I recently read a short book that Mr. Warren published, my mother gave it to everyone for Christmas.  It is called: The Purpose of Christmas.  It is a short book, but I think it would be a good read for all of us.  I didn't start it until about a week ago, I finished it in 4 nights... I will read it again sometime in October as a reminder of what Christmas truly means.  I think we have gotten away from the celebration of Jesus' birthday and the reason he was born in the first place.  I plan on keeping that in my heart this year and look forward to chatting with you all about it at some point.

With Easter coming up, I think it would be a good discussion of how each of us will use the gift Jesus' birth and ulimately his death to improve our lives and lives of others. 

G,

As you can see I haven't gotten trhrough the book in its entirety, however I would be glad to comment, discuss and review chapters as you go through them, I am somewhere around chapter 17.  My work schedule and life at the moment have me running around in circles so I have not committed to sitting and doing the 40 day schedule... still I am sure between those of us that have the book, we can get through it together, even if we don't use the 40 day format..

C

Crusher,

I have started this study 2 different times, I tried to find others to do it with me, either they had already gone through the study, or they just didn't have the time.  All raved about how it made them grow so much closer to GOD, and getting to know them selves better also.

If you would be willing 2 go through with me I would really appreciate it.  What you said about what you learned about your self, I have seen in many parts of my life also.  I do believe that even when we mess up terribly with our past chooses GOD does turn them around to help us and others, but only if we are willing to change also.  I can say that I have gone round and around with different issues that have arisen in my life, where I made the wrong choice......As for my up bringing, we were to seen and not heard,  I was always asking questions, and to this day.  I believe I am a very show me, prove to me that I am wrong and I am very open to see things differently.  I have for the majority of my life just been told this is how it is...............

"D"

I think the book is more about finding out what God's purpose is for our lives here on earth, thereby answering the opposing question.  I think if we knew what this life had in store for us life would be boring... looking forward  to all of life's adventures and tests makes the time here more interesting.  We already know what is in store for us after this life... to a certain degree. 

I think you would like the principles he discusses and some of the though provoking comments and philosophies presented. 

I believe instead of asking God what is our life's purpose...we should ask God what is life's purpose for us?  Any thoughts?

Soulpeace! Ev

Tonka,

  I think you will enjoy the book. So glad you are here !  . . . Good place to be !  It is comfortable here,  lots of support and good company.  This group has made a huge impact on my life and continues to do so every day.  A blessing for sure !!!

Tonka

I'm glad that we could be an inspiration to you!

Soulpeace!  Ev

Tonka,

Thanks for the kind words and I think we could all say the same things.  I have been lifted up by the conversations here.  I agree that life takes off as I have been stuck on chapter 17 for sometime now... need to get back to it, but with life spinning around me right now, just trying to keep my feet on the ground is all I can handle.. I feel like I am in the middle of a test.  So I must concentrate and listen for direction...

You know what? I actually bought this book and one for my son years ago and I haven't even started it yet.  Sometimes life just takes off and I feel like I am running after it trying to hold on.  I am going to open it up and see if I can get myself absorbed.  You ladies are wonderful friends...and I read your posts often, even when I don't contribute.  Thank you for your uplifting words and faith...you are truly inspiring. Hyer, thank you especially for your comforting words at a time when I needed them.

Tonka 

Hyer, Crusher,

    I agree, I don't think the books are meant to be a "fix it all"  I look at them as a "revival" !  Sometimes we get so busy with worldly tasks, we lose track of what our true purpose should be.  One thing that stuck with me from the PDL is that we should look for the lesson in all things . . . good or bad.  God doesn't make mistakes !  Everything fits together like a puzzle.  If we trust him, follow his lead, he will help us put our lives together.   We will struggle finding the right piece from time to time, trying to make the wrong one fit !   But, the pieces are all there.  We have to realize and accept when we don't have the right piece and quit trying to force it into that space !!! 

I will have to check that one out... always looking for inspiration and another way to approach life here on earth and to prepare for the next one. 

I think the theme here is "life purpose", might be a good discussion to slip into as I feel that most of us get caught up in the "what am I here for", "what is my purpose" questions all the time. 

I was sent an email by an 83 yr old golfing buddy, it was about the people who survived the 9/11 attacks because of various things that we don't think about.  Alarms not going off, clothes not washed, children ill or doctor's appointments... the jist of the email is where ever you are, what ever you are doing is exactly where you are meant to be.  There is purpose in everything that happens to you and around you, the question is truly this:  Are you listening and are you aware of God's purpose for you? 

I think the greatest thing these inspirational books give us is a mirror... to look into our souls, desires, aspirations, beliefs, morals and actions.  They make us question our motivations and expectations.  They help us to look at things from a different point of view and open our hearts to the light and hope of God's promises. 

The one line I liked in PDL, was from a story he relayed about a missionary that was arriving home on the same boat as the president.  There were bands and cheering and confetti for the president's home coming, the missionary slipped quitely away discouraged... as he walked away from the crowd feeling sorry for himself, he heard God say, don't be discouraged,  YOU AREN'T HOME YET....

This really struck a cord in my brain and heart... he went on to say that when life makes us crazy, when we are uncomfortable and don't like the way things are going, well, we aren't supposed to like it here... it isn't our REAL home.... we are visitors, guests in a foreign land... this isn't our final destination... looking at things from that point of view certainly can change the impact they have on me. 

I have gotten a great deal from this book and hope to get more as I move into the next chapters.  I think whatever gets you moving forward is all that matters.

Crusher,

 Thank you for that excellent synopsis!  I'm glad you had a more objective take on this book as everyone that I've heard from seems to feel this book is the "fix all" to everyone's life...which is very hard for me to digest into my psyche as well as spirit! I was wondering if you've ever heard of "A New Earth" by Eckhart Tolle?  It is also a inspirational spiritual book concerning life purposes....in his opinion of course. I do admit it has touched a nerve within my outlook and has made me take a deeper look at what is most important in life.

Thanks for sharing!

Soulpeace!  Ev

I think the book helps you look at what your purpose could and should be.  Of course, the principles are sound and based on faith, not so easy to commit to as there are big changes to be made for all of us. 

I think the views regarding our time here on earth are excellent, the life metaphor is also something I found very helpful. Knowing how you look at life and your faith is so critical to our growth as Christians.  His definition of worship and fellowship are very interesting as well.  I have not completed the book, but I do see how it can help you really look at the direction your life is heading and make adjustments as we see that the road we are on isn't necessarily the one we  should be on.

I would recommend it, however, I don't think it is the fix all for everyone.