Ordinary Graces: Word Gifts for Any Season by Lucinda Secrest McDowell is an inspiring devotional that is perfect for yourself or for a gift.

Ordinary Graces: Word Gifts for Any Season is divided into four sections: grace, strength, gratitude and life. Each one word topic in the devotional begins with a bible quote, then a devotional and ends with a prayer.

Ordinary Graces: Word Gifts for Any Season if filled with meaningful and valuable encouraging words. I highly recommend this devotional.

In “Ordinary Graces” there is page after page of encouragement through scripture, prayer and personal stories. I love how the book is broken up into sections on Grace, Strength, Gratitude and Life. As I read through the book, I found words that gave me hope, encouraged me and helped me to live a more joyful life. We can get weary from struggles and feel like we can’t go on. With this wonderful devotion, you can find scriptures that lift you up as you soak in the Word.

I loved the topic she shared on Battle. As I read the pages I slowly understood exactly what “their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle.” Even though I may be going through something, I can turn my weakest moment into strength. I can stand strong and face my battle and know that He is right there beside me.

I have to share this one because it really hit home. The chapter talks about baggage. I know that subject very well. I have carried baggage all my life. I have let it way me down, discourage me and believed hurtful words said about me. After awhile that baggage gets heavy and the lies start to take over. I loved how the author encourages us to, “fix our eyes on Jesus.” It’s time to leave the past behind, stop looking in the rear view mirror and move forward.

This book will be close by at all times so I can go back to it when I feel down, need encouragement and be filled with hope, strength and grace.

I received a copy of this book from LitFuse. The review is my own opinion.

I appreciate the devotionals McDowell has written. They are solid teaching founded on Scripture. One of my favorites was based on Ephesians 1:7-8. I've pushed the hand cream pump and had it squirt way too much on my hands. McDowell did that and likened it to grace. Just like there was more hand cream than could be used, God offers more grace than we could ever need. He has lavished it on us. Another one of my favorites was on brokenness. We might mend pottery with clear glue but an ancient Japanese practice, called wabi-sabi, finds beauty in the imperfection, concentrating on the authenticity. What a good lesson on God using us in our imperfection.

I recommend this devotional. The devotionals are encouraging and instructive. McDowell uses a little Greek, but just enough to give us a good idea of the concept. She includes stories from her own life and the lives of others to illustrate her teaching.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Litfuse. My comments are an independent and honest review.

Lucinda Secrest McDowell’s Ordinary Graces is an inspiring look at the gifts given to each of us from God. I was encouraged to give intentional reflection on thoughts that encompass the big ideas of grace, strength, gratitude and life. Then within each devotional is one word that is the focus for the day. Many of the focus words were common ones but others such as “Empty” were ones I had never given much thought to before.

I have read many devotionals over the year but this one struck a chord with me as it centered my thought on God’s long-term plan based on my ultimate good and His glory. This is a paraphrase from the book that changed how I viewed the verses, the devotions and God’s hand on my life. I also learned by the biblical and contemporary examples given with the verses and prayers. Inspiring book on the blessings of God that are always constant in an unstable world.

The publisher through Net Galley provided a copy.

Ordinary Graces

Word Gifts for Any Season



by Lucinda Secrest McDowell

Abingdon Press

Christian , Religion & Spirituality

Pub Date 17 Oct 2017

I am reviewing a copy of Ordinary Graces Through Abingdon Press and Netgalley:

In this book the author reminds us that sometimes when things are blurted out in anger or hurt. In the heat of the moment we tend to forget the consequences of words said in anger or hurt.

From speaking the truth, to being merciful. Being Worthy, and Saying No as well as Compassion are a few of the Ordinary graces

This book deals with issues such as sims, forgiveness, even shame. McDowell points out too that it is not works that can save us, but accepting Christ’s gift of eternal life.

This book reminds us that strength is knowing when to lean on the Lord, and admitting that there are times when we need to admit we are broken.

From Chronic health problems, to financial worries, we are reminded too that it takes strength to face those as well, that it is okay to admit we are weary, but we can find strength by leaning on him.

We are reminded too of the importance of Gratitude, being thankful for our blessings.

I give Ordinary Graces five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!