A Beautiful Gift; Devotions for Every Season

Hi, there –this is an unforgivably late review from AudreyB. I recently audited my comments and discovered I owed TWENTY TWO reciprocal reviews. I am filled with shame. On the other hand, my English teacher alter-ego, The Grammar Hag, never feels shame. If I say anything you don’t like, it was probably her idea.

Your pitches. I believe these could do a much better job of enticing readers to your gift. I am no pitch expert, but some of the folks on this thread are: http://www.authonomy.com/forums/threads/92174/the-writing-a-pitch-can-be-a-real-bitch-workshop/

I love how you begin with an example from childhood. As a parent, it takes me back to all those times I put my little ones to bed. It also will speak to those who didn’t have that kind of unconditional love as you introduce the love of Jesus.

I moved to chapter 12 next, thinking you probably aren’t’ getting much feedback on the later chapters. Here, again, you use an example everyone can understand. Your writing is clear and strong, and you link your real-life experience to scripture well.

Next, I skipped to chapter 19 and found the same wonderful story connected to scripture.

A beautiful gift, and a beautiful devotional.

Finally, we’d love to have you join our Christian Crit Group. You’ll need to do one or two reviews per month, and will receive reviews in return. A good way to get noticed if you’re interested. You can find us at http://www.authonomy.com/forums/threads/84425/christian-critique-and-review-group/

~AudreyB
Forgiveness Fits

Scott,

Thank you for the comments. I am so glad you enjoyed the devotion. Morning devotions are the best! There is something about the quiet of morning that helps me to become more centered for the entire day.

Have a great day!

Julie

Julie,

*****Finding Your Africa*****

I really enjoyed this devotion this morning! I've never really thought of things in this way before but it makes sense. I'm going to spend some time today thinking about what my Africa is and I'm going to try and help someone through this. Thank you so much! I love beginning my day like this!

Have a blessed day!

- Scott, The Ark of Humanity

Julie,

*****Finding Your Africa*****

I really enjoyed this devotion this morning! I've never really thought of things in this way before but it makes sense. I'm going to spend some time today thinking about what my Africa is and I'm going to try and help someone through this. Thank you so much! I love beginning my day like this!

Have a blessed day!

- Scott, The Ark of Humanity

Thank you Scott.

I am glad that you enjoyed the first devotion. I truly appreciate the stars and WL placing.

Have a great day!

Julie

Julie,

"A Beautiful Gift" was just what I needed this morning. I'm glad I saved it for today. I won't say why but your first devotional in the book struck the right cord in my heart and assured me that God was with me and all will be ok. Thank you for this.

I loved your writing as well and I have a 2 year old daughter so it reminded me some of playing with her and telling her I love her and that God loves her before I lay her down to sleep at night.

I've gladly rated your book six stars, have added it to my watchlist and will be back soon for more.

Have a blessed day!

- Scott, The Ark of Humanity and Lazarus, Man

Julie,

"A Beautiful Gift" was just what I needed this morning. I'm glad I saved it for today. I won't say why but your first devotional in the book struck the right cord in my heart and assured me that God was with me and all will be ok. Thank you for this.

I loved your writing as well and I have a 2 year old daughter so it reminded me some of playing with her and telling her I love her and that God loves her before I lay her down to sleep at night.

I've gladly rated your book six stars, have added it to my watchlist and will be back soon for more.

Have a blessed day!

- Scott, The Ark of Humanity and Lazarus, Man

Chapter 17 has humor and depth!

The bird waiting patiently in the window well, stuck in the mud, is a perfect analogy for us as we wait for help from the Lord. Thank you for your inspiring words, Julie!

Ida

Ida,

You are such a blessing to me. Thank you for the encouraging messages.

Have a great day!

Julie

Hi Julie,

Chapter 12 is another wonderful chapter! This idea of a little bit of nothing has application at so many levels. I will be meditating on this throughout the day. Thank you, Julie.

Ida

Hi Julie,

Chapter 12 is another wonderful chapter! This idea of a little bit of nothing has application at so many levels. I will be meditating on this throughout the day. Thank you, Julie.

Ida

I just finished chapter 9, and I am being blessed daily with your newest devotional book, Julie. Each chapter touches my soul in a meaningful way. Thank you, dear friend.

Ida

Gill,

Thank you so much for your kind comments. I am glad that you enjoyed the devotions. Thank you also for the support. Your book is on my WL and I will be reading and starring in the next couple of days.

Julie

I've read a lot of devotional books over the years but there is really something different about yours. It has a serenity about it. I really enjoyed 'When God Whispers Softly', but I must say it is all beautiful.
I've backed it and star-rated it.
Gill

Rob,

Thank you for backing my book and for your nice comments. I am glad that you are enjoying the devotions.

God bless,

Julie

Julie,

Your devotional is uplifting ,and comes across like a cool breeze on an autumn day. I truly enjoyed it and had to place it on my shelf.

Rob

Julie,

Your devotional is uplifting ,and comes across like a cool breeze on an autumn day. I truly enjoyed it and had to place it on my shelf.

Rob

I've read a lot of devotional books over the years but there is really something different about yours. It has a serenity about it. I really enjoyed 'When God Whispers Softly', but I must say it is all beautiful.
I've backed it and star-rated it.
Gill

I love Chapter 6!

Thank you Ida! It is such a blessing to know that you are reading my book as your daily devotional. I pray that it will bless people and I am glad you are enjoying the readings. I feel like we are good friends.

Julie

"The God of Second Chances" is a beautiful message.

"The God of Second Chances" is a beautiful message.

The chapter, "More, More, More" is so relevant on so many levels. Thank you, Julie!

Ida

Kate,

Thank you so much for your lovely comments and for your support. I am thankful that even though we have different views and beliefs, you have given my book a chance. I am glad that you found the writings to be uplifting.

Julie

Though I am not a very religious person in a bible sense, Julie, (I have my own beliefs) I found these devotions beautiful and up-lifting. They are, I am sure, a great comfort to you and other people. Told in a simple style they nevertheless have a strong impact.
Backed and on w/l.

Kate Grimes -LIZZIE -CUPPA TALES- TALES OF WILLOW GREEN -ANNIE

Teresa,
Thank you for your kind comments and for supporting A Beautiful Gift.

God bless,

Julie

Love the comeback kid story! I am glad our God gives us second chances! Thanks for being so open and honest about your life so that others know that God can pull us through difficult times.
Teresa

Ida,

Thank you for your nice comments. I am glad you are enjoying the new devotional.

Julie

Hi Julie,

I just read the first passage. It is beautiful. I will continue to read it as my daily devotional. It will be a wonderful way to start the day. God's love is truly amazing. Thanks for blessing me with your book. I am truly looking forward to both of your books being published. I would like to have hard copies of both devotionals!
P.S. I do have a very dear class of 4th graders this year. Thank you for asking!

Ida

I have a lot to think about with chapter 3--Finding Your Africa. Thanks, Julie.

God bless,
Ida

Though I am not a very religious person in a bible sense, Julie, (I have my own beliefs) I found these devotions beautiful and up-lifting. They are, I am sure, a great comfort to you and other people. Told in a simple style they nevertheless have a strong impact.
Backed and on w/l.

Kate Grimes -LIZZIE -CUPPA TALES- TALES OF WILLOW GREEN -ANNIE

Love the comeback kid story! I am glad our God gives us second chances! Thanks for being so open and honest about your life so that others know that God can pull us through difficult times.
Teresa

Love the comeback kid story! I am glad our God gives us second chances! Thanks for being so open and honest about your life so that others know that God can pull us through difficult times.
Teresa

Hi Julie,

I just read the first passage. It is beautiful. I will continue to read it as my daily devotional. It will be a wonderful way to start the day. God's love is truly amazing. Thanks for blessing me with your book. I am truly looking forward to both of your books being published. I would like to have hard copies of both devotionals!
P.S. I do have a very dear class of 4th graders this year. Thank you for asking!

Ida

Thank you, Amy.

God bless,
Julie

I read a bit of inspiration from each season and am looking forward to deeper devotions as the calendar turns. Thank you for making spiritual, scriptural application from your daily moments with the Lord.

I read a bit of inspiration from each season and am looking forward to deeper devotions as the calendar turns. Thank you for making spiritual, scriptural application from your daily moments with the Lord.

Thank you Faith for your support and for your encouraging comments. I am glad that you are enjoying reading my book.

God bless,

Julie

Julie,
This book itself is a beautiful gift to all who have the pleasure of reading it. I read through chapter 7 today and was touched on many levels. Your kindness and love come through every page, gently turning our focus toward the Lord. The seasons format is lovely and adds a unique element. I love how you use a final question or idea to promote self-thought as each section comes to a close...this truly gives the reader something to hold on to throughout the day. You have some lovely phrasing, including... "ideas fall fresh like dew" and "the sky became an eerie shade of greenish-gray... glorious colors stretched from horizon to horizon." I especially love the personal story you share in the Second Chances chapter... this adds a wonderful depth and will surely touch those who read it. Highly starring and looking forward to reading more. Keeping you on my WL and hoping to give you some shelf time.
All the very best,
Faith Rose
Now To Him

Thank you for your kind comments. It was such an encouragement to me to read that you enjoying the book my book. Thank you for the support and the stars.

God bless,

Julie

I love the fact that the book is organized into seasons. Your book is a collection of powerful stories that will inspire everyone who reads it. I say "will" inspire and not "should" inspirie because every chapter touched me. Your book should be available for sale and when it is, please me know so that I can buy one for myself and several more for people I care about. If you do not find a publisher, (shame on them) please, please let me know if and when you self publish this book. It is inspirational...it is wonderful...it is a beautiful gift from God. Great job. Six stars easily and I plan on making space on my shelf for this.

Solomon - Sons of God Daughtters of Men

Thank you for the feedback. I am glad you like the use of scripture throughout.

I love the way scriptures are entangled throughout the devotions...so many times we are given a scripture to ponder at the beginning or the end of a devotion only, but you God gave you many thoughts directly from His Word to intermingle throughout your writings. I love it!

I love the way scriptures are entangled throughout the devotions...so many times we are given a scripture to ponder at the beginning or the end of a devotion only, but you God gave you many thoughts directly from His Word to intermingle throughout your writings. I love it!

I love the fact that the book is organized into seasons. Your book is a collection of powerful stories that will inspire everyone who reads it. I say "will" inspire and not "should" inspirie because every chapter touched me. Your book should be available for sale and when it is, please me know so that I can buy one for myself and several more for people I care about. If you do not find a publisher, (shame on them) please, please let me know if and when you self publish this book. It is inspirational...it is wonderful...it is a beautiful gift from God. Great job. Six stars easily and I plan on making space on my shelf for this.

Solomon - Sons of God Daughtters of Men

Julie,
This book itself is a beautiful gift to all who have the pleasure of reading it. I read through chapter 7 today and was touched on many levels. Your kindness and love come through every page, gently turning our focus toward the Lord. The seasons format is lovely and adds a unique element. I love how you use a final question or idea to promote self-thought as each section comes to a close...this truly gives the reader something to hold on to throughout the day. You have some lovely phrasing, including... "ideas fall fresh like dew" and "the sky became an eerie shade of greenish-gray... glorious colors stretched from horizon to horizon." I especially love the personal story you share in the Second Chances chapter... this adds a wonderful depth and will surely touch those who read it. Highly starring and looking forward to reading more. Keeping you on my WL and hoping to give you some shelf time.
All the very best,
Faith Rose
Now To Him

Kirk-

Thank you for your kind comments and also for mentioning me on your blog. I am working on a way to return the favor, as I usually only post devotional material and photos/videos on my blog.

I will look at your book later today. It sounds like an intriguing story.

Julie

Thank you, Julie for the "Beautiful Gift" which you asked me to read. It is very good and it is a blessing to read christian inspirational writing with scripture passages. It is well done I must say; (by the way, I am also christian). Have you uploaded your book on other christian writing sites for exposure and feedback?
In Authonomy, (as well as other writing sites) it is rare to find anything inspirational; it's all dog-eat-dog, and nobody is truly your 'friend' out there in cyberspace. Sometimes I can feel 'out of it' and ask myself, "Why am I doing all this stuff?" meaning all that spamming, reading, commenting, writing on forums - just to see my book rankings go up one or two notches in a day, (or watch it go down), and then repeat the same old stuff once again tomorrow, and wondering what does it all mean in the end. My significance is in Jesus, not in a gold star and an editorial review of my book from HarperCollins. I think these devotions help me put everything in perspective and it helps me not to get too sucked-in with the rest of the chaos that goes on in Autho.
I would like to back the book, but most important, I will keep "Beautiful Gift" on my watchlist and try to read it from time to time to keep my balance.
Thanks again and God bless
Kirk (Munich)
PS: I also read your blog. If you want to, you're free to post my comments there with the title, "Frustrations of a christian writer on Authonomy." :-)

Jonie - Thank you for the feedback. You have given me some things to think about.

I am glad that you liked the second devotion so well.

I am pleased to see that your book is doing well also.

God bless,

Julie

Hi, Julie. Just read your first two devotions. Our relationship with our Lord is very complex, because while Jesus is our Master and supremely above us, He is also our friend. However, I felt that some of the language used in your first devotion might come across as too casual to some readers. Maybe the connection just didn't resonate with me, but I'm only one reader. In your second section, it's great that you realize we all need to be missionaries, and that being a missionary does not have to involve going to a third world country. We do all have to find the people nearest to us who are in need of Christ, and start with those people. That is being a missionary, and it is pleasing to God.
Thanks again for your support. I really appreciate it.
Jonie

This piece has a very nice, smooth flow to it. Loved the great uplifting message !

Hi, Julie. Just read your first two devotions. Our relationship with our Lord is very complex, because while Jesus is our Master and supremely above us, He is also our friend. However, I felt that some of the language used in your first devotion might come across as too casual to some readers. Maybe the connection just didn't resonate with me, but I'm only one reader. In your second section, it's great that you realize we all need to be missionaries, and that being a missionary does not have to involve going to a third world country. We do all have to find the people nearest to us who are in need of Christ, and start with those people. That is being a missionary, and it is pleasing to God.
Thanks again for your support. I really appreciate it.
Jonie

Thank you for your comments Fran. I am curious and genuinely interested to hear more about your reaction to chapter 3. What do you find uncomfortable about missionary zeal? Was there something in the devotion that sat with you the wrong way? I am not being critical, except of myself maybe. I just want to gain a better understanding of the mood my writing evokes.

Thank you again for reading my new book. I wish you well on yours as well. It is an excellent book that deserves to be published.

Julie

Dear Julie, I have read five of your stories, and could easily read more. Your style flows gently, warmly, and embraces the reader kindly. I find some of the assumptions a little uncomfortable, especially Chapter 3 "Finding Africa...." missionary zeal never sat comfortably with me. Could you not change your frame of reference here, find something a little less ...predictable?

All the best with your writing. It is refreshingly uncomplicated and gentle. Thank you. Fran Macilvey, "Trapped"

Dear Julie, I have read five of your stories, and could easily read more. Your style flows gently, warmly, and embraces the reader kindly. I find some of the assumptions a little uncomfortable, especially Chapter 3 "Finding Africa...." missionary zeal never sat comfortably with me. Could you not change your frame of reference here, find something a little less ...predictable?

All the best with your writing. It is refreshingly uncomplicated and gentle. Thank you. Fran Macilvey, "Trapped"

Thank you, Julie for the "Beautiful Gift" which you asked me to read. It is very good and it is a blessing to read christian inspirational writing with scripture passages. It is well done I must say; (by the way, I am also christian). Have you uploaded your book on other christian writing sites for exposure and feedback?
In Authonomy, (as well as other writing sites) it is rare to find anything inspirational; it's all dog-eat-dog, and nobody is truly your 'friend' out there in cyberspace. Sometimes I can feel 'out of it' and ask myself, "Why am I doing all this stuff?" meaning all that spamming, reading, commenting, writing on forums - just to see my book rankings go up one or two notches in a day, (or watch it go down), and then repeat the same old stuff once again tomorrow, and wondering what does it all mean in the end. My significance is in Jesus, not in a gold star and an editorial review of my book from HarperCollins. I think these devotions help me put everything in perspective and it helps me not to get too sucked-in with the rest of the chaos that goes on in Autho.
I would like to back the book, but most important, I will keep "Beautiful Gift" on my watchlist and try to read it from time to time to keep my balance.
Thanks again and God bless
Kirk (Munich)
PS: I also read your blog. If you want to, you're free to post my comments there with the title, "Frustrations of a christian writer on Authonomy." :-)

Wowah!

Walden,

Thank you for your kind words. I liked what you had to say about using the written word to spread the Gospel. I view writing devotional materials as a ministry and as my "Africa" (you'll have to read chapter 3 to understand). I am glad that you enjoy book #2.

God bless!

Julie

Julie,
It takes great courage to spread the Gospel to people who may never step inside a church. The number of people in the United States involved in cults is astonishing when you consider the country was founded by Christians. A Beautiful Gift; Devotions for Every Season is a simple way of presenting spiritual truths with references to God's Word. I love the opening scene you describe with your delightful young son and wish I had been there to see the expression on his face. "Suddenly, all the troubles of this world fade away and all you can see is His beauty and grace." That sounds like a description of heaven when someone first enters who had lived a life on earth filled with troubles which are ephemeral and trivial when one considers the eternity in God's Kingdom every Christian can anticipate from the moment they accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. You have written another precious book which was a pleasure to read and find a place for on my bookshelf. Six stars doesn't seem to be enough for this precious gift.

Walden Carrington
Titanic: Rose Dawson's Story

Julie,
It takes great courage to spread the Gospel to people who may never step inside a church. The number of people in the United States involved in cults is astonishing when you consider the country was founded by Christians. A Beautiful Gift; Devotions for Every Season is a simple way of presenting spiritual truths with references to God's Word. I love the opening scene you describe with your delightful young son and wish I had been there to see the expression on his face. "Suddenly, all the troubles of this world fade away and all you can see is His beauty and grace." That sounds like a description of heaven when someone first enters who had lived a life on earth filled with troubles which are ephemeral and trivial when one considers the eternity in God's Kingdom every Christian can anticipate from the moment they accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. You have written another precious book which was a pleasure to read and find a place for on my bookshelf. Six stars doesn't seem to be enough for this precious gift.

Walden Carrington
Titanic: Rose Dawson's Story