Sunrises and Sunsets: A Daily Journey of Renewal, Redemption, and Rejoicing

By William Stephenson, PhD

Sunrises and Sunsets: A Daily Journey of Renewal, Redemption, and Rejoicing illustrates a different understanding of hope that will give confidence to the reader that hope is possible to have again. Interspersed in the daily devotions are three stories of persons who discovered hope again when they were able to redefine what hope is really and then be able to reperceive the struggle they are facing that does not include seeing oneself as a victim or a persecutor, but as a child of God with a vision of renewal and redemption.

"My friend and colleague, Dr. Bill Stephenson, offers us a unique book that takes the reader on an intriguing journey of reflection and response. His intention is to guide us into a deep and honest conversation with ourselves. Frequently he addresses his "soul," a voice within all of us, not easily heard, but often rewarding."

- Rev. Richard Smith, retired United Methodist Minister and Licensed Marriage and Family Counselor.

"To me, the elegant simplicity of having a prayer to begin my day and a subsequent prayer when the day reaches its predictable end is wonderful. How much better things would be if I were reminded, on a daily basis, to do just that: talk to God. And having a space to record my reflections takes the whole experience to another level."

- Rick Morris, Award-Winning Educator and Author.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Mar 11, 2021
• ISBN: 9781098052645

Book preview

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Sunrises and Sunsets

A Daily Journey of Renewal,

Redemption, and Rejoicing

William Stephenson, PhD

ISBN 978-1-09805-263-8 (paperback)

ISBN 978-1-09805-264-5 (digital)

Copyright © 2020 by William Stephenson, PhD

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Introduction

A Prologue Poem: Sunrises

An Early Mist

Reflection: Day 1

Reaching for Calm

Reflection: Day 1

Stepping Out in Faith

Reflection: Day 2

Stepping Out in Faith No. 2

Reflection: Day 2

From the Heart

Reflection: Day 3

A Whisper in the Night

Reflection: Day 3

Seeking an Inner Balance

Reflection: Day 4

A Test of Wills

Reflection: Day 4

Starting Over

Reflection: Day 5

Lost and Found

Reflection: Day 5

Bonfires, Chapter 1

On Centering

Reflection: Day 6

On Seeking

Reflection: Day 6

From Despair to Hope

Reflection: Day 7

Loving Oneself

Reflection: Day 7

A New Vision

Reflection: Day 8

Fear

Reflection: Day 8

A Prayer of Gratitude

Reflection: Day 9

Trying to Let Go

Reflection: Day 9

The Gift of Today

Reflection: Day 10

The Strain of the Day

Reflection: Day 10

Bonfires, Chapter Two

Caring for the Gift

Reflection: Day 11

A Prayer for Mercy

Reflection: Day 11

I Pause and Pray

Reflection: Day 12

I Pause and Pray, No. 2

Reflection: Day 12

A Prayer for Openness

Reflection: Day 13

Remembering My Creator

Reflection: Day 13

Seeking a New Beginning

Reflection: Day 14

Seeking a Better Way

Reflection: Day 14

On Taking Action

Reflection: Day 15

A Teachable Moment

Reflection: Day 15

Hope Restored, Chapter One

Seeing God Through Others

Reflection: Day 16

A Prayer for Serenity

Reflection: Day 16

A Prayer to Discipleship

Reflection: Day 17

A Prayer of Grief

Reflection: Day 17

Graciously Gifted

Reflection: Day 18

A Prayer of Humility

Reflection: Day 18

Tasks I Must Do

Reflection: Day 19

Centering to Let Go

Reflection: Day 19

A Prayer for Openness, No. 2

Reflection: Day 20

The Gift of Creation

Reflection: Day 20

Hope Restored, Chapter Two

A Reminder

Reflection: Day 21

The Illusion of Saving

Reflection: Day 21

A Road Less Traveled

Reflection: Day 22

A Prayer for Trust

Reflection: Day 22

Where God Can Be Found

Reflection: Day 23

A Prayer When We Are Lost

Reflection: Day 23

Whisper

Reflection: Day 24

A Time to Be Quiet

Reflection: Day 24

Measuring My Life

Reflection: Day 25

As I Receive, So Let Me Give

Reflection: Day 25

Listening to My Heart

A Psalm of Joy

Reflection: Day 26

A Prayer for Wisdom

Reflection: Day 26

I Am a Child of God

Reflection: Day 27

Wounded But Not Dead

Reflection: Day 27

Truth

Reflection: Day 28

Confessing My Pride

Reflection: Day 28

A Prayer for the Moment

Reflection: Day 29

Living in the Moment

Reflection: Day 29

My Stubborn Faith

Reflection: Day 30

A Teachable Moment, No. 2

Reflection: Day 30

An Epilogue Poem: There Is a Need for an Ending

Reflections

Acknowledgments

Other Books by William Stephenson, PhD

Unspoken Love: Prayer for the Journey

Brentwood Christian Press, 1992

A Gift to Self: Poems and Stories of Recovery, Forgiveness, Healing, and Reconciliation

Upswing Publication, 2015

Conversations: Stories and Poems That Speak to Our Soul

Outskirts Press, 2017

To contact Dr. Stephenson, e-mail [e-mail]

Introduction

This book of devotions is comprised of four components. The first is a collection of poems and prayers that are dedicated to Beginnings. Each