A Homespun Giveaway!
What better way to kick off a fresh season than with a brand new book that feeds both soul and bellies.
While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.
- Genesis 8:22
Welcome. Come right on in!
The front door is just for decoration. We always make our way into the house across this little patio, up the wide brick step, and then through the entrance into our little kitchen.
Autumn’s beauties arranged ‘just so’ give us a grand entrance. We usually track sand in with us and there’s not really a good place to toss our shoes.
Whatever. That’s just the way it is.
*
Autumn slowly but surely beckons us homeward. She invites us to hunker down, to feather our nests, to revitalize, to flourish yet again. A pot of beef chili simmers on the stove and hefty mugs of steaming Earl Gray decaf, big fluffy throws, and newly lit candles renew our appreciative aquaintance.
I tuck away the shorts even as I pull out the slipper socks, the well worn sweatshirts, and the jeans that somehow still fit just right. I love this slow and steady shift into the next season. I’m finally emerging from denial to admitting that yes, summer truly is over and gone.
What is God inviting us to behold, to embrace, and learn?
Who is He calling us to be?
What does He have for us to do?
What do we have to release to go there?
Autumn invites us to recreate spiritual rhythms that may have faded away during the summer shuffle. Ramping up prayerful, reflective moments, unhurried time in God’s Word, perhaps with a devotional or journal at hand. Happily, my longtime friend Cheryl Smith is back with number three of her Homespun Devotions series. The first two editions quickly became go-to quiet time companions, and if possible, I’m finding book three to be even more enriching and fulfilling.
Cheryl’s writing is down to earth and spiritually refreshing. She’s the real deal and I’m happy to highly recommend this brand new book not only for your personal use but also to jump-start a family devotional time if that’s something your gang is lacking or has given up on.
And if that wasn’t enough, she not only encourages our spirits with 50 soul level readings but also includes genuine homespun recipes she’s collected over the years. As I browse through the meals, images of my own mom and grandma come to mind as I picture them in their kitchens way back in the day, investing themselves in the culinary love language of their eras.
It’s like Cheryl’s given us an extra portion of manna, feeding not only our thirsty souls, but hungry bellies, too.
And with Christmas not too far around the bend (gasp!), I’ll encourage you to grab a bunch of copies of Homespun Devotions for presents / stocking stuffers / hostess gifts.
Cheryl is generously giving a paperback copy of Homespun Devotions: Volume Three to one randomly chosen subscriber here at Grace & Space! Please leave a comment to enter the giveaway by this Friday, October 3rd, at 10 am (eastern). USA residents only, please.
You must be a subscriber to enter!
Be sure to come on back to the comment section on Friday to see if your name’s been pulled out of the hat!
No matter what the season or time of day, may we be quick to rejoice over God’s endless goodness and generous kindness in our lives.
Linda
P.S.
I’m also a big fan of Cheryl’s first book, Biblical Minimalism: Following Jesus from a Life of Abundance to a More Abundant Life in which she tells her family’s true life story of eliminating about 90% of their possessions and 100% of their debt. It’s a helpful little traveling companion that is strongly grounded in Scripture, a guide to contentment, a calmer lifestyle, a peace-filled family life.
Cheryl’s book unfolds in a powerful, unexpected way. Not only does she share her own life-altering downsizing story and talk about the practicalities and rewards of doing so, but she also expands on subjects near to my heart . . . waiting room seasons, toxic relationships, ministry obligations that run amok, feeling stuck and unable to launch forward, pursuing peace. And 11 powerful questions on figuring out what God might be calling you to in the next season of life.
I love it all.
(As an Amazon affiliate, I may make a few cents off your purchases when you click on their links. Thank you for supporting my work.)
post edited on 9/28 at 11:28 pm.
I'm reading Cheryl's new book now - and it is a sweet blessing. It's been with me through the backroads of Kentucky and Tennessee this last month! Yes! She is the real deal! - Also, I love how you don't use your front door, either! LOL - Our front doorbell doesn't even work - it hasn't since we moved in 20 years ago. Those who know, they come to the side porch and come through the kitchen that way. There's nothing more welcome than a quick knock on the door and a dear one entering! (It might officially be Fall in Tennessee, but the sun, even at 80 degrees at mid-day calls for a hat and warm weather clothes! I am ready for cool weather, cool weather clothes, and all things stereotypically autumn!
Cheryl's book sounds wonderful, Linda. I'm happy to hear that fall has arrived in your neck of the woods, and I'm trying not to be jealous because here in Kansas it's still in the mid-80s. :-) You've painted a lovely picture of what I am looking forward to, and I so appreciate your four questions about entering the new season.