Description
“Tracy L. Smoak is masterful at her craft. Her devotionals speak to souls and reveal the heart of God. As we read, we will draw near to Him and He will draw near to us. Arranged With Love is an utterly beautiful devotional and the perfect way to start the day.”
~Julia Wilson, Reviewer at Christian Bookaholics
From swirls of petals to sturdy stems and stars, God has created a vast array of shapes and patterns to surprise and delight us. Such beauty daily testifies of his great love for each one of us. Explore God’s gardens and his Word to find joy.
Arranged with Love combines thirty full-color, original photographs of God’s artwork with Scripture, prayer, and encouragement to help you rest in the Father’s love. For anyone who enjoys nature, needs comfort, or desires spiritual renewal, it’s the perfect gift book for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or any day
“Reading Tracy’s book took me to a peaceful place
and rested my mind from the cares of the world.”
~Gwen Carter, Clermont Garden Club member
Smoak’s photography with musical videos is available from YouTube playlists at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTt_2ua49dUvqrAPqyzCP8A
Joan Nienhuis –
Smoak’s second devotional is another combination of beautiful photos and encouraging devotions. Each of the thirty devotions highlights an aspect of God’s love, attributes shown through creation. She includes an inspirational Scripture passage and a thoughtful prayer for each day.
Smoak focuses on plants, from the magnificent redwoods to fragile wildflowers. She includes natural scenes and ones arranged by humans, making the title appropriate on both the divine and human level. She shows how human arrangements are revealing divine characteristics. A beautifully landscaped garden reflects the ultimate plan and care of God. A meticulous arrangement of flowers foreshadows the elegance of heaven.
I like how Smoak has developed spiritual insights about God’s love from creation. Her spiritual lessons from plants are an inspiration to view God’s creation with renewed wonder. This book would make a good gift for anyone interested in gardening.
You can watch the book trailer here.
You can read my review of her first devotional, Living Water to Refresh Your Soul.
My rating: 4/5 stars.
Tracy L. Smoak grew up in central Florida surrounded by flowers and natural beauty. Her father raised citrus groves and her mother gardened long-stem roses. She has a master’s in education and is a licensed English teacher. She belongs to Word Weavers International and the South Lake Art League. Her first devotional, Living Water to Refresh Your Soul, features tranquil water scenes. You can find out more at http://www.tracysmoak.com.
Redemption Press, 78 pages.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the author. My comments are an independent and honest review.
(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It’s OK, 2-I don’t like it, 1-I hate it.)
Libby Wharton –
When I picked up the book I first noticed the outstanding quality of the book itself. From the binding, to the photographs, to the pages and print, this book is highest quality , suitable for coffee table display.
In the book, each daily devotion (every devotion highlights one facet of God’s love) ties into the daily scripture , the daily prayer, and to the photograph on the opposite page.
Reading this book is a lovely way to reflect on God’s amazing wonders both in nature and in our lives.
I think the book would make a nice gift for someone special.
Karen Ruhl –
As a photographer and nature lover, I love sitting down with Tracy’s book and reading her bible verses and devotions. The photos that accompany each devotion are beautiful and help you relax as you read her inspiring words.
Get your coffee, tea, or favorite morning drink and open Arranged With Love each day.
We are so happy to have this book on our bookshelf.
Karen Ruhl, Editor, Faith on Every Corner
https://issuu.com/craigruhl/docs/faith_on_every_corner_february_2023
Margaret Lane –
Synopsis: From swirls of petals to sturdy stems and stars, God has created a vast array of shapes and patterns to surprise and delight us. Such beauty daily testifies of his great love for each one of us. Explore God’s gardens and his Word to find joy.
With the publication of “Arranged with Love”, Tracy Smoak has deftly combined thirty full-color, original photographs of God’s artwork with Scripture, prayer, and encouragement to help her contemplate and meditate on the Father’s love.
Critique: Unreservedly recommended for anyone who enjoys nature, needs comfort, or desires spiritual renewal from a Christian Perspective, “Arranged With Love” is the perfect resource. While appropriate for personal, Church, and community library collections, it should be noted that “Arranged With Love” is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).
Editorial Note: Tracy Smoak (https://www.tracysmoak.com) is an author, a photographer, and a blogger. Her photography with musical videos is available from YouTube playlists at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTt_2ua49dUvqrAPqyzCP8A