This weekend we will be turning the clocks ahead as we enter Daylight Savings Time. It means it will get darker later giving us more daylight longer. It also seems to be the sign spring is coming and along with it, signs of new growth and hope abound.

In her new book, Turning of Days, Hannah Anderson brings us lessons from Nature, Season, and Spirit. This book could not have come at a better time as I begin to notice the change of seasons slowly beginning here in New England.

Each season contains seven essays in which the author brings to life her observations in nature and the spiritual applications which they brought to mind. She brings God into focus through all kinds of weather, vegetation, and creatures.

Perhaps as I am eagerly waiting for spring and see signs of its arrival, I especially enjoyed her thoughts on this season. She herself notes that “spring is a strange mix of hope and persistence.”

“Whenever I’m tempted to doubt God’s providence, whenever I’m tempted to think that I somehow missed the life I was supposed to have, when the hard times come and the pain bears down, I remember spring peepers. And I think of how God reveals Himself and His will. He doesn’t shout His plans from the mountains so much as He repeats them over and over in low, quiet songs that only make sense to those who know the significance of them. Like spring in Appalachia, His plans unfold in gentle, persistent ways – sometimes two steps forward and one back – but always in rhythm and always in time …

I think of how we all plan our steps, but God cuts the path.”

(from page 23)

All our steps going in the path God has cut out for us. This means everything which occurs in our lives is meant to shape and mold us, ultimately leading to our growth.

His path becoming our plan
for our good and for His glory.

“The mind of man plans his way,
But the Lord directs his steps.”
(Proverbs 16:9, NASB)

The book is beautiful in word and sketches, bringing encouragement and comfort from God’s beauty in the world around us. Every page, every season will bring reminders of God’s faithfulness to His children.

*I was provided a copy of this book by Moody Publishers.  All opinions are honest and my own.  The post contains affiliate links.  If you click through and make a purchase, I will receive a small percent at no additional cost to you.

Today I am joining … Heart Encouragement and Booknificent Thursday .