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.

Started out Great, but I slowly lost interest.  However the book does a great job of not taking one specific methodology towards this topic, but approaching it from all angles. 

If you want to be freaked out by all the chemicals we consume everyday read this book. It will force you to rethink your life style.  If you don't want to be freaked out, don't read it.

Great book! It took me awhile to read through the book, but was worth the time spent. If only more Christ follower's actually lived like this. Recommended reading.

Read May 2009

Great book on living intentional lives.  We are called to love and that has a price. I very much appreciate Chan's very frank conversation. I completley agreed with what he wrote, but it may make some uncomfortable, but then again, perhaps that is our conscience speaking.

May 2009

If you are passionate and missional and incarnational living. (If you are a Christ Follower, you should be :)  )  Hirsch writes about the 6 common themes all "movements" of God have had in common and what future movements will also have.  Very insightful and thought provking book. A must read for pastors and any Christ follower.

Read May 2009

I love it when people use facts and numbers when presenting their case. Malcolm Gladwell does it better than most. Very insightful book about some of the factors that help shape "success" in a persons life. Probably not what you expect.

Read April 2009

For whatever reason God really used this book to speak to me, encourage me. I probably looked like an idiot crying in Starbucks.  Easy read, and I highly recommend it.

Read April 2009

Easy read and a good reminder. I will never read the story of Benaiah the same again. 2 Samuel 23.

Read April 2009

Great book for those times when you feel like you are hitting a wall. It's a good book to read about restoring proper sabbath in your week, but especially if you are feeling like you are running out of gas. For me it came at a time need. i would read it before you ever get there.

Read March 2009

Very easy and quick book to read. Great book for men on getting back to some of our "barbarian" ways.

Read Feruary 2009

Have you ever walked into a building of some organization, church or otherwise, and just notice and/or feel they have "it". Groeschel talks about what that "it" is. Insightful book for pastors.

Read February 2009

In my opinion a must read for every person.  If you work with a team of people, great tool and assessment to go through together.

Read January 2009

If you provide leadership to an organization or team of people this is another must read!

2008

Insightful book on how an Atheist views a variety of church styles, experiences and flavors.

Is your experience EPIC? Experiential, Participatory, Iconic(image), and provide Connection?

2008

By far, hands down, my favorit book on finances from a Biblical perspective. I think every Christian should read this.

2008

A staple for everyone involved in change management.  If you are trying to re focus people, orgnizations, etc. This is a book you will refer to over and over again!

2008

Another Gladwell classic. Exploring the little, seemingly insignifacnt, things that change everything.

2008

the world craves connection and community. The church often thinks we offer a solution. Do we really? For me this should be a staple of every pastor. At the very least it will force you to tink.