Dwelling Places: Words to Live in Every Season

by Lucinda Secrest McDowell

Do you long for serenity and refuge, peace and hope? Are you seeking a deeper spiritual life through a closer relationship with God?If you're tired of dwelling in busyness and noise, then perhaps one word a day can change your life. Award-winning author Lucinda Secrest McDowell knows that if you spend time each 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 - 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.These "dwelling places" that offer the joy of God's promise and presence cover four fall, Advent, Lent, and summer. Whether in the midst of busy holiday schedules, holy days, ordinary moments, or changing seasons, a deeper faith can be as simple as a single word.PRAISE FOR DWELLING “As there are seasons of the year so there are seasons in our walk with Christ. In Dwelling Places, Lucinda McDowell takes us on a gentle sojourn through words that inspire, encourage, educate and magnify the Lord.” ~ Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author“If you’re looking for encouragement based on God’s Word, read Dwelling Places. Lucinda Secrest McDowell has taken 130 key words from the Bible and created powerful devotions that will comfort, exhort, and bless you daily in every season of the year. Her powerful stories and poignant ending prayers will capture your heart and point you towards hope and truth. Buy one copy for yourself and ten more to give away!” ~ Carol Kent, speaker and author of Waiting Together and Unquenchable“In Dwelling Places, Lucinda Secrest McDowell elevates devotions to a new level. As always, McDowell uses some of the best quotes you will read this year, but she adds to them her special brand of storytelling as well as teachings that will minister to your soul. A masterful devotional, managing to be both short and deep at the same time.” ~ Tessa Afshar, Christy, award winning author of Land of Silence and Fields of Grace“I never miss a new book from Lucinda Secrest McDowell. Her writing is so real and warm and down-to-earth, and at the same time thought-provoking, profound, and theologically grounded. A rare combination! Dwelling Places offers readers deep moments of reflection, inspiration, and encouragement that will stay with us throughout the day and throughout the seasons of our lives.” ~ Christin Ditchfield, syndicated radio host, speaker, and author of What Women Should Know About Facing Fear“Dwelling Places is balm for the soul, resonate and full of life, bringing the Word to dwell with me as I pondered each of the daily words long after I'd finished reading them.” ~ Christa Parrish, Christianity Today award and Christy award winning author of Still Life and Stones for Bread

Genres: Nonfiction

256 pages, Hardcover

First published June 7, 2016

Reviews

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Divided into four seasons, this devotional book encourages us to dwell (Fall), shine (Advent), renew (Lent), and grow (Summer). Each reading focuses on one word within that season's theme and is based on a Scripture verse. Lucinda Secrest McDowell unpacks this single word with personal illustrations as well as insight from other believers and further Scripture.

While this is not an in-depth Bible study (nor is it meant to be), Dwelling Places is full of simple but profound truth. It is a great resource to keep by the bed or your favorite reading chair. Peaceful and full of life, the devotional readings are quick and easily accessible but the insights and challenges will linger with you throughout the day.

(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)

[Leslie McKee · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a way to deepen your spiritual walk but only have a few extra minutes in your day, then this is the perfect book for you. It contains short, inspiring devotions which focus on a single word (such as trust, light, restore, guide, community, friends, and transformed).

Secrest’s book is organized into four seasons: Fall/Dwell, Advent/Shine, Lent/Renew, and Summer/Grow. Each section contains thirty to forty readings, so the reader can spend more than a day focusing on each word, if desired. Each reading contains a word (title), Bible verse, story, a “message from God,” and is one to two pages long.

I am choosing to focus on Summer/Grow for this review. A few of the words the author focuses on in this section really jumped out at me.

· Worry: Through Matthew 6:25-26 and a quote from Corrie ten Boom, Secrest reminds the reader that, “Choosing to worry is pointless and makes us weak.” There is no point in borrowing trouble from the next day, as it pulls us away from God.
· Always: Secrest uses Matthew 28:20 to point out the wonderful truth that God is always with us. This knowledge should make us stronger, braver, and comforted.
· Listens: Proverbs 15:31 reminds the reader the importance of listening to God’s voice. This requires patience and quiet, which is not always easy but is necessary.

This book would be useful for individual or group study and would make a wonderful gift, as well.


Disclaimer: I received a free copy from the publisher/Litfuse Blogger Program in exchange for an honest review.

[Cathy Gohlke · Rating 5 out of 5]

McDowell’s devotional is packed with vital soul nutrients needed for spiritual growth in every season of the year. Each day focuses on one word, a word to carry in my heart’s pocket all day long, a word intended to lift my eyes and change my focus.
I love the rich heritage McDowell brings to these devotions—a lifetime spent studying the Word, directed by our Lord and underlined by His servants, spiritual giants whose writings we know too little today: Bonhoeffer, Ten Boom, Marshall, Elliott, Carmichael, Buechner, Watts, Wesley, Nouwen, Manning and so many more. Thank you, Lucinda Secrest McDowell, for digging deeper and for sharing these treasures!

[Jessica Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucinda Secrest McDowell is one of my favorite authors and I just found this gem at a used bookstore and like her other books, it doesn't disappoint. Separated into seasons, it takes one word and uses that to base a reading for the day. I love her use of real life yet continually drawing you back to scripture. I have several other of Cindy's books and I love her writing style. She is rock solid in her faith and it shines through on every page!

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

--My thoughts. What a beautiful devotional. I loved how it had a verse to start with, and then a small little story and then we jump into the good stuff and then a prayer. What a blessing, you really have something to chew on and think about, for FOUR different seasons. Wonderfully written, what a blessing. I think this would make a great gift, for a lot of different kind of ladies. New believers as well. What a great way thing to give new women joining your church!

[Victor Gentile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucinda Secrest McDowell in her new book "Dwelling Places” published by Abingdon Press gives us Words to Live in Every Season.

From the back cover: What if a thriving, active faith were as simple as reading one word a day?

Do you long for serenity and refuge, peace and hope? Are you seeking a deeper spiritual life through a closer relationship with God?

If you're tired of dwelling in busyness and noise, then perhaps one word a day can change your life. 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--such as 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.

Lucinda Secrest McDowell tells us, "she is a storyteller and a "word girl". I think if we had the time to actually think about it we would be saying the exact same thing about ourselves. The problem is we are busy and cannot seek after the meaning of words. Ms. McDowell to our rescue and she has unpacked the meaning of 130 words for us. Broken down into four seasons: One: Dwell-Fall (30 words), Two: Shine-Advent (30 words), Three: Renew-Lent (40 words), and Four: Grow-Summer (30 words). Get ready some of these words we rarely, if ever, use them so these devotions might be something new for us. Each word starts with a Bible verse that highlights that word. Then there is a story that helps define the word and, finally, there is the "My Child" that sounds as if God is speaking to us personally and individually. This is one book you will be returning to over and over again. It is also a great gift to give to friends and family to help them with their days. I recommend this book highly.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from Litfuse Publicity Group for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Wall-to-wall books - wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I agreed to review this devotional I had no idea it would turn out to be such an amazing book! Honestly I can't begin to tell you how thrilled I am to have this book! I was raised in the church and have been a devoted Christian all my adult life. I have certainly read my share of devotionals and Bible study books and this is hands-down the best one I have ever seen! This is my favorite one to date. There is absolutely nothing that I don't love about this book.

When I received this in the mail and opened the package and started looking at it I knew it was going to be a good one. But after I read the first two pages in the "Grow" (summer) section I ended up in tears. It just got into my heart, my soul. The next day I read the next one and again was in tears! I knew I was hooked - this was THE devotional for me. I have been faithfully reading it ever since.

I belong to two different Bible studies at my church, but I also get together Wed. mornings at a local coffee shop with a friend. We take turns sharing a devotional. The past few times I've taken this book and read a-loud to my friend. She loved it and was just as excited about it as I. Yesterday when we got together, she told me she had ordered her own copy of the book and just received it! I was so glad I could turn her on to such a great book.

What I love about it -
- It's not a calendar, day-by-day devotional so you don't feel stuck, sticking to such a strict schedule. You can just read as you want, at your own pace.
- Each day's message is a different subject, as usual, but it is filled with Bible verses (its not just stories, or someone else's experiences).
- Each passage is only two pages, short enough to fit it in a busy schedule, but long enough to get the message!
- It is divided up into four sections, or seasons. Dwell - Fall, Shine - Winter, Renew - Spring, and Grow - summer. Each section has to do with that season.

If you are a beginner or a seasoned devotional user - I highly recommend this book. It is easy to read, easy to understand, interesting, fun, extremely heartfelt and appropriate for everyone's life!
I honestly can not say enough praise about it. I am going to continue using it as my daily devotional until the book is done, and then... who knows - next year I may start it all over again! :-)

Thank you so much Litfuse for sending me such an awesome book for my honest review!

[Sherry Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

And I thought . . . What a great devotional book. The subtitle Words to Live in Every Season explains the essence of the book. It's divided into 4 sections: Dwell Fall, Shine Advent, Renew Lent, and Grow Summer and ending with a section titled Gratitudes followed by the Epilogue: Secrets Of The Nest. Each devotional begins with a scripture and then a short story with some thoughts to ponder. I loved the end of each devotional. Instead of a prayer for the reader to pray each devotional ended with a word from our Father. These thoughts blessed my spirit. Here is an example: from #26 Faithful... My child, you can trust Me. I have been faithful to countless generations before you, and I shall most certainly be there for those who come after you. You see. I never change. While my ways and my will are not predictable in time and manner my character remains. Faithful. True. Loving. Merciful. Count on it.
I enjoyed this little book. It is small and will fit nicely into a tote back. It's a great devotional to even take on vacation. I liked the small size. I had no trouble reading it. I also like the graphics that made it pretty. I would recommend this devotional to anyone. It would make a great gift for anyone anytime of the year or any season. This devotional is worthy of my 5 star rating. My thanks to Miss McDowell, Abigdon Press and Litfuse for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book. I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review. This review is posted at Amazon, CBC, Barnes and Noble and Goodreads. click on the bold type to purchase or read additional reviews. The review is posted at My Reading Journeys and linked to The Art of Homemaking, Create With Joy and Share Your Cup and may be linked to other available parties. See my parties page for a complete list of blog parties.

[Meagan | The Chapter House · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

A trend in recent years - across blogs, message boards, even churches - has been to choose one word to focus on for a given year; I haven't typically taken part, as I couldn't ever...

- pick just one word
- feel like I'd know what to do once I did pick a word
- not shake in my space boots at the thought of an entire year with just one word (what if I was called to sacrifice?!)

Dwelling Places helped me get over that.

The book takes readers through words for each season - autumn (Dwell), advent/winter (Shine), spring (Grow), and summer (Gratitudes). As part of the blog tour, participants were asked to focus on one season in their reading and posting.

I had the joy of focusing on autumn, the Dwell season. Dwell was the first word focused on (fitting, given the book's title). It truly set the tone for the rest of the featured words and commentary - so much so that I didn't get much past it, aside from seeing what other words were included. (Highlights include soul; grace - which humbled me with its acronymic definition, God's Riches At Christ's Expense; and courage, where Elisabeth Elliot reminds us that true courage is "the willingness to do the thing we fear.")

But back to dwell.

Lucinda writes that dwell has two definitions: "1. to live and 2. to focus". The word even appears in one of my favorite psalms, Psalm 91 (also known as the Traveler's Psalm):

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

- Psalm 91:1

The corresponding "devotional" explores biblical use of dwell, both Old- and New-Testament, along with present-day application and a prayer. This format is generally followed throughout the book, which my ISTJ nature enjoyed. I further appreciated that the book wasn't too "touchy-feely" or reminiscent of Jesus Calling, a publication with widespread attention among Christian circles but is low on my list of must-reads.

All in all, Dwelling Places is a quality devotional book that will take you through an entire year and beyond. No matter how many words you want to pick in your year, Lucinda has provided a wonderful book to challenge and encourage you in your spiritual growth and walk with Christ.

Find out more at http://bit.ly/28KQQQd.

[Jalynn Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

About the Book:

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.



My Review:

Devotionals are a great way to connect to God. You learn a little more about Him and about yourself. The author of Dwelling Places wrote hers in a very unique way. She divided it into four seasons--fall, Advent, Lent, and summer. Each section or season has at least 30 different entries some have more. Each entry has scripture and a short summary of great thoughts and illustrations from the author that are a perfect fit for the season being discussed.


I think my most favorite season was fall. Fall is of course my favorite season so I picked that section of the book to discuss. The title of the fall section is Dwell. I love that title! The mountains are a beautiful land form for the believer to draw from and to ponder on. I love everything about this book the fall season breaks forth with beautiful landscape and it causes us to reflect on the goodness of our God and He has changed us just like He does the seasons. The leaves changing into their beautiful colors are a great reminder of His never changing goodness.


**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author.

[Joe McFadden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not usually a fan of devotional books because they just barely scratch the surface on topics and usually don't go far enough into them, however, there were a few things I liked about this devotional that sets it out from others of its kind. This devotional is broken up into spiritual seasons that parallel yearly seasons — Dwell (Fall), Shine (Advent), Renew (Lent), Grow (Summer). I do like how it is divided into these seasons and attach a "spiritual season" to them. I want to primarily focus my review on the "Summer" season of this devotional book which is titled "Grow". I feel McDowell did a good job at focusing on devotional topics in this season that are geared toward this theme. McDowell has topics such as "flourish", "transformed" & "prunes" among others as a one-word description of each daily devotional. Each devotional begins with a scripture focus and then expands on the topic, even integrating in relevant Bible passages that support the main point for each day.

Like I said most devotionals just scratch the surface on topics, but McDowell does well to bring out new insights, further biblical truths, theological truths, relevant stories. Here is an example from Day 26 of Summer (page 258)

"Shade is not just for comfort; it's also for protection. In fact, in our verse today the Old Testament Hebrew word connoting protection here is tsel, which is translated "shade" or "shadow." They are interchangeable as found in Psalm 91:1, "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High/will rest in the shadow of the Almighty."

I also like that McDowell is fairly consistent with the Bible translation that she uses throughout the devotionals. Some authors, I feel, jump around between various translations to fit the context of the point they are trying to make.

If you are looking for a devotional that you can work into your daily spiritual practices this could be a beneficial one for you and one that I would recommend.

Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.

[Karen Korb · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Thoughts On The Book: I am a huge fan of devotionals. My husband or daughter usually get me one for Christmas every year. For me, devotionals are a great way to connect to God. I was quite impressed with Lucinda McDowell, the author of Dwelling Places. McDowell divided it into four seasons--Dwell, Each section or season Shine, Renew, and Grow. Each of these sections has approximately thirty entries. Each reading begins with a short scripture, then offers us a short explanation of the scripture using a little story, and then ends with a short prayer. They are not dated, so you do not have to follow any set plan. Most of them take about five minutes to read and ponder on. I have to admit there were a few that took me longer because they spoke to my heart and I ended up digging deeper into God's Word. Calm, which was one of those....was number ten in the Dwell section. It talks about the perfect storm. The scripture was when Jesus was asleep in the back of the boat and the poor ship and crew were in peril. "Surprise storms are inevitable in this life. Panic is optional. Call out for Him now. And be prepared to dwell in calm."(page 21) When I read number 10 I was the middle of my own personal perfect storm. Fall is my favorite season and I chose to review fall because I find myself in the fall of my life. Fall is a time of change, vibrancy, glorious color and that is what I found within the pages of Dwell. There are not enough sections for a whole year in number.....but I revisited several and discovered something new to hold on to in each visit. I highly recommend this book. It is a keeper.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publishing and Abingdon Press as part of their Blogging Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

McDowell has written inspiring explorations of 130 words. She has compiled the writings into seasons, paralleling the rhythm of life. Her writing was shaped by her experience of living with Elizabeth Elliot when McDowell was a young seminarian. Helping with the housekeeping, driving, typing manuscripts for Elizabeth, McDowell was encouraged to follow God's call to write. I'm glad she did.

Each of the devotions is a good lesson on an aspect of the Christian life. McDowell includes Scripture quotes, examples from her own life and the lives of others. She sometimes includes thought provoking questions and other times has practical suggestions with particular steps to take. Each devotion takes just a few minutes to read and provides insight into spiritual growth.

I think my favorite devotion was the one on “still.” I like it because it spoke to me the “loudest.” Being still is hard in this society that includes so many distractions. I was reminded I needed “training in how to discern the movement of God's Spirit in ordinary and everyday circumstances.” I need a designated time for stillness and listening. McDowell encouraged me to find a time and place to make stillness a regular habit.

I liked the variety McDowell offers. I mean, have you ever read a devotional that gave a spiritual lesson on kudzu? That writing gave me a new understanding of what it means that Jesus is the vine.

I highly recommend this devotional. It need not be read from cover to cover or daily, as a book with 365 devotions might be. One can choose a word for the day that might best address current circumstances. Some of the devotions are about seasons in the liturgical year and could be read during Lent or Advent. It is a nice resource to keep handy for spiritual encouragement and insight.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Litfuse for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

[Katherine Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I sit down every morning with my coffee and my Bible, I typically like to preface my time in God’s Word with a bite-sized daily meditation. It’s my way of dipping my toe into the Living Water — a taste before I plunge. Perhaps because my mind usually starts buzzing from the moment my feet hit the ground, planning and plotting the day ahead, this small moment prior to my deeper study helps to ground me and point me in the right direction. And often, it also provides an idea, an insight, or a truth to focus on throughout the day.

If you have similar habits, then may I suggest Lucinda Secrest McDowell’s latest devotional, Dwelling Places, for your consideration.

What I like about it: it’s broken up into spiritual seasons that parallel yearly seasons — Dwell (Fall), Shine (Advent), Renew (Lent), Grow (Summer). As we are currently on the cusp of summer, I was particularly interested in this section. I did find it appealing to start each morning with meditations on a single word pertaining to spiritual growth, so that I might dwell on it throughout the day as I likewise saw it reflected in nature. It’s simple tool, and simple is good as my days (like yours, I’m sure) become less simple as the hours wear on. I also appreciate that every day’s meditation is based solidly on Scripture.

Broken into 130 readings, it’s not a book to last even an entire year, but rather about a month of each given season. The meditations themselves didn’t grab me deeply. I felt they stayed more in my head than in my heart — although that’s not necessarily a negative, only an observation of how they affected me. Depth, of course, will always be brought by the reader — on whether she chooses to dive into related Bible readings, for instance. In that sense, the reader will get out of this devotional what she puts into it.

Thanks to Litfuse Publicity and Abingdon Press for providing me a free copy to review. All opinions are mine.

[Lindsey Silvestrini]

As an East Coast transplant living on the West Coast, one of the things I miss the most are the changing seasons. Fall has always been my favorite season because of the changing leaves, the smell in the air and how the light starts to change. California doesn't get the extreme changing colors the East Coats is known for but it remains my favorite season nonetheless.

Our Spiritual lives can go through changing seasons just like the weather. Dwelling Places by Lucinda Secrest McDowell goes through devotionals divided by seasons including dwell for fall, shine for advent, renew for lent and grow for summer. She has one word of focus for each day, a corresponding Bible verse and her thoughts on the subject.

I thought it was interesting yet a bit confusing that she chose fall and summer as the actual season but advent and lent instead of winter and spring. While these things fall within those seasons, she chose to instead focus on the events instead of seasons for these two.

Some of them were really obvious connections like Bethlehem is and Emmanuel for the advent section or sea and garden for summer. However, I didn't feel like there were any strong or obvious connections to fall with the words chosen.

Regardless of that; it is a really strong devotional and McDowell has a lot of wisdom to impart. It's a pretty deep devotional that I would suggest for people who have been Christians for a while just because of it's heavy content.

Dwelling Places is a great devotional that helps relate spiritual seasons to the physical seasons.

[Julie D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has become my new devotional! I love how it's divided into the four seasons and I chose to focus on Fall - my favorite time of year!

This devotional starts with a beautiful Scripture to meditate on. Then the author shares a wonderful devotional to help you focus on God's goodness and to help you grow in your faith. There are usually questions within the devotion for you to ask yourself and I really like that.

My favorite of the Fall devotions was called, "Presence". In this devotion the Scripture is, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." - Exodus 33:14 God was with Moses and He is with us. Just like the sky-diving instructor was with Kevin, in this devotion, as he did his first jump, so God is with us as we feel sometimes like we're free-falling in life. He has control and is as close to us Kevin's instructor strapped to his back.

"God's Presence makes the perfect dwelling place for our soul."

Don't you love that? We may not always feel His presence, but that doesn't mean He's not there. This was so comforting to me!!

At the end of each devotion is a prayer to help us apply what we learned in the devotion. This is a great starting place for your prayers each day.

My other favorite part of the book is the Epilogue called, "Secrets of the Nest". She gets more in-depth in what it means to truly dwell in God. I found this really great and did draw me closer to God!

This is a wonderful book and I know you'll love it as much as I do. I highly recommend this book!!

*This book was provided to me for my honest review by LitFuse Publicity Group

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I had to describe this book in one word it would be soothing, reading the devotionals just sooth my heart and soul. Dwelling Places is a devotional quality book that is quite different than any other that I have used. First it is broken down into four sections, dwell~fall, shine~advent, renew~lent, and grow~summer, sort of like the seasons of our lives. Each reading focuses on one word and then touches on how it's used in the Bible and how it can be relevant wherever we might be in our life. The stories are short, but they pack a spiritual punch that provide not only food for thought and reflection but some really seem as they were written about me. I personally focused on the summer~ grow season and some of the words and readings that spoke to me were worry, after all who doesn't have a few of those, and this particular reading shares how God cares and looks out for us and reminds that instead of worrying that perhaps we should sing! If I could have one wish where this book is concerned it would be that there would be a table of contents that would make it easy to find the particular issues that I might be dealing with but honestly I found myself just turning the pages and finding relevant reading for me. I love that there is scripture reference peppered through the text. I think this is the perfect book to grow one's faith, and would make a wonderful gift anytime of the year. I for one continue to use it daily.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided for review.

[Just Commonly · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful devotional, Dwelling Places by Lucinda Secrest McDowell is! Divided into four seasons, and focusing on the simple ways to dwell (Fall), shine (Advent), renew (Lent) and grow (Summer), we are presented with a daily way to seek peace in a new day. A small book in size (4.5" x 7" x 3/4"thick), it'll be perfect in by your bedside, next to your favorite chair looking out the window, or in your purse, being with you whenever the moment strikes. This devotional is not dated, except in the groupings of the seasons, which doesn't mean you'll need to follow. What I find most alluring is the daily focus on one word from a Biblical verse. And from there, a sharing of thoughts and of stories, past and present. Not meant as a study guide to the Word, but more of a companion journal for your personal journey to think, feel and find serenity in God's words. Dwelling Places motivates you to dwell, and pray and speak to God of what's in your heart.


This review first appeared on Just Commonly blog.

NOTE: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through Litfuse Publicity Tours for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. For my review policy, please see my Disclosure page.

[Create With Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a different type of devotional – one that affords you the opportunity to spend a few minutes each day meditating on a single word, thought or concept and discovering the blessings that come with unpacking empowering words – then Dwelling Places might just be your cup of tea!

Dwelling Places – Words To Live By In Every Season is a seasonal devotional filled with individual words – along with individual Scriptures and accompanying devotions –to reflect upon and be transformed by!

Although each season takes us through a theme (Dwell/Fall, Shine/Winter, Renew/Spring and Grow/Summer), you can also flip through the book – pick the words you want to read about – and use that as your current meditation.

I found Dwelling Places educational, informative and enjoyable to read. If you love words you will particularly appreciate this book!

This review is an excerpt from the original review that is published on my blog. To read my review in its entirety, please visit Create With Joy.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[Beckie Burnham · Rating 4 out of 5]

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. The words of the Psalmist promise peace and security. But the words don’t mean just in the next life. You can start dwelling or abiding in the Lord right now. One way to do that is to immerse yourself in the God’s Word. One good resource is Lucinda Secrest McDowell’s devotional guide, Dwelling Places: Words to Live in Every Season. Divided into seasons with 30-40 daily readings, this devotional will meet you just where you are and where God is too! Each day you will find a verse of Scripture to meditate upon (or memorize), a brief story that explores each Word and questions to make you think. I have been reading selections from Summer and the passages have really spoken to me. I have only one caveat to this book: each day ends with a word from God. Although I did not find anything that contradicted God’s Word (in fact most of the passages are paraphrases of scripture), some may not like that the author puts words in God’s mouth.

If you are looking for a way to reignite your quiet time, then I recommend you check out Dwelling Places.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to Abingdon and LitFuse for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, now imagine my surprise when reading the first day of the summer devotions, to find I was addressed by name. OHH my! However then I glanced and the author's name was LuCinda, so she wasn't directly addressing me, but I have to ask one thing. Do I think the Holy Spirit of God knew I would be reading this devotional, and know that I needed to be called out by name? I believe so. "Now Cindy, start growing!" Ouch. Busyness, of life, often steals my time and I find myself running on empty, spiritually, physically and mentally. These summer devotions are all about growing and growth. Feeding and drinking of the spiritual food and drink the Father has for us. I love this devotional and think it is perfect for the season of life I am facing. And what amazes me more is that my Heavenly Father knew this would be coming my way. Too cool!! 4.5 stars from this reviewer.

This book was provided for review purposes only, no payment was received for this review.

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Want a deeper connection with God that lasts all year? The author has taken select words and written devotionals full of illustrations, stories, and Biblical thoughts around that word. The devotional is divided up into the four seasons with focus on Lent and Advent for spring and winter.

The cover is what first drew me to this book. It's colorful and yet peaceful. Each devotional has a lot of thought put into it. The stories and scripture leave an impact that has the reader thinking and pondering the chosen word all day. I liked the layout for each page and the compact, easy to open binding. This book is great for anyone wanting to reconnect or strengthen their bond with Christ. It would also make an excellent gift.

I received this book free of charge from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for my honest review.

[Loren · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is NOTHING like the peace the Lord provides is there!!! I know for me, I have to seek that Peace and by that I mean setting time aside to be with the Lord through prayer and HIS Word! Dwelling Places: Words to Live in Every Season is a phenomenal devotional! It is broken up into 4 sections...Dwell, Shine, Renew, and Grow each one correlating with Fall, Advent, Lent and Summer. For my review I was to share my thoughts on the Summer readings or Grow. I love working in my yard and seeing Gods beauty and Summertime is my Favorite time of the year and adding this devotional to my morning quiet time was such a blessing!!

Thank you Mrs. McDowell for hearing from the Lord and obeying HIS call to share this devotional with countless people!! Thank you Litfuse for allowing me this complimentary book in exchange for my honest review!

[Jean Wilund · Rating 5 out of 5]

I own many devotionals and so it seems surely there can't be anything unique about this one, but there is. It's wonderfully unique. Broken down to seasons rather than days, McDowell turns our attention onto a single word each day of each season. By focusing on just one word all day, I found her powerful message stayed with me even better. And while she does divide the book into seasons, the seasons are different than you'd expect. They're Dwell:Fall, Shine:Advent, Renew:Lent, and Grow:Summer. I turned first to the Advent section and fell in love with how perfectly it fit the Christmas season and yet it was also perfect for reading in June. One of my favorite parts are the personal message Lucinda has written as if written by God to me. They're beautiful reminders of God's heart for us. I recommend Dwelling Places whole heartedly!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I love how the seasons aren't called by their names. Dwell, Shine, Renew, and Grow are put in their place. This book is also the perfect size, it's not too small where you forget about it, it's not too big where you can't take it with you easy. Thus far I have focused on Fall/Dwell. Each reading includes a verse, a lovely story, and a thoughtful phrase to encourage you. Pretty typical set up but the words within the pages are what matter. I really like Lucinda's writing style and the stories are easy to relate with.
If you are looking for a more seasonal (not daily) devotional this is a great book!

"I received this book from Litfuse for free in exchange for an honest review."

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I write devotions myself, so I'm kind of picky about the ones I read. When I opened Dwelling Places, I knew I'd found a devotional book I'd love. Each day, I've thoroughly enjoyed my time with Lucinda's beautifully written thoughts.In her simple approach, you'll find devotions filled with the wisdom of God. I've been reading the summer section and particularly connected with #10 "the sea." Because I love water and the power of God, her words resonated with me. If you're looking for a good devotion book with short excerpts and exceptional insight, I highly recommend Dwelling Places. Along with reading the daily words, I write in my prayer journal for a good start to my day.
I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Dwelling Places" is a devotional book with 130 days worth of devotions. These are divided into 4 seasons: Dwell (30 devotionals, fall), Shine (30 devotionals, winter/Christmas, suggested read during Advent), Renew (40 devotionals, Lent), Grow (30 devotionals, summer). Each day's devotion is based on a word, and the author quotes a verse containing that word. She then related a story and talked about the verse. Each devotion ended with a paragraph written as if God is speaking to the reader about what was covered in the devotion.

I received this book as an Advanced Reader review copy from the publisher through Amazon Vine.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

DWELLING PLACES is a devotional divided up into four seasons, making it timely for whatever date it is. They aren't dated, so you can go in order, or you can kind of jump around anywhere in the season we're enjoying for a relevant reading.

Each devotional is short, and won't take much time out of our daily schedule to read. They start with a verse, a short story, a tie-in to scripture, an application, and end with a prayer. I like this devotional for a five minute time with God, but it is not meant to be a full Bible study. The devotions are easy to read and understand. I keep my book beside my bed to read with my family during bedtime devotions. Recommended.

[Lisa Rupertus · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like the simplicity of this devotional. I have been reading a few randomly for Spring/Summer because that is the seasons I received this book in but I want to really dive in this fall which is the starting season of the book. The author really put time into thinking about where people are today in their lives and how they might need to connect with God. Each word is fitting, timely and I felt moved by the short devotions.
*I received a copy of this book for review purposes, all opinions are my own

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have fallen in love with this devotional...what a wonderful refreshing way to start your morning. It left me feeling loved by God and gave me thoughts to meditate on throughout the day that just seemed to be what I needed. God definitely speaks through these lovely words.

DWELLING PLACES is encouraging and a blessing, a rejuvenating summer devotional. I'm looking forward to the other three seasons in the book.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.