First of all, I’m not a big fiction reader.  In fact, I read almost zero fiction. I have heard amazing things about Francine Rivers’ novels and although I haven’t read any of them (shame on me), I was excited to see what she could do with a devotional.  This one is kind of incredible.  It’s absolutely stunning – the pictures, the words – all of it.  The above picture doesn’t come close to doing it justice.

There are 52 devotionals for the 52 weeks of the year and each one has a scripture verse, a quote or song lyric and three sections for personal application: Reflect, Apply and Connect with God (which is a prayer).  Each photo in the book has a super short description or tidbit of info about the part of nature or the animal(s) it depicts.

Did you know that we can learn a lesson about loyalty from geese?  Or about risk-taking from a turtle?  Or about the need for community from redwood trees?  Or even that you could learn about friendship from a crab spider? This devotional is full of beautiful observations about God’s creation and how those observations can serve as lessons for us in how to live a deeper faith, in true community and in communion with God the Father.

It would make a fabulous gift for just about any adult – especially those who are nature or animal lovers.

Here are some of my favorite quotables from the Earth Psalms devotional:

“Why joy?  Because troubles test our faith, which builds endurance.  And endurance helps us blossom into the people God created us to be.  Faith blossoms.  Courage inspires.” (p42)

“Our prayers are an act of worship because when we pray, we are acknowledging that God is there, that He is Lord, and that we need Him.  God breathes in our prayers and smiles, answering in His time, in His way, and for our best.” (p50)

“We don’t always see the Holy Spirit moving within us, either, but the evidence of His presence is that our “lifescape” is changing.” (p75)

“The beauty we see around us not is a reminder of His majesty and beauty, and it’s a promise of even more majesty and beauty to come.” (p90)

“Sometimes the things that look dead are just getting ready to grow.” (p114)

“Avoid the crab spiders.  Seek out the honeybees.” (p143)