Book Review: A Well-Kept Soul

Our soul is the epitome of our entire being. Yet, sadly, we give very little attention to the most important part of us. We compartmentalize our lives into mind, body and soul. You hear ideas to increase your brain power or how to improve your health. In fact, their are industries based solely on these aspects. And there sits our soul, waiting to be nurtured, needing to be acknowledged.
     Author and pastor John Ortberg has blessed us with such a delightful book, Soul Keeping: Caring for The Most Important Part of You, to help us live holistically and fully. When our souls our whole and healthy, the rest of our lives benefit. There is a cohesion of being which allows us to function in an integrated manner. When our lives our in disarray the external chaos is a symptom of disintegrated, fractured soul. Ortberg takes aim to lead the reader to a healthier life, a life lived in harmony with God.
      Ortberg's writing simply flows from his pen. He has a style casual and personable. When you read the last page you are left with a feeling that you have personally met him and been able to pick his brain for his most valuable insights. Reading Soul Keeping is a book of intensity and passion; one doesn't simply read it, but rather experiences this piece.
     One of the highlights of this book is that you not only meet Ortberg, you are introduced to renown theologian Dallas Willard. His legacy peeks through Soul Keeping. You may be surprised at the insights and wisdom that Willard brings to the table, possibly as surprised as Ortberg was when he received them as he sat across from him. You might even extend a similar question of bewilderment, "Huh?"
     I was mesmerized with Soul Keeping. The simplicity of words delves deep within. You will be questioned and challenged. Our souls are in need of love and keeping. You are the keeper of your soul and you are in charge of Soul Keeping. May you find the peace you are seeking and may your life be an organic extension of a well-kept soul.
     I received a complimentary copy of the aforementioned book from Icon Media and Zondervan in exchange for an honest review.

 

Book Review: Simply for God



 

Icon Media Group provided a complimentary copy of the featured book in exchange for an honest review.
     People complicate things more than they should. To walk the Christian way can be susceptible to the very thing that Christ opposed, living by rules. God doesn't hold a yardstick to us against any other person or what rules we have down pat. He looks upon our hearts and the love within. There are some believers who always feel they aren't doing enough, being enough nor are good enough and yet, they strive to do more, be more and be better.
     Author Stovall Weems with purity of heart and sheer candor has penned The God First Life: Uncomplicate Your Life, God's Way to help believers set aside the hustle and bustle, to slow down and live for God simply. Weems wants you to put down your pen and checklist and focus on the One who matters. We can run in circles trying to make sure our reading is done, prayers are said and church is attended, but it remain meaningless if our hearts are not a part of the walk. He delves into Matthew 6:33 and intertwines that verse throughout the pages.
     So you are a part of God's family, now what? I honestly wish I could have had this book my side when I began my journey. Weems untangles so many misconceptions by laying it out clearly and concisely. Any believer, particularly new believers or those feeling spiritually-challenged, will benefit form reading The God First Life. There are times when our walks become stale or we feel burdened by the stereotypes formed in churches. All those things we do become dull if they are not an expression of worship to the Almighty, an extension of our hearts.
     The author never sugar coats anything or wears rose-colored glasses. Our journey can be difficult at times, it can be harried and complicated, but God never intended for us to live like that. Weems brings such clarity and fresh perspective to verses, to a way of living that a holy, fulfilling walk seems feasible for any believer no matter where they are at the moment. I would encourage everyone to pick this book up and live The God First Life.