GodSpace: Embracing the Inconvenient Adventure of Intimacy with God

by Keri Wyatt Kent

Think you don't have time or space for spiritual stuff? That intimacy with God is impossible?

Here's how-in the life you already live-you can make time and space for God.

Godspace offers seven practices that help busy Christians pay attention to God. They help us align our sometimes messy daily lives with our spirituality. And they strengthen our most important relationships, giving our lives meaning, significance, and purpose. It's not holding a set of beliefs, reading the Bible, going to church, or even praying that determines how we connect with God. It's our pace of life. When we live hurried and distracted lives, we miss the chance to experience the intimacy we desire with God. Experience God more deeply and live more joyfully by exploring these seven spiritual



With abundant wit, humorous anecdotes, and authentic sharing of her own joys and struggles, Keri Wyatt Kent guides us toward a deeper and more meaningful faith in the midst of our overcrowded, cluttered lives. A lay pastor at Willow Creek Community Church, where she has been a member for thirty years, Kent is the author of eleven books. She speaks at events and retreats around the country. Learn more at www.keriwyattkent.com.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian

208 pages, Paperback

Published September 5, 2017

About the author

Keri Wyatt Kent is the coauthor with Michael Hingson of Live Like a Guide Dog. She is the author of GodSpace: Embracing the Inconvenient Adventure of Intimacy with God, and eleven other books, and the co-author of a dozen other books. She's the founder of A Powerful Story, a writing, editing and publishing company. She and her husband Scot have two grown children. Learn more about Keri at www.keriwyattkent.com.

Reviews

[Chris C - A Midlife Wife · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wonderful read! When I started reading it, the content came as such a relief. I always MEAN to set aside time each morning for devotions, but the day seems to just fly by. The author offers us a concrete plan to get that missing connection back with her ideas this book.

Easy to read and apply, I found myself saying, “I can do that” with each suggestion. I love the author’s straightforward approach to this book. The writing is down to earth and does not dictate but comes to you as wisdom and love. I know I have been in her shoes as a harried wife and mother.

While this is a Christian based book, there are many applications for the use of the book for life in general. Slowing down and reconnecting with others is critical in our time of frenzied lifestyles. Between work and family, it is no wonder that we lose connection, not only with God, but also with others we care about, including ourselves!

This is a great book for any age. Definitely worth the read!

*Copy received for review consideration

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've gone to retreats, expecting to be spiritually transformed. I've participated in classes and small groups, expecting to end up more like Christ. After having been a spiritual formation teacher and writer for years, Kent has come to realize that it is not those events that change us the most. Rather, it is what we do in daily life that forms us the most. Kent explores how she has come to have moments of encountering the holy, what she calls life lived in the GodSpace.

The first practice she writes about is Sabbath. I like how Kent explains that this practice is trusting God for provision. I like that Sabbath is so much more than rest. It is community. It is doing what brings us joy. It is time for life giving activities.

Next is hospitality, trusting God to provide resources to share. Hospitality is not entertaining but rather inviting people into God's space.

With insight and encouragement, Kent also writes about worship (opening ourselves to awe), simplicity (space in our soul), generosity (a healthy detachment so we are giving more then we are getting), gratitude (choosing to thank God), and critical thinking (facing doubts and questions).

That last practice is my favorite. Christians certainly need critical thinking in a world of spin and lying. I have seen too many Christians easily fall for the latest revelation or prophecy without testing it. And we are not to be afraid of doubt. “Doubt facilitates faith,” she writes. (161) Thinking through issues might be hard but the reward is a steadfast faith.

I really like that Kent gives personal and honest examples of these practices from her own life.

I recommend this book to Christians who desire spiritual transformation. You will find here good teaching on what Kent calls embodied spirituality, living our faith in our daily actions.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Patrick Beach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm always looking for SPACE in my life for God. GodSpace reads like our lives; sometimes messy, sometimes too worldly, often blessed by God. With so many good books delineating Principles, or Axioms, or Reminders, it is wonderful to read that God is working on us, often unknowing, but often when we take time to listen, take time to make SPACE for God in our lives. Talk about bad timing when confronted with opportunities to bless my family, my church & my community when I am busy & have important tasks. God's timing is always right; God's answers are always right; Yes, No & Wait. Let Ms. Kent lead you on an interesting journey to find a more excellent way to allow God to work in your life. Make SPACE in you life. today.

[Dale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a wonderful, clarifying book. Full of grace and affirmation, it nudges the reader into embracing God in new ways and making room for the holy in everyday life. Destined to become a spiritual classic.
I highly recommend for anyone who is going through a spiritual desert or who is looking for new ways to enhance their spiritual life.

[Maryam Brotine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that this book is not just for Christians - I've found many passages that resonate with me as a monotheist and a Jew, as well as simply from the perspective of a harried, busy professional, parent, & individual.

There's a lot of overlap with the concepts of work-life balance, over-intrusiveness of technology (what, was I just looking at my smartphone instead of being present?), mindfulness/flow, etc. If I drew a venn diagram of related books, I'd definitely include "Overwhelmed: How to Work, Love, and Play When No One Has the Time" by Brigid Schulte and "Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience" by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi.

The Hospitality chapter and references to introversion also made me think of "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in World That Can't Stop Talking" by Susan Cain, especially her discussion of the struggles of introverts in evangelical churches.

Of course, the fact that my brain keeps going on these tangents as I'm reading this book probably means that I need more actual God Space in my life so that I can focus better!!

[Caryn Rivadeneira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of reading an advanced copy of GodSpace. It was JUST what I needed. Keri's words are refreshing and inspiring--in the true senses of those words. Her wisdom comes across as hard-won, not didactic. Great book.

[Diane Vogelgesang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you find yourself longing for a deeper awareness of God’s presence in your life? Then “GodSpace” is a must read! Keri Wyatt Kent masterfully takes us on a journey exploring seven spiritual practices that help us slow down from our busy lives to live at God’s pace by creating some God space. These practices include: Sabbath, Hospitality, Worship, Simplicity, Gratitude, Generosity and Critical Thinking. “We’re busy and, as a result, weary. We long for rest, for margin, for space. God longs for that space as well, longing to fill it with [His] presence, intimacy, joy, grace.” Very inspiring book in this season of my life!

[L.L. Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review originally appeared on my blog: https://lightenough.wordpress.com/
I was also part of the book launch team and received a free copy for review purposes.

The first sentence of the book is “Where is the space for God?” – I relate to the concerns of this book, having blogged about the epidemic of busyness. Too many people no longer have time for what really matters in life. Even people not in a “busy stage” of life are busy, busy, busy. No time. Some Christians are so busy with church activities that they actually end up…evading God, avoiding deeper concerns of faith, and lack a depth of relationship with other people. Their spiritual life is superficial, at best, but they are sadly deluded by their busyness for God. As Kent says, we have a “hurry sickness” that has crept up on us gradually.

The book explores 7 practices of spirituality that can help us carve out space for God. While the book calls them practices of spirituality, I’d describe them more like approaches to life – ways to perceive life and thus live your life differently as a result of seeing things differently. The book does address that. Kent emphasizes in the introduction that she is inviting you to a lifestyle, not offering you a religious to-do list. You can not simply try to “squeeze in” some new practices into your already crammed too full life. That will not work! Something squeezed in will not be effective, and misses the point.

The 7 chapter titles not only state the 7 practices, but bring in the “space” idea:

Sabbath: Space in My Calendar
Hospitality: Space in My Home
Worship: Space in the World
Simplicity: Space in My Soul
Generosity: Space in my Budget
Gratitude: Space in My Relationships
Critical Thinking: Space for Faith and Doubt.

The first chapter is about Sabbath, as Kent considers it foundational to all the others. In this chapter, she interacts with a book by Mark Buchanan, that I have also read and reviewed. This is NOT about making Sunday a drudgery. This is NOT a list of things you can not do on Sunday. Rather it is taking a day to unplug from things that distract you, stress you, and keep your wheels spinning – and instead do things that bring you joy and true rest. Kent says “Not only are we moving too fast, we are spinning our wheels.” Again, it is NOT about doing nothing and being restricted, but about doing things that refresh and recharge you.

A point made by both Kent and Buchanan, placing the Sabbath command in its original context, is that in Deuteronomy 5:15 God states that the people should keep the Sabbath because they used to be slaves in Egypt. Kent says:

“Of course. Slaves cannot take a day off. So if you can’t take a day off, then perhaps you should ask, whose slave am I? What enslaves me?” – a challenging point.

I’m approaching 500 words, and have hardly addressed more than the first chapter! If perhaps, my description so far of this book makes you feel condemned by your busyness or sounds unrealistic to real life – rest assured that the author Kent is down to earth. Not only is her writing style conversational, she is practical and realistic, and openly shares her own struggles. There are times Kent drifted from certain practices.

Often in the book, Kent clarifies what a certain practice truly is…or is not.

Sometimes people avoid a practice because of a misunderstanding about it. Or they have condemned a certain practice without ever trying it! How can you condemn what you have not even tried? That is illogical.

For example, Kent clarifies that hospitality is NOT entertaining. I’ve blogged about that myself. Like Kent, my husband and I often show hospitality but we rarely entertain. Perhaps you have confused these two things? Or Kent brings clarification in the chapter on simplicity. We can confuse organizing and simplifying, with simplicity. She points out that, ironically, the magazine Real Simple rarely includes any articles about simplicity as a spiritual practice or as an attitude towards our life and belongings — but instead offers tips on organizing your stuff and overflows with ads for more stuff to buy!! Doh.

In closing, the 7 practices truly interconnect and Kent points that out throughout the book. The book flows. And on a practical level, because these practices interconnect, if you start with one, another will then come easier, and a cascade effect can occur! Please note that one of the spiritual practices is…critical thinking. Yes! I may have a separate blog post interacting with this exceptional chapter.

I recommend this book. It seems many people are consumed with busyness, but for Christians in particular to be so busy is…troubling. When we live a hurried and distracted life, it hinders our ability to truly live for Christ. My only critique is that I think the book could have benefited from discussion questions or applicational ideas at the end of each chapter.

[Carol R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The way I found God space—sacred moments in which we encounter the holy—was to begin to see all of my life as lived in space of God.”

This is the premise of GodSpace: that we open ourselves up for more God moments when we realize he is all around us in our daily living—and look for him there. (I received a copy of GodSpace from the publisher for review purposes, but the opinions are my own.)

Kent covers seven spiritual practices or disciplines, whatever you wish to call them. She picks some you may not have encountered in your normal spiritual discipline readings and weaves the seven together as building on one another. (Men, there is plenty of meat in this book for you; don’t let the girly cover keep you from it.)

I have always appreciated Kent’s writing and have read several of her earlier books, so I was eager to dig into this one. While not difficult to read at all, I found myself moving slowly through the book, underlining key sentences (sometimes every other one), savoring her words, mulling over the concepts and her suggestions, and tweeting like a crazy woman.

So to give you a taste, I’ll name her seven practices and give you one quote from Kent.

Sabbath: Space in My Calendar

“Sabbath invites us not just to take a day of rest but to embrace a theology of trust in God’s provision, a theology that posits we have enough resources that we can afford to stop accumulating and striving for a day.”

Hospitality: Space in My Home

“Hospitality should never be confused with entertaining … Rather than seeking to impress people, it aims to welcome Jesus, disguised as an ordinary person.”

Worship: Space in the World

“Worship recalibrates our hearts, giving us a right-sized view of ourselves, particularly in relation to God. Ideally, it removes us along with our worries, fears and ambitions, from the throne of our lives and puts God back on it.”

Simplicity: Space in My Soul

“The biggest barrier to true simplicity is not a messy desk or an overcrowded closet. According to Jesus, what keeps us from simplicity is the sin of worry.”

Generosity: Space in My Budget

“‘Enough’ is a state of mind. It’s less about how much you have and more about how you see what you have. If you fear you don’t have enough, the best thing to do is give some of it away. It breaks the grip of fear on your heart.”

Gratitude: Space in My Relationships

“When we are grateful and give thanks, we experience grace. And that grace flows from us to the people around it who are hungry to taste more of God.”

Critical Thinking: Space for Faith and Doubt

“Certainty is not the destination of the faith journey. It is awe and awareness that there are no easy answers.”

GodSpace will help you reorient your life toward God at work in and around you. Don’t miss it.

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

God Space: Embracing the Inconvenient Adventure of Intimacy with God by Keri Wyatt Kent is a wonderful book that explores how we can increase our intimacy with God.

This is an area that many of us struggle in, especially in our contemporary society. We often spend the majority of our time on the go and a fraction of our time being still and quiet before God.

Keri examines six vital areas in our lives where we can find more time to spend with God. Those areas are our calendar, our home, the world, our soul, our budget and our relationships. In each chapter, Keri shares a number of examples from her life of how she was able to be more intimate with God in those areas.

One of the things that I enjoyed most about this book is that it’s filled with sound biblical principles throughout. This further confirms that the concepts Keri is addressing are founded in biblical truth.

There were plenty of helpful tips and ideas that I collected as I was reading this book. One of the greatest insights that impacted me was the explanation Keri gave of what true worship is really about. It truly opened my eyes and gave me a renewed perspective of what it means to worship God.

This book is sure to be a great guide for anyone who has a desire to shed the distractions in their life and really give God the time and attention that He deserves. If you have that desire, this book will be very beneficial to you.

I received this book free from the publisher through their book review bloggers program and I was not required to write a positive review.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Review of Godspace

Don't Miss This!

Godspace is a deep, life-changing book that points the reader to greater intimacy with God by responding to His grace. Slowing down to encounter God in every part of life, viewing every moment as sacred, and looking for God in everyday moments and places.
Godspace is embracing spiritual practices that engage us fully. These practices include Sabbath, hospitality, worship, simplicity, generosity, gratitude, and critical thinking. As we experience them and use them, we are living out our faith.
We live out our faith actively. Though at times it doesn't look polished or seems inconvenient, we are brought to an awareness, an intimacy with God that will take us on the greatest adventure, more amazing than we could ever imagine.
In giving space in our lives to God, consciously and mindfully, we will find our relationship with God to be deepened; our relationship with others to be stronger; and the relationship we have with ourselves to be lived in grace.
I very highly recommend Godspace. I know I will be reading this book again and again. It's a book that will greatly transform the reader's relationship with God.

*Disclaimer: I am so blessed to have been able to read and review Godspace. I received an Advanced Reader's Copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. The opinion stated is my own. I have not been compensated in any way.*

[Susy Flory · Rating 5 out of 5]

What if our busy, hurried, worried, anxious lives crowd out space for the God who can help us because he absolutely adores us? GodSpace is about making space for God in our everyday lives, not just at retreats or conferences or in a church service. Keri gives 7 spiritual practices that anyone can do on just about any day, without special training or expertise or even any particular template. The 7 places she suggests making room for God are in your calendar, home, worship, soul, budget, relationships, and intellect. The last is one of my favorites--how to cultivate critical thinking (which is different from criticism) while leaving space for both faith and doubt. A lot of us get stuck somewhere in the beginner stages of critical thinking because we don't want to offend anyone, rock the boat, or disturb unity. But critical thinking "is not just accepting answers, but rather, using the mind God gave you to seek deeper understanding by asking good questions," writes Keri. We need to actively engage with Scripture, ask questions, and take the time to know what we believe and why. Doing this builds our faith, and allows us to communicate our faith accurately and with passion to others. I highly recommend this book as a way to grow in your connection with God, and others.

[Monica H (TeaandBooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

In her book, GodSpace, Keri Wyatt Kent shares seven practices that will help busy Christians draw closer to God. The seven practices are: Sabbath, Hospitality, Worship, Simplicity, Gratitude, Generosity, and Critical Thinking. In each chapter of this book, Kent takes one of these practices and offers her advice on how to draw closer to God through that practice. There is a lot of solid advice and helpful ideas for drawing closer to God.


I did find some useful information in GodSpace to help me grow closer to God. I could relate to some of Kent's personal stories and the Bible information that she shared. However, I did think GodSpace was a little dryer than I expected. The cover says that Kent shares "with abundant wit and humorous anecdotes," so I expected to find some humorous anecdotes amidst the copy, but I didn't find myself chuckling at anything humorous. That being said, it was still a good book for learning to draw closer to God and grow in intimacy with Him. I would recommend GodSpace to anyone looking for a book with that aspect of it.


I received GodSpace from Faithwords/Hachette Book Group. I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for this book.

[Julie D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book encourages us to pay attention to God so we can live a life that is more spiritually abundant and focused.

The seven principles are not difficult and, in fact, I was excited to start implementing many of these ideas into my own life. I really liked how she encourages us to slow down, to set the electronic devices down for a day, and to clear our lives of the clutter that weighs us down.

I really learned a lot about the Sabbath and what it is and what it isn't. Too many rules have been written about the Sabbath and I have felt guilty when I break any of these "rules". She shows us how we can connect with God on this Holy day in many ways.

I enjoyed how Keri was was honest about what worked in her life and what didn't. She shares from her heart and doesn't preach at us. The book is easy to read and very enjoyable. This is an excellent book for anyone wanting to draw closer to God. I highly recommend this to everyone and give it 5 out of 5 stars.

*This book was provided to me for my honest review by FirstWords

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

GodSpace

Embracing the Inconvenient Adventure of Intimacy with God



by Keri Wyatt Kent

FaithWords / Center Street

You Are Auto-Approved

FaithWords



Christian

Pub Date 05 Sep 2017

I am reviewing a copy of GodSpace through FaithWords/Center Street and Netgalley:

In this book the author reminds us that it is vital that we have space for God in our lives, that we make sure that we have time for him, because that is the most important thing.

The author goes on tell us the importance of spending time together as a family and building that foundation, as well as the importance of teaching our youth manners, by leading by example.

The author reminds us too that hospitality is not the same is entertaining, hospitality is a way of inviting people into GodSpace. The author goes on to remind us not to make our GodSpace Chaotic,.

I give GodSpace five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

[Pam Howell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the privilege of reading an advance copy of Keri's book. It explores seven spiritual practices that open up space for God in our lives & hearts. Whether you are new to employing spiritual practices or they've been a part of your life for some time, I believe you'll find something in GodSpace to encourage and challenge you to go deeper.

Reading GodSpace is like having a conversation with Keri. She share's from her heart, as well as the scripture she's studied. You'll get practical ideas on how to make these practices a part of your days. And you'll get plenty to think about and wrestle when it comes to where are you making space to be with God and let Him work in and through you.

I think this would be a great book to go through with a friend or small group!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

God Space fitting God into our crowded everyday life. She shares with us seven practices. Everyone seems to be into simplicity and minimalism right now. This book focuses more on your life and time versus actual things. She also challenges us not to have this be motivated by legalism.
On my blog I share my thoughts on four of the seven practices.
I recommend GodSpace. It is a quick read and I think you will pick up some nuggets that you can put into practice. The practices are not overwhelming; just the opposite.

I received this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.

[Amy Julia Becker · Rating 4 out of 5]

"We have filled our homes with stuff, our calendars with activities, and our hearts with a desire for more." Keri Wyatt Kent's GodSpace invites us to declutter our hearts, our homes, and our calendars in order to make room for the inconvenient wonder of God's presence. Kent tells stories from her own life and offers practical suggestions on how we can open ourselves up to God's work in our homes, our communities, and the world. With humor, insight, and concrete examples, Keri Wyatt Kent has written a book that encourages me to make meaningful changes that will enable less space for disappointment and more space for God. (I received an advance copy of this book.)

[Corinne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the delight of reading an advance copy of Keri's book. Decade after decade we struggle with the gravitation of busyness and overwhelm, pulling us away from the center of God's best for us. So often the things we care about most-God, His call on our life, dear family and friends, and even our health-slip so easily into the background of our life rather than occupying the most important hours of our day.

Keri sheds new light on seven centering spiritual practices: sabbath, hospitality, worship, simplicity, gratitude, generosity and critical thinking. Her stories, wisdom and insights will spark new thoughts in your soul. And the scripture she walks us through will help you to experience a closer intimacy with Jesus. All things we need to ground and center our scattered souls.

I highly recommend GodSpace! Pause a moment, open Keri's book and ask God to speak to you.

[Keri Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm the author, so my review might be biased.
If you wish you had a spiritual mentor who could offer you guidance on connecting more deeply with God, this is your book. It explores seven spiritual practices, ranging from Sabbath to hospitality to critical thinking, to help you experience intimacy with God.

[Lauren Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kent asks an important question: how willing are you to carve out space in your everyday life to make more room for God?

From minutes within your day to time devoted to making strides towards serving God in larger chunks, GodSpace reminds us that each of us have more resources within our grasp.

[Orsayor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are we really busy or distracted?

Good Read!

[Jennifer Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keri's thoughtful, relatable, and gently instructive book is a gift. Highly recommend.

[scarlett pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book!!!

[Kimberly Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

At times it was a bit repetitive but offered fresh insights into having intimacy with God.

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Resonant, religiously sound, and stimulating read!

[Conrade Yap · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book about spiritual practices. More specifically, it is about making space for God in our supposedly busy lifestyles. Some try retreats or some faraway places to get away from the hustle and bustle so as to attain some level of peace and serenity. Others try to find it in Churches or religious communities that try to practice the spiritual disciplines. Some read books while others attend seminars. Some would try out some new initiatives or special one-off projects to engage their spiritual side of things. Unfortunately, as long as we reserve only specific time and space for us to enter into God's presence, we miss out on the rest of our lives. What about the busy moments at work or study? How can we be holy in the midst of babysitting or housekeeping? Spiritual writer Keri Wyatt Kent knows what it means to be caught in the whirlwind of busy activities and expectations in a modern world. Having written books about Sabbath keeping, rest, devotions, spiritual listening, and spiritual practices to attend to the soul, Keri has consolidated many of them for the busy individual struggling to find space for spirituality. It is an invitation for all to live in the grace of God with our whole selves, rather than compartmentalize our lives into different parts. Truth is, when we desire intimacy with God, we will intentionally find space wherever we can. We may have the best tools or most creative techniques with us, but if we have no desire, these things are nothing. However, when we have the desire to want to meet God always, we will find creative ways to make space. This is what this book is about: Making space for God in all of our life. For Kent, it is about seven practices that could be used to make space for God.


The first practice is the delightful practice of Sabbath in our weekly calendar. It is a way of life rather than simply a specific day in the week. It is not about doing nothing. In fact, it is about doing everything to build bridges between God and others. By stopping our regular activities, we are better able to focus and reflect on what it means to counter the anxiety and restlessness in our societies. Intimacy comes about as we reserve space for God intentionally, cease from our so-called necessities of living and embrace what is truly life-giving. Simply put, stop worrying about the work but commence enjoying the fruits. The second practice is hospitality in our home, the practice of openness and welcome. By remembering how Jesus welcomed all, including strangers, into our private spaces. We can practice it regularly with our own families and loved ones. The side benefit is that they too learn about hospitality, something that is more caught than taught. Hospitality opens a variety of ways in which we acknowledge God's abundance for us, and how we can be generous to others with it. The third practice is worship in the world at large. Be awed by the beauty of nature. Acknowledge the creative genius of God. Notice God's presence and ponder upon why God Almighyy would send His Son down to earth. The fourth practice is Simplicity of the Soul. Practice minimalist. End cluttering. Realign our souls to deal with mainly things that truly matter. Kent reminds us that the opposite of simplicity is not complexity, but duplicity. This is increasingly relevant as people try to multitask and focus on simply doing different things at the same time. A key point Kent makes is about relationships, that we should not be too distracted by accumulating acquaintances, at the expense of forming close relationships with a few good friends. The fifth practice is generosity, which is about giving and being grateful for what we have. As long as we are focused on ourselves, we will never have enough. The moment we start to put the interests of others above ourselves, we start to experience contentment. Learning to be generous with God is a powerful step forward in being generous with others. The sixth practice flows out of the previous one, that is gratitude. We don't have to wait until the official Thanksgiving season before learning to be thankful. We can start the process daily. In our relationships, a thankful heart is infectious. It is more than simply counting blessings. It is a practice that leads to joy. Finally, there is the practice of critical thinking, which is making space for both faith and doubt. I believe that doubt is not necessarily a bad thing, especially when it enables us to grow deeper in understanding and belief. Growth is like molting. In order to grow, crabs had to shed their hardened shells and to leave them behind. Belief is about growing in faith and understanding. Read Scripture. Ask questions, and also let the Bible question our past beliefs.

My Three Thoughts
First, this is a book about the active practice of spirituality. It is not just about spiritual practices. It's about infusing them into all spheres of our lives. Right from the start, Kent makes a case for addressing how difficult it is for us to deal with busyness and anxiety. We have many activities throughout the day and heavy responsibilities on our plates. So much so that a lot of us struggle with even praying in the first place. By making a case that spirituality is possible in spite of such a lifestyle, the author then shows us how with seven practical ways.

Second, it is interesting that the author begins with Sabbath as the first practice. It seems to be the reverse of what many authors of such genre normally write, that is, to make Sabbath the climax of spiritual practices, just like Genesis where God rested on the seventh day instead of the first day. I believe it is more for 'impact' purposes, to bring to the center-stage, a practice that typically gets relegated to the peripherals. It also speaks about the importance of Sabbath as far as the author is concerned. Not only that, there is a sense of embracing the moment as she writes about it. Note how she describes one example:

"Sabbath is a day when this working mom slows down enough to listen. To listen to a pear tree rattling in the wind. To listen to a daughter who is discovering who she is, and trying to figure out how to communicate that discovery on her college applications. To listen to a son who finds joy in spending most of his Sunday at church or in community. To listen to the voice of my own gladness, which calls me to the woods and to the backyard and to rest. ...........Sabbath invites us not just to take a day of rest but to embrace a theology of trust in God’s provision, a theology that posits we have enough resources that we can afford to stop accumulating and striving for a day."

Don't we all desire that? As we go further along, it becomes clear that Sabbath may be just a day, but the principle could be extended to the other six days.

Third, the last practice on "critical thinking" offers much food for thought. Of all the books that Kent have written, this is perhaps the first book I have come across that deals more specifically on the area of apologetics and addressing doubts. This is important because of the rising secularism and skepticism in our society. Faith is not simply about believing. It is also about asking questions so that we can be more authentic and truthful in our beliefs, which will subsequently fuel our spirituality. Using Henry Cloud's model of four distinct phases of faith, she encourages the reader not to let doubts and difficulties cripple our growth, and to see them as an essential part of our faith journey. She also makes an important observation that distinguishes "critical thinking" from "criticism." The former is a genuine attempt to learn and grow. The latter tears down.

In summary, I think this book is helpful for those of us who know the importance of spiritual practices but do not know what practical steps to implement them. Kent has done us a service to offer us seven ways to do that. You can begin at any chapter but I would recommend not skipping the first two chapters. Make space in your schedule for this book.

Kery Wyatt Kent is a long time member of Willow Creek Community Church in Chicago, Illinois, where she also serves as a lay pastor. She has written eleven books and co-author many more. She is also founder and president of A Powerful Story. She can be contacted via social media or at www.keriwyattkent.com

Rating: 4.75 stars of 5.

conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Faithwords, a division of Hachette Book Group and NetGally without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

[Rebecca Kilby Vannette]

"Practices are actions we literally do with our bodies that form us spiritually."

"Practices aren't a way to earn God's favor, nor are they just ideas/philosophy that we affirm."

"Practices draw us into God space, invite us into intimacy."

"What if the way to find God space--open space for God in our lives, schedules, hearts--was to life at 'God's pace?'"

"So if you can't take a day off, then perhaps you should ask, whose slave am I? What enslaves me? How can I be set free from this slavery? And how can I offer rest to those who are now in slavery or who serve me?"

"If we never stop running and performing and achieving and working--how can we actually experience pure grace?"

"It's not that it's been tried and found lacking; it's that it's never really been tried."

"What often keeps people from practicing Sabbath is fear that God is unable to provide seven days of provision from six days of labor. The same fear of scarcity that keeps us from resting blocks our generosity. If I give some of my money or time or stuff away, I won't have enough. I'm afraid God won't provide."

"To trust Jesus with our eternity but not with our resources doesn't make sense."