For the last two weeks, I’ve been starting my mornings nose-deep in Shauna Niequist’s new book Savor: Living Abundantly Where You Are, As You Are. It doesn’t disappoint, friends. She combines stories and scripture to create 365 devotional essays that are real while being eloquent, smart while having soul. She encourages women to slow down and savor the ordinary moments that comprise our everyday lives — those moments that are often overshadowed. Reading Savor has been so good for my soul.
“This collection is my attempt at paying attention, at clearing away space and noise, and inviting you to hear the drumbeat, too,” writes Niequist. “God’s always speaking, always. He’s always moving, always present, always creating, always healing. The trick, at least for me, is paying attention. The trick is savoring.”
I’ve been a fan of Shauna for awhile. Savor features work from her incredibly popular books Cold Tangerines, Bittersweet, and Bread & Wine. Savor also includes new content and recipes for 21 dishes that have accompanied Shauna on her journey to soak in simple, everyday life. I’m a pretty avid reader, but Shauna’s writing always stands out, working it’s way into my heart, staying with me throughout the day. She has a way with words that just have me going, “Yes! That. Exactly that.”
“Things will not always be as they are now — there will be new things, other things, good things. But I don’t want to miss this, this right now, this sacred everyday. And I don’t want to only see the surface. I want to see the depths — the work of God all around me, in conversation and prayer and silence and music. I want to connect with the God who made me from dust, on purpose and for a purpose.”
As I’ve spent a few quiet moments with Savor each morning, I’ve noticed something. Shauna writes in a vulnerable way that strips down everything else, pulling you in with her stories, leaving you with so much to chew on. My editor’s heart loves reading her work because she writes in a descriptive and succinct style — something that’s actually pretty tough to pull off.
Also, can we just talk about how beautiful Savor is? Because oh my word. It’s gorgeous! It’s one of those books I’ve been leaving on my end table, because it’s just so…pretty. (It’s a bound linen hardcover featuring Lindsay Letters‘ work, and I think we can all agree that Lindsay Letters is kind of the best, right?) I’m so thankful to have received a copy of Savor for review — it’s the type of book that is a gift. Which is why I’m so thrilled I get to give away a copy to one of you lovelies. (Hey, girl, heyyyy!) I wish I could get a copy into each one of your hands, because I know you’ll be blessed by it.
Enter below!
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many sparrows 
I love your blog!! I am excited about this book. Plan to read it no matter what!
Sorry. Hit send too fast.
Getting outside and away from everything
I loved her Bread & Wine book and can’t wait to read this. The openness and truth she writes with speaks deep! Would love to win!
and how do I clear space…that is hard. I’m learning that it’s ok to stop. To enjoy things just for the pure sake of enjoying it. To not rush. Life doesn’t have to be lived with the lie “the more we’re doing, the more we’re worth.” Taking time at a coffee shop to just journal. Sitting outside on the grass just enjoying the spring.
Taking deep breaths of moments of frustration/fear/worry to remember His grace in my life!
This book sounds very refreshing. I would love to read it.
I make sure to get into the word daily!
I make sure that I’m fellowshiping with other believers.
I put down my phone and log off the computer and spend some quiet time with God.
First, in the morning, before I see all of the eyeballs and hear the demands. Also, I make it a point to feed on His Word before food. Sitting down to eat is important. This allows me to meditate on His Word, refuel and refresh. And ending the day with my gift journal. All of these steps allow me to hear Him, and be more like Him. I am a hot mess of these things aren’t my first priority.
I clear space to acknowledge God’s work in my life by contemplating on the fact that every good thing is from Him. I need His presence in my life and so I, faultily at times, make an effort to pursue relationship with Him.
Being mindful of God’s goodness in my life and spend time praying while driving between clients.
I find that journaling is the best way for me to savor/reflect on God’s work in my life.
I make sure to carve out some time each day to do devotionals and just stop and slow down and enjoy my surroundings.
I struggle in this area, to be completely honest with you.
Everyone is saying such great things about Savor!
Would love to read it and figure out how to find time to savor God’s work in my life. 🙂
I really enjoyed the interview she did at IF with her mom. I enjoyed their relationship with each other. I would love to read this book as I am hearing so many great things about it.