I used to do a lot of book reviews but my other site, Cycleguy’s Spin, has almost dwindled to nothing in the visitor department. I’m not sure why that is but I do have an idea. One, blogs are not what they used to be. The traffic of many has dwindled. I think some of that is due to other social media, as well as time. One reason for mine might be that I have put a lot of time and emphasis on this blog, Living in the Shadow. “Shadow” as I call it has taken on a life of its own. I started it because I needed the discipline of a daily Encounter Time with God. So I figured I would journal, then use “Shadow” to record those devotions. Although traffic is still low, I do the daily devotions (except Friday through Sunday) for the discipline, but also the desire to share my thoughts. So this may seem a strange place for this review.

Several months ago I won in an entry on Linda Stoll’s blog. Funny, I don’t even remember entering. 🙂 But I won Homespun Devotions-Vol. 2 by Cheryl Smith. Cheryl double blessed me by sending Volume 1 as well. My plan was to slowly read both volumes and then do a review. Slowly is the operative word. My plan also included reading each devotion without underlining or highlighting (which was really hard for me). I just wanted to savor each devotion and then in a future time go back and highlight. I finally completed both volumes.

I want you to know it was hard not to rush through and read more. Cheryl’s “homespun” way of telling stories and making her point drew me in and there were times I wanted to read more. But I knew I couldn’t and needed to move on. Cheryl calls them “homespun” and that is exactly what they are. Down-to-earth. Friendly. Sort of like sitting on your porch and reading and pondering and reading a bit more. To copy from her bio on the back of the books, Cheryl loves to spend time in the mountains with her husband and son, sing, play bluegrass music, and write. And THAT is exactly how I felt as I read, like I was sitting on the porch having a conversation with Cheryl and her family. (Sorry Cheryl. I’m not much into bluegrass music though. 🙂 )

I can’t pinpoint just any one devotion that struck my fancy more than another. I loved just reading and savoring that downhome feeling I had while reading. A relaxed listen to the heartbeat of a woman in love with Jesus, her family, and life. She doesn’t grind axes and stand on bully pulpits; she gets her point across without having to do that.

I’d like to recommend you check them out on Amazon or you can order directly from Cheryl at www.HomespunDevotions.com.  Then read and savor. Cheryl did a superb job of teaching me and encouraging me to see life through simpler and unrushed eyes. I’m glad I did. My only drawback is that I am not a King James guy. But I’ll forgive her for that!! 🙂 🙂