Travel. Vacations. Pilgrimages.
Whatever you call it – the time away from the routines and ordinary duties refreshes the body, mind and spirit if we intentionally seek deeper nourishment.
I like the word “Pilgrimage” which originally meant, “to go through a field.” Often this term refers not only the physical trip to a special place, but an inward journey also. We venture out on a tour paying attention to where God speaks and beckons and we come home transformed by his grace and wonder.
On a pilgrimage, we see the world from a new perspective and discover new wonders. A pilgrimage can be to any place where we find God, even the stillness of our own backyards. But “thin” places also exist in multiple sacred locations throughout the world.
Perhaps that’s why the title of a new book by Lynn Austin intrigued me – “Pilgrimage – My Journey to a Deep Faith in the Land Where Jesus Walked.” Her journey to the Holy Lands renewed her passion for prayer and encouraged her spirit. She came home with a soul full of life and hope – truly a soul’s journey.
I was excited to review this book for Bethany House and need to let you know I did receive a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I have been on pilgrimages to Iona, Scotland and to Rome and have a trip booked for the Holy Lands next fall. This book arrived at a wonderful time for me.
Lynn takes you on the journey with her from her dried spiritual life as she leaves home through her growing and learning as she traveled to her homecoming refreshed with joy.
Chapter titles such as Leaving Home and Ho-Hum, The Judean Wilderness, Crossing the Jordan and Jerusalem described her travels.
My favorite chapter was Sabbath Rest, since this is a spiritual practice I struggle to maintain. Lynn writes,
“Keeping Sabbath is very inconvenient in our modern culture…A day that’s completely devoted to God can be never impractical…Taking time from our busy, frantic lives to rest and honor God helps us restore the healthy rhythm and balance that God modeled when he rested from his own work on the seventh day.”
This book will be my companion this year as I prepare my heart for my pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Whether you have a been a pilgrim to Israel, to another sacred place or just spent time with the Lord in your back yard, this book will guide you too on your soul’s journey and into a deeper faith.
I, too, experienced spiritual refreshment and enlightenment when we went to Israel. This book sounds intriguing. An opportunity to compare notes with another pilgrim! With Ceil above, I am excited for you, Jean, to experience the Holy Land also.
Hi Jean! What a seamless move to your new website! Wow. I’m sure it was very hard for you, but it looks like it went super-well. If I decide to jump, I’ll have to ask you for advice!
I am so excited for you to get to the Holy Land! It will mean so much to you, because your deep faith. I have been to Jerusalem and Bethlehem. I’ll never forget that trip. I know you won’t either 🙂
Happy, blessed Sabbath Day to you,
Ceil
Dolly, really can’t wait till October to go. A little nervous about traveling there. tomorrow is the big blog move day. Say a prayer all goes well.
I am not a big fiction reader so wasn’t familiar with Lynn Austin but loved this book. very inspirational.
Jean,
So happy you booked your trip…can’t wait to hear about it next year 🙂
I just love Lynn Austin. I think she is my favourite Christian author. I read through our entire library at the church back in Canada. Hoping this one is there when we return in the spring.
blessings,
Janis http://www.janiscox.com