I woke up to an email from Bobbi with a link to the review she wrote of Misplacing God here. She said such nice things that I feel all warm and happy inside despite my cold toes and the snow outside the window.
But the thing that made me happiest is that she got up this morning and had her quiet time--and she was excited to do it! And that's what the book is all about.
I don't know if I ever say it in so many words in the book, but here's the thing. Quiet time is not something we HAVE TO do. It's not something we SHOULD do. It's not something we MUST do to make God love us.
(Which is what I thought for so many years and was constantly defeated and frustrated when I couldn't seem to make it stick. I felt like something was wrong with me and that somehow I wasn't a very good Christian.)
Quiet time--time alone with the Father, with the one and only God of the entire universe!--is something we GET to do. Something we are INVITED to do. Something we are BLESSED to do. In short, it can be something we WANT to do. And that makes all the difference.
The outward practice may look the same between someone doing it out of OBLIGATION and someone doing it out of DESIRE, but I guarantee what's going on internally is different. And I can almost certainly guarantee that one will keep at it and the other won't.
So many of you have let me know that your review copy arrived too. Please let me know when you write a review--or if you have a specific question after reading that I can answer as part of your review. And you could leave a link to your review here too. That way everyone can see it!
Hmmm - I have never received my copy, but I think I may have emailed you too late to get on the list. I would still love to read it...
Hugs,
Adrienne
Posted by: Fuzzytop | April 02, 2009 at 06:51 AM
This post is exactly the transformation that has happened in me. No more doing it out of obligation, but because of desire. I look forward to hearing from God! I look forward to applying what I hear to my daily life.
A wise Pastor once told me that the Word of God is not for your information, but for your transformation.
Blessings - Lisa
Posted by: Lisa | April 02, 2009 at 07:02 AM
I got my copy last week. It's in my stack to read. Hopefully soon!
Posted by: Melissa @ Breath of Life | April 02, 2009 at 07:20 AM
Ooooh, I hope mine comes soon!
Posted by: Marla Taviano | April 02, 2009 at 07:24 AM
Love the book. I'm about 3/4 through it and then I will read it again... I can't help but read it quickly the first time through. I wrote a post on it... initial thoughts and will write more through my discovery. Way to go!
Posted by: angela | April 02, 2009 at 08:48 AM
I just got my copy the other day in the mail and I am reading it while I run on our elliptical at night. It makes the running go by a lot faster:) I really like what I've read so far, and can't wait to finish it!
Posted by: Tammy S. | April 02, 2009 at 09:24 AM
Here is my link... I forgot to leave it before.
http://create4family.blogspot.com/2009/03/finding-church-again-3.html
Posted by: angela | April 02, 2009 at 12:16 PM
Sweet girl,
I just got my copy 4 days ago and can NOT wait to dig into it!! I was worried it got lost as it took awhile to get here, but no mind because it is one worth the wait...I just skimmed yesterday and it is a gem for sure! I believe a slow soak is what it takes for this book!
Posted by: Peggy | April 02, 2009 at 12:52 PM
I got my copy in the mail today. Can't wait to start reading it!
Posted by: Sara | April 02, 2009 at 01:13 PM
I got my copy two days ago and the first chapter really inspired me. I needed to hear that I am not alone in those feelings of defeat and frustration. I will let you know when I review it!
Posted by: Elizabeth | April 02, 2009 at 03:29 PM
I just got my copy on Tuesday and am halfway through. So much I love about it already. I have ENJOYED a morning quiet time for years and feel like I have to have it in order to function. When I don't get to it, I feel my entire family suffers.
Anyway, can't wait to finish and review on my blog!
Posted by: Deidre | April 02, 2009 at 04:23 PM
I got my copy! Excited to get started on it!! :)
Posted by: Amber | April 02, 2009 at 07:31 PM
I love what you said, because there is surely a difference. When I get into the "swing of things", by sticking to a morning quiet time, I am IN LOVE with it, and can't wait. As soon as I begin to see it as something I SHOULD do/HAVE to do, I begin to slack off. Now you make me want your book. I will have to get it one day.
Posted by: Kristy | April 02, 2009 at 08:22 PM
I haven't read your book (or signed up for a copy - is it too late?) I did get your Happily Ever After book for my daughter (who's getting married in a couple of months - EEK!). That's how I discovered and began reading your blog. Love it! Anyway, I enjoyed your explanation this morning about quiet time. I teach junior high and high school girls, and it seems like we're always beating them over the head with the "Prayer and Bible Study" stick! I pray that we can communicate that we "get to," we're "invited to," we're "blessed to." Thanks!
Posted by: Leslie | April 03, 2009 at 05:30 AM
Amen about the quiet time. I look forward to it each morning...it gets me started on the right foot!
Posted by: Michelle | April 03, 2009 at 03:50 PM
Thank you for the review copy, which I received one week ago. I've read it, loved it, and the review is up on my blog here:
http://lina-unveiled.blogspot.com/2009/04/book-review-misplacing-god-and-finding.html
Posted by: Lina | April 13, 2009 at 02:14 PM