I can’t wait.
Archive - August, 2008
book review: wild goose chase
About eight years ago I had the privilege of doing my internship with Mark Batterson. I’m a regular reader of his blog and I have been familiar with many of his articles and messages. So several weeks ago when he mentioned an opportunity to do an early review of his next book, Wild Goose Chase, I jumped at the chance.
The title of the book comes from the Celtic Christians, who referred to the Holy Spirit as “An Geadh-Glas” or “the wild goose”.
In his followup book to In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day, Batterson discusses six cages that keep us from chasing God’s plan for our lives. I found each chapter to be incredibly insightful, encouraging, challenging and practical. Whereas his previous book inspired me to look at life and circumstances differently (a challenge to live dangerously), this book provided me with practical ways to step out and enter into the chase.
I’ve always been impressed with Batterson’s seemingly natural ability to communicate truths in simple memorable statements (my highlighter got an extra workout on this one). Here’s just a few I found after flipping back through the book:
- “Discovering something worth dying for makes life worth living.
- “One of the great mistakes we make is asking God to do for us what God wants us to do for Him.”
- “And God seems to be far less concerned with where I’m going than with who I’m becoming.”
As a youth pastor, I can’t help but read this book with students in mind. I think it’s perfect for Juniors and Seniors in high school who are in the process of discovering who they are and where they are going in life. The fact that the book is so accessible and relevant only makes it that much more easy to recommend.
On page 13, Batterson writes that he hopes this book serves “as a divine appointment waiting to happen.” I think what I appreciate the most about this book is that it has been just that for me. I’ve been challenged to step out of my areas of routine and live a life of faith in pursuit of the “wild goose.”
Do yourself a favor and get a copy of this book. You can order now at amazon.com (release date is Tuesday, August 19).
Make sure you check out Marks blog and www.chasethegoose.com to read a sample chapter and find more information about the book.
vacation
After several months, I’m finally taking some time off. I’ll be home this week using up some of my vacation days. I’m looking forward to relaxing, spending extended time with the family and catching up on some stuff around the house.
I’ve discovered that I need to plan time off a little better. I’ve only taken a few days so far this year and I’m really feeling it. I realize that I need space to recoup and refresh. I feel a bit thin and worn out now (of course, that could just be the age).
Parker is with Bethany’s family today. It was great being able to give Kent some extra attention. I could tell he was a little lost without his big brother, but then again, he didn’t seem to mind that he had us all to himself.
Bethany and I watched “Stranger than Fiction” tonight. I saw it in the theaters and enjoyed it as much then as I did tonight. My wife, however, didn’t care for it. I think she zoned out during the opening credits. She definitely doesn’t have the attention span necessary for stories like that. Better luck next time Netflix!
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