Glimpses of God: a summer devotional for women

by Shirley Crowder, Harriet E. Michael

He placed the moon and stars in the sky, the rivers and oceans on the earth. He also created seasons throughout the year. Each season is defined by specific features and attributes that are common.

As Christ-followers we experience spiritual seasons. Though these seasons do not come in order like seasons in nature, each spiritual season we experience is defined by certain features also.

This devotional is focused on summer—both calendar and spiritual. Our spiritual summer is a time of growth, hard work, and relaxation as we nurture and care for the new things that were planted in our spiritual spring and allow them to ripen or mature.

This book is a part of the four-book Glimpses of God devotional series.

350 pages, Paperback

Published April 25, 2020

Reviews

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are sixty-five devotionals contained in this book, divided into collections of five on a topic. Reading them would take one through the summer months. The authors share many of their own experiences and draw spiritual lessons from them. The two authors involved in writing the devotionals and that offers a little variety to the writing style and devotional content. Each devotion includes a written prayer and a Thought for the Day.

Many of the topics deal with summer types activities, such as mission trips, Vacation Bible School, or vacations in general. Others are lessons from childhood experiences in Nigeria. There is a good collection of encouraging devotion for when things turn sours or there is unexpected tragedy.

I was surprised to find that several of the devotions deal with specifically American ideas. The first collection starts with an emphasis on Memorial Day, its American roots and the blessings those of us have who live in The United States. In another devotion, Shirley writes of her frustration when she sees people not respecting the flag of the United States. (Loc 1189/3352) In another devotion, Harriet celebrates July 4 with a Happy Birthday, America theme. Another is on football and is titled, America's Favorite Pastime. (Loc 2930/3352) While both authors relate their devotions to spiritual truths, I think those topics limit the appreciation of their work to citizens of the United States. I found that a bit odd since both of the women were born in Nigeria and became friends there before moving to the United States.

This is a good collection of devotionals for the summer season.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Marguerite Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many precious thoughts about summer: Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Flowers and Vegetables, Vacation, Relaxing, Friends, and Food. I've read all of the seasons now. I look forward to reading them again.

[Susan]

This summer-themed devotional was written by two women, Harriet and Shirley, who grew up in Africa as friends and children of missionary parents. By the end of the book, I felt like I knew both women. I enjoyed learning a bit more about their lives, interwoven with scriptural thoughts.

[Kelly-Ann ~ Sassy Bookish Mama · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't think I have ever read a devotion specific to a season but I must say that was a nice refreshing, summer devotional. It was written so personal that you felt like these women were right in your living room having a cup of coffee with you as you conversed about God. Although there are two different authors, honestly you would not have been able to tell as their style of writing definitely are similar and compliment each other.

Things I tend to look for in a devotional book are not only key Bible verse, because I like to use those in my journal as a reinforcement of what I am learning about but I also like when they give a actual passage to study from. This book did that and more. I really enjoyed that after they give you where the Bible passage is they give you a personal story that relates to that particular passage, so its easy to read and it would be great for a new Christian to follow as well and relate to it. They also guide you in a prayer which I think its great to start you off in the right direction for your prayer time and best of all for me about this devotion book is the Thought of the Day. Just when you think you are done with the devotion they give you a little bit more to chew on and think about throughout the day.

I would definitely recommend this to all the women in my life, especially those newer to the faith.

I received a copy of this book as part of the Celebrate Lit Tour. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Deana Dick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know I say this every time I review Devotionals but I love them. They offer so many nuggets of wisdom, personal insights , scriptures and biblical stories. This one in particular has all this and so much more. I like how the authors collaborate and give their own personal thoughts about the different subjects. The chapters are short but is packed with wonderful inspirations. I love how they talk about not only seasons of the year, but our spiritual season. We each go through different ones at different times. Some of us may be in a season of rest. God wants us to rest in Him during this time as we refresh and get ready for what God has planned for us next.
The book is easy to read and provides prayers and scriptures to encourage you. I especially like the Thoughts of the Day. You can read each chapter at your leisure and skip to a chapter you want to read and then go back and read others. It’s organized to be reader friendly and is a nice size book you can take with you when you travel. The authors do a good job of flowing together throughout the book. I am excited to see they have a few more Devotionals coming out soon.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[Connie Saunders · Rating 4 out of 5]

During His Creation, God determined that there would be four seasons to enjoy. The Summer season can be a time of hard work but it can also be time for fun and relaxation and the authors of Glimpses of God focus on both of these. As I read the sixty-five devotions divided into thirteen chapters, I discovered that many of my Summer memories are similar to those of Shirley Crowder and Harriet E. Michael. Blackberry Winter, Dog Days of Summer, and Vacation Bible School are all familiar topics and there are also devotions for the special days of summer, including Memorial Day, the Fourth of July,.and returning to school the day after Labor Day. Each devotion is written in a conversational style that adds to its relatability and I especially like that they each have Bible Scripture, a suggested Prayer, and a Thought for the Day.

Glimpses of God: A Summer Devotional for Women is an inspiring book, filled with life lessons and spiritual nuggets, and I recommend it for both personal devotions and group discussion.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit but I wasn't obligated to write a favorable review. All opinions are strictly mine.

[Nyla Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glimpses of God is a refreshing Summer devotional for women written by authors Shirley Crowder & Harriet Michael.  It is a two month devotional with sixty-five daily lessons.  That makes it perfect for a summer inspirational quick read.

Authors Crowder and Michael each write devotions.  Their styles are welcoming and easy to read.  I felt as if we were having a conversation together.  Topics all center around summer - Dog Days of Summer, Blackberry Winter, Memorial Day, Good Ol’ Summertime, and Vacation Bible School.  Each day includes a lesson, corresponding Scripture, a suggested Prayer, and a Thought for the Day.  

Not every lesson has the same spiritual depth.  Some are light and made me happy, while others were deeper and left me pondering something for a few days.  I liked that.  The authors really meshed well.  This is a devotional that all women will enjoy.

I highly recommend Glimpses of God.  It would make a great birthday or Mother’s Day gift.  A small group would benefit from reading and discussing it.  Church libraries should keep a copy, too.  I received a copy from Celebrate Lit but these are my honest words.  I rate it 4 out of 5 stars.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the allegory of our walks with Christ also being like the seasons.  Some times we are colder and in despair like winter while others we are on fire for Christ and sharing the gospel like summer. 

This is the summer book and I already know that I'm going to need all four seasons, for what is one season of our life without the others? I enjoyed learning a bit about both of the authors. 

I love the idea of reading a different devotional for each season of the year.  This devotional has 65 devotions which are grouped into categories on topic with about five per category.  With this set up it takes you through all of the summer months.  Then you get to start on the autumn devotional.  I have to say I can't wait for that one as fall is my favorite season. 

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glimpses of God, A Winter Devotional for Women” is the first book in “Glimpses of God” series by Shirley Crowder & Harried Michael. This book is a book of devotions written for woman for the summer months. There are thirteen chapters with five days in each chapter. Each day starts with a short Scripture to read, then includes a personal story and ends with a prayer and thought for the day.

Each devotion contains encouragement for the the season of summer both seasonal and Spiritually we go through. I especially like the devotions that share songs and the encouraging thoughts that are shared about these songs. These devotions encourages us to keep looking to Jesus and to know that “Jesus is more than enough for us in every season of life.

These devotions focus on memories and worry and issues we all faced.

Even though these titles mention a certain season, I think these books can be useful anytime.

I am looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the “Glimpses of God” series!

I received a contemporary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these are my own opinions.

[Miriam Jacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Glimpses of God" by Shirley Crowder & Harriet E. Michael is an inspiring Christian Living devotional, with an all-encompassing, wide-sweeping and far-reaching viewpoint, of how the Creator God shaped our perfectly designed world, so well chiseled and uniquely carved. With the awesome and mighty power of a single Word, He flung the silvery moon and twinkling stars into the bright blue sky and filled the rivers and oceans on earth with life-giving water. He created seasons in the calendar year, each with its own specific features. As beloved children of our Creator God, we also experience spiritual seasons of the soul, with specific purposes in our spiritual lives. In this devotional, we focus on the calendar and spiritual seasons of springs to glimpse God in an exciting new spiritual season. It is a brand new time of rebirth, filled with new life and renewed, rejuvenating faith. Here is clear-sighted, exhilarating inspiration, full of God’s love for us, to soak in daily, and continue day by day, as we grow and mature in God's Word. I highly recommend this inspiring devotional. It leads us straight to the heart of God.

Miriam Jacob

[Kendra Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summer is my favorite Season of the year. I also really enjoy Devotionals. Shirley Crowder and Harriet E Michael have bought the 2 together in this Summertime Devotional for Women.

I really enjoyed the layout and theme of the Devotional. The Devotional contains 65 Daily Devotionals, going from Memorial Day until around Labor Day. Each of the 13 weeks of Devotions has five Daily Devotions
and a different theme each week. The themes touch on the Summer Holidays and Activities. The daily readings include Scripture to Read, a
Verse to remember/Quote, and a Prayer for the Day. I really LOVE how the 2 authors take turns and alternate on different days. The 2 Authors have been friends since Childhood, so their writings include memories from their childhood together and their writing styles compliment one another.

I am EXTREMELY Encouraged with the readings in this Devotional. I want to buy copies for my Family and Friends whom I know would enjoy this also! WONDERFUL Encouragement and Readings! I HIGHLY Recommend this Devotional!

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

I always enjoy reviewing different Devotionals. There is so much in each of them, and Glimpses of God is no different. There are no many good tips, little glimpses of truth I may not have noticed before. Each of the 60+ devotions and pretty short, easy to read and each has something that will help you through your day. This one is different in that it has devotions just for the summer. The devotions hit on things that happen during the summer. The book starts with Memorial Day and goes on past the famous Dog Days of Summer. Grab a copy of this book and read devotions about the Good Old Days of Summer, including Vacation Bible School July 4th and everything in between. I sure hope you enjoy these devotions and will keep them for a summer read for many years.

A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Connie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how this devotion was broken down. There are over 60 devotions in this book. It is organized into different topics. I like how it is geared toward reading and completing during summer. This was very needed given to how stressful 2020 has been.

This was very well written and flows very well through tout the entire book. I would look forward to doing my nightly devotion as I read through this book. I felt that the writing made it feel like we were sitting in a women's bible study discussing life.

There are two authors in this book - but they mesh so well. I love how God orchestrated this book. I have been so frustrated with how this country has been fighting - that God knew that I needed this. I loved how the author talked about Memorial Day and the respect for the flag. As a historian, it made me happy.

I hope to see more from these two authors.

I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program -- all thoughts are my own .

[Mary Hake · Rating 4 out of 5]

This distinctive devotional book opens with Memorial Day and continues through the weeks of summer to going back to school. Each of the thirteen weeks/chapters contains five days of messages on the weekly theme, with a suggested Bible passage to read and a quoted verse and conclude with a prayer and a thought for the day. The authors take turns sharing thoughts and experiences on alternating days. I especially enjoyed their recollections from their childhood in Nigeria, where the two first became friends. They find God in their everyday lives and lift readers’ thoughts to God and spiritual matters. The anecdotes and insights shared are personal and honest and ones that others can easily relate to even if they have not been through the exact situations. The five weekday readings offer information and advice that should be of interest to many, tying ordinary things to biblical principles. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Authors Shirley Crowder and Harriet E Michael has written a great devotional in their Glimpses of God: A Summer Devotional for Women. It is intended to begin on Memorial Day and is broken down into thirteen chapters, which are to be used for each week and includes five days. Each day are only about four pages long, making it easy for any woman with a busy life to fit in their day. There is recommend daily scripture to read, a short story, a prayer and “Thought of the of the Day”. I found each day to be full of inspiration and faith that I have been greatly been needing lately.

Glimpses of God: A Summer Devotional for Women is getting four and a half stars for me. I recommend it for women who would want to find daily inspiration during the summer.

I received Glimpses of God: A Summer Devotional for Women from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

[Cheri Swalwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a nice, summer devotional. I felt as though I was invited into the lives of the two women who wrote them and could envision what their lives were like by what they shared. I like how they intermixed their devotions with each other as their styles complement each other, but are different too, giving a nice variety. Some of the devotionals have more Scriptural meat than others; I thoroughly enjoyed the ones that shared a more indepth explanation of the Scriptures than the others. I loved the prayer at the end of each devotional and the Thought for the Day. This is definitely a devotional I would share with my mother, my aunts, and other important women in my life, as well as I’m thinking about using it as a Bible study with another friend.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit but was not under any obligation to write a review. All opinions are strictly mine.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

GLIMPSES OF GOD: A SUMMER DEVOTIONAL FOR WOMEN has a refreshing cover that makes you want to grab your fruit-flavored ice tea and settle in for a conversation. The devotional tone is friendly, inviting you in to spend time in scripture reading, discussion, and applying it to real life. There is a short prayer and an application for you to take away.
The print is large, making it easy it to read.
I really loved some of the topics, some were relatable to what I'm going through now and some made me laugh. You can hide from God--but He will always find you.
If you are looking for a new devotional for yourself or a friend, grab a copy of GLIMPSES OF GOD.
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.

[Ashley Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't think I've ever read a devotional specific to a season but I enjoyed this one. I have not read every single one of these devotionals but I read quite a bit. There is a nice mix of them and I love that there is a personal story to go along with each I've read. The authors do a great job of tying in verses and stories.
Each of the ones I read were uplifting and made me think. Some were specific to holidays and overall it was just a well written devotional book. I would recommend it to the ladies in my life.
It was a 4/5 for me.

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection of 65 devotions, with five devotions on each topic. It covers a range of ideas fitting for the summer season. I enjoyed working my way through each devotion and found myself looking forward to the next day’s topic. All of the devotions are uplifting, though not all deal with “happy” subjects.

This is a great companion for the summer and there is a focus on citizenship that would make this particularly aimed at an American audience. The devotional is aimed at women, but I think there are truths that men could benefit from as well. I am looking forward to the fall devotional.

My rating: 4 stars

Thank you Celebrate Lit for the review copy. All opinions are my own.

[Jennifer J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summer is my favorite time of the year, and this very nicely written devotional is a wonderful accompaniment to the special days of this season. Each day’s Bible passage and carefully crafted entry offer the reader an opportunity to deeply consider the messages therein. The myriad themes and verses in this volume provide a lovely measure of variety and interest. This is a devotional I treasure and very highly recommend! Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book. A favorable review was not required, no compensation was received, and all views expressed are my own.

[Joni Truex · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nicely written devotional with unique personal stories for each day. The Bible verses, prayers and
daily thoughts add to this devotional. Inspirational and filled with moments to reflect and to draw closer
to God, this is a good devotional that serves its purpose well. This devotional was supplied for my review
by Celebrate Lit and these are my personal thoughts.