The book I recommend first to those who ask is Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. It is my go to, must read for anyone who wants to read for enjoyment and substance.  I have yet to find someone disappointed with the book. Francine Rivers is a  gifted writer and ANYTHING she has written is well worth the read. Earth Psalms by Francine Rivers with Karen Stock Buursma is the same kind of wonderful.

Earth Psalms  is a weekly devotional, one for each week in a year. Each devotional includes beautiful pictures, writing from Rivers, an opportunity to reflect, apply what you have read, and connect with God. A few of the weeks really stood out to me personally. Number Forty-three, Letting God Be the Judge, encourages us to know that when we encounter people, we are only seeing part of who they are. People are like icebergs, and not everything about them can be seen. Week Forty reminds us the importance of staying in God’s word. In this week, I loved River’s illustration of the flamingo. Flamingo’s color comes from the food they eat. Pink flamingos get their color from pink shrimp. However, some flamingos are white from dining on small fish and frogs. Our diet of scripture, or lack there of is often obvious in our actions and attitudes.

I was so excited to get my copy of Earth Psalms. Francine Rivers is a personal favorite of mine and I knew this devotional would be lovely. Earth Psalms would make a lovely Christmas gift, birthday gift, or get well gift. I received a complimentary copy of this book by its publisher. I was not required to give it a positive review.