“As the book description notes Trail Thoughts was inspired by Eric Kampmanns love of hiking the 2174 miles of arduous, beautiful paths that comprise the Appalachian Trail. What makes this book special is a few things. Like the size, the Biblical verses and commentaries he shares, and the maturity of the book.

“Over the years I have gotten devotionals and to be honest most were fluffy and pretty, lacking maturity and depth. And I rarely read a books Preface because most are babbling and nothing more. This books Preface was simple and direct and helped me understand the author and how he like many of us at some time will feel the Lords pull but head off in the other direction because to out human emotions or eyes the opposite path seems more fun.

“While the path the Lord has for us seems harder. Then when we stand still and pay attention, we realize there is a reason there is a mountain top and why the trail we must hike may not be easy or even pleasant from a human point of view. But then we reach the mountain top and not only savour the 360* view, but actually appreciate the lessons we have learned during the trek.”

This is why this devotional is unique and special.  “MotherLodeBeth” (Sierras of California)

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“First of all I must say the front cover of this book can be very misleading. If you’re after a trail/travel book then I must warn you this is not that type of book at all. This is a religious journey book of thoughts and words from God written with the author’s own deep insight into the Scriptures. 

“Eric likens it to going on a spiritual journey instead of an ordinary hike. He hopes everyone will experience the life changing power of God’s word. I don’t think you need to be a committed Christian to enjoy this book - it gives you lots to think about.

“Trying to climb in pursuit of success and power the author soon realized that it was a struggle for survival and that the day of reckoning was bound to come sooner or later. He realized that he had been like Jonah in the Bible and avoided God’s calling. At that time he didn’t feel that God is always reaching out even though in his crisis he cried out to him and he certainly couldn’t believe that God had actually intervened and answered his prayer.

“However on Ash Wednesday 1991 he and his family were on a Caribbean island and he discovered a lectionary hidden in a Book of Common Prayer. It was as if he heard a voice telling him that here was the map he needed for the way ahead - so on that day he decided to follow that Biblical map every day of the year no matter what he was doing or where he was. It would be a slow journey but each day he would walk on God’s pathway.

“For his first day, Listen is the heading. He questions, how did we come to be? Are we on the right path? He tells us that the Bible will provide all the answers if we are prepared to listen.

“Each day Eric takes a quotation from a book in the Bible and analyses it. He likens the Bible to a book on history except that God is central. 

“Eric tells us that although we are taught that life begins at birth and ends at death the Bible tells us another story. We were created by God before we were born and he had a purpose for us but we can choose to disregard that purpose if we so choose . We are free to live without God in making that choice but it will have profound implications.

“In March one of the headings is A Heavy Burden and it talks about sin. Everyone sins at some time but many of us deceive ourselves by claiming we have not sinned and so consequently the symptoms cannot be treated. This is taken from Mark 2-5 about the paralytic man being lowered through the roof and Jesus saying “your sins are forgiven”. The man gets up and walks. 

“There is something for everyone in this journey of faith. Each day there is a text and words from the Bible to study and help you along the way. It is a book to dip into at any time to gain hope, faith, courage and assurance. Maybe read a passage just to calm you down during a hectic and daunting time in your life. Thought provoking yet comforting.” Jessica Roberts

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“With the advent of the 24 hour-seven day a week economy it is more important than ever that each of us take at least a few moments each day to reflect on our lives and to evaluate what is important to us. For some folks this means daily prayer, reading scriptures or perhaps setting aside a period of time for silent reflection. No matter what your own approach might be Eric Kampmann’s ‘Trail Thoughts: A Daily Companion for Your Journey of Faith’ would certainly be a great way to add depth and perspective to your spiritual life.

“The reflections in ‘Trail Thoughts’ are thoughtfully conceived and beautifully written. Being a Roman Catholic I find that I do not spend nearly enough time studying and reflecting on the Bible. Like the great majority of people I sometimes forget just how powerful the influence of Satan is on our society. At the same time, it is easy to overlook the beauty and wonder of God’s handiwork all around us. “Trail Thoughts” will help you to put all of this into some kind of perspective. 

“For each and every day of the year ‘Trail Thoughts: A Daily Companion for Your Journey of Faith’ offers the reader a short passage from scripture followed by Eric Kampmann’s insightful commentary that will greatly enhance your ability to apply the Word of God to your own life. I found that spending just a few minutes each day with ‘Trail Thoughts’ is time very well spent. Highly recommended!”  By Paul Tognetti    aspiring reviewer specializing…(Cranston, RI USA) 

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“I wanted to recommend a new daily devotional that I’m enjoying. It is called Trail Thoughts: A Daily Companion for Your Journey of Faith, and it’s written by Eric Kampmann, who runs our distribution partner Midpoint. Unlike most devotionals, this one isn’t sappy or cheesy. It’s thought-provoking and makes no effort to wrap up the Bible into a small package with a cute little bow. Instead, Kampmann focuses on the big picture of Scripture while challenging readers to examine their place in God’s world. He chooses a very apropos verse for the introduction: This is what the LORD says: 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)

“That’s what Trail Thoughts is all about — finding that ancient path as revealed by God. If you prefer some happy fluff to end your day or want straightforward ‘how to’ advice, this book probably isn’t for you. But if you’re looking to be challenged and exposed to a wide array of topics with a biblical perspective, you will enjoy it.” By Eric M. Jackson.

To view this review on Conservative Publisher, click here.