A daily devotional blending faith with travel stories from all 50 states.
What if reading about ordinary travel—to small towns, national parks, and overlooked landmarks—could help you slow down and consider what matters most? This question lies at the heart of From Sea to Shining Sea: 50 Daily Devotions from Traveling to Every State in America, a devotional book written by John Christopher Frame and his parents, Gene and Marsha Frame. The book offers an intriguing blend of travel, faith, and reflection, shaped by travel experiences throughout the United States.
From Sea to Shining Sea presents 50 short, daily devotions, each connected to a specific U.S. state. It brings readers to iconic locations like the St. Louis Arch, Yellowstone National Park, and the “Field of Dreams.” These well-known spots—and others that are less famous—serve as starting points for reflection and spiritual growth.
The structure of the devotions is simple. They include a passage of Scripture, reflection questions, and prayer prompts, making each entry approachable for readers at different stages of faith and spiritual curiosity. The devotional not only introduces readers to a variety of places and experiences but invites them to slow down and draw closer to God.
Framed as a travel-inspired Christian devotional, the book connects everyday travel experiences with Scripture and reflection in an accessible format.
The devotions provide a daily opportunity to pause, think, and pray. They help readers engage more deeply with faith while offering a brief break from everyday demands. The book is both a spiritual resource and a form of armchair travel, allowing readers to explore the beauty of the U.S. without leaving home.
The book is based on Gene and Marsha Frame’s travels to all 50 states over the course of many decades. Their travels were simple, often focused on learning about the places they visited rather than on lavish itineraries.
Alongside encouraging readers in their walk with God, the book highlights cultural landmarks, local histories, and natural beauty. Readers encounter stories and settings from all corners of the United States, showcasing the diversity of life across the country. Each day’s devotion helps readers think about a different aspect of American life, offering a unique opportunity to learn about the country while deepening their faith.
John Christopher Frame’s first book, Homeless at Harvard: Finding Faith and Friendship on the Streets of Harvard Square (Zondervan, 2013), also focused on real-life experiences, including first-person narratives from people experiencing homelessness. From Sea to Shining Sea, while a devotional, likewise grows out of lived experience, inviting readers into a space where ordinary moments open the door to spiritual insight.
By pairing devotions with travel stories, the Frames create a devotional experience that is both engaging and thoughtful. While it is rooted in the Christian faith, it also appeals to those with an interest in travel, culture, and thoughtful reading. The themes can invite conversation, making it a book to share or discuss with others.
Ultimately, From Sea to Shining Sea is an invitation to pause, encouraging readers to take time each day to consider their own lives and life around them. Through stories from across the country, readers are prompted to consider their own journey, their relationship with God, and their place in the broader world. The result is a devotional that blends travel and faith in a way that is easy to follow and enjoyable to read.
Whether you are seeking spiritual growth, cultural insight, or a way to create space and appreciate life’s simple pleasures, this book offers a meaningful journey through both the United States and the soul.
More information about the book can be found at: https://johnchristopherframe.com/from-sea-to-shining-sea
