| Stories have been written throughout the centuries about the search for gold. But the true treasure we all need is easier to find than we think. For the wise person, treasure that will not be wasted, tarnished, or stolen can only be found in God’s Word. Join author and educator Tracy Smoak on a thirty-day journey around the world as she showcases coins to highlight the beauty of the eternal treasure given to us from God. Each devotional is short but filled with riches beyond what the world can offer, as well as photographs of unique international coins and snippets of information about them. Start your day off as one of the wise, who seeks after priceless insights offered by our Heavenly Father. |  |
Genre: Pictorial Devotional
Release date: December, 2024
Release date: December, 2024
Click here to get your copy!
Interview with Tracy
#1. What was the inspiration behind this book?
We can see God’s blessings everywhere, and His love is extravagant. For example, I watched a black swallowtail caterpillar inch along parsley in the backyard. Amazing color patterns with lime green, black stripes and bright banana-yellow dots pointed to a careful Artist who makes even insects beautiful. My goal is to remind us that value isn’t determined just by dollars.
We can see God’s blessings everywhere, and His love is extravagant. For example, I watched a black swallowtail caterpillar inch along parsley in the backyard. Amazing color patterns with lime green, black stripes and bright banana-yellow dots pointed to a careful Artist who makes even insects beautiful. My goal is to remind us that value isn’t determined just by dollars.
#2. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
The actual writing of the verses and reflections took only about six months. However, learning how to do the photography took about three years, with practice from two previous pictorial devotionals (Living Water to Refresh Your Soul and Arranged with Love). Then getting a contract took another year and half as the first publisher didn’t work out. The second publisher needed 18 months more to create interior files and finish production. The traditional book business isn’t fast.
The actual writing of the verses and reflections took only about six months. However, learning how to do the photography took about three years, with practice from two previous pictorial devotionals (Living Water to Refresh Your Soul and Arranged with Love). Then getting a contract took another year and half as the first publisher didn’t work out. The second publisher needed 18 months more to create interior files and finish production. The traditional book business isn’t fast.
#3. Tell us something funny, sad, embarrassing, whatever, that happened involving this book.
One funny thing that happened was trying to photograph the baby cardinals before the mom got back to the nest. I was outside early in the morning cutting gardenias to arrange inside because I love the fragrance. I noticed there was a veil of moss hanging inside the head-high bush. When I reached to pull out the moss, I discovered that the mom bird had artfully hidden her nest behind it. Then the little birds started chirping like crazy because they sensed the motion and thought breakfast had arrived. I ran to get my camera, then had to balance on tiptoe to angle the lens just right, all the while hoping the mom wouldn’t come back too soon to see me.
One funny thing that happened was trying to photograph the baby cardinals before the mom got back to the nest. I was outside early in the morning cutting gardenias to arrange inside because I love the fragrance. I noticed there was a veil of moss hanging inside the head-high bush. When I reached to pull out the moss, I discovered that the mom bird had artfully hidden her nest behind it. Then the little birds started chirping like crazy because they sensed the motion and thought breakfast had arrived. I ran to get my camera, then had to balance on tiptoe to angle the lens just right, all the while hoping the mom wouldn’t come back too soon to see me.
#4. What people influenced you the most while writing about this topic?
My parents had their own business when I was growing up. They made sure my sisters and I had exposure to good money management principles. For example, I was rewarded with an allowance on my report card. A’s earned more than C’s! Then I worked in their office in summers and learned how to track invoices and payments. They also made me write out a line-item budget for monthly expenses before I went to college. Their constant coaching emphasized the importance of being a good steward of the resources you have.
My parents had their own business when I was growing up. They made sure my sisters and I had exposure to good money management principles. For example, I was rewarded with an allowance on my report card. A’s earned more than C’s! Then I worked in their office in summers and learned how to track invoices and payments. They also made me write out a line-item budget for monthly expenses before I went to college. Their constant coaching emphasized the importance of being a good steward of the resources you have.
#5. Did you have a specific demographic in mind while writing this book?
Reading the Bible for new believers can be intimidating. I wanted to create a text that was easy to navigate but rich in content with truth. My goal is to focus attention on why something is valuable rather than just accumulating more possessions.
Reading the Bible for new believers can be intimidating. I wanted to create a text that was easy to navigate but rich in content with truth. My goal is to focus attention on why something is valuable rather than just accumulating more possessions.
(Here is a link to my YouTube channel with a short video I made to introduce the devotional and a key Bible verse about money management: https://youtu.be/sdL5m8Pw2R8.)
---Tracy Smoak, tracysmoak.com
---Tracy Smoak, tracysmoak.com
More from Tracy
Laying Up Treasures
The word “treasure” can send mixed messages. On one hand, that noun can bring forth images of pirates commandeering others’ gold and valuables. We all get a gleam in our eye from time to time and dream of great wealth.
The verb form of “treasure” means to hold something dear, such as a photograph of loved ones. This object may have no special worth, other than sentiment. What priceless object do you protect? Is it a leather baby shoe stored in a tiny box or a beaten-up, old baseball glove?
Either way, what we pursue—and hold—as our prized possession reveals much about our priorities. Is our contentment based upon acquisitions? If so, we find ourselves on a merry-go-round ride that leaves us dizzy. No matter how much we get, we still want more. This constant demand is damaging.
“Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction” (1 Timothy 6:9 NIV).
To be well off, we need to put our hope in God, who richly provides us with all that we need and more.
“The emptiness we try to fill with earthly things stems from the desire for more of God,” said author and teacher Nancy Jenkins (Bibledolls: A Panorama of 28 Biblical Women).
To live well, we are advised to complete a wealth of good deeds. We are to be generous and willing to share. “In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life” (1 Timothy 6:19 NIV).
The verb form of “treasure” means to hold something dear, such as a photograph of loved ones. This object may have no special worth, other than sentiment. What priceless object do you protect? Is it a leather baby shoe stored in a tiny box or a beaten-up, old baseball glove?
Either way, what we pursue—and hold—as our prized possession reveals much about our priorities. Is our contentment based upon acquisitions? If so, we find ourselves on a merry-go-round ride that leaves us dizzy. No matter how much we get, we still want more. This constant demand is damaging.
“Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction” (1 Timothy 6:9 NIV).
To be well off, we need to put our hope in God, who richly provides us with all that we need and more.
“The emptiness we try to fill with earthly things stems from the desire for more of God,” said author and teacher Nancy Jenkins (Bibledolls: A Panorama of 28 Biblical Women).
To live well, we are advised to complete a wealth of good deeds. We are to be generous and willing to share. “In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life” (1 Timothy 6:19 NIV).
Today’s prayer:
Dear Lord, please help us act on opportunities to do good for others. We appreciate your many
gifts and find contentment in this moment, just as things are, with You by our side. Amen.
Dear Lord, please help us act on opportunities to do good for others. We appreciate your many
gifts and find contentment in this moment, just as things are, with You by our side. Amen.
 Tracy L. Smoak | A native Floridian, Tracy L. Smoak grew up riding horses and climbing citrus trees. Her passion is to encourage others in their faith journey. Smoak contributes to Guideposts. Ambassador International released her debut novel, Who Brought the Dog to Church?. Bold Vision published her Bible study about encouragement titled Refuge of Grace: Finding Your Safe Place. She loves photography, and Treasures of the Wise is the third devotional with her original images. Living Water to Refresh Your Soul features tranquil lake scenes while Arranged with Love showcases floral landscapes. Smoak holds a master’s in Education and a bachelor’s in Communication. At her church home she leads small-group Bible studies. |
It's Time For A Giveaway!
To celebrate her tour, Tracy is giving away the grand prize of
a hardcopy of the color devotional!!
a hardcopy of the color devotional!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
Blog Stops
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Leslie’s Library Escape, January 30
Simple Harvest Reads, January 31 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 1
For the Love of Literature, February 2 (Author Interview)
SHE LIVES TO READ, February 3
Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 4 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, February 5
Blossoms and Blessings, February 6 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, February 6
Locks, Hooks and Books, February 7
Cover Lover Book Review, February 8
Artistic Nobody, February 9 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 10
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 11
Lots of Helpers, January 29
Leslie’s Library Escape, January 30
Simple Harvest Reads, January 31 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 1
For the Love of Literature, February 2 (Author Interview)
SHE LIVES TO READ, February 3
Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 4 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, February 5
Blossoms and Blessings, February 6 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, February 6
Locks, Hooks and Books, February 7
Cover Lover Book Review, February 8
Artistic Nobody, February 9 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 10
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 11