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Celtic Wanderings
Inspired by stories of ancient Celtic saints, this devotional will guide you and inspire you along the often winding path of life. Structured to be flexible to fit the natural flow of your day or evening, offering both challenge and wisdom, this devotional makes a great gift for others and for yourself.
Be guided by St. Patrick, St. Brigid, St. Columcille, St. Brendan and more ancient Irish saints and stories.
Be guided by St. Patrick, St. Brigid, St. Columcille, St. Brendan and more ancient Irish saints and stories.
156 pages, Paperback
Published June 29, 2021
About the author
Cindy Thomson
25 books145 followersCindy Thomson is the author of both fiction and nonfiction, including her newest novel, Enya’s Son, third in the Daughters of Ireland series based on ancient legends. Being a genealogy enthusiast, she has also written articles for Internet Genealogy and Your Genealogy Today magazines, and children’s short stories for Clubhouse Magazine. She has also co-authored a baseball biography. Most everything she writes reflects her belief that history has stories to teach. Cindy and her husband live in central Ohio near their three grown sons and their families.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
September 5, 2021
“Dear Father, show me where the ancient paths lie.”
I come from a church tradition that didn’t reference specific saints much, if at all. And even though I believe Scripture teaches that all of us who belong to Jesus are saints and that we can directly approach the throne of Grace without the intercession of a saint or priest, there are lots of good things we can learn from these ancient believers. As such, my interest level is always piqued when I have the chance to learn more about them – throw in Ireland too, and I’m there for this devotional!
One of the first things that struck me was in the very first day’s readings, on pilgrimage and how there’s not just a spiritual benefit to it (though that is key as well). Rather, it also helps us prevent an all-too-common narrow view of the world and other people which, in so doing, can teach us a lot about our relationship with God too. I can attest to this truth, as my work with adult internationals for over 10 years did more to grow my faith than all my years in church preceding that time in my life – or since. Seeing a different perspective on the world and on what I believe challenged me in all the best ways and brought me irrevocably closer to Jesus. Ever since reading the first day of Celtic Wanderings, I’ve been pondering how to take another spiritual pilgrimage – this time intentional & through books – and the words of the prayer I quoted above have remained on my heart, along with this verse:
“Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” Jeremiah 6:16 NIV
I also loved the day about the Celtic Christian teachings on ‘anamchara’ or ‘soul friend’ – a friendship and belonging that endures even through distance, a friendship in which you are understood deeply. The discussion on prayer (listen for what God is already doing in the world before you speak your own prayers) and the reference to Be Thou My Vision (the song I walked down the aisle to at our wedding) were also meaningful to me.
Bottom Line: Travel. Gather. Listen. Remember. Love. Act. Guide. Celebrate. Hope. Begin. These ten concepts were important to the Celtic Christians of old, and Cindy Thomson takes us on a thoughtful journey through each one, applying ancient wisdom to our modern lives & drawing us ever closer to Jesus in the process. These forty short devotionals are each bookended by Scripture and a sweet prayer, and while the readings might be relatively quick they are nonetheless packed full of things to ponder. If you’re looking for a good way to end your day, keeping your eyes on Jesus and tuning your heart to His grace, then Celtic Wanderings is a great choice for you!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
I come from a church tradition that didn’t reference specific saints much, if at all. And even though I believe Scripture teaches that all of us who belong to Jesus are saints and that we can directly approach the throne of Grace without the intercession of a saint or priest, there are lots of good things we can learn from these ancient believers. As such, my interest level is always piqued when I have the chance to learn more about them – throw in Ireland too, and I’m there for this devotional!
One of the first things that struck me was in the very first day’s readings, on pilgrimage and how there’s not just a spiritual benefit to it (though that is key as well). Rather, it also helps us prevent an all-too-common narrow view of the world and other people which, in so doing, can teach us a lot about our relationship with God too. I can attest to this truth, as my work with adult internationals for over 10 years did more to grow my faith than all my years in church preceding that time in my life – or since. Seeing a different perspective on the world and on what I believe challenged me in all the best ways and brought me irrevocably closer to Jesus. Ever since reading the first day of Celtic Wanderings, I’ve been pondering how to take another spiritual pilgrimage – this time intentional & through books – and the words of the prayer I quoted above have remained on my heart, along with this verse:
“Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” Jeremiah 6:16 NIV
I also loved the day about the Celtic Christian teachings on ‘anamchara’ or ‘soul friend’ – a friendship and belonging that endures even through distance, a friendship in which you are understood deeply. The discussion on prayer (listen for what God is already doing in the world before you speak your own prayers) and the reference to Be Thou My Vision (the song I walked down the aisle to at our wedding) were also meaningful to me.
Bottom Line: Travel. Gather. Listen. Remember. Love. Act. Guide. Celebrate. Hope. Begin. These ten concepts were important to the Celtic Christians of old, and Cindy Thomson takes us on a thoughtful journey through each one, applying ancient wisdom to our modern lives & drawing us ever closer to Jesus in the process. These forty short devotionals are each bookended by Scripture and a sweet prayer, and while the readings might be relatively quick they are nonetheless packed full of things to ponder. If you’re looking for a good way to end your day, keeping your eyes on Jesus and tuning your heart to His grace, then Celtic Wanderings is a great choice for you!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
July 14, 2021
In Celtic Wanderings, Cindy Thomson offers 40 days of short devotionals to challenge readers or lead them to contemplation while also giving them a brief history of many Celtic traditions and saints.
The book is divided into action sections (Travel, Act, Celebrate, and more) and each entry begins with a scripture passage to ponder. If you’re looking for a longer devotional, you could easily read the verses around each intro to the chapter.
Whether you’re new to faith or stepping out in faith in a new direction, this devotional will uplift, encourage, and challenge you. Thomson’s passion for Ireland is evident throughout and just may lead you to your own research of the places and people within these pages.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
The book is divided into action sections (Travel, Act, Celebrate, and more) and each entry begins with a scripture passage to ponder. If you’re looking for a longer devotional, you could easily read the verses around each intro to the chapter.
Whether you’re new to faith or stepping out in faith in a new direction, this devotional will uplift, encourage, and challenge you. Thomson’s passion for Ireland is evident throughout and just may lead you to your own research of the places and people within these pages.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
March 9, 2022
I have been fascinated with Ireland for quite some time now... perhaps it's the Irish in my blood, or the stunning imagery I have seen in pictures... whatever the case, something about it has always drawn me in. As such, when I was asked if I would be willing to review Celtic Wanderings, I was certainly intrigued and looked forward to checking it out. Unfortunately, I must admit that due to illness and other devotionals I was reading and life in general, this one just seemed to keep getting pushed down on my TBR. Several weeks back as I was thinking about the upcoming St. Patrick's Day, I knew that now was the perfect time to dive right in. While it certainly was great timing, I only regret not diving in sooner. This truly is a wonderful devotional, quite unlike others I have experienced in the past.
While I may not be the biggest history buff, I found that I really liked the idea of looking at the lives of Celtic Christians from the past and discovering how they practiced their faith. This devotional is a fantastic blend of Irish history and faith that I couldn't help but enjoy. The author's knowledge and passion for the subject was evident, making it all the more enjoyable. Each devotion starts with a scripture, includes a brief devotion, a challenge to encourage readers to think about and apply what they've read and a short prayer. The actual reading itself took only about 5-10 or so a day, making it great for those who don't have a lot of time in their day for reading. Still despite it's short length, it offers a lot to think about within each page. The challenges certainly help to really cement what you've read, and allow you to spend more time with God than the devotion alone.
At the time of this posting, I have not finished the devotional in it's entirety, but I am enjoying what I have read so far. It's a lot different than the devotionals I usually would choose for myself, but I find that I am enjoying the uniqueness of it and learning more about Irish history and tradition too.
**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.
While I may not be the biggest history buff, I found that I really liked the idea of looking at the lives of Celtic Christians from the past and discovering how they practiced their faith. This devotional is a fantastic blend of Irish history and faith that I couldn't help but enjoy. The author's knowledge and passion for the subject was evident, making it all the more enjoyable. Each devotion starts with a scripture, includes a brief devotion, a challenge to encourage readers to think about and apply what they've read and a short prayer. The actual reading itself took only about 5-10 or so a day, making it great for those who don't have a lot of time in their day for reading. Still despite it's short length, it offers a lot to think about within each page. The challenges certainly help to really cement what you've read, and allow you to spend more time with God than the devotion alone.
At the time of this posting, I have not finished the devotional in it's entirety, but I am enjoying what I have read so far. It's a lot different than the devotionals I usually would choose for myself, but I find that I am enjoying the uniqueness of it and learning more about Irish history and tradition too.
**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.
November 29, 2021
This is unlike any devotional that I’ve ever read! Celtic Wanderings is history interwoven with Scripture, a devotional that is so unique that you find yourself looking forward to each day's readings. It is one of a kind resource that will only enrich your quiet time with the Lord, while also educating you on Celtic saints and traditions.
Because “the Celtic people saw nighttime as a beginning rather than an end” it is recommended that it be read at night, preferably before bed, which further adds to this devotionals uniqueness. The short devotionals are the perfect length for before bed reading, and I love the nightly “challenge” and prayer, giving you a good springboard for either further study or the right thoughts to ponder before bed.
It is divided into sections, giving focus to various topics like “Travel” and “Celebrate” and each days reading begins with a passage of Scripture, which I loved. You can feel the passion the author feels for Ireland, creating a craving in me to learn more about Ireland and its inhabitants myself, especially since I too have an Irish lineage.
I feel so blessed to have Celtic Wanderings as a resource and devotional, and cannot recommend enough!
*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author and/or publisher. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.
Because “the Celtic people saw nighttime as a beginning rather than an end” it is recommended that it be read at night, preferably before bed, which further adds to this devotionals uniqueness. The short devotionals are the perfect length for before bed reading, and I love the nightly “challenge” and prayer, giving you a good springboard for either further study or the right thoughts to ponder before bed.
It is divided into sections, giving focus to various topics like “Travel” and “Celebrate” and each days reading begins with a passage of Scripture, which I loved. You can feel the passion the author feels for Ireland, creating a craving in me to learn more about Ireland and its inhabitants myself, especially since I too have an Irish lineage.
I feel so blessed to have Celtic Wanderings as a resource and devotional, and cannot recommend enough!
*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author and/or publisher. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.
June 23, 2022
Loved this devotional book by an author I really enjoy reading!
July 23, 2021
Daily inspiration from ancient Celtic voices.
I have read other books by Cindy Thomson so I was eager to buy her newest release. It did not disappoint!
This book isn’t like other devotionals I’ve read. All devotions begin with a scripture reference and personal thoughts on the scripture. Each ends with a challenge and a prayer.
What fascinated me was how the author wove ancient Celtic history into each devotion. I’m a Christian who loves history and it was a joy to read a devotional that combined both of these loves.
Devotions are divided into sections, such as Travel, Gather, and Remember.
Each devotion took about five minutes to read, so it’s great for busy readers.
Thought-provoking. Inspiring. Educational.
I loved it!
I have read other books by Cindy Thomson so I was eager to buy her newest release. It did not disappoint!
This book isn’t like other devotionals I’ve read. All devotions begin with a scripture reference and personal thoughts on the scripture. Each ends with a challenge and a prayer.
What fascinated me was how the author wove ancient Celtic history into each devotion. I’m a Christian who loves history and it was a joy to read a devotional that combined both of these loves.
Devotions are divided into sections, such as Travel, Gather, and Remember.
Each devotion took about five minutes to read, so it’s great for busy readers.
Thought-provoking. Inspiring. Educational.
I loved it!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews