BEYOND HOPE ...

then

read

"LET HOPE IN"

by

Pete Wilson

because

HOPE.CHANGES.EVERYTHING!

Or even if you're not really beyond hope, but need to find more hope in your life, your immediate circumstances, a change in your life with a fresh dash of hope, then this is a great, easy to read book to renew your walk with God or life by learning how to make choices and "LET HOPE IN - 4 Choices That Will Change Your Life Forever" by Pete Wilson.

"I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you." Ephesians 1:18 NIV

This seems to be a season of many seeking HOPE and this theme is a key ingredient right now in so many books, movements, sermons, etc., because HOPE changes everything, just like prayer; and there seems to be a deep need in many of us searching for answers in HOPE that this will end our struggle. Most of us have areas in which we struggle and hold on or search for HOPE! Pastor Pete Wilson's book will help you get UNSTUCK ... and find freedom and HOPE!
Ask yourself these questions: Do you ever feel as though your life has become a broken record? Do you have any regrets in life? Do you struggle with your past?  Do you have fears or worries? Do you struggle with pleasing others and God? Do you ever wonder if you are good enough or how much is enough? Do you have guilt and deal with sin?  Do you struggle with anger? Do you need to be more loving? Do you need to learn how to forgive better? Are you looking for a hopeful future? Will you transform or transfer? Will you choose to be okay with not being okay? Will you seek to trust or please? Will you free people rather than hurt them?
Then "Let Hope In" is the book to open the door to Hope and Healing. It's the beginning of a long conversation as if you were sitting down with Jesus, or Pastor Pete Wilson, who writes as if you are there with him and he relates to you like a friend that has been down this road and knows so well as he encourages you to "Let Hope In" and how. 

"Your past is not your past if it’s still impacting your present." ~Pete Wilson~

The book is broken into sections for the 4 Choices we need to make in this process of letting hope in, with chapters under each one explaining more about each:
Choice #1: Choosing to Transform Instead of Transfer Choice #2: Choosing to Be Okay With Not Being Okay
Choice #3: Choosing to Trust Rather Than Please
Choice #4: Hurt People, Hurt People, But Free People, Choose to Free People 
I'd like to tell you which chapter was the most beneficial or difficult for me, but at this point, every one of the 14 had something to impact my life, past and present with choosing HOPE for my future. Right from the start, "leaving shame behind" (Chapter 2) and "no regrets" (Chapter 3) all the way to "trusting vs. pleasing" (Chapter 7), to "breathe grace" (Chapter 11) and "trusting fully"- the last chapter, let me know that this book was definitely meant for me and I could not put it down. As a Christian, our hope is in Jesus Christ and God's promises in the Bible for our eternal destiny, but I think this book would help even someone not a Christian if they are willing to look at the biblical stories just as people in need of hope in their messy lives as we all are if we admit it. It has good counseling insights with great wisdom in processing our pain or poor choices in exchange for a better plan showing us "anything is possible" when we "let hope in." Everyone needs HOPE, we just look at it differently once we believe in the hope that God calls us to embrace. We can fill our past with the light of His hope. 
I'm looking forward to joining Pastor Pete Wilson and Cross Point Church in January 2014 as they do this as a series together, especially after reading the book and having "Let Hope In" to blend with another one and a personal purpose that I have chosen for me for 2014, before encountering all these books, God spoke His Hope to me. Pastor Pete just gave me the tools to challenge me to transform my practical life with my spiritual one through God's Word, through Biblical truths and stories like (once again Joseph) David, Tamar, Hosea and Gomer, King Hezekiah, etc. as well as his own and other's personal life experiences. Pastor Pete illustrates God's ultimate plan for healing by letting hope fill the dark places of your past.
I highly recommend this book for everyone, it will change you, transform you and help you make practical choices. His writing style is much like he is, very approachable and compassionate, down to earth real. He puts you at ease as he relates to us not having it all figured out and making mistakes. I do not know him personally but feel like I do. You really need to read this book and share it with others. 
I will choose Hope and this book hopefully has given me a fresh plan to "Let Hope In" as it will for you as Jeremiah 29:11 reassures us

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." (NKJV)

Pete Wilson "Let Hope In" website
Songs I chose to accompany this as I: "Let Hope In" "Hope for the Hopeless" "Hope for the Hopeless" Sheila Walsh "Oh You Bring Hope for the Hopeless" Hillsong United

Disclosure of material connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the book review blogger's program of BookSneeze.com  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255

* Note to Blog readers: I hurried up with my last wonderful book so I could read this one and review it with hopes of getting another one before November by Billy Graham to go with his campaign, yet I had another one in the waiting as well, so I had to squeeze these reviews in between my series or I may have missed being able to review them in time. Otherwise, I might have waited until 2014 for this one. Booksneeze does not let you have your next book until you review your current one (makes sense), so when another one comes along or you see one that you want, you need to hurry up. I'm sure that I will be going back to this book again especially with the church doing it the beginning of 2014. I know I will gain much more from this and it will be a book I will return to ... and I know that I need it. Thus, "Beyond Hope" ... as you might of thought I was ... when you read this title, I am not, I'm fine. Thank you! 31 Days "Revealing Jesus as Our Peace" and Letting Go series follows below and continues ...

"YOU'LL GET THROUGH THIS" offers HOPE

* SIDENOTE: It seems like midway through these month long journeys and series that I've been doing, we need a break, at least I do, because I shared this book back here last month, but not as a review like today's, more like a promotion when it was being released to let you know about it! 
Little did I know then, that I would have this opportunity to read Max Lucado's book plus review it. In a way, a review is the best way to promote a book. But as far as Max Lucado and his books are concerned, they promote themselves, through the marvelous way in which Max weaves his message in all of his now 30 nonfiction books, not only as an author, but as a pastor, father, husband, fellow sojourner, he still delivers as the best story teller, captivating you even in a well known Bible story like Joseph. As Max encourages us with ...
"You'll Get Through This: Hope and Help for Your Turbulent Times" by Max Lucado
does exactly this

... as he walks us through the Old Testament, well-known story of Joseph, of how Joseph triumphs from the pit, in "what satan intended for evil, God redeems for good", as God shows us through Joseph's story that we too can hold on to this same promise that He will see us through whatever we face with the sweet assurance that Max reminds us of in this new book once again ... in this phrase that Max repeats so we get it and then he shows us:

"You’ll get through this. It won’t be painless. It won’t be quick. But God will use this mess for good. Don’t be foolish or naïve. But don’t despair either. With God’s help, you’ll get through this. "

And we can depend on this! Max Lucado offers us hope in our situations. This book is the perfect blend of inspiration and personal stories from biblical ones to real life now stories. 
For me, I can sit down and read Max Lucado's books from beginning to end without stopping, in one setting, because of the way he engages you in the story. He personally relates so much that you not only can relate the Bible story of Joseph to your own, but also the other ones that Max uses to connect with us the truth of God's Word and HOPE. This is what I needed and Max delivers, as God delivered Joseph and others in the Bible, as we pass through our life journey, we can wipe our tears, push through the pain and press on to what God will accomplish if we hold on to the kind of HOPE that Max shares, for indeed we are not alone even when we are alone, or feel like we are.
There is an accompanying study guide available but as usual included in the book itself is a section of "Questions for Reflection" prepared by Christine M.Anderson, which I always appreciate having it included in the actual book. "You'll Get Through This ..." has 15 wonderful chapters, whereas the study guide has only six sessions that go with the book's chapters 1, 2 & 3 combined, 8, 10 and lumping the final chapters together showing us "how God can use this for good" and God will and does "use our mess for good", as Max shows us to persist in hope and continue to fight the good fight, never giving up because it will be worth it and everyone can relate to the struggles shared in this book.
I highly recommend this, not just for you, if or when you're going through something turbulent, but any time and especially to help you encourage others while they may be going through something that you may not have the answers, but God does and this book will remind you of the many ways God uses our circumstances to give light and life to another as Max Lucado once again successfully accomplishes. I know that my hope has been restored enough that I want to share Max's practical wisdom, faith, and inspiration to launch others to the HOPE we have in Christ Jesus.

Disclosure of material connection:

I received this book free from the publisher through the book review blogger's program of BookSneeze.com  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255

And at the end of reading this book from Max Lucado, not only will you realize that "You'll Get Through This ..." from his "Hope and Help in Turbulent Times" but through God's help and "Revealing Jesus" as Our Peace (my 31 day series this month), will become another of the benefits: Jesus, our Hope of Glory and our Prince of Peace! pushing back those turbulent times for triumphant ones of perseverance and power in Our Lord!

Max Lucado Other resources:

You'll Get Through This Small Group Bible Study by Max Lucado (the start of the book)

An Interview with Max Lucado and DoveTV

Zondervan playlist Small Group studies

Max Lucado with Official 700 Club (shorter than above)

Max Lucado with CBN

Max Lucado through Q & A 

Max Lucado at Women of Faith event 

Max Lucado website 

"You'll Get Through This" book site where you can download the first chapter (and see if you like it as much as I do)

*The post for "31 Days Revealing Jesus as Our Peace ~ Day 14" is below and today I am LETTING GO of ... zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz  (you can go there and find out) 

CAREGIVER? ME?

* Whoa... 2 book reviews in a row! This was/is a different and difficult choice of a book to read and review, so I must preface this book review with 3 explanations to be fair to the author and her book or topic (however if you don't care just scroll down to the book and my actual review starts there):

1) I am not a caregiver currently, although my recent news and circumstances from back home in MN, may or should make me one, I am not, nor have I ever been one for either of my parents, or even in these later years, for my spouse, as he's aging, with his diabetes (which gratefully he has kept under control for some 20 yrs. and does not even need to use insulin) and now with this discovery that he is in the beginning stages of Alzheimer's; he would not want me as his caregiver and more or less has told me so (and he's not even a stubborn Swede or Irishmen like my father, he's pure Mexican).

2) I am not the caregiver, gifted kind of person, nor do I possess the characteristics of one. I have the heart but not the patience and wisdom to do well. I am not of the care giver personality or type, or better said, I have a hard enough time taking care of myself. With that said, I am not using this as an excuse or a crutch, because if the rubber hit the road, I could and would. There was an urgent time in my life when I was a caregiver for my precious daughter (though adopted, she became my daughter from this experience, through and through, since I needed to learn to care for her while bedridden as she regained her capacities to do for herself.She was a tough fighter and withstood a great deal of pain and my inadequacies as a health provider, but I was more than willing to learn and put aside my own lack for her gain.) For a short time, I was a semi care-giver of my youngest brother with love and support as he battled AIDS. 

3) Most chronic or terminal illnesses, need a REAL caregiver. Alzheimer's is no exception. I am learning all I can, but once again, from a distance. These battles with health are worsened by stress. I am an easily stressed person and I'm sure I cause much stress to others. My lack, as I mentioned above, does not excuse me or justify me for being away... I just am and have arranged for others much better able; qualified and tenderly able to care to do what I probable cannot. I do battle against my own problems and those of loved ones best on my knees, giving it to God. God knows and knew long before this news, how this would and will play out and my part.

I am reading all I can on Alzheimer and now this book, made available through Booksneeze, so I had to choose it ... just from the title alone... "Caregiver? Me?" ... as if this title was designed to fit me ... I knew that whatever was shared I may need. I was determined to take advantage of this book now and read through it as if I had a deadline: God's timing. Just the right book for just the right time. I don't often choose a book from BookSneeze for such an important aspect for my personal journey, however, God has His way of putting in front of me, just what I need when I need it. For such a time as this ... (sigh) God is so good and all encompassing, mindful of every detail beyond what our own minds can fathom.

I have also read some blogs of some dear bloggers, who have also had to watch this disease rob their parent's life of so much, so I was able to eavesdrop on their experience and glean from them. But no matter how much one reads or prepares, there is nothing that compares to living and doing whatever it takes. 

Yet this is not my parent, but someone who was suppose to be my life partner, "for better or for worse, in sickness and in health" under the best plan of God's. Mine was not. Only a Sovereign God can resolve or make better a relationship and a health situation may be one of the ways He chooses to do this! Totally in God's hands, whether I'm there or not, whether I'm a caregiver, wife, friend, or support ... God will use people and situations for His good! I trust that this is another one for 

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;…" Romans 8:28

His purpose, plan and completion ... So I quickly chose this one to quickly read and review for today, knowing that it will be hitting close to home and great for future reference, ... in honor of the one I love, with HOPE for him, FAITH for our journey with God's help, and LOVE that makes all things seemingly impossible - possible.

***

by Lynda Bush

"A Caregiver? Me?" by Lynda Bush struck me right away personally with the question asked in the title, yet Lynda's shared journey is also a precious tribute to her lifelong mate as she lovingly documents their journey and his care, with a warning in the forward, that they handled his terminal illness with a "bizarre sense of humor," so that is exactly how she has chosen to write this, so if you lack their sense of humor, stop reading before you start (which I almost did and considered choosing a different book since for me, and perhaps others, this is far too serious a topic to grasp and to be taken lightly). Then I realized that this means of coping is scripturally sound (Proverbs 17:22) ... and therapeutically recommended, so I ventured ahead to read it.  Also there are many lessons learned, with the first one being for me, how indeed that humor helps blunt the anguish, heartache, pain and sadness one confronts as they embark upon this most difficult part of their journey together ending in a goodbye (but, of course, as believers, we hope, it's "until we meet again" beyond this side of eternity). A quote from another book that I decided I'd need, becomes a reality through what Lynda Bush teaches me here, "From early on, I made up my mind to do 3 things: I wasn't going to raise my voice, I wasn't going to argue, and I was going to keep my sense of humor any way I could," and now I value this in a new way, knowing the importance in keeping and doing this from Lynda's example.

There are eleven chapters in this book that cover everything from helpful tips for the caregiver, family and friends, to preparing legally, to preparing for the funeral, talking about death, facing the final weeks, even misconceptions about hospice services. Lynda Bush offers comfort and hope as she answers many questions that perhaps I would not even think I may need or ask. However, in some cases, I wish that she had elaborated more with specifics.

Although I read this in the Kindle ebook format, the image on the front of the cover of this book drew me in and definitely is as endearing as the quote from Virgil: "No day shall erase you from the memory of time" and the love in which Lynda Bush shares from their experience and journey. Who says you can't judge a book by its cover? This one captured my heart and me with respect, love and the decision to give it a try anyways. And I'm so glad that I did, because I intend to use this as a handy guide and reference in my journey, thankful to have read how someone else paved the way when they were not so sure about being a caregiver or how and even where to start.

Lynda's down to earth and also heavenly bound, knowing that each of our journeys are or will be unique. Lynda Bush has used this enormous challenge of being a caregiver to her terminally ill husband, from cancer into a useful guide for others, yet as she wrote, "a gift to her late husband, who not only taught me how to live well but how to die well." which truly is a great legacy and exactly what she has done in this brief, easy to read, short manual of "Caregiver? Me?" I know I will go back to her practical suggestions again and appreciate that Lynda included a wonderful part of taking care of yourself so you can take care of your loved one. This was not a book filled with Biblical scriptures yet spiritual in its content and is loaded with great advice. I can't say I loved this book, since dealing with death is such a bitter pill to swallow and face, yet this author has compassionately and practically dealt well with a rather difficult but timely topic: caregiving! After all, giving care is exactly what Jesus has called us to do for one another in love and then cast all our cares upon Him because He cares for us! 

Disclosure of material connection: I received this book free from the publisher WestBow Press through the book review blogger's program of BookSneeze.com  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

UNDAUNTED ...

"Undaunted ...
Daring to do what God calls you to do"  by Christine Caine

Bible Study of the Week at Faith Gateway [see more below]

"Undaunted" - to be undaunted What does this mean to you?

[when I picked up this book to begin reading, I had to start with this, knowing exactly what the word "undaunted" means,  so I would not miss *Anything as I read]
Christine Caine is "Undaunted ... " and "dares to do what God calls her to do" along with her husband, Nick, and as author of this book, speaker and evangelist, among many other hats she wears like mum, pastor, co-founder of A21 Campaign as well as Equip and Empower Ministry, has written this to encourage and motivate us to do the same. What an excellent book choice to accompany "Anything" by Jennie Allen, to further challenge us to dare to move, by the power of the Holy Spirit, into what God has called each of us to do to truly BE the hands, arms, heart, feet and eyes of Jesus in a world so hurt, broken, deceived, confused and in such a need of our Savior to rescue, redeem, restore and reach beyond our comfort zone to change this world and make a difference ...
"God is able to use ANY one, to do ANYthing, in ANY place, and at ANY time in order to overcome ANY barrier."
As the last part of Christine Caine's chapter closes with, "The Challenge" that beckons and implores us as the Great Commission in Matthew 28 "to walk into the gap where He's (Jesus) thrown down the cross, to walk like Him (Jesus), to walk with Him" ... "because we know what it is to be lost and then found, hurting and then healed" and the clincher ... "unwilling to stay asleep, unafraid of the dark, unflinching in the face of disappointment, unstoppable in the face of difficulty, undaunted." That's what we are called to be! Commissioned to DO! 
Each chapter better prepares us as Christine uses her own dramatic life stories, insights and experiences to show how God rescued her from a life in which she was "unnamed, unwanted and unqualified" so that we might be encouraged to the challenge of BEing the LOVE, HOPE and the CHANGE by reaching out and rescuing others. By living out our faith in Christ completely without reservation just like the Good Samaritan but in the 21st century shining into the dark places in this world, and going beyond. 
This book could not have spoken any more clearly or convincingly to me directly from God as a confirmation and a conviction of His plan and purpose as Christine inspires us with her keen insights and steps to move ahead in our life journey, mission and destiny. There are so many facets offered to help us in the 4 different parts of this book leading up to finally "The Challenge" from "God Knows My Name" to "God Knows My Pain" to "God Knows My Fear" to "God Knows My Destiny".
Christine Caine shows us how she overcame her past to dare to do what God called her to do and so can we! We can overcome our painful experiences and circumstances to use in helping others further along in God's Kingdom. 
"Undaunted" shows the way to redemption and justice that is found when faith becomes action, when passion becomes pursuit of going beyond your self and your plight so that you become part of His purposeful plan to make a difference for someone else ... ANY ONE ...like ANYTHING. No one can do everything, but we each can be someone that does something.
I believe that God led me to Christine's book at the perfect time, combined with Jennie Allen's "ANYTHING..." with Good Morning Girls, for such a time as this. The Parable of the Good Samaritan has taken on a more powerful and meaningful influence in my own life and mission to refresh and renew my commitment and service to Him. 
This book was provided to me by Booksneeze.com in exchange for my review.

Disclosure of material connection: I received this book free from the publisher Thomas P. Nelson through the BookSneeze.com book review blogger's program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

  *"Anything" by Jennie Allen (the prayer that unlocked my God and my soul) is/was the Summer Online Bible/ Book Study with Good Morning Girls (GMG) and WOW - what a fabulous meaningful choice! I followed along with an Audible copy and really found this to challenge me and further my praying anything ... the perfect companion of "Undaunted" or vice versa. I shared about "Anything" back here and added as we progressed. BEYOND this BOOK REVIEW
Because I was so strongly blessed by this book and I wanted to go further, and because I so strongly believe in the cause that Christine and Nick furthered by "daring to do what God called them to do" ... I highly recommend this for a church or individual study! 

Here's a sample of the accompanying Bible Study to go with this book for
Undaunted Small Group Bible Study by Christine Caine (Video session 1)

...and over at Faith Gateway, there are Bible Study Questions for this section of "Undaunted"
THE CALL
The DVD and Study guide are sold separately and available online
ChristianBook.com - http://zndr.vn/MT7Cdw
Amazon.com - http://zndr.vn/MT7ISz
BN.com - http://zndr.vn/MT7GKi

"Undaunted Small Group Bible Study" by Christine Caine. In the Undaunted Small Group Bible Study, Christine Caine uses her own dramatic life story to show how God rescued her from a life where she was unnamed, unwanted, and unqualified and rescued her into a God-filled and faith-fueled life.  In five sessions that correspond with the Undaunted video, you will be challenged to wake up to the needs of those around you and inspired to go into a dark and troubled world, to bring hope, create change, and and live completely for Christ. This compelling five-session video-based Bible study offers life-transforming insights about how not only to overcome the challenges and often painful circumstances we all experience, but to actually grow from those experiences and be equipped and empowered to help others. So what are you waiting for? Be THE LOVE. Be THE HOPE. Be THE CHANGE that this world needs.  Session titles include: 1. The CALL  2. Be the LOVE 3. Be the HOPE 4. Be the CHANGE 5. The CHALLENGE Christine Caine is no stranger to suffering. Overcoming childhood abuse and later in her thirties finding out she was adopted, Christine has embraced God's love to find hope and healing. She is director of Equip & Empower Ministries and founder of the anti-human trafficking organization The A21 Campaign. Christine and her husband, Nick, live in Sydney, Australia.

[source:information that was included with the YouTube video from Zondervan]

* my apologies that this is probably the worst review I've written so far and so long, even though it';s favorable and I recommend it with 5 stars, but the book is so wonderful and spoke so many truths and insights to me, I could not focus on what struck me the most or how much it personally impacted and influences me at this point in my life and my spiritual journey.

For some reviews I read when choosing this book, that were not so favorable, I decided that those reviewers were not in a place in their own life to receive or understand the depths of the author and her book as she conveyed with hopes on equipping and empowering us to follow God's call and leading. I do not feel as some wrote that Christine Caine focused too much on herself or enough on the real trafficking stories (she did not just throw them in) they are what motivate her to DO something! I felt she used them, and tied this all together very well in difference to other reviewers. Because this means so much to me, I had a difficult time being concise and conveying all that "Undaunted" brings to light in the midst of the darkened world of trafficking or even Christine's personal trials and experiences shared. Christ's light is the real light that shines through "undaunted"!!!

ORGANICALLY CHANGED

with
"The Organic God" by Margaret Feinberg
As this video starts out with the pure beauty of God in a scene, this is how Margaret Feinberg describes and illuminates Him as she draws and compares to beautiful places in the wonder of God to the nature all around us but mostly from her own life experiences in Alaska from the waters to the mountains to the glaciers. It's ...

"Natural. Pure. Essential. Margaret Feinberg - popular speaker, author, and one of the “Thirty Emerging Voices” of Christian leadership - asks you to imagine what it would look like to have an organic relationship with God. One that is stripped of all pollutants and additives of this world. The Organic God helps remove the unhealthy fillers and purifies your relationship with the God of the Scriptures. Through personal stories and scriptural insights, Margaret Feinberg shares glimpses of God’s character - big-hearted, kind, beautiful, mysterious - that point to an authentic and naturally spiritual relationship with Him, allowing you to truly discover God in a healthy, refreshing new way, and fall in love all over again."

I have waited, what seems like forever, since I met this "wonderstruck" author via her Lent Challenge (I shared here on my blog) to be able to read any one of the books, or studies written by Margaret Feinberg, so I was more than excited when Booksneeze announced that "The Organic God" would be one of the available choices this past month. [the reason I hurried to post my review of "Nearing Home..." by Billy Graham and now sharing this so I can quickly make my next selection for another book that's been on my 'wish list' since it came out.]

Meanwhile, I read and viewed all I could about Margaret Feinberg's books on her blog, from her samples to all of her blog posts just to absorb more of her wonderful, enthusiastic love of God and His Word!

Margaret Feinberg flows naturally with an enjoyable, likable, contagious, personable, intelligent approach and her writing style draws me in. Her expressive, descriptive way leaves me wanting more of what she has and I love the way she writes so richly from her heart and her intimate experiences.

"The Organic God" is an easy, enjoyable, quick read, of two days for me, that challenges, refreshes and encourages me to seek God in a new way and deepen my relationship naturally. Although Margaret covers deep questions of our relationship with God, she does so without actually speaking theologically, but weaves all of this through many delightful and beautiful personal life stories. Her knowledge of scripture and the pure beauty of her relationship with God and His Word is so evident and phenomenal in every part she writes, but she does not fill the 10 chapters with actual scripture references, so as not to take away from her flow of the story and God's glory. She does however add footnotes to the scriptures and additional notes in the back as well as some other great extra features: a list of songs to accompany you on your journey through her book (which, of course, I just had to make a You Tube Playlist of her "Organic God soundtrack" and other related videos of her), a section of "rainy day reflections" with an inspiring study guide of questions to personalize your journey along with hers. I know I will return to reread this and reflect with awe the questions and "dig deeper" (a wonderful bonus) and even a 'behind the scenes' section!

My purpose for so wanting to read this is in the subtitle of "The Organic God ... Falling in Love with Him All Over Again" and that is exactly what Margaret helps us to do and enjoy through sharing her life and discovery of a personal God of beauty, simply in love with us, making me want to pursue and be pursued even more deeply. I am ready to fall in love again and again, being refreshed by Him. I was 'Wonderstruck' and that's a totally different book of hers to experience.

I cannot say enough about this book! Every word and section deepens my desire for a relationship with "The Organic God" as Margaret Feinberg makes Him so vivid and alive. I found this to be truly inspiring, as I laughed, cried and enjoyed her nature adventures and life. I have so many highlights in her book to emphasize to me all of God's many splendors, attributes and ways that He intimately calls us His own and invites us to discover more. It's evident that Margaret's Jewish-Christian family has radically rooted and established her with a deep connection to God through His Word and His beautiful interactions with her in her life, which comes vividly alive in the pages of her exchanges with God and her family, especially her dad, which warmly touched my heart and made a deep connection for me to our Heavenly Father's relationship with us. 

Even the cover of the book, makes me want to take the plunge and go deeper being refreshed in a natural, non-pollutant, non-additive relationship with the beauty of Our Creator. I never thought anything "organic" was possible in a relationship nor that I would be so taken in by wanting that with God Himself until Margaret drew me to be interested in the awesome wonder with a much better understanding of the raw beauty and His. Almost makes me want everything "organic" now and view more details in my relationships and nature with a new, fresh perspective.  

Margaret's descriptive beginning with the 'luminescence' and all her beautiful descriptions of nature that she's experienced, to the very end, tying it all together with this 'luminescence', captivates the great moments of God's attributes (which I totally love) as she displays throughout her journey from "His bigheartedness, His amazing wisdom, His outrageous generosity, His abundant kindness, and of course, the deep mystery of how He can use people like you and me to change the world" and that "...there is still so far to go" makes me want to discover more from "The Organic God" allowing me to be aMazed even more as my "hunger for God lives on" with hers and I, too, "see a flicker of light as something stirs in the depths of my soul" beckoning me to seek a more purified relationship with the Holy of holies, the Lord God Almighty, personified in Jesus Christ! This is a 5 star keeper and go deeper!!! Thanks Margaret!

By the way, Margaret has a Summer Bible study on her blog that you may want to check out and be astonished by "the lengths God will go to reveal Jesus" ... from the Gospel of John. 

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