Don't Be Intimidated! This is a NO-FLUFF ZONE
I'm so excited about our virtual book club especially since I've heard from many of you (most haven't posted) and I'm really glad that you're going to take the plunge. Can't wait!!!
Here's a word of encouragement/caution...don't be intimidated by this book! It might be a little slow going to begin with. In fact, I spent last evening re-reading the preface and introductory matters and I'll be honest -- there were times that I was wandering a bit in the forest and just didn't have a clue.
That's been my experience while reading many books that have become dear friends. Sometimes I just don't get what the author is saying. There...I've said it. Now we all can. Let's practice together: 1-2-3: "I don't get it!"
Even so, here's the lesson I've learned: if I keep reading (and praying) I eventually get it (sort of). I've learned to take what meat I can and leave the bones of confusion on the page. (Euuu...that's an icky metaphor!) Saying all this to say don't be discouraged. Don't give up. Whenever I start a new exercise program it always hurts to begin with and then it's amazing how quickly I find myself adapting. My husband, Phil, is reading a book that's stretching him and he told me today that he's really beginning to understand it -- he's half-way through! It's that way for all of us. He's adapting. You will, too.
This won't be a fluffy study. You wouldn't expect that from me and it's my persuasion that fluff won't feed your soul the way you want to be fed. But real food takes some cutting up and chewing (here I am back at THAT metaphor again).
So...you're entering a no-fluff zone. You'll love it. Don't give up. Be comfortable with "I don't get it." Ask for help. Ask God for help. Keep reading. The fluff stops here.
My book is on its way! I'm very excited, and somewhat-scratch that- I'm definitely amongst the starting slow. Just reading a couple pages online, I think I can literally hear my brain trying to think and digest (so with you on the food metaphors). Glad to take part, and looking forward for the Lord has in store for us!
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The preface and intro is harder than the rest of the book, I think.
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you mean we're not going to read The Shack?
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You're only allowed to read "The Shack" if:
1) You live in one.
2) You live in a van down by the river.
3) A river runs through it.
4) If you're following the teaching of Blaise Pascal who wrote: "In the beginning, God created man in his own image. Ever since then, man has been trying to return the favor." If you want to recreate God so that he's, well...more gooshy and kind of like someone very, very nice who really understands you in a sort of "Let me be your friend, won't you please??? please???" way that you imagined as a child and if that's the way that you think you'll be able to really get on the glory road, then have at it...but just don't tell me about it.
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There is no river running through my shack, just a dog. Does that count?
If God were in my image, He would not be very, very nice and gooshy, he would be very, very moody and demanding.
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Good point, R. Not because you say you're moody and demanding but because we always imagine ourselves kind and sweet when in reality we're something else altogether. Thank God we're not God..I always get so confused though. So glad you're in even though I know you've already the book. I look forward to your comments. E
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Oooh, I already love this book club! lol....
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Glad you're joining us Melissa. It will be nice to get to know you a bit more. E
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I've been turned into a cow...can I go home now?
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Only if it's time for the cows to come home. Glad you're joining us, M. E
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