I've been very excited about this book for some time, but I've been waiting to post until my second read of the book. I wanted to completely devour the book and fully enjoy it. My dear friend Joanne wrote this book, which was released a couple months ago.
The focus of the book is how to find time in our busy lives to spend with God. Joanne provides Biblical proof of why this should be a priority for us and then gives practical tips, examples and instruction on how to do it. She's honest, realistic and passionate about the subject. And, since she's a close friend I know she'd not just "talking the talk," she really walks it.
Some of my favorite quotes:
"He wants to come into our lives and make a difference now; he's not waiting for us to get it all neat and clean before he'll come in."
"Making a place for God involves choice. If we want it badly enough we'll make it. But as I said, making it may not be easy. Saying yes to God will mean saying no to something else."
"A different dynamic works when we're alone; conversations happen that don't happen when other people are around. Intimacy needs time that exclusive. In the same way, we find intimacy with God when we respond to his invitation to come away with him alone."
"Pray for passion--and watch for God to answer."
"When you are feeling discouraged in your quiet time, press in close to the Father with your disappointment. Don't turn from him or give up. Hide in the shelter of his wings (see Ps. 61:4), and let him be the lifter of your head (see Ps. 3:3)."
I especially love the Resources guide at the back of the book. I plan on checking out several of the books Joanne suggests.
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I have another reason for loving this book so much...
Ummm...yeah....I had purchased my copy of the book and had it for a day before opening it up to the dedication seeing this dedication. What a gift! I was overwhelmed! Joanne had kept it a complete secret from me (although she had told me there was a surprise in the book for me).
When I asked Joanne why she would do such a lovely thing for me, she simply replied, "It just seemed right. There are so many conversations we had about this topic that are in the book." Which is true, we've talked and shared with each other a lot about this topic while she was writing the book. (See pgs.63, 70, 75-76,111 for mentions of some our discussions.)
Anyway, I feel completely honored that Joanne would include me in the dedication and completely blessed that she calls me friend.
Some of my favorite quotes:
"He wants to come into our lives and make a difference now; he's not waiting for us to get it all neat and clean before he'll come in."
"Making a place for God involves choice. If we want it badly enough we'll make it. But as I said, making it may not be easy. Saying yes to God will mean saying no to something else."
"A different dynamic works when we're alone; conversations happen that don't happen when other people are around. Intimacy needs time that exclusive. In the same way, we find intimacy with God when we respond to his invitation to come away with him alone."
"Pray for passion--and watch for God to answer."
"When you are feeling discouraged in your quiet time, press in close to the Father with your disappointment. Don't turn from him or give up. Hide in the shelter of his wings (see Ps. 61:4), and let him be the lifter of your head (see Ps. 3:3)."
I especially love the Resources guide at the back of the book. I plan on checking out several of the books Joanne suggests.
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I have another reason for loving this book so much...
Ummm...yeah....I had purchased my copy of the book and had it for a day before opening it up to the dedication seeing this dedication. What a gift! I was overwhelmed! Joanne had kept it a complete secret from me (although she had told me there was a surprise in the book for me).
When I asked Joanne why she would do such a lovely thing for me, she simply replied, "It just seemed right. There are so many conversations we had about this topic that are in the book." Which is true, we've talked and shared with each other a lot about this topic while she was writing the book. (See pgs.63, 70, 75-76,111 for mentions of some our discussions.)
Anyway, I feel completely honored that Joanne would include me in the dedication and completely blessed that she calls me friend.
So, grab yourself a copy in the bookshop. It would make a great Mother's Day gift.
Janna, that is SO cool! I can only imagine how honored I would feel to have a dedication in the front of a book to me!! Sounds like a GREAT book, so I'll have to add it to my growing list of books I've love to read! :)
Posted by: JennyD | April 08, 2009 at 10:17 PM
HOOOOORAY for Joanne!!!! It is GREAT!
Posted by: CherryTreeLane | April 08, 2009 at 11:29 PM
That's awesome! Joanne's a very sweet person (: And so are you, Janna!
Posted by: Puva | April 09, 2009 at 12:32 AM
I wondered if you weren't the same Janna in the front...since I found your blog connected to hers...that's so neat!
Posted by: Bobbi | April 09, 2009 at 05:25 AM
It is wonderful. I agree, everyone should go buy it!
Posted by: Wendy | April 09, 2009 at 06:28 AM
I just finished the book as well... and seeing that I follow both of your blogs it was so much fun to read about the conversations the two of you have had. I'm off to read it again...
Posted by: angela | April 09, 2009 at 08:04 AM
I bought this book as soon as Joanne posted it was out. I'm in the midst of another so I haven't read it yet, but can't wait to do so. Especially after your post.
What a sweet, blessed friendship. ;)
Posted by: Lori Anne | April 09, 2009 at 09:19 AM
What a sweet friend! That's is very touching, to dedicate her work to you. WOW! I will have to look ofr this. ~Early Easter Blessings!
Posted by: Tiffany | April 09, 2009 at 10:31 PM