Spiritual Formation: Attention Along the Way

Title: Spiritual Formation

By: Eldon E. Fry

A CBM Christian Book Review

10.0+ out of 10.0 stars

Spiritual Formation: Attention Along the Way by Eldon E. Fry is designed to reflect a twelve month calendar with “vignettes” sharing his experiences based on a two-fold approach as stated in the Introduction. He states his book encompasses, “…two contemplative practices that are essential for Christian formation. One is stillness or contemplation, the other is watchfulness or awareness.” Thus, the author advocates a life of spiritual transformation and renewal based upon Christianity that will spur readers into the ancient spiritual practice of mindfulness of daily activities, the author hopes to encourage. The author journals his observances, coupled with insight into his personal life of experiences and environments that offer readers inspiration. The beauty of the seasons, the mystery of the wind and so much more challenge readers to stop, and breathe. 

Metaphorically, he speaks on many different subjects, offering special memories, or perhaps comparing a campfire that was mesmerizing, etc., so that the reader can also reflect and build from their own daily life mindfulness. In this way, readers come to understand how to slow down a bit, pay attention as the title denotes, turning one’s attention towards God, His creation, your own life, and your own spirituality. The inclusion of scripture verses, insight from famous people such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and an analysis of these experiences enhance and engage readers, leading readers to ponder their own life. This is an enjoyable, unique, and reflective read. 

Creatively speaking this book can be used in several ways: As an inner journey to seeking God, daily or bedtime reading, or simply reading under the shade of a tree. The book is laid out in a simple and easy-to-read format that includes the months of the year: 

• January speaks of: A  Memory, Mesmerizing, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Play, Surprise, Wind; 
• February gives insights into the changing seasons, Anticipation, Ash Wednesday, Beauty, Ode to a Valentine, Contrasts and Waiting;
• March gives way to Fog, I Love the Cool, Melting, Tonight, Underground Railroad, Wait;
• April offers fresh insight with spring on the way in Focus, Helping Me, Muddling Selma, Sabbath, and Snipes;
• May brings A Seasoned Tree, Chipmunk, Life Story, My Desire, Peeking; 
• June presents Caring, Choices, Fragrance, Leftovers, Mirror, Next Step;
• July shares Be Attentive, Big Sky Country, Exploration, Grass is Greener, Monastery, Old Friends;
• August alludes to Dark Nights, Garden, The Snakeskin, Travelling, Unexpected Gifts, Wind Blowing;
• September brings Autumn Arrives, Burnable, Cool Breeze, Leaves, Memories, Prayer as Desire;
• October reminds with Attentive, Celebrate a Life, Darkness, Fall, Foliage, Leaves of Fall, Listening;
• November brings Treasured Gifts, Facades, Scarcity, Brother, Lonely, Refusal;
• December ends with Advent (Day Three), Advent, Squirrels, Lights in the Snow, Sentimental and Shadows. 

Spiritual Formation: Attention along the way would make a nice gift for someone that likes to contemplate, is interested in Christianity, or one who enjoys learning, history, and appreciating nature and the seasons. 

I found this book to be relaxing. A wonderful book, this comes highly recommended for those who want to pay attention to their surroundings and understand that our experiences on a daily basis give way to “intentionally” engaging in a spiritual reformation process. Perfect to read to start the day with a cup of coffee, or at the end the day preparing for sleep. This is a highly recommended must read book. Christian Book Reviews sharing Christian books with Christian readers.

You may get your copy of Spiritual Formation: Attention Along the Way at Amazon or in Kindle as a download.

If I Had Ten Dollars by Craigh Feigh

Title: If I Had Ten Dollars

By: Craigh Feigh

CBM Christian Book Reviews

10.0+ out of 10.0 stars

Craig Feigh writes a fun and delightful Children’s Picture book telling the story of the many different ways young children might be able to earn and spend ten dollars. With wonderful full color graphics, each page brings delight, as the cute character (a ladybug), along with a brother and sister are having fun in their adventures. Craig Feigh teaches young children responsibility and life lessons, as only Craig Feigh can as a popular children’s author, capturing the essence of dreaming and wishing in this fun and wholesome book for families, If I Had Ten Dollars.

This book is so much fun (even as an adult, I enjoyed finding the dollar sign on each colorful page). Children will be inspired to earn their ten dollars by doing chores, recycling, selling lemonade, or simply raking leaves. In this way, children come to understand that money is earned and they learn it’s fun to spend, dream, and wish too!  

In the end, the life lesson offered is a Biblical principle that will bless your child for their entire lifetime into adulthood – It is more blessed to give than to receive.

If I Had Ten Dollars will put a smile on your child’s face and is one of those books parents and children alike will enjoy together, and also want to read over-and-over. With a coloring page in the back, well, how can you beat that? (See the next paragraph.)

All proceeds through August 1^st go to Make a Wish Foundation (Missouri and Kansas City), granting 4-year-old Lea the wish of a year-round playhouse! Born with 2 holes in her heart that had required surgery, Lea also has Down Syndrome. At birth she was also diagnosed with a form of Leukemia that went away after 9 months. On April 27, 2020, she was diagnosed with a different form - acute lymphoid leukemia, in which her maintenance treatment will end in July of 2022. CBM Christian Book Reviews.

You may get your copy of If I Had Ten Dollars at Amazon. For more information about granting 4-year-old Lea the wish of a year-round playhouse, visit Craig Feigh. 

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