Blindsided by God

Blindsided by God is an interesting book.

The author, Peter Chin, shares the story of how his life of faith was brought to a low point over just a few months.  A miscarriage, a breast-cancer diagnosis and a break and entering were just some of the suprises that brought the Chin family to re-evaluate disappointment, suffering and the untamable goodness of God.

As I read their story, I found myself asking how I would have responded to this steady does of unexpected and often discouraging news.  I can't say my reactions would have been much different.  Yet in all of this, there were slivers of hope.  You could still see the Hand of God moving in their life. 

I won't spoil the biggest miracle of all but let's just say, God knows what He is doing.

Let's face it, if we are honest with ourselves, we probably have felt blindsided by God.  What we do with our dissapointment and suffering is the key.  Can we still see the goodness of God?   I would recommend this book for anyone who feels abandoned by God when life seems overwhelming.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Graf-Martin Communications and Bethany House in exchange for an honest review."

Unshockable Love

 I need to recommend this book!

Unshockable Love  by John Burke is a breath of fresh air.  It's a call to seeing yourself and the people around you through the eyes of Jesus.  Now I have heard that rather cliche statement before but John Burke delivers.

Originally titled Mud and the Masterpiece, Burke's book is filled with interesting stories. Part One of the book really challenges you to see others through the eyes of Jesus.  Each chapter ends with something to reflect on and something to try.  Both were challenging in their own ways.  Sometimes the reflection was harder than the action!

Part Two is more of a practical call to action and gives you a process in which to develop a community that reaches out to the world around them in more practical and relevant ways.  It is really about living in community on mission with Jesus.

The tonal shift between the two parts was obvious but both tie together nicely.  I ended up buying a couple copies to give away before I even got a third of the way through the book.  Something I have never done before finishing a book!

Get it, read it, act on it!

Find out more at www.unshockablelove.com

"Book has been provided courtesy of Graf-Martin Communications and Baker Books in exchange for an honest review."