What do you think?
Rate this book
Come Empty: Pour Out Life's Hurts and Receive God's Healing Love
When a water vessel is filled with dirt and stones, it cannot be used to quench a thirst. But, when this vessel is emptied, there is opportunity to fill it until it overflows with fresh, cool, life-giving water. Water that quenches. Refreshes. Soothes.
Our souls are the same: filled with fear, doubt, and disappointment. Running over with unanswered prayers and lingering questions. When we empty the mess of our lives in the presence of God, we're offered an invitation to come. An invitation that allows us to come empty - so that we can be filled until we overflow.
Come Empty - Pour out Life's Hurts and Receive God's Healing Love guides you through fifty days of experiencing the fullness of God's love and His ability to overcome life's hurts. Each day, you will receive assurance of God's presence in your difficult situations. Each devotion gives new vision and perspective when you're hindered by emotional blind spots, and leads you to experience God's peace and wholeness. When His invitation is accepted, He will set your captive mind and heart free to live fully by His grace. The question is not if you will get an invitation. The question is will you come?
Our souls are the same: filled with fear, doubt, and disappointment. Running over with unanswered prayers and lingering questions. When we empty the mess of our lives in the presence of God, we're offered an invitation to come. An invitation that allows us to come empty - so that we can be filled until we overflow.
Come Empty - Pour out Life's Hurts and Receive God's Healing Love guides you through fifty days of experiencing the fullness of God's love and His ability to overcome life's hurts. Each day, you will receive assurance of God's presence in your difficult situations. Each devotion gives new vision and perspective when you're hindered by emotional blind spots, and leads you to experience God's peace and wholeness. When His invitation is accepted, He will set your captive mind and heart free to live fully by His grace. The question is not if you will get an invitation. The question is will you come?
200 pages, Paperback
First published March 31, 2015
70 people are currently reading
319 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 31, 2015
Just when you thought God lost your address, or if you're wondering if He knows you even exist, along comes a book that shakes you to the core of your being. This devotional is one that will have an impact on anyone who reads it. However, I especially recommend it to those who are going through [or have gone through] an incredibly hard season and are finding it hard to bounce back. There are times in life when the best prescription any doctor could give would be to take their patient by the hand and lead them straight into the arms of Jesus. That is exactly what Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith does in this devotional. From the authenticity of her own heart, she personally identifies with you [right where you are]. No matter what situation you find yourself in today, her words offer hope, healing, forgiveness and restoration...all available in Christ our Lord. This is a devotional you will want to have for yourself and also give to those you care about. If you are in a hard place and have nowhere to go but up, I encourage you to take this devotional and allow God to bring you from your place of emptiness to knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt there is One who holds you in the palm of His hand.
In Saundra's own words: "This book...is for everyone who has ever suffered silently. Know that when you don't have the words to articulate the deep pain inside, God understands every tear and extends an invitation for you to ...Come Empty."
In Saundra's own words: "This book...is for everyone who has ever suffered silently. Know that when you don't have the words to articulate the deep pain inside, God understands every tear and extends an invitation for you to ...Come Empty."
February 6, 2016
We all experience pain, especially the emotional and spiritual kind that can drain the life out of us. When we've tried everything and still feel empty, we are given the invitation to come empty and be filled. “It is an invitation to be renewed, strengthened, guided, restored, and satisfied.”
Dalton-Smith shares her own experience of feeling empty after treating patients all day. She went to a conference, seeking to be filled. She realized she was spiritually dehydrated, with dryness of soul and spirit. She was thirsty for more of God in her life and ultimately found Him to be more than enough.
She shares some 80 devotions and suggests we choose 50 for a 50 day challenge. There is a great topical index at the back of the book so we can choose the devotions that especially speak to us. Each devotion takes about five minutes.
These devotions are different from anything I've read before. The first part is an expression of pain. These are heartfelt cries of the soul in the midst of grief, depression, anger, and many other emotions. Some of them deal with issues like alcoholism, dementia, cancer, jealousy, and many more. Next is given a very positive and loving reply from God. Each reading includes Scripture, going deeper questions, and a simple prayer.
These devotions are aimed at people who are really hurting and need a comforting word from God. These are not the kinds of devotions that spur healthy Christians on to repentance, good works, or holiness. Nonetheless, there are several devotions toward the end of the book that are about positive emotions, such as praise and contentment. The idea of the full range of devotions is to spend 30 – 40 days working through pain and then ten to twenty days transitioning to the fullness God offers.
Working through the readings in this book is a good way for readers to pour out life's hurts and receive God's healing love.
Food for thought: “My presence may not change your situation, but it will always change you.”
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Litfuse for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
Dalton-Smith shares her own experience of feeling empty after treating patients all day. She went to a conference, seeking to be filled. She realized she was spiritually dehydrated, with dryness of soul and spirit. She was thirsty for more of God in her life and ultimately found Him to be more than enough.
She shares some 80 devotions and suggests we choose 50 for a 50 day challenge. There is a great topical index at the back of the book so we can choose the devotions that especially speak to us. Each devotion takes about five minutes.
These devotions are different from anything I've read before. The first part is an expression of pain. These are heartfelt cries of the soul in the midst of grief, depression, anger, and many other emotions. Some of them deal with issues like alcoholism, dementia, cancer, jealousy, and many more. Next is given a very positive and loving reply from God. Each reading includes Scripture, going deeper questions, and a simple prayer.
These devotions are aimed at people who are really hurting and need a comforting word from God. These are not the kinds of devotions that spur healthy Christians on to repentance, good works, or holiness. Nonetheless, there are several devotions toward the end of the book that are about positive emotions, such as praise and contentment. The idea of the full range of devotions is to spend 30 – 40 days working through pain and then ten to twenty days transitioning to the fullness God offers.
Working through the readings in this book is a good way for readers to pour out life's hurts and receive God's healing love.
Food for thought: “My presence may not change your situation, but it will always change you.”
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Litfuse for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
March 31, 2015
After trying one devotional after another and not find what my heart was searching for, I read Saundra Dalton-Smith's book, Come Empty. Dr. Daulton-Smith touched my heart like no author has done before. It brought tears to my eyes, but a wave of refreshment as well. Are you hurting? Are you exhausted? Come Empty takes you on a 50-day journey to learn what God has to say to you as Dr. Saundra shares her own personal journey. You don't want to put off to quickly buying this book, because it will go quickly.
April 8, 2015
My copy of "Come Empty: Pour of Life's Hurts and Receive God's Healing Love" came in the mail today! It's a 50 Day Jubilee devotional. There are approximately 50 days until Pentecost so if you are looking for something to take you into the next season I recommend this book.
March 31, 2015
This is a great new devotional from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. I highly recommend this book to strengthen your connection with God.
February 14, 2023
God’s Promises
This book was very helpful for me to understand what God promises in the midst of specific troubles. I came across this book because I heard Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith at a ladies retreat for my church. She is a fabulous speaker and a fabulous writer!
This book was very helpful for me to understand what God promises in the midst of specific troubles. I came across this book because I heard Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith at a ladies retreat for my church. She is a fabulous speaker and a fabulous writer!
October 26, 2024
Excellent
I truly enjoyed the daily empowering messages. The author provided great messages, questions, and how to apply the message to your life.
I truly enjoyed the daily empowering messages. The author provided great messages, questions, and how to apply the message to your life.
February 22, 2016
One thing I knew: this year, I wanted to do Lent differently. The season of Lent comprises the 40 days prior to Easter, during which Christians traditionally meditate on Jesus Christ’s suffering and on our own repentance. In recent years, I’ve tended to rush through these six weeks until arriving, surprise!, at Resurrection Sunday–grateful for the celebration but unprepared to savor its wonder as I’m meant to. That’s why I said yes to Come Empty. The idea of emptying myself out of distractions first to make room for Jesus was (is) very appealing.
So did Come Empty meet my need? To a degree, yes. It got me meditating in the right direction, but it didn’t resonate in the way I’d hoped it would. But–as is so often the case–whether a book (or anything) creates a certain resonance has as much to do with the person receiving the gift as it does with the author offering it. It’s highly subjective. So with that caveat in place, I’ll give you what worked for me.
On the plus side, the writing is clear, the tone accessible, and the structure well-organized–which makes it very suitable for personal adaptation. With 80 daily devotionals to choose from, you could work your way through from start to finish in about three months. Or you could pick and choose from among topics to suit your needs. Struggling in relationship with others? There are 10 devotions to work with. Dealing with negative emotions, illness, or change? Got something for you too. What also makes it well-rounded is that Dalton-Smith includes twenty days to dwell on the good stuff as well–positive emotions and gratitude.
Like Sarah Young did in her Jesus Calling series, Dalton-Smith answers every day’s “heart’s cry” with “God’s reply”–given from His point of view. I personally do not have a problem with this, so long as it’s clear those words are directly derived from Scripture (which I do believe is our only unerring Word of God).
Each day’s reading is quite brief–which could be a plus or not, depending on your need. Me, I was looking for a deeper dive. The author does offer with every devotional a verse, discussion questions, a one sentence prayer and more scripture so you can take it a little deeper if you wish. But I would have appreciated more amplification from Dalton-Smith herself–from her position of authority as the author of this book.
So I didn’t feel the satisfaction of a deep soul connection. Some of the proferred answers felt too easy. On the whole, the treatment of emptying one’s self seemed to skim the surface more than really peel back the layers to get at root causes.
But maybe that’s not what this little book set out to do. If it’s purpose was to initiate a conversation (with God or otherwise), and to get me heading down the right path, then I would say it accomplished just that.
Thanks to Litfuse Publicity and SonRise Devotionals/Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas for providing me a free copy to review. All opinions are mine.
So did Come Empty meet my need? To a degree, yes. It got me meditating in the right direction, but it didn’t resonate in the way I’d hoped it would. But–as is so often the case–whether a book (or anything) creates a certain resonance has as much to do with the person receiving the gift as it does with the author offering it. It’s highly subjective. So with that caveat in place, I’ll give you what worked for me.
On the plus side, the writing is clear, the tone accessible, and the structure well-organized–which makes it very suitable for personal adaptation. With 80 daily devotionals to choose from, you could work your way through from start to finish in about three months. Or you could pick and choose from among topics to suit your needs. Struggling in relationship with others? There are 10 devotions to work with. Dealing with negative emotions, illness, or change? Got something for you too. What also makes it well-rounded is that Dalton-Smith includes twenty days to dwell on the good stuff as well–positive emotions and gratitude.
Like Sarah Young did in her Jesus Calling series, Dalton-Smith answers every day’s “heart’s cry” with “God’s reply”–given from His point of view. I personally do not have a problem with this, so long as it’s clear those words are directly derived from Scripture (which I do believe is our only unerring Word of God).
Each day’s reading is quite brief–which could be a plus or not, depending on your need. Me, I was looking for a deeper dive. The author does offer with every devotional a verse, discussion questions, a one sentence prayer and more scripture so you can take it a little deeper if you wish. But I would have appreciated more amplification from Dalton-Smith herself–from her position of authority as the author of this book.
So I didn’t feel the satisfaction of a deep soul connection. Some of the proferred answers felt too easy. On the whole, the treatment of emptying one’s self seemed to skim the surface more than really peel back the layers to get at root causes.
But maybe that’s not what this little book set out to do. If it’s purpose was to initiate a conversation (with God or otherwise), and to get me heading down the right path, then I would say it accomplished just that.
Thanks to Litfuse Publicity and SonRise Devotionals/Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas for providing me a free copy to review. All opinions are mine.
December 18, 2016
Everyone has pain at some point or another in their life. For some, suffering is just a season. It comes and it goes. But for others, pain is a way of life, something they live with every day. We all grow weary, weak and tired. This world is not our home and there are hardships that batter the hulls of our ships until we are sinking, taking on more water from the storm than we can handle. Saundra Dalton-Smith’s book Come Empty is precisely the life boat needed to help us weather the storms of life. She invites us to pour out life’s hurts and receive God’s healing love. I found this renewal on page after page of this beautiful book.
If your problems are related relationships, emotions, illness or some other type of hardship, this book can help guide you toward the healing and renewing power of Jesus Christ. It is divided up into an 80-day journey through all kinds of topics: Relationship with God, Relationships with Others, Negative Emotions, Identity, Change, Illness, Positive Emotions and finally, Gratitude. To read through this book truly is a journey, a beautiful journey written to draw out areas of our lives that need strength, healing and renewal.
One can read this book in any number of ways: day by day, as guided on each page; By topic, as it relates to your life; or as a discussion guide for a close group of friends. Each day contains a paragraph from the author about something that has happened in her life, something relatable to us all. This first section is called “Your Heart’s Cry.” It is then followed by “His Response,” or what God has to say to your heart’s cry. There is additional Scripture reading followed by “Going Deeper Questions.” These questions are probing, heart-felt and designed to help you dig deeper into your own soul. These would be great discussion questions in a small group or used as journaling prompts in your personal quiet time. The day closes with a simple prayer. I love the simple prayers that accompany each day. In fact, many times I wrote them out on notecards and kept them in my purse or in my Bible.
This is a beautiful book that is relevant to women of all ages and in all different stages of life. It is not written to any specific demographic which makes it universally helpful to all. As the back cover promotes, “Each devotion gives new vision and perspective when you’re hindered by emotional blind spots, and leads you to experience God’s peace and wholeness.” I could certainly feel God’s peace and wholeness while on my journey through this book. And if that is something your heart is crying out for, I hope this book will lead you in the same way!
*I received this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
If your problems are related relationships, emotions, illness or some other type of hardship, this book can help guide you toward the healing and renewing power of Jesus Christ. It is divided up into an 80-day journey through all kinds of topics: Relationship with God, Relationships with Others, Negative Emotions, Identity, Change, Illness, Positive Emotions and finally, Gratitude. To read through this book truly is a journey, a beautiful journey written to draw out areas of our lives that need strength, healing and renewal.
One can read this book in any number of ways: day by day, as guided on each page; By topic, as it relates to your life; or as a discussion guide for a close group of friends. Each day contains a paragraph from the author about something that has happened in her life, something relatable to us all. This first section is called “Your Heart’s Cry.” It is then followed by “His Response,” or what God has to say to your heart’s cry. There is additional Scripture reading followed by “Going Deeper Questions.” These questions are probing, heart-felt and designed to help you dig deeper into your own soul. These would be great discussion questions in a small group or used as journaling prompts in your personal quiet time. The day closes with a simple prayer. I love the simple prayers that accompany each day. In fact, many times I wrote them out on notecards and kept them in my purse or in my Bible.
This is a beautiful book that is relevant to women of all ages and in all different stages of life. It is not written to any specific demographic which makes it universally helpful to all. As the back cover promotes, “Each devotion gives new vision and perspective when you’re hindered by emotional blind spots, and leads you to experience God’s peace and wholeness.” I could certainly feel God’s peace and wholeness while on my journey through this book. And if that is something your heart is crying out for, I hope this book will lead you in the same way!
*I received this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
March 15, 2016
Saundra Dalton-Smith in her new book, “Come Empty” published by SonRise Devotionals gives us Pour Out Life’s Hurts and Receive God’s Healing Love.
From the Back Cover: When a water vessel is filled with dirt and stones, it cannot be used to quench a thirst. But, when this vessel is emptied, there is an opportunity to fill it until it overflows with fresh, cool, life-giving water. Water that quenches. Refreshes. Soothes.
Our souls are the same: filled with fear, doubt, and disappointment. Running over with unanswered prayers and lingering questions. When we empty the mess of our lives in the presence of God, we’re offered an invitation to come. An invitation that allows us to come empty – so that we can be filled until we overflow.
Come Empty – Pour Out Life’s Hurts and Receive God’s Healing Love guides you through fifty days of experiencing the fullness of God’s love and His ability to overcome life’s hurts. Each day, you will receive assurance of God’s presence in your difficult situations. Each devotion gives new vision and perspective when you’re hindered by emotional blind spots, and leads you to experience God’s peace and wholeness. When His invitation is accepted, He will set your captive mind and heart free to live fully by His grace. The question is not if you will get an invitation. The question is, will you come?.
If we are carrying something in our hand then we have to let that item go if we expect to pick up and carry something else. Ms. Dalton-Smith has given us a devotional that is designed to put down the hurt and pick up God’s healing for that hurt. Ms. Dalton-Smith has grouped her devotional into eight sections: Relationship With God, Relationship With Others, Negative Emotions, Identity, Change, Illness, Emotions, and Gratitude. We all get hurt in one of those categories this devotional is designed to help us allow God to heal our wounds. At the end of each chapter there are Going Deeper Questions and then a Simple Prayer. I believe this book is a resource that will be used over and over again. I also think it is a great gift to give to friends and family who might be hurting as well. I recommend this book highly.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the Back Cover: When a water vessel is filled with dirt and stones, it cannot be used to quench a thirst. But, when this vessel is emptied, there is an opportunity to fill it until it overflows with fresh, cool, life-giving water. Water that quenches. Refreshes. Soothes.
Our souls are the same: filled with fear, doubt, and disappointment. Running over with unanswered prayers and lingering questions. When we empty the mess of our lives in the presence of God, we’re offered an invitation to come. An invitation that allows us to come empty – so that we can be filled until we overflow.
Come Empty – Pour Out Life’s Hurts and Receive God’s Healing Love guides you through fifty days of experiencing the fullness of God’s love and His ability to overcome life’s hurts. Each day, you will receive assurance of God’s presence in your difficult situations. Each devotion gives new vision and perspective when you’re hindered by emotional blind spots, and leads you to experience God’s peace and wholeness. When His invitation is accepted, He will set your captive mind and heart free to live fully by His grace. The question is not if you will get an invitation. The question is, will you come?.
If we are carrying something in our hand then we have to let that item go if we expect to pick up and carry something else. Ms. Dalton-Smith has given us a devotional that is designed to put down the hurt and pick up God’s healing for that hurt. Ms. Dalton-Smith has grouped her devotional into eight sections: Relationship With God, Relationship With Others, Negative Emotions, Identity, Change, Illness, Emotions, and Gratitude. We all get hurt in one of those categories this devotional is designed to help us allow God to heal our wounds. At the end of each chapter there are Going Deeper Questions and then a Simple Prayer. I believe this book is a resource that will be used over and over again. I also think it is a great gift to give to friends and family who might be hurting as well. I recommend this book highly.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
January 25, 2016
About the Book:
When a water vessel is filled with dirt and stones, it cannot be used to quench a thirst. But, when this vessel is emptied, there is opportunity to fill it until it overflows with fresh, cool, life-giving water. Water that quenches. Refreshes. Soothes.
Our souls are the same: filled with fear, doubt, and disappointment. Running over with unanswered prayers and lingering questions. When we empty the mess of our lives in the presence of God, we're offered an invitation to come. An invitation that allows us to come empty - so that we can be filled until we overflow.
Come Empty - Pour out Life's Hurts and Receive God's Healing Love guides you through fifty days of experiencing the fullness of God's love and His ability to overcome life's hurts. Each day, you will receive assurance of God's presence in your difficult situations. Each devotion gives new vision and perspective when you're hindered by emotional blind spots, and leads you to experience God's peace and wholeness. When His invitation is accepted, He will set your captive mind and heart free to live fully by His grace. The question is not if you will get an invitation. The question is will you come?
My Review:
What a great book to start the new year, fresh and new. It is more like refreshed and renewed. The only way for God to fill you up is if you are completely empty of "self". Come Empty: Pour Out Life's Hurts and Receive God's Healing is a good way to learn just what the process is all about. It is an in depth Bible devotional that causes you to deeply reflect on what got you to this place and what is keeping you from moving on and digging deeper.
Come Empty: Pour Out Life's Hurts and Receive God's Healing is a devotional that has 80 days worth of digging deeper into the whole of self that got you to this spot in the first place and gives you the freedom that you are searching for. God is waiting for us to make that first, fresh move of faith that will be the bridge to Him as well as the bridge to our freedom from circumstances and bondage.
This book is a great way to find your way through the clutter and chaos to that brilliant landscape of beauty that you long and yearn to find!
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author.
When a water vessel is filled with dirt and stones, it cannot be used to quench a thirst. But, when this vessel is emptied, there is opportunity to fill it until it overflows with fresh, cool, life-giving water. Water that quenches. Refreshes. Soothes.
Our souls are the same: filled with fear, doubt, and disappointment. Running over with unanswered prayers and lingering questions. When we empty the mess of our lives in the presence of God, we're offered an invitation to come. An invitation that allows us to come empty - so that we can be filled until we overflow.
Come Empty - Pour out Life's Hurts and Receive God's Healing Love guides you through fifty days of experiencing the fullness of God's love and His ability to overcome life's hurts. Each day, you will receive assurance of God's presence in your difficult situations. Each devotion gives new vision and perspective when you're hindered by emotional blind spots, and leads you to experience God's peace and wholeness. When His invitation is accepted, He will set your captive mind and heart free to live fully by His grace. The question is not if you will get an invitation. The question is will you come?
My Review:
What a great book to start the new year, fresh and new. It is more like refreshed and renewed. The only way for God to fill you up is if you are completely empty of "self". Come Empty: Pour Out Life's Hurts and Receive God's Healing is a good way to learn just what the process is all about. It is an in depth Bible devotional that causes you to deeply reflect on what got you to this place and what is keeping you from moving on and digging deeper.
Come Empty: Pour Out Life's Hurts and Receive God's Healing is a devotional that has 80 days worth of digging deeper into the whole of self that got you to this spot in the first place and gives you the freedom that you are searching for. God is waiting for us to make that first, fresh move of faith that will be the bridge to Him as well as the bridge to our freedom from circumstances and bondage.
This book is a great way to find your way through the clutter and chaos to that brilliant landscape of beauty that you long and yearn to find!
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author.
April 14, 2015
Dr. Saundra Dalton Smith has done it again. I have looked forward to the release of her new book after reading Set Free to Live Free where she uncovers the lies that we believe and replaces them with the truth of God’s word.
In her new book Come Empty she draws from the story of the Samaritan women at the well who has a personal encounter with Jesus himself. He tells the woman things about her that no one else would know and shares that he can give her Living water that will quench her thirst in a way that regular water cannot.
As a doctor, Saundra will ask each reader what she asks her patients, “Where does it hurt?” With honest, thought provoking questions we can each begin to explore the hurts in our life and hearts. Whether we are struggling with physical pain in our body, a serious illness, an accident, financial hardships we can find healing. We may have emotional pain, hurt, discouragement, anxious thoughts, worry, or even anger towards ourselves and others, we can find healing for those broken places.
The great thing about Jesus is we don’t need to clean ourselves up before we come and Saundra invites us to come empty so that we can be filled with the faith, hope and love that comes from knowing Jesus and letting him fill us to overflowing with his spirit and truth.
You will be touched by Saundra’s open, honest approach as she shares her own struggles. Her compassion is evident as well as her realness. If you have a place of hurt in your life this devotional will meet you where you are. With 80 entries that are clearly labeled, your journey will be all your own, unique and different from those around you. You will be challenged to follow a 50-day program. You get to chose what you read. This is a refreshing, new way to look at devotional reading. Come to the well and drink in abundance as you Come Empty.
In her new book Come Empty she draws from the story of the Samaritan women at the well who has a personal encounter with Jesus himself. He tells the woman things about her that no one else would know and shares that he can give her Living water that will quench her thirst in a way that regular water cannot.
As a doctor, Saundra will ask each reader what she asks her patients, “Where does it hurt?” With honest, thought provoking questions we can each begin to explore the hurts in our life and hearts. Whether we are struggling with physical pain in our body, a serious illness, an accident, financial hardships we can find healing. We may have emotional pain, hurt, discouragement, anxious thoughts, worry, or even anger towards ourselves and others, we can find healing for those broken places.
The great thing about Jesus is we don’t need to clean ourselves up before we come and Saundra invites us to come empty so that we can be filled with the faith, hope and love that comes from knowing Jesus and letting him fill us to overflowing with his spirit and truth.
You will be touched by Saundra’s open, honest approach as she shares her own struggles. Her compassion is evident as well as her realness. If you have a place of hurt in your life this devotional will meet you where you are. With 80 entries that are clearly labeled, your journey will be all your own, unique and different from those around you. You will be challenged to follow a 50-day program. You get to chose what you read. This is a refreshing, new way to look at devotional reading. Come to the well and drink in abundance as you Come Empty.
February 23, 2016
I found this book to be so helpful and like no other book I've ever read. Dr. Saundra really shares her heart in this book and I felt like she was speaking about so many issues in my own life. I'm sure you'll find the same thing when you read it. I loved that she was honest about her life experiences because it always makes me feel like the author truly has experienced a lot of the same things I have.
The book is broken down into sections with a total of 80 days. Some of the topics include Relationships, Negative Emotions, Change and Gratitude. You chose 50 days out of these topics to empty yourself and fill those empty areas with Jesus. This is rather like a devotional, however, to really get a lot of out of it, you must spend the quality time with each passage. Of course, that's what I really like about it.
There is a Scripture reading and then questions to help you really dig deeper. I found it helpful to have a notebook to answer these questions in for the day. It helped me not to feel restricted on space and to write whatever I really needed to.
After reading this book, I can truly say that I feel so much closer to Jesus. I have a deeper understanding of who God is and who I am in relationship with Him. I loved this book and plan on going through it again and again - especially during those times I may feel a bit hopeless or floundering in my faith.
This book was very easy to read and understand and gave me great insight. I highly recommend it for anyone would like to truly be deep in a relationship with God. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
*This book was provided to me for my honest review by LitFuse Publicity Group
The book is broken down into sections with a total of 80 days. Some of the topics include Relationships, Negative Emotions, Change and Gratitude. You chose 50 days out of these topics to empty yourself and fill those empty areas with Jesus. This is rather like a devotional, however, to really get a lot of out of it, you must spend the quality time with each passage. Of course, that's what I really like about it.
There is a Scripture reading and then questions to help you really dig deeper. I found it helpful to have a notebook to answer these questions in for the day. It helped me not to feel restricted on space and to write whatever I really needed to.
After reading this book, I can truly say that I feel so much closer to Jesus. I have a deeper understanding of who God is and who I am in relationship with Him. I loved this book and plan on going through it again and again - especially during those times I may feel a bit hopeless or floundering in my faith.
This book was very easy to read and understand and gave me great insight. I highly recommend it for anyone would like to truly be deep in a relationship with God. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
*This book was provided to me for my honest review by LitFuse Publicity Group
Read
March 8, 2016The very subdued, feminine look of the cover is what drew me to this devotional by Saundra Dalton-Smith. There are eight sections each concentrating on a different life area. They range from negative emotions to positive emotions, gratitude and so much more. Each devotional is listed by a certain day number ( ex. Day #20), but not date. So the reader may begin anytime, treading in order from day #1 _ day #80. It is also possible to read devotionals under ' Relationship with God and titled An invitation to Come Empty. I believe any woman, at any stage in life, can appreciate the invitation to come empty. Each day has a 'Your Heart's Cry' section which is just as the title suggests that is a cry from your heart. A 'His Reply' section, where Jesus speaks to the readers heart. Plus, scripture to read ,'Going Deeper Question's, and a 'Simple Prayer'. Each section takes just a short amount of time. The reader could read the devotional in the morning, along with the scripture and prayer, then concentrate on it throughout the day. Author Saundra Dalton-Smith challenges the reader to a 50 day Jubilee challenge. It's a challenge to walk through the wilderness of your past pain on purpose, even pain you may have buried. The reader can go in sequence or use the topical index to pinpoint the areas of your deepest pain. I recommend this book to every woman. Disclaimer: I received this devotional from Litfuse Publishers for my honest opinion.
March 13, 2016
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Come Empty by Saundra Dalton Smith is a not just a devotional, it is a book that will help you deal with the hurts, fear, doubts and any other emotion that is strangling you and keeping you from living you life free in Jesus. Each devotion goes deep into your emotions and helps you deal with the root of the problem. Ms. Smith shares these special devotions from her heart, and helps us to start our own journey. And even though each of us will go this journey in our own way and in our own time, the end results are the same. We will be able to live our lives free of the things that pull us down. And I enjoy the way Ms. Smith shows us that nothing can happen without surrendering out lives to Christ Jesus.
Sandra Smith has an awesome way of writing that I thoroughly enjoyed and this book is not just a devotional for me, its a book that I will go to time and again when I need encouragements and hope. Many different topics are dealt with here, and there is sure to be something you need in your life. I highly recommend this wonderful devotional books. To me, you just can't get enough good devotions!
I received this book from Litfuse to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.
Come Empty by Saundra Dalton Smith is a not just a devotional, it is a book that will help you deal with the hurts, fear, doubts and any other emotion that is strangling you and keeping you from living you life free in Jesus. Each devotion goes deep into your emotions and helps you deal with the root of the problem. Ms. Smith shares these special devotions from her heart, and helps us to start our own journey. And even though each of us will go this journey in our own way and in our own time, the end results are the same. We will be able to live our lives free of the things that pull us down. And I enjoy the way Ms. Smith shows us that nothing can happen without surrendering out lives to Christ Jesus.
Sandra Smith has an awesome way of writing that I thoroughly enjoyed and this book is not just a devotional for me, its a book that I will go to time and again when I need encouragements and hope. Many different topics are dealt with here, and there is sure to be something you need in your life. I highly recommend this wonderful devotional books. To me, you just can't get enough good devotions!
I received this book from Litfuse to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.
February 19, 2016
Goodness
Where to start!
as I started this book, I will admit, I was thinking, oh wow, another, run of the mill devotional, saying the same old things, with the same old verses, using the same old context. blah, blah, blah.
Boy was I in for a surprise! Dr Smith just totally knocks this one outta the park for me. Having so many chronic conditions this devotional just fit right there for me.
The very first chapter, Dr. Saundra Dalton Smith speaks of how pain directly alters our life. our daily walk literally and figuratively. Our mood, our emotions, our mind, everything.
If you feel bad, you look bad, you are bad. So you will be bad.
Therefore I am bad.
That vicious cycle you get in when you
1) not only have constant pain,
2) are depressed,
3)are just having a super rotten day
Smith gives you several ideas to cope with your daily walk with pain as well as coping with topical indexes of different issues you might feel on any given day like Difficult People, Fear, Envy, Regret, Stress, Suicide and Surgery and So many more topics.
A bonus is that she also includes with this book a 5 day Challenge.
Where to start!
as I started this book, I will admit, I was thinking, oh wow, another, run of the mill devotional, saying the same old things, with the same old verses, using the same old context. blah, blah, blah.
Boy was I in for a surprise! Dr Smith just totally knocks this one outta the park for me. Having so many chronic conditions this devotional just fit right there for me.
The very first chapter, Dr. Saundra Dalton Smith speaks of how pain directly alters our life. our daily walk literally and figuratively. Our mood, our emotions, our mind, everything.
If you feel bad, you look bad, you are bad. So you will be bad.
Therefore I am bad.
That vicious cycle you get in when you
1) not only have constant pain,
2) are depressed,
3)are just having a super rotten day
Smith gives you several ideas to cope with your daily walk with pain as well as coping with topical indexes of different issues you might feel on any given day like Difficult People, Fear, Envy, Regret, Stress, Suicide and Surgery and So many more topics.
A bonus is that she also includes with this book a 5 day Challenge.
February 20, 2016
After reading through this, I am doing the 50 Day Jubilee Challenge that Dalton-Smith proposes. I like that there are actually 80 days of devotionals so you can choose what's right to you. Each one offers a Heart's Cry, His Reply, Scripture, Going Deeper Questions and a Prayer. So for basically 5 minutes a day, you are given this plan to meet. You are encouraged to journal and make each day your own and I like that, too, as I journal. The author is an internal medicine physician and she talks about the importance of spiritual well being. However, I wish she would have touched however briefly on the importance of mental illness treatment and chronic illness management as well as she touches on the subjects and their symptoms. She herself suffers from chronic illness such as fibromyalgia. As I do too, I would have liked to have seen her address the medical necessity as well as the spiritual nourishment needed for management. I will update when I finish the challenge to see if the Author's challenge has had an impact on my spiritual, mental and physical well-being.
Provided by publisher
Provided by publisher
February 27, 2016
'Come Empty' wasn't what I expected, and that in and of itself speaks VERY highly of Dalton-Smith's authentic writing style! My reason for getting a copy of 'Come Empty' was to read it and determine if it would be a good book for me to recommend to friends and women I mentor. So, it came as a bit of a surprise when to find I was drinking in the first few chapters for myself, fully relating to Dalton-Smith's description of her life because I had been there. And, I needed her insight, reminders, and encouragement to recognize the need for me to continue to let go of self and daily turn to my Savior. Dalton-Smith writes in such a sweet and welcoming way--I truly believe any woman will be able to connect with this devotional and deepen her personal relationship with Christ.
*I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.*
*I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.*
February 10, 2016
COME EMPTY is a five minute devotional for women who are weary and heavy-laden. Answering Christ's call to come unto him and he will give you rest, this devotional book is based around this theme. This is not a Bible study book for those who hunger for the word and food, but this is a short conversational form, with 'your heart's cry' and "God's answer" There is also a verse, discussion questions, a one sentence prayer and more scripture to read so you can take it a little deeper if you wish. Not exactly what I hoped for, I didn't walk away feeling fed -- mostly I was left disquieted. Some of the answers are feel good style, God answering what you want to hear. I disagreed with some of the "answers" but this is my opinion only.
April 10, 2015
Come Empty: Pour Out Life's Hurts and Receive God's Healing Love by Saundra Dalton-Smith is a inspiring book with the ability to bring you to a place of healing through Jesus. She shares her story of how she came to a place of emptiness and how she was filled. The book at times reminded me of the "Jesus Calling" and "God Calling" books. Saundra has such empathy for the reader and I could relate to some of her struggles. I liked her use of scripture and the fact that it is a 50-day journey. I'd highly recommend this book...
February 26, 2016
Come Empty is an absolutely beautiful devotional that will help you with your journey in growing closer to the heart of God. This book is for those who are spiritually thirsty, "Come Empty" helps point to the ways to be filled in Christ. I give this book a huge 5 stars and recommend it to anyone seeking to grow closer to the Lord.
*Diclaimer*
I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. I am not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.
*Diclaimer*
I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. I am not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.
February 29, 2016
I couldn't have received this book at the right time as I am currently going through some of the issues mentioned in the book. I noticed that I would have an especially painful flare up after stressful situations. It made me wonder if I was letting life's disappointments wear me down. By joining the 50 Day Jubilee Challenge I have many peace filled days.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews