ordinary graces by Lucinda Secrest McDowell - REVIEWED

About the Book:
Everyone loves to receive a gift. And God has given us many, such as his grace—the 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.

Purchase your copy HERE!

My Thoughts:

There is a particular gentleness about Lucinda McDowell’s writing that strengthens and centers me.  I don’t review devotionals very often, but even the title of this book, ordinary graces, seemed to speak to me.  I’m very glad I have crossed paths with this author, because this book was a timely God appointment in my life.  As I navigate an empty nest, elder care for my parent’s and learning to parent adult children, this devotional has helped me immeasurably!

McDowell had divided the book into the categories of Grace, Strength, Gratitude and Life.  Honestly, the entire devotional encompasses all of this and more!  Each thought occupies two pages and each contains Scripture and a brief and personal insight from the author.  She closes each entry with a prayer that is powerful and very personal.  Each time I sat down with this book, I came away with a quiet sense of God’s presence.  I am grateful that Lucinda McDowell was faithful to share her love of Christ with readers in this very precious book!

I HIGHLY recommend this devotional!!

About the Author:

Lucinda Secrest McDowell is the author of 13 books including Ordinary Graces: Word Gifts for Any Season and Dwelling Places: Words to Live in Every Season, has contributed to an additional 30 books, and has been published in more than 50 magazines. A graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Furman University, she speaks internationally through her ministry “Encouraging Words.” An award-winning writer who has earned accolades from prominent writers’ conferences and retreats, McDowell directs reNEW—retreat for New England Writing and has also worked in radio broadcasting and on church pastoral staffs. She writes from “Sunnyside” cottage in Connecticut. Find her online at EncouragingWords.net.