Everyone loves to receive a gift. And God has given us many, such as his gracethe gift we don't deserve and can never earn. Promises from the One who declares we are already loved, already accepted, already created in his image. The question becomes, will we truly receive that gift? Will the reality of it actually change the way we think and notice and reach out?God's Word will stand forever, in any season of life. These truths prompt us to respond with compassion and courage. Through inspiring devotions, Lucinda Secrest McDowell reveals biblical blessings that remind us that: God's promises give us strength, God's grace can be most evident at our weakest points, a proper response to our abundance of blessings is simply gratitude, and the ';more' we are all looking for is the same abundant life that Jesus came to give us.Would you like to receive these gifts of ordinary grace? Join Lucinda in focusing on one word a day through devotional readings and short benedictions for any and every season to explore the many facets of Grace, Strength, Gratitude, and Life. Ordinary Graces is filled with sweet surprises. Lucinda SecretMcDowell presents her readers with one powerful word gift a day. Sheskillfully defines it within a biblical context, and then challenges usto take an action step. This devotional will transform the way you liveeach day. I highly recommend it!Carol Kent, speaker and author He Holds My Hand AuthorLucinda Secrest McDowell has given us an extraordinary book with hernewest release, Ordinary Graces, Word Gifts for Any Season. Althoughthis wonderful resource is one you'll always want close at hand, it'salso one that you'll find yourself sharing with those you meet who needencouragement and hope. McDowell is an author you'll turn to again andagain when you're looking to connect with our Heavenly Father in adeeper, more intimate way. Truly a book that is a gift to us all.Edie Melson, Award Winning Author, Blogger, and SpeakerLucindaalways brings me to a place closer to God, deeper in the Word, happierin relationships and more joyful in life with Ordinary Graces.Pam Farrel, author of 45 books including Men Are Like Waffles, Women Are Like Spaghetti and 7 Simple Skills for Every Woman Whetherread one day at a time or in a season of refreshing, Ordinary Graces byLucinda Secrest McDowell offers focused reflection on key,attitude-altering words. McDowell's interweaving of quotes from otherthoughtful considerers adds even more depth to the beautifully expressedponderings. Cynthia Ruchti, author Mornings With Jesus and As My Parents Age Littledid Lucinda Secrest McDowell know that my ';life verse' is John 1:16:';For of His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.' InOrdinary Graces, Lucinda has conveyed the strategic importance oflooking for and finding God's grace in our everyday lives. His gracedoes transform our lives. Gently. Tenderly. Wonderfully. The words shehas chosen are exquisitely real and important to my lifeand yours. Indulge in the grace-filled truth she is sharing. Take it for yourself. Ruth Graham, author In Every Pew Sits a Broken Heart Whata delight to slow down for a few minutes of quiet with this beautifullywritten devotional, Ordinary Graces. In a world of hurry, Lucinda'swords remind us there is grace and strength available if we will juststop to receive. Each day's reading will speak to you from Scriptureand change your life for the better. Arlene Pellicane, author of Calm, Cool, and Connected: 5 Digital Habits for a More Balanced Life Inthe beginning was the Word ... and there were words ... and they allhad meaning and they were good for the spirit of man. And then LucindaSecrest McDowell came along and took ordinary words and ushered inordinary graces. These are the words you'd expect in a book such asthis, words like gift and life. But there are also words one doesn'texpect, words like broken and anger. And perhaps my favorite word ofall, sleep. In Ordinary Graces, Lucinda gives us a glimpse of theordinary to the extraordinary, highlights of her heart, and momentswithin the heart of God. Close enough to hear His heartbeat.Eva Marie Everson, CBA Bestselling Author, President, Word Weavers InternationalOrdinaryGraces is the sort of book I can return to again and again for wise andgracious words that encourage, challenge, inspire, and comfort. A feastfor the soul.Sharon Garlough Brown, author Sensible Shoes novel seriesWhenI buy a devotional, I want to know that I'm getting profound insightsthat are theologically grounded, yet relatable to my everyday, ordinarylife. That's exactly what Lucinda Secret McDowell offers in OrdinaryGraces. I wanted to underline something in every paragraph, and I foundmyself reflecting on her words when I went about my day as a mom and awife. This beautiful devotional will minister to your heart and lead youstraight to the source of all grace: Jesus.Jennifer Dukes Lee, author of The Happiness Dare and Love Idol OrdinaryGraces is a short excellent daily devotional, with a Scripture verseand then practical ways on how to put the presence of God in theforefront of our day. Each one is named with a word we use in oureveryday lives which Cindy knows how to capture in an excellentillustration. She writes beautifully and succinctly of the things weneed to hear, usually with some humor and sharing a fascinating storyfrom her own or a friend's life. At the end of each day's devotion, shewrites a short intimate message from God to us, always aligned with thetruths of Scripture. I highly recommend this book for anyone seeking togrow in knowing God. Valerie Elliot Shepard
