out by trying Blueberry Yogurt Morning Cake as a delicious treat to savor with my family around the breakfast table.
Savor is like a greeting in the daily conversation with God. Reading each day’s suggested verse in context will provide a more nourishing scriptural meal; recording meditations on the verses in a spiritual journal will allow the truth to digest; and bringing the daily thought forward into prayer and praxis will fortify faith and encourage growth. The goodness of God is everywhere. There is no profounder reason to enter into His creation — all the gifts He has bestowed — and to savor His grace wherever we find it.
This book was provided by Zondervan through the Book Look Bloggers program in exchange for my honest review.
A swallowing whole, planning the next mouthful before the bolus lands kind of people
We’re that way with our food, too.
Savor by Shauna Niequist is a daily flavor of the Word —
A slow down and think about it experience of considering one verse, one concept at a time.
Shauna describes the book as her “attempt at paying attention, at clearing away space and noise.” To facilitate this focus, she has arranged her writing in 365 daily readings, each with a relevant scripture verse and followed by a question or suggestion to guide the reader’s thinking. For example, Job 2:10 (“Shall we accept good from God and not trouble?”) leads Shauna to ponder the term bittersweet, to reflect on the idea that in all things “there is both something broken and something beautiful.” Her pondering is velvet, and her conclusion is steel:
“When life is sweet, say thank you and celebrate, and when life is bitter, say thank you and grow.”
Having thus whet the reader’s appetite for spiritual food, Shauna tantalizes the literal palette with twenty-one recipes from savory to sweet, sprinkled throughout the book, and accompanied by a story-behind-the-dish. Personally, I intend to start out by trying Blueberry Yogurt Morning Cake as a delicious treat to savor with my family around the breakfast table.
Savor is like a greeting in the daily conversation with God. Reading each day’s suggested verse in context will provide a more nourishing scriptural meal; recording meditations on the verses in a spiritual journal will allow the truth to digest; and bringing the daily thought forward into prayer and praxis will fortify faith and encourage growth. The goodness of God is everywhere. There is no profounder reason to enter into His creation — all the gifts He has bestowed — and to savor His grace wherever we find it.
This book was provided by Zondervan through the Book Look Bloggers program in exchange for my honest review.
January 1, 2017
I was not as enamored with this book as I was with "My Utmost for His Highest". Not even remotely. This is much more geared towards married women with children. While I had several of the devotions that spoke to me, the book on a whole just didn't work for me. So many time I was reading one of them and was reminded of my own failed marriage and ended up in tears and I am pretty sure that was not the intended response.
She IS a good writer though and I appreciated that aspect of the devotional.
She IS a good writer though and I appreciated that aspect of the devotional.
March 4, 2016
Reading Savor was like reading a Facebook post each day.
December 31, 2016
I read from this daily devotional book every day during 2016. While Niequist's words didn't always resonant, some days they seemed written precisely for me on that specific day. All in all, this book changed my life. #TheYearOfYes
February 6, 2017
When I discovered Shauna Niequist in 2011 after the publication of Cold Tangerines, her writing felt like a "voice in the wilderness making straight the way of the Lord" (John 1:23). Her books helped me make sense of the Christian life in a new way with as many I thought it was just me moments as pages. Her lifestyle serves as one of the inspirations behind my brand's point of view and continues to empower me daily. I read everything she publishes from books to blog posts, so I was a little disappointed this devotional was simply a pairing of prior writings with Bible verses. Luckily, it's a match made in heaven as her writing is inexhaustible, much like my favorite verses.
December 9, 2015
"When life is sweet, say thank you and celebrate, and when life is bitter, say thank you and grow."
A devotion that allowed me to experience His love and peace on the daily.
A devotion that allowed me to experience His love and peace on the daily.
April 28, 2015
As many of my readers know, lately been dealing with personal family issues, and have been in need of encouragement and positivism in my life. And this book it doesn't disappoint, my dear friends. The author combines stories and scripture to create 365 devotional essays that are real while being eloquent, smart while having soul. She encourages women to slow down and savor the ordinary moments that comprise our everyday lives.
Savor features work from her incredibly popular books Cold Tangerines, Bittersweet, and Bread & Wine. Savor also includes new content and recipes for twenty-one dishes that have accompanied Shauna on her journey to soak in simple, everyday life. I’m a pretty avid reader, but Shauna’s writing always stands out, working it’s way into my heart, staying with me throughout the day.
This book is a keeper!
To find out more about this book, click here!
Enjoy!
Please note, I received this book as a review copy from Blogging For Books. All opinion expressed are that of my own.
Savor features work from her incredibly popular books Cold Tangerines, Bittersweet, and Bread & Wine. Savor also includes new content and recipes for twenty-one dishes that have accompanied Shauna on her journey to soak in simple, everyday life. I’m a pretty avid reader, but Shauna’s writing always stands out, working it’s way into my heart, staying with me throughout the day.
This book is a keeper!
To find out more about this book, click here!
Enjoy!
Please note, I received this book as a review copy from Blogging For Books. All opinion expressed are that of my own.
March 11, 2015
I loved Shauna's last book and was excited to get my hands on this one. It is a daily devotional with recipes spread throughout. Honestly, I did not read every single devotion so to be fair I can only speak on the 25 or so that I did read. Let me begin by saying that this isn't a deeply scriptural devotional. I found the daily writing somewhat lacking and not anything I could relate to. They are very short and to the point. I hope she will write more books in the future and steer away from devotional writing. It's not her strong suit.
December 17, 2015
I simply COULD NOT wait to get my hands on a copy of Savor!!
I waited and waited and waited to request a review copy and when I finally could request a copy- they were all gone.
So I broke one of my own review rules and requested an e-copy.
I loved that this devo is a 365 devo!
I loved Shauna’s writing style- eloquent and lovely and descriptive.
I enjoyed her stories and recipes!
It was very inspiring and heartfelt and I really did enjoy it so much!
A great read! Inspiring! Heartwarming! Fun!
If you’re looking for something to freshen up your quiet time…..dont miss this!
I waited and waited and waited to request a review copy and when I finally could request a copy- they were all gone.
So I broke one of my own review rules and requested an e-copy.
I loved that this devo is a 365 devo!
I loved Shauna’s writing style- eloquent and lovely and descriptive.
I enjoyed her stories and recipes!
It was very inspiring and heartfelt and I really did enjoy it so much!
A great read! Inspiring! Heartwarming! Fun!
If you’re looking for something to freshen up your quiet time…..dont miss this!
April 21, 2016
This is not a devotional. It is a life coach. Skip the book and read your Bible instead. If you want a devotional that expounds on the assigned Bible passage, focusing on God's glory, try Moody's Today in the Word.
February 1, 2020
3.5 stars
December 27, 2015
A book of daily readings, however long, is not usually high on my list of books to read and/or use in my personal time of connection with God. Devotionals, in my past experience, are often too watered-down or simplistic for my tastes. I can’t think of one I’ve read that I would recommend enthusiastically.
Shauna Niequist changed all that with her book Savor: Living Abundantly Where You Are, As You Are, a collection of 365 devotions. (Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the Booklook Bloggers program in exchange for my review.)
This book is as beautiful on the inside as its cover is on the outside. It has a textured feel to it and is just pretty to look at. Fortunately for us, though, it’s not just a pretty face.
The daily readings are a collection of Niequist’s words, some from books she’s written previously, some new, I think, but I honestly can’t tell the difference. They are snippets of encouragement and reflection from a real-life wife and mom, writer, speaker, Christian-on-a-journey who doesn’t offer easy answers but poses challenging questions in a gentle voice.
I have been reading the book almost daily for about a month and I am still pondering questions I read weeks ago. Each day’s reading ends with a question or two that provokes not only deeper thought but sometimes action. As a result of my readings, I’ve sent cards I needed to send, encouraged someone I might have forgotten to notice, and asked myself questions I don’t know the answer to.
I’m so enthusiastic about this book I bought a copy for a gift. Rarely would I even consider giving a devotional book to someone as a gift but this book is a must-read for women at various ages and seasons of faith. At times she talks about motherhood, at times she talks about doubt and her faith journey. It is not a one-size-fits-all book because, as I’m learning, we are not one-size-fits-all women. But I think you’d be encouraged by Niequist’s words and challenged by her questions.
One challenge of reviewing a year-long devotional is that I can’t read and review the entire thing in a timely manner because I want to use it as it is intended. But from the selections I’ve read, I’ve gotten a sense of the book’s style and I am in love. I will continue to use it and reuse it in the months to come.
(Oh, and did I mention there are recipes? Shauna’s recipes are not to be missed!)
Shauna Niequist changed all that with her book Savor: Living Abundantly Where You Are, As You Are, a collection of 365 devotions. (Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the Booklook Bloggers program in exchange for my review.)
This book is as beautiful on the inside as its cover is on the outside. It has a textured feel to it and is just pretty to look at. Fortunately for us, though, it’s not just a pretty face.
The daily readings are a collection of Niequist’s words, some from books she’s written previously, some new, I think, but I honestly can’t tell the difference. They are snippets of encouragement and reflection from a real-life wife and mom, writer, speaker, Christian-on-a-journey who doesn’t offer easy answers but poses challenging questions in a gentle voice.
I have been reading the book almost daily for about a month and I am still pondering questions I read weeks ago. Each day’s reading ends with a question or two that provokes not only deeper thought but sometimes action. As a result of my readings, I’ve sent cards I needed to send, encouraged someone I might have forgotten to notice, and asked myself questions I don’t know the answer to.
I’m so enthusiastic about this book I bought a copy for a gift. Rarely would I even consider giving a devotional book to someone as a gift but this book is a must-read for women at various ages and seasons of faith. At times she talks about motherhood, at times she talks about doubt and her faith journey. It is not a one-size-fits-all book because, as I’m learning, we are not one-size-fits-all women. But I think you’d be encouraged by Niequist’s words and challenged by her questions.
One challenge of reviewing a year-long devotional is that I can’t read and review the entire thing in a timely manner because I want to use it as it is intended. But from the selections I’ve read, I’ve gotten a sense of the book’s style and I am in love. I will continue to use it and reuse it in the months to come.
(Oh, and did I mention there are recipes? Shauna’s recipes are not to be missed!)
July 30, 2015
What does it mean to live abundantly? This is the question that Shauna Niequist explores in her new devotional book Savor.
I have been looking for a good devotional book for quite some time. I like to have the story as well as the verses from the Bible to dwell on. Savor does just that. With a mix of her classic story telling as well as her wonderful recipes, Shauna brings us through a year closer to God as well as exploring the fellowship that we need throughout the year.
We all want to savor everything about this life, knowing that it is short, knowing that time passes quickly. The ways of our modern world seem to be rush rush rush, and we rarely take the time to slow down and enjoy our life, instead we are looking to the next thing constantly.
I love that Shauna is telling us that it is something she struggles with as well.
I like that she wants us to stop letting the little annoyances of the day command our day, and instead helps us to see all that we have and the amazing opportunities we have every day to enjoy the life that God has given us.
This devotional is 365 days, and can be started at any point in the year. Each day starts with a verse to meditate on and follows with a story of Shauna’s. It ends with a question or thought for us to ponder throughout our day, allowing us to journal and meditate as much as we want. And then, interspersed throughout the days of devotions, there are Shauna’s amazing recipes. Things like Lemon Dill Soup, Spicy Peanut Noodles, and Grilled Peach & Caramel Sundaes. These are recipes that can be savored and shared with our loved ones.
Savor is a great devotional if you are looking for something to take you through each day of the year; something to help direct you in savoring your own life. I highly recommend it!
I received a copy of this book for free in return for my review, the opinions are my own.
I have been looking for a good devotional book for quite some time. I like to have the story as well as the verses from the Bible to dwell on. Savor does just that. With a mix of her classic story telling as well as her wonderful recipes, Shauna brings us through a year closer to God as well as exploring the fellowship that we need throughout the year.
We all want to savor everything about this life, knowing that it is short, knowing that time passes quickly. The ways of our modern world seem to be rush rush rush, and we rarely take the time to slow down and enjoy our life, instead we are looking to the next thing constantly.
I love that Shauna is telling us that it is something she struggles with as well.
I like that she wants us to stop letting the little annoyances of the day command our day, and instead helps us to see all that we have and the amazing opportunities we have every day to enjoy the life that God has given us.
This devotional is 365 days, and can be started at any point in the year. Each day starts with a verse to meditate on and follows with a story of Shauna’s. It ends with a question or thought for us to ponder throughout our day, allowing us to journal and meditate as much as we want. And then, interspersed throughout the days of devotions, there are Shauna’s amazing recipes. Things like Lemon Dill Soup, Spicy Peanut Noodles, and Grilled Peach & Caramel Sundaes. These are recipes that can be savored and shared with our loved ones.
Savor is a great devotional if you are looking for something to take you through each day of the year; something to help direct you in savoring your own life. I highly recommend it!
I received a copy of this book for free in return for my review, the opinions are my own.
May 12, 2015
What does it mean to live abundantly where you are, as you are? What does it mean to Savor?
Shauna Niequist has written a devotional designed to give us a few moments to savor the quiet, savor the time with our Savior. She focuses on the two big F's...Food and Faith. One could even add the third F, Fellowship.
Designed to meet the needs of women it feeds the soul, and the body. Shauna has interspersed recipes throughout the pages. It's a true meal of comfort food for your whole self. The devotional feeds your spirit and the recipes feed your physical body.
The devotionals are like homemade mac-n-cheese, or mashed potatoes, or chicken noodle soup for your soul.
The book, from it's linen bound cover, navy page edges, and cream ribbon to it's printed words is a feast for the eyes. It is the perfect gift for the foodie in your life...even if that is you. This book is a January 1 through December 31 devotional, every day will delight your senses.
The recipes include such gems as: Blueberry Yogurt Morning Cake, Baked French Toast, Emily's Poppy Seed Cake, Frisee, Hazelnut & Goat Cheese Salad, Melody's Sausage & Egg Strata.
The devotionals start with a verse, then a brief--really only a couple of paragraphs--devotional and then a thought or questions to help you journal your answers, or even just to ponder for the day.
shaunaniequistShauna Niequist is the daughter of Willow Creek Community Church's pastor, Bill Hybels; the wife of Aaron, Momma to Henry and Mac. She is the author of Bittersweet, Cool Tangerines, Bread and Wine and Savor. Her great loves are her family, diner parties and books.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of review. All opinions are my own.
Shauna Niequist has written a devotional designed to give us a few moments to savor the quiet, savor the time with our Savior. She focuses on the two big F's...Food and Faith. One could even add the third F, Fellowship.
Designed to meet the needs of women it feeds the soul, and the body. Shauna has interspersed recipes throughout the pages. It's a true meal of comfort food for your whole self. The devotional feeds your spirit and the recipes feed your physical body.
The devotionals are like homemade mac-n-cheese, or mashed potatoes, or chicken noodle soup for your soul.
The book, from it's linen bound cover, navy page edges, and cream ribbon to it's printed words is a feast for the eyes. It is the perfect gift for the foodie in your life...even if that is you. This book is a January 1 through December 31 devotional, every day will delight your senses.
The recipes include such gems as: Blueberry Yogurt Morning Cake, Baked French Toast, Emily's Poppy Seed Cake, Frisee, Hazelnut & Goat Cheese Salad, Melody's Sausage & Egg Strata.
The devotionals start with a verse, then a brief--really only a couple of paragraphs--devotional and then a thought or questions to help you journal your answers, or even just to ponder for the day.
shaunaniequistShauna Niequist is the daughter of Willow Creek Community Church's pastor, Bill Hybels; the wife of Aaron, Momma to Henry and Mac. She is the author of Bittersweet, Cool Tangerines, Bread and Wine and Savor. Her great loves are her family, diner parties and books.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of review. All opinions are my own.
April 6, 2015
Kindle Version
Savor: Living Abundantly Where You Are, As You Are by Shauna Niequist, is a daily devotional for women. I understand that the physical book is quite a lovely volume. I am reviewing the ebook version.
Savor contains 365 devotionals that are short and sweet. Each day has a title, a bible verse, a short devotion and a question or two to think about. There are also recipes scattered throughout the devotional. The devotions are for women going about their everyday lives who need encouragement, introspection and guidance. The questions asked each day are very thought-provoking. They are challenging. Niequist challenges to think about life a little differently.
This is a devotional for women who probably don't have a lot of time but desire to spend a few moments with God each day. The questions that conclude each day prompt the reader to think about their lives and their daily interactions. Are you being a good friend? a good mother? What do you need to give to God to take care of? Why are you trying to do so much...what are you trying to prove? Does your weight define you?
I found Savor: Living Abundantly Where You Are, As You Are by Shauna Niequist to be a thought-provoking addition to my devotional collection. I found a nugget of wisdom in every devotion. Some apply to me today and some applied to me when I was younger. I think that any woman would benefit by having Savor as a daily devotional.
Savor: Living Abundantly Where You Are, As You Are by Shauna Niequist, is a daily devotional for women. I understand that the physical book is quite a lovely volume. I am reviewing the ebook version.
Savor contains 365 devotionals that are short and sweet. Each day has a title, a bible verse, a short devotion and a question or two to think about. There are also recipes scattered throughout the devotional. The devotions are for women going about their everyday lives who need encouragement, introspection and guidance. The questions asked each day are very thought-provoking. They are challenging. Niequist challenges to think about life a little differently.
This is a devotional for women who probably don't have a lot of time but desire to spend a few moments with God each day. The questions that conclude each day prompt the reader to think about their lives and their daily interactions. Are you being a good friend? a good mother? What do you need to give to God to take care of? Why are you trying to do so much...what are you trying to prove? Does your weight define you?
I found Savor: Living Abundantly Where You Are, As You Are by Shauna Niequist to be a thought-provoking addition to my devotional collection. I found a nugget of wisdom in every devotion. Some apply to me today and some applied to me when I was younger. I think that any woman would benefit by having Savor as a daily devotional.
January 2, 2023
“When any of us mother – when we listen, nurture, nourish, protect – we’re doing sacred work.”
Motherhood is a daily thing and finding a book that can give motivation and inspiration daily while on that journey is a wonderful thing. Savor is a 365-day devotional by Shauna Niequist that I used in 2016. I have read Niequist’s Bread and Wine book and have several of her other books on my to-read list. I enjoy her honest writing style.
Savor gives a Bible passage, thoughts and questions to ponder every day of the year. A journal would be a good complement to write out ponderings or answers to the questions she poses. There are also several very yummy recipes scattered throughout the book. For a while, we had a group that would meet monthly to discuss the previous months devotions and try out the recipes. It was a fun way to go through the book.
One of the themes of the book is to really try and enjoy life where you are at now. She addresses good and bad times and shares her journey with food, friendships, motherhood, loss, community and the state of your soul. Her honestly allows the readers to take a look at their own lives and know that there are others out there who probably feel the same way they are feeling and have gone through similar trials or happy times. We may feel alone on the journey sometimes, but we are not alone.
Read more here: http://sarahannecarter.com/savor-livi...
Motherhood is a daily thing and finding a book that can give motivation and inspiration daily while on that journey is a wonderful thing. Savor is a 365-day devotional by Shauna Niequist that I used in 2016. I have read Niequist’s Bread and Wine book and have several of her other books on my to-read list. I enjoy her honest writing style.
Savor gives a Bible passage, thoughts and questions to ponder every day of the year. A journal would be a good complement to write out ponderings or answers to the questions she poses. There are also several very yummy recipes scattered throughout the book. For a while, we had a group that would meet monthly to discuss the previous months devotions and try out the recipes. It was a fun way to go through the book.
One of the themes of the book is to really try and enjoy life where you are at now. She addresses good and bad times and shares her journey with food, friendships, motherhood, loss, community and the state of your soul. Her honestly allows the readers to take a look at their own lives and know that there are others out there who probably feel the same way they are feeling and have gone through similar trials or happy times. We may feel alone on the journey sometimes, but we are not alone.
Read more here: http://sarahannecarter.com/savor-livi...
December 13, 2016
Let me preface this by saying I am a big fan of Shauna's books. I love both Bread & Wine and Bittersweet. She writes well and her books are poignant and engaging. So I feel bad giving this book a low rating, but it really disappointed me.
This book is marketed as devotional and is divided into short readings for each day that include a scripture verse and two or so paragraphs of a personal narrative followed by a question. I admit I haven't used a devotional in years (I prefer in-depth Bible studies and reading through scripture as literature). So maybe I forgot what they are supposed to be like. But in approaching a "devotion" I expected something that would show me more God through scripture, even if it was brief. I need to lift my eyes above the distractions and preoccupations of the day to the reality that God is good and sovereign and holy and that he is a personal God to me even though his plans are playing out on a much bigger scale than my life. This book might have some nice thoughts and good insights, but was not that. The narrative was not always well connected to the scripture and the questions stayed more on surface issues.
I highly recommend her longer books mentioned above. But if you want a devotional that will be a useful tool for drawing near to God, I do not recommend this.
This book is marketed as devotional and is divided into short readings for each day that include a scripture verse and two or so paragraphs of a personal narrative followed by a question. I admit I haven't used a devotional in years (I prefer in-depth Bible studies and reading through scripture as literature). So maybe I forgot what they are supposed to be like. But in approaching a "devotion" I expected something that would show me more God through scripture, even if it was brief. I need to lift my eyes above the distractions and preoccupations of the day to the reality that God is good and sovereign and holy and that he is a personal God to me even though his plans are playing out on a much bigger scale than my life. This book might have some nice thoughts and good insights, but was not that. The narrative was not always well connected to the scripture and the questions stayed more on surface issues.
I highly recommend her longer books mentioned above. But if you want a devotional that will be a useful tool for drawing near to God, I do not recommend this.
December 6, 2017
I'm giving this book 4 stars because Shauna Niequist has a wonderful sense of God's abundance, His grand redemptive plan, and the gospel and our lives as an interwoven story. On the days where she chooses these kind of topics, she totally nails it and is SO encouraging. I texted these kind of days to my friends more than any other devotional i've read in the last 5 years.
I'm downgrading by 1 star because of all the days (i would say 20-30% of the book) where it felt like "good advice on living" rather than digging into the Bible or connecting with God. Which would have been fine, if it was marketed as Christian living rather than a devotional. But because it was supposed to be a devotional, i felt frustrated on the days where it felt like it was more about how to be a good hostess rather than how to connect with God. There's nothing unorthodox in here, but several days felt off topic.
I'm downgrading by 1 star because of all the days (i would say 20-30% of the book) where it felt like "good advice on living" rather than digging into the Bible or connecting with God. Which would have been fine, if it was marketed as Christian living rather than a devotional. But because it was supposed to be a devotional, i felt frustrated on the days where it felt like it was more about how to be a good hostess rather than how to connect with God. There's nothing unorthodox in here, but several days felt off topic.
June 16, 2015
As reviewed on www.dineanddish.net
Savor is a departure from some of my more typical shares. It’s also possible I am one of the last people on earth recommending this book to you as I’ve seen it all over the place in the past couple of months, but there is really good reason for it. This is an absolutely beautiful book… it’s not a sit down and read cover to cover book (although that’s what I did), but more a daily devotional about everyday life and living abundantly (and sprinkled with really great recipes).
Definitely add this to your list of books to own and pull it out to read each morning. It’ll be a great way to start your day! (It would also make a great gift for a friend.)
Savor is a departure from some of my more typical shares. It’s also possible I am one of the last people on earth recommending this book to you as I’ve seen it all over the place in the past couple of months, but there is really good reason for it. This is an absolutely beautiful book… it’s not a sit down and read cover to cover book (although that’s what I did), but more a daily devotional about everyday life and living abundantly (and sprinkled with really great recipes).
Definitely add this to your list of books to own and pull it out to read each morning. It’ll be a great way to start your day! (It would also make a great gift for a friend.)
November 4, 2015
A week after I picked up "Savor" at a reading by Shauna Niequist, it already had worked itself into my daily ritual. It's a beautiful book that invites you to sit awhile and savor in form as well as function, packed with short readings, thought-provoking questions and good reminders – like the recipes that remind you we're not meant to walk this faith journey alone with a devotional but together around a table with other people.
October 12, 2015
Classic Shauna Niequist In a bite sized version.!Her books are like a bath that's a bit too. It's comfortable but it hurts a little. A must read!
January 10, 2016
I've only tried one recipe, and plan to try more! I definitely want to go through the devotions again! I've recommended this to others!
July 29, 2015
I am liking this. I find many devotionals to be blah, blah, blah, do, do, do, duh, duh, duh but I am enjoying her rich little nugget each day.
June 8, 2016
Devotionals that are perfect for this season in life. Short, but thought provoking. I love her honesty, passion and subject matter.
December 30, 2019
I used this as my devotional this year, and it was a lovely way to start and end 2019.
December 31, 2020
A friend gifted me this devotional book and it has been a sweet companion. I love Shauna’s writing in all forms, and these are sweet little daily excerpts paired with Scripture and questions that I found encouraging, challenging, heart-warming, and many days deeply thought-provoking. The only sadness in reading it mostly in 20202 is that I couldn’t share many of the recipes or the times around the table that she encourages!
December 22, 2020
This was a very good devotional, well rooted in the Bible. I looked forward to reading it every day. It is probably more relevant to mothers than grandmothers but I certainly could remember the struggles, and certainly most of the days’ reading were inspirational for anyone. Definite recommendation.
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