Catching Fireflies: Teaching Your Heart to See God's Light Everywhere

by Patsy Clairmont

Looking for a little “light” reading with life-changing truth and ticklish humor? This book is for you. Popular author and speaker Patsy Clairmont weaves stories and scripture between lasers, lighthouses, and lamps to illuminate the heart and enliven the spirit. Whether you’re bored with the routine, struggling through a crisis, or just ready for a good word, Patsy meets you there with vulnerability, inspiration, and an infectious grin. As a daily devotional or weekend read, Catching Fireflies will light up your day even as it brightens your smile.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Book Club, Christian Living, Spirituality, Faith, Inspirational

208 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2009

About the author

Patsy is a bookish woman who loves words and has a penchant for dark chocolate sorbet. Since spelling bees in grade school, childhood Scrabble games, right up to her current addiction with Words with Friends she has been known to spell it out, to say it like it is.

Much to her surprise Patsy has written a stack of books that continues to light her passion for the printed page. And nothing pleases her more than to share her faith through laughter and tears and to encourage others to flourish.

A former agoraphobic Patsy never imagined the expansive plans God had in mind for her. She just wanted to make it to her neighborhood grocery store and safely home again. Instead, for the past 35 years she has been traipsing throughout the U.S. and Canada, interspersed with trips to Israel and Africa and she has even spoken at the Pentagon for the Flag Officers Bible Study. Patsy has spoken to millions of women (and men) offering spiritual and emotional hope.

Patsy has written books in several genres including devotional, fiction, children’s, and gift offerings. She is one of the founding speakers at Women of Faith and trains people for the platform.

Patsy is the author of over 35 books best-selling books and currently lives in Franklin TN.

Reviews

[Cheryl]

Sampled off my own shelves. It's not for me, but I will find it a good home. (DNF)

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This look at God in our lives by focusing on different types of light (from fireflies to flashlights to starlight) is humorous, thoughtful, and enjoyable to read. It can be as deep as you want it to be if you take time to reflect on the questions at the end of each chapter. Discussing it with someone else would be ideal for this book.

[Stephanie Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

“We’ve celebrated stars in countless poems, songs, and movies... wise men have followed them, foolish men have worshipped them... God’s creative genius always is beyond us.” Such a cute, lil book! Reminds me of “salt and light” from the gospel <3

[Julie Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very encouraging, insightful, and had many humorous parts. It helps that I've heard the author speak in a large arena. I could "hear" her voice as I read!

[Valerie Bao Killinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved it! I feel butterflies in my stomach. With flashes of scripture, bright ideas in making time for the important things, a reminder of those friends who help to lighten the load, and so much more. This book is beautiful in its story telling about all the illuminating light that God had bestowed onto us in the beginning...”and then there was light”

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very inspirational, I love the way Patsy weaves in personal experiences with biblical references and helps you understand. This makes you take a look at your own life and helps you become a better person and truly trust in god. I really really enjoyed this book.

[Gabriel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This nonfiction book by Patsy Clairmont features eighteen chapters of light related inspiration and God-giving praises. Within its 195 pages, Patsy takes you through all the ways you can bring light into your life through Scripture and God’s Word. I’ll admit, when I first picked up [sic] catching fireflies I was a bit skeptical on the matter if I would even enjoy reading this book. Turns out, I loved it and could barely put it down.
[sic] catching fireflies, though mainly directed towards women, is filled cover to cover with inspiration, light-based quotes, and overall praise of Our Father God. At the end of each chapter, a list of questions to ask yourself is provided as well as a short paragraph of a “Bright Idea” for you to try and implement into your daily life. Each chapter ends with a quote, either from some famous person or from Scripture. One of my favorites was the following: “As you exit the plane, please make sure to gather all of your belongings. Anything left behind will be distributed evenly among the flight attendants. Please do not leave children or spouses.” (Clairmont, pg. 133). This quote is what began chapter thirteen. It was my favorite because it showed a bit of “light” humor in this somewhat serious book.
What I liked most about the book, other than the quotes it provided and it being an easy read, was that it was really inspiring. It gave insight in how the Bible is encircled in the concept of light. This concept being pointed out in that the first ever recorded words of God were “Let there be light…” which is at the beginning of the Bible and it ends with the Light of the World, Jesus Christ. There wasn’t much I didn’t like about this book, other than the use of a few terms I wasn’t familiar with. What in God’s green earth is agoraphobia?
What I noticed about Patsy’s writing is that she really seems down to earth and willing to admit her flaws. She doesn’t try to hide her weaknesses, which is evident in the way she presents some of them in her book. I look forward to reading another piece of her’s… though maybe when I have more time and less to do. I’ll try on a rainy day under the soft glow of a lamp, that always seemed to work for her.

[Andrea · Rating 1 out of 5]

A lighthearted read, but definitely made for women of a certain age. Was not accessible for a bible study group as it did not facilitate deep discussions or enable us to be guided through scripture. It’s a cute and quick read, but really nothing more. Do not expect much from this book. Too many personal anecdotes and was written more as a recorded book talk than an actual book. I did not feel this book light up my faith or add to my understanding of God and His promises.

[Yvonne Reynders · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the comedic way Patsy Clairmont related her tales and weaved stories and scripture together. This book had me checking in on bible stories or veses I hadn't visited in a while. I appreciated her insights on God and Christ and the relationship we can have with them through scripture and prayer.

[Phyllis Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspirational book. The format was a type of light , a few stories of her personal experience , a tie into biblical stories , questions then a bright idea. Certainly a good devotional venue.

[Jenna ( Chicken Mama ) · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's okay of a read, not real inspiring as I thought it would be. More of a personal reflection, I wish it had more inspiring things among the pages and more scripture messages. It was still a good read, and It will go on my shelves.

" Let there be light!"

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Patsy Clairmont's books. I am always encouraged. She makes me laugh and sometimes I cry but she always points me to Christ!

[Nancy Holte · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Patsy's writing style, sense of humor and deep spiritual truths along the way.

[Jean St.Amand · Rating 2 out of 5]

She was just trying WAY too hard to be witty or funny or....something....the book got a bit better at the very end because she seemed to stop trying to be a comedian.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catching fireflies

As always love Patsy’s books. A great reminder of all the places to look for God’s light in this dark world.

[Laila]

This was a great book. Super spritual if you love god, and funny stories. Amazing!! 10/10

[Melissa Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

"I personally have found that pain will leave a residue, but God uses that to keep us tender and compassionate toward the fractures in other people's lives"

Sweet book💜

[Madisen DeBord · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was sweet, had nice reminders for my daily life. A little of it felt out of touch going from an older author to a younger reader, but learned a few lessons all the same

[Tracy Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

This book is short humorous and yet gives great bible truths. A must read for for Christian women of all ages

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Each chapter relates to light and God

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book with lots of great analogies about light. Patsy has an amazing way of writing.

[Erin Mueller · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable “light” hearted book, I appreciate the wit and wisdom of the author.

[Jessica Nunnally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great little book! It was funny, uplifting, and great food for though.

[Nikki Baas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been struggling with my faith a lot lately and needed something "light" to find my way back and this was just what I needed.

[Erin Allen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very fluffy and not a lot of depth. It often felt like a child was writing this book. I was tempted to give it a 1 but some of the chapters were cute. CUTE not thought provoking 😂

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

What's not to like about any Patsy Clairmont book? This one is no different. She's just a sweet as can be. She writes as though you are sitting right next to her, listening with a nice cup of tea.

[Ruth Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. I heard Patsy speak at a Women of Faith conference earlier this year. She writes pretty much the same way she speaks which = super funny and yet, somehow, very profound.

Each chapter contains little personal stories held together with humor that will make you smile. Each chapter also contains little nuggets of grace. Phrases you'll want to hold onto; that will make you ponder where you are and where you're going.

I flew through this book, but I will need to read it again. And next time, have my journal handy as she asks lots of great probing questions. I think it would be good to sit down and devote more time for reflection while reading this one!

[Jeanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this one as a recommendation from a friend. It was hard for me to get into at first because I have not read anything else by the author, or heard her speak. It was written in a very informal, conversational style. The author compares God's love to different forms of light. The last few chapters were very good. I am glad that I read it.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one that I'm not sure I am ready to put on the 'read' shelf. I feel like I need to read it again, I don't want to be finished with it. Patsy's honest humor is something that I really enjoy ending my day with!

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy read and inspirational, but not as great as I hoped it would be. I saw Patsy Clairmont speak at the Women of Faith Conference this year and I thought this book would be as dynamic, hilarious and irreverent as she was in person. Not so, but an uplifting book nonetheless.