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The Preamble

I have the privilege of doing some book reviews for New Hope Publishers.  You can too. I’ll tell you how at the end of this review.

I literally have a pile of books that I need to read over the next couple of months. Both professionally (for work) for some professional development, and as well for New Hope Publishing. However, my mind felt like it couldn’t contain many more ideas and thoughts. It felt tired. I felt like my mind needed a “break.” Yet, I still wanted to experience new adventures and learn about Christ. That is the preamble to my experience with “Wonderlust.”

The Review

With the above mentioned “weary” state I walk into my office to see a delivery from New Hope Publishing. As I opened the package, the first book on the pile was Wonderlust by Vicki Kuyper.  I read the subtitle, “A Spiritual Travelogue for the Adventurous Soul” and immediately sat down and started reading.  this is actually rare. I’m a thought out, planned, make a list and follow it kind of guy, but for some reason I felt immediatley drawn to the book.  The book did not disappoint.

Wonderlust follows the journey of Vicki as she explores many, many exotic places around the world and describes her interaction, not only with the beauty of the location, but with conversations and experiences God shares with her.  Experiences that God now shared with me as he spoke to my heart through her experiences.

My Personal Experience With The Book

I fully enjoyed reading Wonderlust.  It is not a book that I read in one or two sittings but a book that I carried around with me and read a chapter or two every other day.  When I wanted a break from the demands of the day, I opened the book and was transported to a location my mind had only dreamed of exploring and experienced God in the midst of it.

If you are in need of adventure or just a refreshing walk and experience with God I highly recommend Wonderlust. It is a refreshing change of pace compared to most reading and a welcomed addition to my library. I can’t say it better than Vicki when she explains in one of her chapters, “He was there, Seemingly closer than He had ever been, holding me in His arms and whispering in my ear, I’ve been waiting for you. Shall we take a walk together?”

I experienced Christ through this book. I am confident you will as well.

—————–Extra Stuff——————-

To Purchase Click Here: Wonderlust: A Spiritual Travelogue For The Adventurous Soul

Do You Blog? Love to read? Perhaps the New Hope Publishers Blogger Review program is for you. Check them out.

I had the privilege to read Shawn Wood’s “Wasabi Gospel” prior to todays Amazon’s book bomb, which is today!

First off. I love to read books that are easy to read and make me think throughout the day. I don’t like a book when it has only one of those qualities. The Wasabi Gospel has both in spades.

Shawn asks a very simple question of Christ follower’s early on in his book. Are you a Christ follower who only follows 99%? And throughout his book, I absolutely love that, he shares some simple ways that he has experienced, learned and heard about on “how” to live out a Christ honoring life. So often many books and speakers tell and write a lot of the “why” but often forget the how. Shawn recognizes this and addresses it.  I enjoyed Shawn’s honest and vulnerable approach whether it be the “idiot” who cuts him off in traffic or his personal tension of living all out for God and trying to reclaim that 1%.

Early on in the beginning of his book, he talks about the “Do What?” response we sometimes get when reading Scripture. This is the response that happens when you all of a sudden stop and think, “are you really saying this God?” It’s the response that just hits you in the gut. A sucker punch to the stomach if you will.  For those that know Sushi side dish wasabi, it can “punch” you real hard and take you out.  The Wasabi Gospel is real, vulnerable and even hard hitting for some who will read it.  I believe strongly that many will be encouraged and convicted by reading it…I was.  I recommend it.

Over the next 2 weeks, starting on June 30th, Kevin Martineau has invited guest bloggers to share what some of the most influential, motivating and life changing books they have ever read.

He will be highlighting them each day on his blog at http://kevinmartineau.blogspot.com/

I have copied a list of some of the bloggers below so that you can also visit their blogs and read what they have been writing, thinking, and experiencing on their life journey.

It should be a great 2 weeks of learning and adding some “must read” books to our lists.

I’d  also love to hear your thoughts and comments about important books you have read. So, leave a comment and let me know.

Here’s the schedule:

June 30th Darren Herboldhttp://www.darrenherbold.squarespace.com
July 1st Jeremy Jernigantomorrowsreflection.com
July 2nd Peter Pollackhttp://blog.hafchurch.org/peter
July 5th Andy Darnellhttp://www.andydarnell.com/
July 6th Jason Stasyszenhttp://www.connect2impact.blogspot.com/
July 7th Greg Boltwww.gregbolt.com
July 8th Doug Hibbardhttp://www.calvarymonticello.com
July 9th Bob Robbinshttp://bob.blogs.com/
July 13th Susan Hetrickhttp://blog.advicefromtheblender.com