Thursday, March 16, 2017

Prayers for a Simpler Life by Faith Sommers

Sommers has written a good devotional created from her thoughts on experiences and Bible passages. Her Mennonite life is an example of a simpler life, one she invites readers to experience.

The Mennonites have distinctive dress. More than their clothing, Sommers desires that their “faces and actions also speak distinctively of God.” (111) This was highlighted in a devotional that impressed me - one on true beauty. Sommers notes that spending too much time (and money) on looking pretty may distract us from following after God and his righteousness. “Life is not about me,” she writes. “It's about my Lord. … May I hear 'She is beautiful' from God's viewpoint.” (141)

I really liked her devotions on the sea. Observing severe weather patterns reminded her, “Sometimes he calms the storm for me. … Other times he lets the storm rage and calms my heart.” (103)

That somewhat identifies the strength of these devotionals. There is a calmness that permeates them all. It was refreshing in this era of a distracting lifestyle involving cell phones and social media. Sommers has written inspiring devotionals for those looking for an example of a quiet yet strong faith from a woman not mired in contemporary culture.

I recommend these 90 devotions. They are lessons from Sommer's experiences, from working the soil to wrecking the family car. They include her thoughts on a variety of topics, from the attributes of God to spiritual growth to being a woman who serves. A prayer and a reflection are included with each devotion, making this book a good choice for spiritual reflection and renewal.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Faith Sommers is a conservative Mennonite mother, wife, and columnist for Ladies Journal, a publication for Amish and Mennonite women. She and her husband live in California and have six children.

Herald Press, 200 pages.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

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