Dwelling Places
“Dwelling Places ~ Words to Live in Every Season”
(My book Dwelling Places – Words to Live in Every Season by Lucinda Secrest McDowell was awarded by Christian Retailing BEST Devotional for 2017.
So…. how in the world did I come to write a book called “Dwelling Places?” Honestly, this one-word-a-day devotion (meant to both inspire and teach) came out of my own need to know. And to grow.
Every year I choose a “word from the Lord” and find myself marinating in what it means to my life on all levels — spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically. Last year the word was DWELL and as I explored the many facets of DWELL, I recognized my own desire to learn how to dwell in peace and serenity and joy and hope; rather than spend my time in exhaustion and hurry, chaos and confusion.
Turns out God’s Word is full of DWELLING places – those sanctuaries of refuge and abiding. In “Dwelling Places” I offer many of those words (130 actually) and unwrap their meaning through storytelling, biblical teaching and hundreds of quotes from hymns and godly people who are my own teachers. 
There are actually four sections which can be read at any time, but they include 30 days for Advent and 40 days for Lent if you’re interested in trying out that special discipline during the church year. DWELL (Fall) SHINE (Advent) RENEW (Lent) GROW (Summer) OR just read any word, any page at any time.
I am so utterly grateful for these special friends and authors who all agreed (in the midst of their own book deadlines and speaking trips) to read my little book and offer words of encouragement. These are authors who mean a lot to me so I hope you will read their books also – (click on their names for link to their webhome)
“Lucinda Secrest McDowell can unpack a word and find its inner core, its hidden center. Her lyrical writing style, her spiritual insight, her storytelling prowess combine to make “Dwelling Places” a treasure. Don’t just read it. Experience it.” – Jennifer Kennedy Dean, Executive Director of The Praying Life Foundation, Author of the best selling “Live a Praying Life” ® and numerous books and Bible studies
“If you’re looking for encouragement based on God’s Word, read “Dwelling Places.” Lucinda Secrest McDowell has taken 130 key words from the Bible and created powerful devotions that will comfort, exhort, and bless you daily in every season of the year. Her powerful stories and poignant ending prayers will capture your heart and point you towards hope and truth. Buy one copy for yourself and ten more to give away!” Carol Kent, speaker and author of “Waiting Together” and “Unquenchable”
“In “Dwelling Places,” Lucinda Secrest McDowell elevates devotions to a new level. As always, McDowell uses some of the best quotes you will read this year, but she adds to them her special brand of storytelling as well as teachings that will minister to your soul. A masterful devotional, managing to be both short and deep at the same time.” Tessa Afshar, Christy award winning author of “Land of Silence” and “Fields of Grace”
“Lucinda has used her gifts of gentle and straightforward storytelling to give us a treasure filled with practical and spiritual truth for all seasons. This lovely book – “Dwelling Places” – will be on my bedside table for years to come.” Amy Julia Becker, Publishers Weekly award winning author of “Small Talk”and “A Good and Perfect Gift”
“As there are seasons of the year so there are seasons in our walk with Christ. In “Dwelling Places” Lucinda McDowell takes us on a gentle sojourn through words that inspire, encourage, educate and magnify the Lord.” Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author
“I never miss a new book from Lucinda Secrest McDowell. Her writing is so real and warm and down-to-earth — and at the same time thought-provoking, profound, and theologically grounded. A rare combination! “Dwelling Places” offers readers deep moments of reflection, inspiration, and encouragement that will stay with us throughout the day and throughout the seasons of our lives.” Christin Ditchfield, syndicated radio host, speaker, and author of “What Women Should Know About Facing Fear”
“Dwelling Places” is balm for the soul, resonate and full of life, bringing the Word to dwell with me as I pondered each of the daily words long after I’d finished reading them.” Christa Parrish, Christianity Today award and Christy award winning author of “Still Life” and “Stones for Bread”
“No matter what season you’re in, this beautiful devotional will meet you right where you are – and then lead you straight into the heart of Jesus. In “Dwelling Places” Lucinda is not only a terrific teacher, but a trusted friend. She offers fresh insights to God’s Word in an accessible way. Her words will be a great encouragement to you as you start each day!” Jennifer Dukes Lee, author of“The Happiness Dare” and “Love Idol”
“Once again, Lucinda Secrest McDowell has written high-impact thoughts that compel readers into a deeper, more informed, more intimate understanding of how much God’s words and presence matter. In “Dwelling Places” McDowell draws us into her stories and reflections, lovingly urging us to consider His truths. Every entry becomes an entrance into a deeper walk of faith.” Cynthia Ruchti, Award winning author of “As Waters Gone By” and “Tattered and Mended”
“If you live life at a rapid pace and struggle to carve out time for meaningful reflection, renewal, and rest, then this book is for you! “Dwelling Places” is a devotional filled with relatable, inspirational stories and Scriptures that can be read quickly but will lead your soul to linger in the hope of Jesus all day long. – Gwen Smith, speaker, worship leader, co-founder of Girlfriends in God and author of“Broken into Beautiful” and “I Want It ALL”
“I love the rich heritage McDowell brings to these devotions in “Dwelling Places” —a lifetime spent studying the Word, directed by our Lord and underlined by His servants, spiritual giants whose writings we know too little today: Bonhoeffer, Ten Boom, Marshall, Elliott, Carmichael, Buechner, Watts, Wesley, Nouwen, Manning and so many more. Thank you, Lucinda McDowell, for digging deeper and for sharing these treasures!” Cathy Gohlke, Christy award winning author of “Secrets She Kept” and “Saving Amelie”
“No matter what’s happening today in your life I suspect you, like I, need encouragement. In “Dwelling Places” you will discover a rich meal, easy to digest, full of nutrition for great benefit. Grab two copies of this book – one for yourself and one for a friend and share this ‘meal’ together.” Susan Alexander Yates, author of “Risky Faith”
“Dwelling Places” is signature Cindy McDowell. Rich, encouraging, and relevant. Each day’s entry savors one word, deepening it with Scripture and story. 130 readings guide you through the year, with special and much needed attention given to Advent and Lent. Lucinda’s deep reading of Scripture and contemporary and classic authors, her wide range of life experiences and her vast interest in just about everything, render each day’s read different, interesting, and always compassionate. I was much encouraged to dwell deeply through “Dwelling Places.” Jane Rubietta, speaker and author of “Worry Less So You Can Live More” and “Heartbeat of a Mother”
SUNDAY JUNE 5 WETHERSFIELD CONNECTICUT BOOKSIGNING
