A family-friendly weekly devotional for the calendar year, along with themed months and activities. It’s faith-based with a holistic and spiritual approach, great for folks who desire loose guidance in inviting wonder in their faith. As someone who has left church spaces because of their harm, this is one of the few devotionals that feel inviting, safe, and digestible. Excited to hold a physical copy soon!!

A weekly family-friendly devotional that follows the church calendar rhythms. It has a reading, something to think about and discuss, and an action to help bring the week’s theme/concept to life. I really enjoyed the format of the weeks along with additional information about each season/section of the calendar.

Seasons of Wonder: Making the Ordinary Sacred Through Projects, Prayers, Reflections, and Rituals is a forthcoming devotional collection by Bonnie Smith Whitehouse, being published on 15 November 2022 by Convergent Books. This is a collection of theological reflections, prayer, anecdotes, commentary on Anglican (Episcopalian) traditions, and activities organized into 52 weeks. There is a strong focus on the ministry of the baptized in cultivating practices that engage our faith and a connection to the rhythms and cycles of the natural world. While the writing is accessible and intended for family and multigenerational use, it is not simplistic and there is much food for thought (and prayer!) here.

From the publisher:

Seasons of Wonder is designed to allow you to gather together weekly with your loved ones and expand your understanding of divinity, specifically the radical but faithful idea that everything is sacred. This devotional is designed around weekly contemplative activities as well as interactive and transformative practices that connect us to surprise, awe, and wonder, including:

uncomplicated crafts that honor creation
simple recipes to make together
conversation guides to cultivate the gifts of storytelling, deep listening, mystery, and community
accessible introductions to liturgical observations and rituals
plus four additional weeks of activities that you can incorporate whenever they’re appropriate, such as birthdays, sick days, or when you’re traveling together or blessing your home

In February readers might make a hiking stick to embark on a holy pilgrimage (even if it’s just in the neighborhood) and discover the meaning of Ash Wednesday, while in the summer months they can learn how to cherish the Earth’s seasons of holy pause by making prayer cards, bath salts, or family time capsules alongside the reading of peaceful liturgies and ancient prayers.


I think of books as extended comments in ongoing conversation. In any conversation it is useful to know with whom one is speaking, in this case the author. Bonnie Smith Whitehouse is a lifelong Episcopalian and a professor of English and is based in Nashville. She describes herself as a pilgrim who likes to walk, wander, and contemplate. Smith Whitehouse also believes in crossing borders, especially those erected around conceptions of knowledge, creativity, and which separate mind and body in the human creature.

This willingness to trespass across traditionally-held boundaries and to understand humans as holistic creatures that are more than the sum of their parts is evident in Seasons of Wonder. Smith Whitehouse walks the reader through the twelve months of the secular year, offering themes, foci, and activities for each one. These offerings are reflections on the intersection between the natural world, the Christian tradition, and the realities of everyday life.

The introduction offers a very fine overview of the solar and liturgical years, their associated calendars, and the liturgical theology that goes along with the church’s rituals. With this context in place, Smith Whitehouse offers several ideas for how to engage with the year and liturgies, including journaling and group reflections. Throughout the book, explicitly and implicitly, is reinforced the idea that Christians do not need clergy to pray. I detected no anticlerical sentiment in the writing, only a strong and vocal desire for the baptized to take up the ministries and practices which belong to all Christians and, in many communities, have been forgotten.

The following twelve chapters each correspond to a month of the year. Each month comes with a theme, such as January’s “transcending dualities,” and includes suggestions for how to engage this theme. These might be activities, discussion topics, crafts, recipes, and so on. Easily taken up in family or small group contexts, many adaptable for individual practice if desired. These practices offer a clever, thoughtful, track of engagement that runs parallel to the liturgical practices of the church. Reflection and contemplation between Sundays and feasts that give the Christian spiritual tradition a place of purchase in daily life for those who wish to offer it.

In short, this book is a refreshing delight. It could be so useful, especially in the wake of the pandemic, for those wishing to cultivate a habit of the domestic church and “everyday Christianity”. I highly recommend Seasons of Wonder for anyone looking to develop a habit of engagement with the Christian tradition outside of formal church-based gatherings. Ideal for families or small groups, but readily adaptable to children’s ministries, classrooms, or could serve as the basis for a new group entirely if there were those willing to meet once or twice monthly to engage with the ideas and suggestions in this very fine devotional collection.


I was provided a free Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of Seasons of Wonder by Convergent Books via NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

A beautiful spiritually based book to accompany you through the year. A thoughtful book filled with activities to reconnect you to your family, community and your own spiritual self.

As I checked over this book, I realized I will have a bunch of activities for my girls. The book is arranged by months and each month is filed on thematic weeks.
Even though I don’t resonate entirely with author’s religious convictions, I found the activities (which include baking, crafts, dance, fishing) a good start to discuss in my own religious views and explore the themes presented.

Seasons of wonder by Bonnie Smith Whitehouse

⭐️⭐️ 2.5 out of 5

I was initially sent this as I really had enjoyed a book in a similar genre and was curious to delve into it . Unfortunately it was a DNF from me .
I felt that the christian message was just too strong and I did not feel that this book left much open to those of other/ little or no faith other than Christianity.

I think this book will be greatly received by those that it’s designed more for unfortunately I just don’t think that’s me.

Seasons of Wonder is a delightful devotional that follows the church year and the calendar year in creative and meaningful way. My husband and I are both Lutheran pastors, and we love the way that this devotional gives us new language and creative license for leaning in to prayerful ritual as a family!

After reviewing this book, I immediately preordered a hard copy! While I was immediately drawn to the topic, I became increasingly engaged with the content upon reviewing the book. The author weaves brief personal stories, reflection, theology, activity, and liturgy/liturgical seasons in a way that is both new and old while always purposeful and practical. I also really appreciated the introductory content that spells out not just the purpose of the book, but also how everything connects and how to use the book effectively.

If you enjoy authors such as Tish Harrison Warren or Christine Marie Bailey, you will enjoy Seasons of Wonder. I'm looking forward to incorporating the weekly sections of this book into both my personal and also my family's spiritual habits.

*I received an advance e-copy of this book from the publisher.*

"Seasons of Wonder" serves as a kind of handbook for approaching Christian spirituality as saints, mystics, and believers did for centuries before our modern times — in connection with nature and community and family, not just within the walls of a church. The author follows the liturgical calendar, which happens to also follow nature and the seasonal shifts, as many other ancient spiritual traditions do. (This isn't a coincidence but part of the early Church's intentional formation.) The author provides examples, lessons, and projects that truly embody the stories and morality of the Christian tradition — taking them off the pages of the Bible and history, and into daily life.

I think this book would be great for anyone who wants to live a thoughtful, spiritual life in the Christian tradition and who years for deeper reflection, meaning, and connection for that tradition, not just the surface-level tropes and dogmas often spouted today. The projects in the book would be great for individuals but may be best practiced in some kind of community, whether a traditional family or a family of friends or neighbors. Use this book to bring the Holy Spirit into your life on a daily basis, and to see and experience more wonder in the world and in your Christian faith.

I can appreciate that this was beautifully done and right for a lot of people, but it wasn't quite right for me.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CgyFRlpAz1Q/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

This is a lovely book that is just full of all kinds of ideas for worship and special time together for families, church groups or just about anybody who wants a closer relationship to god and nature. There are practical things to do and make as well on musings on the meaning of the liturgical year and how it relates to our experiences as humans on the earth right now. The illustrations are beautiful, I wish there had been more of them.

I thought this was a Christian devotional but it was more spiritual -- as the author in one point said she was very inspired by buddhist rituals and other things. So I didn't finish this book, as it wasn't what I thought it would be.

I love the premise of this book. I love the layout, with a combination of quotes, devotions, historical/cultural information, and recipes and activities celebrating each season. My only problem with this book is that it felt like it alternated between being very Episcopalian and being more generally spiritual. This is perfectly fine, but since I grew up Southern Baptist, it just didn't have the same impact on me. I do love this idea, and I feel like people who grew up in a more liturgical tradition would appreciate this book, I was just hoping for something a little more nondenominational.

This isn’t really a book of devotionals but rather a collection of activities and soulful reflections. At times, I felt the language became a little New Age-y for my taste, but there is certainly many mentions of Biblical characters of faith. It’s not quite what I thought it would be but it may be a good fit for those who want to go on a yearly journey with these monthly themes and weekly exercises.

I received a copy of Seasons of Wonder from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I loved the specific rhythms offered not just seasonally but monthly. Moving from Virginia to the PNW, I've found myself greatly missing the seasons and looking for ways to build my own rituals. I did not expect it to lean as religious as it did, based on the description. I enjoyed this element but think it's good to note. I do think this book would have been enhanced in paper format and I look forward to grabbing a copy when it is released this fall. Would make a great gift!

Spirituality is essentially learning to notice and appreciate the ordinary. Christian Spirituality is to do the same with the perspective of Christ. Author Bonnie Smith Whitehouse has chosen the theme of seasons to help us through all 52 weeks of the year to do just that. She uses the Western Church liturgical seasons, special days, and metaphors to aid our reflections. These are then organized with a solar-liturgical calendar to give us a nice circular diagram of how to enjoy the different seasons of wonder. The purpose of this book is to enable readers to gather our thoughts, our community, and ourselves at any time of the year to reflect upon God. Guided by the Anglican Book of Common Prayer and the Lectionary, she affirms that the "circle of the liturgical year transforms our days into sacred time." Her theme each month is as follows:

1) January - Transcend Dualities
2) February - Discover Contemplation
3) March - Embrace Mystery
4) April - Welcome Incarnation
5) May - Adore Creation
6) June - Come Alive
7) July - Cultivate Resilience
8) August - Cherish the Holy Pause
9) September - Gather Courage
10) October - Light a Fire
11) November - Point to Love
12) December - Look for the Light

For each month, she begins with a brief reflection on the meaning of the month, the significance of time, the season, and a creation care challenge. She then leads us week by week through spiritual exercises such as the Lectio Divina, Centering Prayer, Washing of Feet, the Examen, the Eucharist, etc. Other practical exercises include baking, cleaning the closet, cooking, weaving, making floral arrangements, and even praying for the compost bin! There are many common everyday activities that one could reflect upon and learn to experience the wonder of God's creation and creative empowerment. With this book, readers can find a consolidated set of themes conveniently arranged according to the Church seasons, the meaning of ordinary months, and especially the wonder of appreciating ordinary things in our ordinary moments.

The author covers many other things and offers us a host of activities and thoughts to reflect upon. Some of the activities involve certain practices often associated with the Roman Catholic tradition. This includes the use of the rosary, chanting, praying the "Hail Marys," making icons, walking barefoot, etc. While I do encourage readers (especially those from evangelical circles) to be open to an understanding before judging anything, those who are uncomfortable could easily skip these portions without missing the essence of the book. Talking about the rosary, I find that instead of being distracted by the need to pray "Hail Mary," using the rosary beads can aid one's prayer and focus on God. Of course, one can always improvise with other alternatives such as using the computer keyboard. With each key one presses, say A, one can start imagining words beginning with the letter A to reflect on the goodness and the Word of God. The principle is clear. Use the things of this world to help us think thoughts of God. At any time or season of our lives, if we can be guided to love and to know God more, why not?

Finally, let me say that this is a unique work of art and spirituality. The author has given us lots of food for thought and creativity to help us notice the ordinary things of this world and turn it into moments of noticing God's hand at work. We can do this each day of the week.

Smith Whitehouse, PhD, is a writer and professor who studies storytelling, creativity, contemplation, and wonder. She is the author of Seasons of Wonder: A Guide to Making the Ordinary Sacred with Projects, Prayers, Reflections, and Rituals; Nautilus Award winner Afoot and Lighthearted: A Journal for Mindful Walking; and Kickstart Creativity: 50 Prompted Cards to Spark Inspiration. She has spent the last twenty years as a lay leader of St. Augustine’s Episcopal Chapel at Vanderbilt University. Bonnie is professor of English and director of the honors program at Belmont University, and she lives in Nashville with her family.

Rating: 4 stars of 5.

conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Convergent Books, Random House, and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC. I really enjoyed this book of rich reflections travelling through the seasons and liturgical year. The activities would make it a great way for families to engage together.

This book, Seasons of Wonder – Making the Ordinary Sacred Through Projects, Prayers, Reflections, and Rituals: A 52-week devotional by Bonnie Smith Whitehouse isn’t out yet for release but will be later this year. So I read a ebook version of this.

Now while I don’t agree with the authors theology, she is Episcopalian and I go to a reformed Presbyterian church, so you would see we won’t agree on all things, but none the less for those that do, this would be an excellent book. I do like how she explains the background to rituals, seasons, and the Christian/liturgical calendar. These are things I am already knowledgeable in coming from catholic and Lutheran background when I was younger. So I do enjoy these things and do see the benefit and purpose. Much can be learned from one another! What I really liked about the book, is the projects, recipes, crafts, etc… to focus on certain times of the years that go with each season and follow the Christian calendar. These were how many people in the past marked their days by. Each week provides you with a guide to reflect, wonder, and try, along with many other options to celebrate birthdays, travel times, sick days to use with your family.

This quote from the book summarizes it well and I love it:

“Our goal should be to live life in radical amazement, get up in the morning and look at the world in a way that takes nothing for granted. Everything is phenomenal; everything is incredible; never treat life casually. To be spiritual is to be amazed.” – Abraham Joshua Heschel (1907-72)

Seasons of Wonder by Bonnie Smith Whitehouse is a meaningful collection of 52 weekly devotionals. I love the explanation of the Liturgical calendar and why it bears significance in our worship. Bonnie honors those who are curious and open to seeing God as Surprise, in addition to His many other attributes. Each chapter is broken into months and further by weeks. Each month has a theme, and an intro is provided. I liked the question prompts offered in the intro, as well as the creation care challenges. There are crafts and recipes that make this a rich resource to share with family if you walk through the devotions together. Each week offers a Wonder, to spark the curious side and then a Try, to allow you to put theory to practice in your own life. The writing is clear and understandable, making me feel more like I was having a conversation with someone than reading a book. I highly recommend this resource for those who are looking to use the earth’s seasons and the liturgical calendar to guide and direct your wonder and worship of God the Creator. Enjoy the systematic approach to unleash your creative and curious side and appreciate the ability to share this with others.
I received an advanced copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are solely my own and freely given.

Very inspiring book. As a guy I was pleasantly surprised on how much I enjoyed it. Looking forward to more from Bonnie Smith Whitehouse!