May 6, 2009

While I was Gone...

While in Florida I read the most incredible book. I'm sure many of you have already read it but I had been putting it off - dragging my feet. It just didn't sound like something I would enjoy. It's "The Shack" - I read it in a day on the beach and I can't wait to read it again. My daughter read it when it first came out and ALL the nurses at my chemo center passed it along until they've all read it. Every single person who told me about their experience reading it RAVED about it. But it sounded so horribly sad...how could it be so fantastic and uplifting??? The first four chapters ARE sad and filled with one of life's greatest tragedies. But you need that background to get the benefit from the rest of the book. From chapter five until the last word in the book, it is not only FANTASTIC, but uplifting. Now, if you haven't read "The Shack" and you are going to, read with an open mind. It's one of those books, kind of like the Left Behind series, that you have to remind yourself - not in a literal way, but ya, it could happen like that...

If you have not read "The Shack" by William P. Young, DO plan to read it soon! It will leave you feeling incredibly uplifted!!

7 comments:

Melissa said...

Kathy, as you know, I totally agree with you. I said it was the most profound thing I've ever read. I know that sounds lofty but it's the truth. I was amazed by how many people had terrible things to say about it's message. I guess that's my problem with "religion" vs "A life of loving God". I'm glad that you read it. It's kind of like lighting a candle and passing it on, isn't it?

Hugs,
Melissa

debbie said...

DEAR KATHY,
THANK YOU FOR TAKING US ALONG ON YOUR TRIP. I ENJOYED IT VERY MUCH AND IT WAS JUST WHAT I NEEDED. I LOVE THE BROWN SANDALS WITH THE TURQUOISE. THEY WERE GORGEOUS.
I AM SO SORRY I DID NOT REALIZE YOU HAD A BLOOD DISORDER OR I WOULD HAVE YOU ON MY PRAYER LIST.
I HAVE LEARNED THROUGH LIVING ON THE EDGE WITH AMY, THE TRUE MEANING OF WE ONLY HAVE TODAY AND TO LIVE IT TO THE FULLEST. NOT ONE SINGLE ONE OF US ARE GUARANTEED TOMORROW.
BLESSINGS AND HEALING TO YOU IN JESUS NAME
HUGS
HAPPY MOTHERS DAY
debbie

Kathy said...

I was also skeptical of "The Shack" but read it after my mother raved and I wanted to see what she was so excited about. At first, I squirmed. I was being too literal as I read. As soon as I let go and simply read the book for it's message, I was blessed. God's ways are not our ways. I always thought of His ways as something serious and grave, not something liberating and wonderful. What I loved about The Shack was it's message of God's love. As Christians we preach it but so often we add on man-made rules to help us "prove" our love and try to earn HIS love. Neither are necessary to experience the width and depth of God's love for us. He is always present to care for us, even in our "great sadness". I'm glad you enjoyed the book-and your vacation. ~Kathy

Heather said...

i'm going to check out that book! thanks for letting us know about it.

Linda C said...

I read The Shack last Fall and really liked it also.

It's a little "out there", but it's message comes through clear and strong:)

Blessings,
Linda C

Technonana said...

Great Book, I was actually encouraged by a bloggy friend to read it, last August... Oh Yes, I have encouraged others to read it as well!!
Thanks for the reminder... I just may pick it up again!!

~CC Catherine said...

Hey Kathy, I finished The Shack in February...read the book in 24 hours, I couldn't put it down. I also found it to be the most profound book that held me captive where I truly felt the presence of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit in ways that I've never felt so deeply before. It certainly evoked many thoughts of who God is to me, and how I too had misconceptions of God. Hugs~ CC Catherine