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Playdates with God: Having a Childlike Faith in a Grownup World
A simple invitation to play can open our eyes to joy and call us back to an intimate relationship with God.
- GenresNonfiction
208 pages, Paperback
First published October 7, 2014
7 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Laura J. Boggess
3 books254 followersLaura Boggess is a hopeless romantic who lives with her husband in a little valley in Appalachia. In her day job, she is a counselor at a traumatic-care medical rehabilitation center. She adores poppies, playdates, and fresh-scented pillows—and loves to escape into poetic romances by crafting her own during secret moments. She is the author of Mildred's Garden and Waiting for Neruda's Memoirs, both part of The Poetry Club Series from T. S. Poetry Press. You can find her, with flowers, on Instagram @lauraboggess.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 14, 2014
“We can all see God in exceptional things, but it requires the culture of spiritual discipline to see God in every detail. Never allow that the haphazard is anything less than God’s appointed order, and be ready to discover the Divine designs anywhere.” ~ Oswald Chambers
Laura Boggess’ book, Playdates with God, is an invitation to practice God’s presence. To “discover the Diving designs anywhere.” To understand that every moment is sacred, and to joyfully search for God in them all.
Like a gentle caress, it hushes those persistent longings for significance we all have and softly beckons to come and find the beauty in being small. It’s a call to remember. To become as a child. To skip into the kingdom, masks off — comparisons, competition, and personal agendas laid down.
I love it when I meet myself on the pages of a book. When entering an author’s experience is like finding a category for my own. When someone else’s words explain me.
I met myself all over this book. It was as though Laura had watched the movie of my life and graciously wrapped her beautiful words around many things God has been patiently and persistently teaching and un-teaching me. Time and again, memories surfaced to be viewed through the lens of God’s sovereign goodness and faithfulness. Time and again, I felt the wonder of it and whispered my grateful awe.
No matter how old we get, play is important, because play is acting out story, and truth is best understood through story. Laura explores this concept in great depth, reminding us to let the gospel lead our internal narrative. When we find ourselves in a season of suffering, we endure and press on, because we trust the end of the story — an ending already written with perfect love. How many times has God proved this to be true in my life? I’ve long ago lost count.
What Oswald Chambers calls “the culture of spiritual discipline,” Laura calls playdates with God. The more we practice this spiritual discipline of seeing God in every detail, the more time slows down and we truly live. We enter the moments of our own lives, consciously receiving His many gifts, and all of life becomes a delightful adventure with God.
I was a child in the 60s, long before cell phones and the internet and so much paralyzing fear, when little ones traipsed unattended to a neighbor’s house. I was so tiny I had to reach up to ring the doorbell. And then came the breathless wait. Would anyone be home? Would someone want to come out to play?
Jesus said, “Behold, I stand at the door and I knock.”
Tiny once again, I fling the door wide.
Yes, Lord. I’m here. And all my time is yours.
Let’s play.
Laura Boggess’ book, Playdates with God, is an invitation to practice God’s presence. To “discover the Diving designs anywhere.” To understand that every moment is sacred, and to joyfully search for God in them all.
Like a gentle caress, it hushes those persistent longings for significance we all have and softly beckons to come and find the beauty in being small. It’s a call to remember. To become as a child. To skip into the kingdom, masks off — comparisons, competition, and personal agendas laid down.
I love it when I meet myself on the pages of a book. When entering an author’s experience is like finding a category for my own. When someone else’s words explain me.
I met myself all over this book. It was as though Laura had watched the movie of my life and graciously wrapped her beautiful words around many things God has been patiently and persistently teaching and un-teaching me. Time and again, memories surfaced to be viewed through the lens of God’s sovereign goodness and faithfulness. Time and again, I felt the wonder of it and whispered my grateful awe.
No matter how old we get, play is important, because play is acting out story, and truth is best understood through story. Laura explores this concept in great depth, reminding us to let the gospel lead our internal narrative. When we find ourselves in a season of suffering, we endure and press on, because we trust the end of the story — an ending already written with perfect love. How many times has God proved this to be true in my life? I’ve long ago lost count.
What Oswald Chambers calls “the culture of spiritual discipline,” Laura calls playdates with God. The more we practice this spiritual discipline of seeing God in every detail, the more time slows down and we truly live. We enter the moments of our own lives, consciously receiving His many gifts, and all of life becomes a delightful adventure with God.
I was a child in the 60s, long before cell phones and the internet and so much paralyzing fear, when little ones traipsed unattended to a neighbor’s house. I was so tiny I had to reach up to ring the doorbell. And then came the breathless wait. Would anyone be home? Would someone want to come out to play?
Jesus said, “Behold, I stand at the door and I knock.”
Tiny once again, I fling the door wide.
Yes, Lord. I’m here. And all my time is yours.
Let’s play.
October 13, 2014
What a delightful and encouraging book! As a person who leans toward the serious more than the silly, I need reminders to welcome joy, fun, and play into my days. This book flung open the door to help me. I flew through reading it the first time over about three days, and now I keep finding it in my van, on my nightstand, and even the kitchen counter because I'm already reading it again.
October 7, 2014
I started reading Playdates with God as I was reading several other things, and that was a mistake. If you're familiar with Laura's blog, you know there's not a lot of bang-clash to her written voice. Thank God. I get tired of bang-clash, and Laura's voice travels like fog, like mist, like dappled sunlight, like the tinkle of piano keys from some unseen place up the hollow. There's a poetic, ethereal, almost haunting quality to it. It isn't the kind of voice that will assert itself or rise easily above the din. It's a lot like our Father's: still, small.
I say all that to say: you'll want to carve out space and time for this book. Inasmuch as I do not think it's best read when one is reading ten other things, I do not think it's best read in one sitting, or when one is in a hurry. It reminds me a bit of Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts in that it includes a million little profundities-- examinations of scripture, quotations from great thinkers, grains of truth, nuggets of wisdom--that are impossible to digest quickly. I do find Laura's writing tighter and more succinct than Voskamp's.
Each chapter of Playdates with God can be enjoyed independently of the others, and the book can very nearly be considered a collection of essays on a similar theme: seek God through the rediscovery of your childlike (or newlywed!) heart.
I do recommend this book and plan to reread it in the ways I've suggested, above. More than that, though, I recommend your continued attention to this author. She can write anything (essays, research, fiction, poetry, etc.), and she can write it well. If I were to prophesy a bit, I'd tell you her best work is yet to come and that it will deliver a quiet punch unlike any we've experienced since Jeannette Walls' The Glass Castle.
I say all that to say: you'll want to carve out space and time for this book. Inasmuch as I do not think it's best read when one is reading ten other things, I do not think it's best read in one sitting, or when one is in a hurry. It reminds me a bit of Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts in that it includes a million little profundities-- examinations of scripture, quotations from great thinkers, grains of truth, nuggets of wisdom--that are impossible to digest quickly. I do find Laura's writing tighter and more succinct than Voskamp's.
Each chapter of Playdates with God can be enjoyed independently of the others, and the book can very nearly be considered a collection of essays on a similar theme: seek God through the rediscovery of your childlike (or newlywed!) heart.
I do recommend this book and plan to reread it in the ways I've suggested, above. More than that, though, I recommend your continued attention to this author. She can write anything (essays, research, fiction, poetry, etc.), and she can write it well. If I were to prophesy a bit, I'd tell you her best work is yet to come and that it will deliver a quiet punch unlike any we've experienced since Jeannette Walls' The Glass Castle.
October 7, 2014
Laura's poetic voice shares her journey to seeking a closer relationship with God. But not just a closer relationship, a different relationship. One in which she is able to have faith like a child, and let go of her adult restraints and just begin to see God in the moments that she has sometimes overlooked in life. Laura speaks of her 'playdates with God' [the one's of which the title speaks] as time when she is able to spend time building the love relationship with God, through special moments shared together, and taking moments to have her eyes opened to the different ways He is expressing his love for her and delight in her throughout her day.
I found Laura's writing to be a series of reflections that tied into the theme, much like a series of personal essays fleshing out different aspects of her time spent getting to know her personal God. Laura shares several other writers reflection on their walk of faith, as she seeks to understand how one can come to know Christ in a deeper and richer manner. I found myself underlining life moment's that Laura shared because they so deeply resonated with questions I myself had journeyed through, or they were things that I was thinking myself.
Laura's book was a refreshing read. Each chapter was quick to get through, but full of depth. I found myself savoring the chapters; and sometimes re-reading them because they personally related to my own story.
I found Laura's writing to be a series of reflections that tied into the theme, much like a series of personal essays fleshing out different aspects of her time spent getting to know her personal God. Laura shares several other writers reflection on their walk of faith, as she seeks to understand how one can come to know Christ in a deeper and richer manner. I found myself underlining life moment's that Laura shared because they so deeply resonated with questions I myself had journeyed through, or they were things that I was thinking myself.
Laura's book was a refreshing read. Each chapter was quick to get through, but full of depth. I found myself savoring the chapters; and sometimes re-reading them because they personally related to my own story.
October 4, 2014
Sometimes I read my friend Laura Boggess's words and I wonder, "In some alternate universe, are we related?" Because this woman writes my heart, and she writes it beautifully.
And this little book is a gem. A GEM. Laura tells us stories about her life, she quotes lots of great authors, she plumbs mysterious and wondrous truths from the worlds of psychology, theology and ministry -- because that's who she is. She is a psychologist, a closet theologian, and a pastor.
I adored every page of this book, and I read it in one sitting. She asks terrific questions and she finds meaningful answers all the way through. I highly recommend that you order a copy today and plan to use what you find there as you walk out your days. She helps us to re-think how we live by doing one of the things I'm writing out during this challenge: focusing on the ordinary, the small, and discovering God, right there. Right there.
I received a free copy and I also ordered one and that one I am giving away! So if you would like your own copy, please leave me a comment at www.dianatrautwein.com anytime between October 7 and October 14, and I'll enter your name on a slip of paper into my famous name-pulling hat. It's definitely a worthy read. A little book that can. (drawing will be held on October 14)
And this little book is a gem. A GEM. Laura tells us stories about her life, she quotes lots of great authors, she plumbs mysterious and wondrous truths from the worlds of psychology, theology and ministry -- because that's who she is. She is a psychologist, a closet theologian, and a pastor.
I adored every page of this book, and I read it in one sitting. She asks terrific questions and she finds meaningful answers all the way through. I highly recommend that you order a copy today and plan to use what you find there as you walk out your days. She helps us to re-think how we live by doing one of the things I'm writing out during this challenge: focusing on the ordinary, the small, and discovering God, right there. Right there.
I received a free copy and I also ordered one and that one I am giving away! So if you would like your own copy, please leave me a comment at www.dianatrautwein.com anytime between October 7 and October 14, and I'll enter your name on a slip of paper into my famous name-pulling hat. It's definitely a worthy read. A little book that can. (drawing will be held on October 14)
January 19, 2020
Wonderful read! I love Laura’s writing style. She paints perfect pictures with her words that make you feel like you are there, experiencing her memories and reminding you of your own that you’ve forgotten. Loved this journey of rediscovering what it means to be a child, trust and be present to God.
October 7, 2014
I play tennis with my husband once a week. I wouldn’t normally associate tennis with forgiveness, but as I swung back my racquet, or reached high for a serve, or ran to the net for a quick approach shot, my tennis lessons from Coach Bob (my coach from age 9) and Coach Karen (my college coach) came flooding my mind to dovetail with some of what I had read in the Bible over the past couple of decades. Does that sound weird—playing tennis helped me forgive and overcome bitterness?
Yet it happened; different aspects of tennis served as a metaphor for certain aspects of my spiritual life (Scripture memory, focusing on God, acknowledging sin, forgiving quickly).
Bread-making, too, has been part of my spiritual life. I’ve associated kneading bread dough not only with a particular Psalm I memorized, but also with verses in Habbakuk about rejoicing in hardship.
And again, with hiking. One summer we went on backpacking in autumn at the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and that, like the tennis and homemade bread, helped me grow in intimacy with God.
On one of these hikes I decided to start photographing flowers from behind. Did you know that the backs of flowers are just as interesting and beautiful as their fronts? As I noticed this about flowers, I thought of how God values the beauty of the hidden person. I thought of how God delights in and rewards secret acts of righteousness. It made me want to be like the back of a flower.
Laura Boggess helps me understand that when I play tennis, or make bread, or hike through the Sangres and position my camera behind a Columbine, it is a playdate with God—and these playdates doubly enhance my relationship with God. These playdates both rekindle and cultivate my love for Him to make it “the love that endures—the excitement of new love and the security of old love all twined together” (Playdates with God, page 111).
Since 2008, I’ve been reading Laura’s words. With her lyrical, tender voice, she always stirs a deep part of my inner life and makes connection with my own ponderings, struggles, longings, and celebrations. Laura’s book is new, but her living-out of the book’s message is not new. For a long time now, she has been intent on noticing and embracing every moment as sacred. And I’m going to be one of her playmates.
One of my favorite excerpts:
"The stories we tell ourselves matter. When we are able to communicate the wonder God drops into our lives, others are drawn into our story. And when our stories hold rich tales of intimate times with God, people will want to step into that bigger story of the gospel. What better story to tell than the one Jesus lived and died for? Are you letting the gospel story lead your internal narrative? Am I? Because when we do, it will change our focus. It will change our lives. When we live our story in tandem with the narrative of the gospel, God is given the place in our lives that he deserves. And spending time with him becomes the most important thing."
– Laura Boggess, Playdates with God, 123-124.
Yet it happened; different aspects of tennis served as a metaphor for certain aspects of my spiritual life (Scripture memory, focusing on God, acknowledging sin, forgiving quickly).
Bread-making, too, has been part of my spiritual life. I’ve associated kneading bread dough not only with a particular Psalm I memorized, but also with verses in Habbakuk about rejoicing in hardship.
And again, with hiking. One summer we went on backpacking in autumn at the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and that, like the tennis and homemade bread, helped me grow in intimacy with God.
On one of these hikes I decided to start photographing flowers from behind. Did you know that the backs of flowers are just as interesting and beautiful as their fronts? As I noticed this about flowers, I thought of how God values the beauty of the hidden person. I thought of how God delights in and rewards secret acts of righteousness. It made me want to be like the back of a flower.
Laura Boggess helps me understand that when I play tennis, or make bread, or hike through the Sangres and position my camera behind a Columbine, it is a playdate with God—and these playdates doubly enhance my relationship with God. These playdates both rekindle and cultivate my love for Him to make it “the love that endures—the excitement of new love and the security of old love all twined together” (Playdates with God, page 111).
Since 2008, I’ve been reading Laura’s words. With her lyrical, tender voice, she always stirs a deep part of my inner life and makes connection with my own ponderings, struggles, longings, and celebrations. Laura’s book is new, but her living-out of the book’s message is not new. For a long time now, she has been intent on noticing and embracing every moment as sacred. And I’m going to be one of her playmates.
One of my favorite excerpts:
"The stories we tell ourselves matter. When we are able to communicate the wonder God drops into our lives, others are drawn into our story. And when our stories hold rich tales of intimate times with God, people will want to step into that bigger story of the gospel. What better story to tell than the one Jesus lived and died for? Are you letting the gospel story lead your internal narrative? Am I? Because when we do, it will change our focus. It will change our lives. When we live our story in tandem with the narrative of the gospel, God is given the place in our lives that he deserves. And spending time with him becomes the most important thing."
– Laura Boggess, Playdates with God, 123-124.
November 12, 2014
The title is deceiving...and yet accurate. Laura's poetic and practical approach to intimacy with God will spark a desire within readers to seek the God who taught us that children really are the best spiritual teachers after all. Let this treasure chest of truths lead you through this season of Thanksgiving (as I write this in November) right through to the New Year.
Seeking God in the ordinary is a portion of the theme of "Playdates", but that is only one facet in the jewel that is offered here. Rich with insights, poignant peeks into the author's life, and some of the best quoted authors and books on spirituality sprinkled throughout.
Put it on your To Read list, your Christmas list or your book discussion group's list. But whatever you do...read it. Let me know if you do, I would love to chat about it!
Seeking God in the ordinary is a portion of the theme of "Playdates", but that is only one facet in the jewel that is offered here. Rich with insights, poignant peeks into the author's life, and some of the best quoted authors and books on spirituality sprinkled throughout.
Put it on your To Read list, your Christmas list or your book discussion group's list. But whatever you do...read it. Let me know if you do, I would love to chat about it!
October 14, 2014
Laura Boggess’ newest release, Playdates with God: Having a Childlike Faith in a Grownup World, has given me a different view of God as a heavenly Father Who might delight in a time of sheer fun.
A clinical psychologist, Laura unfolds how the act of free play affects our brains. Pairing science with scripture she reveals how a playdate with God can not only help us relax physically, but can also renew our spirits and give us an “expansion of belief.”
Laura’s beautiful prose is a joy to read, and Playdates artfully braids psychology and faith. I personally connected with her appreciation of science, and I echo, “[God] knows that when science and love works together this way, it stirs my heart with wonder at his great design.”
A clinical psychologist, Laura unfolds how the act of free play affects our brains. Pairing science with scripture she reveals how a playdate with God can not only help us relax physically, but can also renew our spirits and give us an “expansion of belief.”
Laura’s beautiful prose is a joy to read, and Playdates artfully braids psychology and faith. I personally connected with her appreciation of science, and I echo, “[God] knows that when science and love works together this way, it stirs my heart with wonder at his great design.”
October 10, 2014
In a time when we being rushed, stressed and hurt robs us of times of play, this book comes as a refreshing and gentle reminder to allow God to woo you back to Himself. This book brought to mind the many times I saw God in the midst of an ordinary day, which then became extraordinary. Laura has written beautifully about the ways in which God met her and brought her joy and faith to new levels as she engaged with Him. Her stories will awaken a desire to just be, be with God and love Him ever so deeply. This is a book which I will read again & again, taking the time to savor and find Him anew.
October 21, 2014
"Playdates with God" is a beautiful book - poetic, engaging, encouraging, inspiring, thought-provoking, life-affirming, faith-transforming ...
It speaks to the head and it touches the heart - and it nourishes hope that our faith might be different and our love for God deeper.
I wrote more, but I said less.
So I will conclude by drawing on two of my favourite lines from the book.
"In small, [we are] more able to see the bigger things."
Reading "Playdates with God" "the holy comes close".
It speaks to the head and it touches the heart - and it nourishes hope that our faith might be different and our love for God deeper.
I wrote more, but I said less.
So I will conclude by drawing on two of my favourite lines from the book.
"In small, [we are] more able to see the bigger things."
Reading "Playdates with God" "the holy comes close".
November 22, 2015
Good read.... faith is alive!
April 11, 2017
Laura has a beautiful way with words. Her chapters sparkle and flow. I especially loved the chapter on Sabbath.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews