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Love Where You Live: How to Live Sent in the Place You Call Home
Despite being part of one of the most mobile societies in history, it's easy for us to feel stuck where we are. Whether because of a recent move or because we're still in the exact same place we've been for years, many of us just aren't where we thought we'd be or doing what we thought we'd be doing. Sometimes we may wonder if God knows what he's doing. How can this be part of his plan?
With enthusiasm and contagious joy, Shauna Pilgreen assures readers that, yes, God does have a plan and a purpose for them--right where they are. In fact, he sent them there. She invites readers to "live sent," showing them how to see their surroundings with fresh eyes and renewed energy. Weaving her own remarkable story with biblical habits readers can incorporate into their daily routines, Pilgreen equips us to reach out into our communities with God's love, knowing that our efforts are never in vain.
With enthusiasm and contagious joy, Shauna Pilgreen assures readers that, yes, God does have a plan and a purpose for them--right where they are. In fact, he sent them there. She invites readers to "live sent," showing them how to see their surroundings with fresh eyes and renewed energy. Weaving her own remarkable story with biblical habits readers can incorporate into their daily routines, Pilgreen equips us to reach out into our communities with God's love, knowing that our efforts are never in vain.
272 pages, Paperback
Published January 22, 2019
107 people are currently reading
636 people want to read
About the author
Shauna Pilgreen
8 books15 followersRaised in rural Georgia, Shauna Pilgreen now finds herself immersed daily in the reality of doing life in a global city. She and her husband, Ben, started Epic Church in the heart of San Francisco in 2010 and have been "living sent" ever since. Shauna is a coach, speaker, and writer to ministry families across the country. She is the mother of three boys and an adopted daughter from India. Learn more at www.shaunapilgreen.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
February 11, 2019
I have always had a heart for reaching other people and helping them. At one time, I thought about being a missionary. . .I was sure that missionaries were extra loved and special as they did their work overseas. Shauan Pilgreen in Love Where You Live encourages us to be missionaries wherever we are and that we can all be used by God.
In Love Where You Live, Pilgreen divides this book in to three parts: What Is Living Sent?, How to Live Sent, and The Hope Of Living Sent. She shares stories from her life and others about how God used people right where they are--or encouraged them to go somewhere in this country to share the Gospel with others. Each chapter also ends with practical tips. There are also places in the book where Pilgreen encourages the reader to draw pictures and to write some things to better make their own mission clearer.
I truly enjoyed reading Love Where You Live. I liked Pilgreen's writing style and found myself just flying through this book anxious to read on. I liked the interactive portions and the practical ideas along with the uplifting stories and encouraging words she writes. For me, this book was a good reminder that we are all special to God and He can use us anywhere to reach out to others and to minister to others in His name. I truly think Love Where You Live is a book we could all benefit from reading and I would encourage you to read it too.
I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
In Love Where You Live, Pilgreen divides this book in to three parts: What Is Living Sent?, How to Live Sent, and The Hope Of Living Sent. She shares stories from her life and others about how God used people right where they are--or encouraged them to go somewhere in this country to share the Gospel with others. Each chapter also ends with practical tips. There are also places in the book where Pilgreen encourages the reader to draw pictures and to write some things to better make their own mission clearer.
I truly enjoyed reading Love Where You Live. I liked Pilgreen's writing style and found myself just flying through this book anxious to read on. I liked the interactive portions and the practical ideas along with the uplifting stories and encouraging words she writes. For me, this book was a good reminder that we are all special to God and He can use us anywhere to reach out to others and to minister to others in His name. I truly think Love Where You Live is a book we could all benefit from reading and I would encourage you to read it too.
I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
May 20, 2023
Really encouraging and motivating in the area of living with intention wherever you are. Would recommend as a primer of “missional living” or a refresher if you need some encouragement from someone who has been there. It definitely got my mind going with new ideas to reach our neighbors.
January 7, 2019
Love where you live is fun to read and apply in your life. I found it very refreshing and practical too. Shauna gives you creative and specific ways to do the things that have been on your heart. The content will also inspire to try things you haven't yet thought of. It is real truth for real life and people who want to make a difference. It will help you love bigger, serve better and step up your obedience. The author is so winsome and transparent, you'll feel like you know her. I highly recommend this book for anyone, and especially if you have a move to change houses or cities. If you have not yet bloomed where you are planted...this book is definitely for you!
January 9, 2019
Even though I heard many of the stories as they happened, I love how Shauna has woven them altogether to tell the story of what God has taught her over the years. But the stories and wisdom of this book don’t stop with Shauna. They are applicable to each and every one of us regardless of where we live or how long we have lived there. I think everyone who reads this book will be encouraged to step into where God has them and the gifts He’s given them.
February 15, 2019
3.5 stars. RTC
January 8, 2019
Love Where You Live was such an inspirational read. The author uses her personal experiences and gives practical ways you can love your city and the people in it. As a city dweller, I find it hard to "love where I live " all the time. Shauna makes it clear that it's ok....God will meet me right where I'm at, and use me if I lean in to him. One of the quotes from the book that hit me right in the heart was,
"Remember the faithfulness of God, abandon the fear of man, fight the urge to flee, and start to stay." (Shauna Pilgreen, Love Where you Live)
Times will get tough. People won't be welcoming. Situations will be messy. I might miss the familiar. But God has sent me. He is with me. And I'm encouraged to love my city well.
Thank you Shauna for an honest...real...beautifully written piece. I'm inspired and left with the question, "What if we all lived like this all over the world?! I'm excited....hopeful...and pray you find this read life and soul changing!
"Remember the faithfulness of God, abandon the fear of man, fight the urge to flee, and start to stay." (Shauna Pilgreen, Love Where you Live)
Times will get tough. People won't be welcoming. Situations will be messy. I might miss the familiar. But God has sent me. He is with me. And I'm encouraged to love my city well.
Thank you Shauna for an honest...real...beautifully written piece. I'm inspired and left with the question, "What if we all lived like this all over the world?! I'm excited....hopeful...and pray you find this read life and soul changing!
January 8, 2019
As a military spouse, it's easy to see your life as nothing but a bunch of beginnings and endings. It's easy to see a town, city, country or territory as nothing more than the "next duty station." Quite frankly it's hollow, unfulfilling, and lonesome to live from that heart posture.
With Shauna's gift for writing, personalized stories, and most importantly biblical guidance you will find yourself seeing where you live from an eternal perspective. Saying "good-bye" is transformed to "see you later" and the "detailer" (the person who issues orders to active duty personnel) is no longer the enemy with all the power, because no matter what destination is stamped on your orders, you know in your core that you are being sent by a higher power. And unlike the movers that come and go in the blink of an eye, this leader never leaves you, your children, or your spouse.
With Shauna's gift for writing, personalized stories, and most importantly biblical guidance you will find yourself seeing where you live from an eternal perspective. Saying "good-bye" is transformed to "see you later" and the "detailer" (the person who issues orders to active duty personnel) is no longer the enemy with all the power, because no matter what destination is stamped on your orders, you know in your core that you are being sent by a higher power. And unlike the movers that come and go in the blink of an eye, this leader never leaves you, your children, or your spouse.
April 5, 2019
Wow! Such good wisdom contained within this book. It has really given me a lot to think about. Highly recommend for anyone trying to figure out how to love their community the way that Jesus taught us.
December 31, 2018
Reviewed for Hope by the Book: https://www.hopebythebook.com/blog1/2...
February 27, 2020
A meaningful book on living sent.
Shauna reminds us that God is involved in our lives. She encourages us to wake up to God’s vision for were we live. She share starting points, welcome mats, essentials to have - walking shoes, seeing eyes, listening ears, compassion stickers.
She shared how we are to make living sent a lifestyle and how to be a dweller of purpose. She ends with the Hope of Living sent. She gives supporting Scripture passages in each chapter. Shauna uses her questions, her life experiences and those of others & prayers in an easy to read story telling format. We are all “dwellers”. We have stories that need to be shared. She encourages us to live in real life with the people we encounter each day.
Encouragement for anyone who desires to connect with people in their neighborhood, community and around the world.
November 22, 2024
This book was right up my alley! Being mission's minded and intentional about where you live should not be an uncommon thing. How cities would be different if every Jesus follower actually followed Jesus into their very own streets. From local outreach, to community events, to prayer walks, to specifically seeking out relationships, to purposefully choosing to frequent places so you can become more than acquaintances....this stuff should be the norm for every believer.
May 1, 2023
"When we see that no matter where we live we are still within the Kingdom of God, the moves don't become the dominant factor. What matters is how we invest and contribute and live like we're supposed to be there."
Valuable topic, 3 star book. Don't need to wait to read it before having conversations about where you're living and how you're living!
Valuable topic, 3 star book. Don't need to wait to read it before having conversations about where you're living and how you're living!
April 9, 2019
This book was filled with little nuggets of wisdom and practical advice about loving where you live and intentionally living "sent." It was a powerful reminder that none of us are anywhere by chance, but God desires to use us in the place we are to show His love. I enjoyed the personal antecodotes as well as the practical tips. I did find the book to be largely city-oriented.
February 12, 2021
Helpful for people who want to live in a mission all way where they live. Reminded me of the value of loving the people in my city, even if it may not be where I want to be
September 5, 2023
Very practical and encouraging. I would recommend this to any believer. Must read.
June 29, 2019
I like the topic, but it didn't have enough depth. It had a sort of chummy feel.
November 6, 2023
Such a great book! Conversationally written, while still having gold in every sentence. Very practical and challenging to our norm of going about our days in our own little worlds. Reminded me that I’m not the point.
January 16, 2019
Do you love where you live? It's a great question and one we all should ponder. In her wonderful and inspiring new book love where you live, Shauna Pilgreen reminds us that we are EXACTLY where God wants us to be, right here, right now.
I confess I sometimes look around my house, my street, my town, and think, "ugh, I wish this place was more like this or more like that." I can easily look at my work, my plans, my kids' school, my community and say, "if only . . . “ But "if only" is a dangerous place to live.
I think I do "live sent" in my sphere, to some extent. But I think I can do it more, do it better, . . . and do it in more creative ways. And that's where this book and its message get exciting: Shauna shows us the creativity of God and how he loves to use our gifts, talents, and interests to naturally propel us into places and spaces where we can serve him and LOVE people.
Shauna reminds us that when we start to see the people around us as God's workmanship AND begin to see that we are God's workers, given a certain longitude and latitude for our own special Kingdom work, our perspective changes. We start to see that we are living in a specific time and place for a specific reason.
Shauna tells her own story beautifully, and I really related to her story. This book packs a big punch with conviction, encouragement, and plenty of testimony. Shauna's stories are raw and personal; it's like she's talking to you one-on-one. She shares from the heart, and I could see myself and my own attitudes mirrored in hers.
"Living sent" is something we're all called to do as Christians . . . and it's hard, uncomfortable, and even inconvenient at times . . . whether you are moving to a new city or living in the same place you've been for decades. Truly loving where we live (and who we live alongside) isn't always easy.
If you want to live a life with more purpose and creativity, if you want to be part of living for Christ, sharing your faith practically, loving others personally, and truly living "on mission," then this is the book for you. It's full of stories, practical tips, biblical examples, and creative inspiration. Shauna gets you moving in the most surprising and fun ways!
I confess I sometimes look around my house, my street, my town, and think, "ugh, I wish this place was more like this or more like that." I can easily look at my work, my plans, my kids' school, my community and say, "if only . . . “ But "if only" is a dangerous place to live.
I think I do "live sent" in my sphere, to some extent. But I think I can do it more, do it better, . . . and do it in more creative ways. And that's where this book and its message get exciting: Shauna shows us the creativity of God and how he loves to use our gifts, talents, and interests to naturally propel us into places and spaces where we can serve him and LOVE people.
Shauna reminds us that when we start to see the people around us as God's workmanship AND begin to see that we are God's workers, given a certain longitude and latitude for our own special Kingdom work, our perspective changes. We start to see that we are living in a specific time and place for a specific reason.
Shauna tells her own story beautifully, and I really related to her story. This book packs a big punch with conviction, encouragement, and plenty of testimony. Shauna's stories are raw and personal; it's like she's talking to you one-on-one. She shares from the heart, and I could see myself and my own attitudes mirrored in hers.
"Living sent" is something we're all called to do as Christians . . . and it's hard, uncomfortable, and even inconvenient at times . . . whether you are moving to a new city or living in the same place you've been for decades. Truly loving where we live (and who we live alongside) isn't always easy.
If you want to live a life with more purpose and creativity, if you want to be part of living for Christ, sharing your faith practically, loving others personally, and truly living "on mission," then this is the book for you. It's full of stories, practical tips, biblical examples, and creative inspiration. Shauna gets you moving in the most surprising and fun ways!
January 7, 2019
This book will make you think about where you live in a new light. Rather than taking your neighbours and streets for granted, Pilgreen challenges you to live with intentionality and purpose wherever you find yourself living right now. Whether you wanted to move to your current address or not, Pilgreen asserts that you are there for a reason. She offers thoughtful questions and interesting stories from her own life about moving to San Francisco and all the joys and challenges of raising kids in a large city. Pilgreen offers practical suggestions and new ways to love your city.
December 31, 2022
Love where you live is an invitation to live the way of life that Jesus lived. Shauna gives us practical ways to connect and love the people in your community. She uses her experiences to give us insight on how we can stop living on the side lines and get into the action. We are called to love others as God loves us.
December 27, 2019
Fantastic book filled with practical advice on how to recognize your place of residence as your calling and learn to truly love it.
April 10, 2019
"Love Where You Live: How to Live Sent in the Place You Call Home" is a book about home, community, and missional living, written by Shauna Pilgreen, a pastor's wife, mother of four, and small town girl now living in San Francisco. Pilgreen discusses the importance of place and putting down roots wherever you are, of investing in your community and culture, of intentionally loving and meeting the needs of people around you, and of building relationships and taking opportunities to share the hope of the Gospel. She includes some personal anecdotes, as well as various friends' and acquaintances' stories and experiences, and touches on practical ways to reach out to your neighbors and influence your neighborhood. While there are undertones of social justice issues at times, this book stays focused more personally on how each of us as individuals can love and serve the people we come in contact with on a regular basis.
I appreciated that "Love Where You Live" challenged my comfort zone when it comes to being "in the world." While I don't envision my family moving to a big city to plant a church, as the Pilgreens did, I know that no matter where I am, there are hurting and struggling people in my neighborhood, and I should lean into how God may be calling me to be His hands and feet, rather than shying away from the brokenness of this world. Beyond that, though, I had a hard time staying engaged with "Love Where You Live," because it was quite wordy and more abstract philosophizing than substantive real-life details and practical application. I wish I could sit down with Pilgreen and get into some "nitty-gritty"! On another note, I also wish Pilgreen had dug a little deeper when it came to parenting: it often seemed as though she was somewhat lackadaisical about what she was exposing her kids to, and while I wouldn't ever claim she's careless, I would have appreciated if she gave some clarification on how she guards her children's hearts and minds via eyes and ears (or, I suppose, otherwise, why she doesn't think it is important to do so).
Overall, "Love Where You Live" is a book that will likely challenge you to move beyond your comfort zone (though I wouldn't necessarily agree with Pilgreen that you should move if your life seems "comfortable") and think outside the box to show Christ's love to others (though you don't necessarily need to look far or do anything radical, unless you're looking for ideas, and in that case you'll probably need to look farther than the pages of this book). Whether you live surrounded by corn fields, mountains, suburban developments, or skyscrapers, God has you in a specific place "for such a time as this." Consider your strengths and talents, your sphere of influence, and how and who you can bless or help today . . . you may never realize just how much a small gesture or friendly smile, let alone a conversation or relationship, means in the scope of eternity.
Disclaimer: This book was received for free from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, in exchange for my honest review. Note as with all reviews and references, I do not necessarily agree with (or am even aware of) any or all of the beliefs, views, etc. of the author; please read my disclaimer here.
I appreciated that "Love Where You Live" challenged my comfort zone when it comes to being "in the world." While I don't envision my family moving to a big city to plant a church, as the Pilgreens did, I know that no matter where I am, there are hurting and struggling people in my neighborhood, and I should lean into how God may be calling me to be His hands and feet, rather than shying away from the brokenness of this world. Beyond that, though, I had a hard time staying engaged with "Love Where You Live," because it was quite wordy and more abstract philosophizing than substantive real-life details and practical application. I wish I could sit down with Pilgreen and get into some "nitty-gritty"! On another note, I also wish Pilgreen had dug a little deeper when it came to parenting: it often seemed as though she was somewhat lackadaisical about what she was exposing her kids to, and while I wouldn't ever claim she's careless, I would have appreciated if she gave some clarification on how she guards her children's hearts and minds via eyes and ears (or, I suppose, otherwise, why she doesn't think it is important to do so).
Overall, "Love Where You Live" is a book that will likely challenge you to move beyond your comfort zone (though I wouldn't necessarily agree with Pilgreen that you should move if your life seems "comfortable") and think outside the box to show Christ's love to others (though you don't necessarily need to look far or do anything radical, unless you're looking for ideas, and in that case you'll probably need to look farther than the pages of this book). Whether you live surrounded by corn fields, mountains, suburban developments, or skyscrapers, God has you in a specific place "for such a time as this." Consider your strengths and talents, your sphere of influence, and how and who you can bless or help today . . . you may never realize just how much a small gesture or friendly smile, let alone a conversation or relationship, means in the scope of eternity.
Disclaimer: This book was received for free from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, in exchange for my honest review. Note as with all reviews and references, I do not necessarily agree with (or am even aware of) any or all of the beliefs, views, etc. of the author; please read my disclaimer here.
January 26, 2019
My husband and I talk about moving from time to time. We’ve lived in the same place for the last 9 years. Growing up, I moved almost every 2 to 3 years until my parents finally settled down to where they live today. I was almost getting used to moving and expected it. Sometimes, I still do! There are things about where we live that I really struggle with. The busyness, the people, the lack of jobs, you name it. Again, moving seems to be the easy way out. But will moving make the difference that I’m looking for?
With these struggling thoughts, I felt very compelled to jump on the opportunity to read “Love Where You Live”, all thanks to Revel for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Synopsis from Goodreads: Despite being part of one of the most mobile societies in history, it’s easy for us to feel stuck where we are. Whether because of a recent move or because we’re still in the exact same place we’ve been for years, many of us just aren’t where we thought we’d be or doing what we thought we’d be doing. Sometimes we may wonder if God knows what he’s doing. How can this be part of his plan? With enthusiasm and contagious joy, Shauna Pilgreen assures readers that, yes, God does have a plan and a purpose for them–right where they are. In fact, he sent them there. She invites readers to “live sent,” showing them how to see their surroundings with fresh eyes and renewed energy. Weaving her own remarkable story with biblical habits readers can incorporate into their daily routines, Pilgreen equips us to reach out into our communities with God’s love, knowing that our efforts are never in vain.
Shauna is an extremely talented writer. I felt as if I was sitting right next to her, chatting about our life over a cup of coffee. She writes with eye-opening wisdom and never tries to convince you of believing one specific thing over another. Reading this showed me that we matter no matter where we live. We are meant to be there for a reason. Her stories from her own lifetime help encourage you to make relationships with people you may not have thought would be fruitful. God will meet you where you are at. If you struggle with even that thought, Shauna encourages you to lean into Him. He is our shelter. This was a refreshing read and something I really needed to hear at just the right time.
5/5 Stars
From my blog and instagram account @livereadandprosper
With these struggling thoughts, I felt very compelled to jump on the opportunity to read “Love Where You Live”, all thanks to Revel for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Synopsis from Goodreads: Despite being part of one of the most mobile societies in history, it’s easy for us to feel stuck where we are. Whether because of a recent move or because we’re still in the exact same place we’ve been for years, many of us just aren’t where we thought we’d be or doing what we thought we’d be doing. Sometimes we may wonder if God knows what he’s doing. How can this be part of his plan? With enthusiasm and contagious joy, Shauna Pilgreen assures readers that, yes, God does have a plan and a purpose for them–right where they are. In fact, he sent them there. She invites readers to “live sent,” showing them how to see their surroundings with fresh eyes and renewed energy. Weaving her own remarkable story with biblical habits readers can incorporate into their daily routines, Pilgreen equips us to reach out into our communities with God’s love, knowing that our efforts are never in vain.
Shauna is an extremely talented writer. I felt as if I was sitting right next to her, chatting about our life over a cup of coffee. She writes with eye-opening wisdom and never tries to convince you of believing one specific thing over another. Reading this showed me that we matter no matter where we live. We are meant to be there for a reason. Her stories from her own lifetime help encourage you to make relationships with people you may not have thought would be fruitful. God will meet you where you are at. If you struggle with even that thought, Shauna encourages you to lean into Him. He is our shelter. This was a refreshing read and something I really needed to hear at just the right time.
5/5 Stars
From my blog and instagram account @livereadandprosper
January 30, 2019
Somewhat practical in theory, but impractical in application
In her new book, “Love Where You Live: How to Live Sent in the Place You Call Home,” Shauna Pilgreen lays out a plan for basically blooming where you’re planted as far as reaching out to the people in your neighborhood and vicinity.
Published by Revell Reads, her 272-page book, however, is not so much about loving where you live or living sent as it is doing “the work of an evangelist” to “fulfill your ministry” (2 Tim. 4:5) Throughout the book, she didn’t exactly seem to be loving where she was supposedly sent.
Written like a series of journal entries, Pilgreen seems to be someone who was just fulfilling an obligation rather than actually having a genuine love for her chosen city of San Francisco.
The truth is, not everyone is called to do (or will even want to do) lifestyle evangelism this way. Yes, we are to bloom where we are planted. But unless the reader has a major paradigm shift in their thinking about what is means to “live sent,” most people won’t feel the need to “live sent.”
In addition, most people are not going to completely downsize or uproot their lives to “live sent.” Although her book is somewhat practical in theory, it’s extremely impractical in application because most readers will not have the desire nor share the call to “live sent.”
In fact, Pilgreen’s book may even unintentionally instill a certain level of guilt with readers who don’t share her passion. After all, it’s a nice concept, but not everyone will share the vision – especially if they are already doing the will of God right where they are.
While her book is well-written and often thought-provoking, her story is not very relatable because it’s not going to be everyone’s story – or calling. If she and her family feel called to “live sent,” that’s great. But to assume that every Christian to follow in their footsteps is a very tall order – and a very unrealistic, if not, naïve expectation.
I gave the book a 3 out of 5 stars.
Full disclosure: In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, I received this book free through the Bloggers Program of Revell Reads, a division of Baker Books. My opinions are my own and I wasn’t required to write a positive review.
© 2019 by Doug S., M.A.
In her new book, “Love Where You Live: How to Live Sent in the Place You Call Home,” Shauna Pilgreen lays out a plan for basically blooming where you’re planted as far as reaching out to the people in your neighborhood and vicinity.
Published by Revell Reads, her 272-page book, however, is not so much about loving where you live or living sent as it is doing “the work of an evangelist” to “fulfill your ministry” (2 Tim. 4:5) Throughout the book, she didn’t exactly seem to be loving where she was supposedly sent.
Written like a series of journal entries, Pilgreen seems to be someone who was just fulfilling an obligation rather than actually having a genuine love for her chosen city of San Francisco.
The truth is, not everyone is called to do (or will even want to do) lifestyle evangelism this way. Yes, we are to bloom where we are planted. But unless the reader has a major paradigm shift in their thinking about what is means to “live sent,” most people won’t feel the need to “live sent.”
In addition, most people are not going to completely downsize or uproot their lives to “live sent.” Although her book is somewhat practical in theory, it’s extremely impractical in application because most readers will not have the desire nor share the call to “live sent.”
In fact, Pilgreen’s book may even unintentionally instill a certain level of guilt with readers who don’t share her passion. After all, it’s a nice concept, but not everyone will share the vision – especially if they are already doing the will of God right where they are.
While her book is well-written and often thought-provoking, her story is not very relatable because it’s not going to be everyone’s story – or calling. If she and her family feel called to “live sent,” that’s great. But to assume that every Christian to follow in their footsteps is a very tall order – and a very unrealistic, if not, naïve expectation.
I gave the book a 3 out of 5 stars.
Full disclosure: In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, I received this book free through the Bloggers Program of Revell Reads, a division of Baker Books. My opinions are my own and I wasn’t required to write a positive review.
© 2019 by Doug S., M.A.
October 11, 2020
“For we are storybooks contained in flesh personified.” ~ Shauna Pilgreen
What do you love about your town? What bothers you? What would you change? What seems just right?
These are raw and honest questions that Shauna Pilgreen asks her readers at the opening of her debut book, “Love Where You Live: How to Live Sent in the Place You Call Home.”
Right from the start, this book is going to challenge you to not just absorb information passively, but to actively wrestle with these questions as you explore how to find your God-given purpose in the place you call home. Shauna will be your guide and will offer you some practical ways to start living sent right now, right where you are.
So what does it mean to “live sent?” Shauna summarizes it this way: “Doing what you were created to do, in your current season of life, in the place you live—this is living sent. To live like you’re supposed to be there, not like you’re just passing through.”
I can’t tell you how much this book resonates with me. As someone who has a track record of chasing greener pastures, I have struggled all my life to figure out why I am where I am and how to make the most of my time there. If you can relate, this book will help you to reorient your “What’s in it for me?” mentality to one of “How can I leave my unique footprint here?”
Maybe you’ve lived in the same community your entire life and have settled into a comfortable routine. Shauna will show you how to leverage your familiarity with your neighbors, your streets, and your town’s culture in order to invite people into deeper relationships and meaningful encounters—ones that transcend surface-level interactions and enter soul-transforming territory.
Regardless of your location or your circumstances, you have an important part to play in your community. Your contributions matter. “Love Where You Live” can be a great starting point for discovering the role that only you can fill. The powerful testimonies shared in these pages will not only inspire you, they will empower you to start living sent today.
What do you love about your town? What bothers you? What would you change? What seems just right?
These are raw and honest questions that Shauna Pilgreen asks her readers at the opening of her debut book, “Love Where You Live: How to Live Sent in the Place You Call Home.”
Right from the start, this book is going to challenge you to not just absorb information passively, but to actively wrestle with these questions as you explore how to find your God-given purpose in the place you call home. Shauna will be your guide and will offer you some practical ways to start living sent right now, right where you are.
So what does it mean to “live sent?” Shauna summarizes it this way: “Doing what you were created to do, in your current season of life, in the place you live—this is living sent. To live like you’re supposed to be there, not like you’re just passing through.”
I can’t tell you how much this book resonates with me. As someone who has a track record of chasing greener pastures, I have struggled all my life to figure out why I am where I am and how to make the most of my time there. If you can relate, this book will help you to reorient your “What’s in it for me?” mentality to one of “How can I leave my unique footprint here?”
Maybe you’ve lived in the same community your entire life and have settled into a comfortable routine. Shauna will show you how to leverage your familiarity with your neighbors, your streets, and your town’s culture in order to invite people into deeper relationships and meaningful encounters—ones that transcend surface-level interactions and enter soul-transforming territory.
Regardless of your location or your circumstances, you have an important part to play in your community. Your contributions matter. “Love Where You Live” can be a great starting point for discovering the role that only you can fill. The powerful testimonies shared in these pages will not only inspire you, they will empower you to start living sent today.
February 17, 2019
In Love Where You Live, Pilgreen tells the tale of her family’s move to San Francisco to start a church. As a person who spent much of her life in a town with six traffic lights, this was quite a change for her. Pilgreen encourages her readers to start connecting with the persons in their communities—wherever they may be—as this is a part of the commission God has for them. She gives snapshots from her experiences and others she has come in contact with while interspersing it with Bible teachings.
Know God: Throughout Love Where You Live, Pilgreen refers to God as the sending God. I like this reminder because many times we acknowledge that God calls people but we don’t focus so much on the fact that He sends them as well.
Know yourself: Pilgreen was very transparent about some of her reactions to the persons and situations she came in contact with and readers are invited to do the same.
Run your race: To live sent is an invitation to every believer. Each person should do their part to show the love of Jesus to the persons they come in contact with most often—their neighbors, service providers and even those at their local gym.
I understand what Pilgreen was trying to do in Love Where You Live—she was trying to get us excited about connecting with the persons whose lives intersect with ours—but I felt this would have been better as a documentary.
As a film, I would have been able to walk the streets and meet the people as she invited her readers to. Instead, I felt like a voyeur looking at an overexcited person who was sharing about her exotic vacation by flashing a thousand pictures and reeling off sometimes disconnected stories. Even though this was a retelling of her story, it felt impersonal and philosophical and at times I was left with more questions than answers.
I enjoyed the dweller tips at the end of each chapter and did pick up a few tips that I look forward to implementing.
Thanks to Baker Books who provided a copy as part of the Revell Reads Program.
Know God: Throughout Love Where You Live, Pilgreen refers to God as the sending God. I like this reminder because many times we acknowledge that God calls people but we don’t focus so much on the fact that He sends them as well.
Know yourself: Pilgreen was very transparent about some of her reactions to the persons and situations she came in contact with and readers are invited to do the same.
Run your race: To live sent is an invitation to every believer. Each person should do their part to show the love of Jesus to the persons they come in contact with most often—their neighbors, service providers and even those at their local gym.
I understand what Pilgreen was trying to do in Love Where You Live—she was trying to get us excited about connecting with the persons whose lives intersect with ours—but I felt this would have been better as a documentary.
As a film, I would have been able to walk the streets and meet the people as she invited her readers to. Instead, I felt like a voyeur looking at an overexcited person who was sharing about her exotic vacation by flashing a thousand pictures and reeling off sometimes disconnected stories. Even though this was a retelling of her story, it felt impersonal and philosophical and at times I was left with more questions than answers.
I enjoyed the dweller tips at the end of each chapter and did pick up a few tips that I look forward to implementing.
Thanks to Baker Books who provided a copy as part of the Revell Reads Program.
February 10, 2019
This book is a trumpet call to all believers in Jesus Christ everywhere to heed His Great Commission. It is a story of not just looking for a mission field, but to see the mission field where you live, whether it be in a rural area or a large city. The author begins by saying that she was from a small town in the Midwest and was happily ensconced there with her family. But God called her and her family to live in San Francisco, a big city with a lot of problems. So, from her experience, she penned this book that is an encouragement for all Christians to live in a way that you are a missionary wherever you call home. You may never get to visit a foreign missions field, but the author states emphatically that you are to get to know your neighborhood and your neighbors, whoever they are, and let them know that Jesus loves them. You are to live in such a way that others see Jesus in you. Through a series of tales of her life as a “sent believer”, the author shows us how possible it is to “Live Sent in the Place You Call Home.” This was one of the best books that I have read to help believers to feel a purpose right where they are and to accept where God has placed us as His place for us right now and in this time. I would highly recommend this book to all Christians everywhere, especially those who feel as if they are not doing work for the Lord. Yes, you are and yes, you can! That is the message of this book, and it is forthright and challenging in its honesty.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
February 5, 2019
I want to say for Shauna Pilgreen's book Love Where You Live is an intentional book about loving others as God first loved us. It's every page is littered with thought provoking and ground-breaking thoughts that support scripture, such as where Paul says, "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things" (1 Corinthians 13:4-7, New King James).
What's interesting to me is that since this is Shauna's first book and they have been at work loving others in San Francisco I see a woman who has God first in her life. She provides glaring examples of her faith and putting her feet where her faith belongs in terms of being called "Sent" as Abraham had been. She was born a pastor's daughter raised in rural Georgia, and by the time she was married lived in the Midwest with pastor/husband Ben Pilgreen.
From what it looks to me from Epic Church's website and the fact the Church was planted in San Francisco in 2011, it seems vibrant, healthy and a wonderful organism in loving people where you are. While it is my goal and desire to live the way Jesus would have me to do, I'm glad two loving people such as Ben and Shauna living their lives as God calls them to in such a missionary and loving, intentional way. May God bless them even more for upholding Him in their every day lives as well as in reaching and teaching others.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell to give it an honest and fair review.
What's interesting to me is that since this is Shauna's first book and they have been at work loving others in San Francisco I see a woman who has God first in her life. She provides glaring examples of her faith and putting her feet where her faith belongs in terms of being called "Sent" as Abraham had been. She was born a pastor's daughter raised in rural Georgia, and by the time she was married lived in the Midwest with pastor/husband Ben Pilgreen.
From what it looks to me from Epic Church's website and the fact the Church was planted in San Francisco in 2011, it seems vibrant, healthy and a wonderful organism in loving people where you are. While it is my goal and desire to live the way Jesus would have me to do, I'm glad two loving people such as Ben and Shauna living their lives as God calls them to in such a missionary and loving, intentional way. May God bless them even more for upholding Him in their every day lives as well as in reaching and teaching others.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell to give it an honest and fair review.
March 25, 2019
"What we do in our land is what the next generation will inherit. What is seen and unseen. What we build, shape, and create will be what others step into."
Sobering words they are. What legacy am I leaving? What faith journey am I writing for others to read and follow? Shauna and her pastor husband left family and comfort in the Midwest and moved to San Francisco to start a church. Now she is surrounded by concrete and people and working to reach out and touch lives where ever she goes. They work to make their home a hub for their community, a safe place for people to go.
Shauna says to do this you need seeing eyes and listening ears. These eyes and ears must first look up and listen to the True Voice then they will be able to see out to the needs and hear the stories being told all around them. Be willing to step out of your comfort zone to reach out.
And probably the chapter that challenged me the most because of the timing in which I read it was on intercessory prayer. Pray for the people around you, really see them, and pray. They pray on the way to school every morning and since they go the same way every day at the same time, they have learned to recognize a lot of people, some names they know, others they make up, but they pray for them. And they may never know what their prayers did in the lives of these people and that is the challenge to me---to keep praying regardless, to increase in praying for those around me.
I really liked this book, it was challenging. In some ways, it's a lot harder to put into practice living in a rural neighborhood and in other ways, it should be easier because there are fewer people to focus on, yet it's so hard to go outside my comfort zone.
I received this book from Revell and was not required to write a positive review.
Sobering words they are. What legacy am I leaving? What faith journey am I writing for others to read and follow? Shauna and her pastor husband left family and comfort in the Midwest and moved to San Francisco to start a church. Now she is surrounded by concrete and people and working to reach out and touch lives where ever she goes. They work to make their home a hub for their community, a safe place for people to go.
Shauna says to do this you need seeing eyes and listening ears. These eyes and ears must first look up and listen to the True Voice then they will be able to see out to the needs and hear the stories being told all around them. Be willing to step out of your comfort zone to reach out.
And probably the chapter that challenged me the most because of the timing in which I read it was on intercessory prayer. Pray for the people around you, really see them, and pray. They pray on the way to school every morning and since they go the same way every day at the same time, they have learned to recognize a lot of people, some names they know, others they make up, but they pray for them. And they may never know what their prayers did in the lives of these people and that is the challenge to me---to keep praying regardless, to increase in praying for those around me.
I really liked this book, it was challenging. In some ways, it's a lot harder to put into practice living in a rural neighborhood and in other ways, it should be easier because there are fewer people to focus on, yet it's so hard to go outside my comfort zone.
I received this book from Revell and was not required to write a positive review.
January 25, 2019
Shauna Pilgreen's "Love Where You Live" reads more like an autobiography of Pilgreen's experience of following where God leads and finding a way of acceptance and enjoyment. Raised in Georgia, she and her husband moved to the Midwest where he served as a pastor, and she grew comfortable in the role of pastor's wife and mother to their three small children.
When God calls her husband to start a church in downtown San Francisco, Pilgreen had to find a new normal out of her comfort zone. "Love Where You Live" chronicles her journey to loving the big city and the people who live there.
Throughout the book, Pilgreen offers ways we can enjoy serving God where we are. It is not a story about loving where you live. It is a testimony of living out your calling.
I had a difficult time identifying with the book because I didn't relate to her story. Pilgreen's suggestions are more than just taking you out of your comfort zone and introverts will find it insensitive and off-putting. However, interacting with your community is a great way to stay connected and see the needs around you.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, and Interviews and Reviews, as part of their Book Review Blogger Program. I was not required to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
When God calls her husband to start a church in downtown San Francisco, Pilgreen had to find a new normal out of her comfort zone. "Love Where You Live" chronicles her journey to loving the big city and the people who live there.
Throughout the book, Pilgreen offers ways we can enjoy serving God where we are. It is not a story about loving where you live. It is a testimony of living out your calling.
I had a difficult time identifying with the book because I didn't relate to her story. Pilgreen's suggestions are more than just taking you out of your comfort zone and introverts will find it insensitive and off-putting. However, interacting with your community is a great way to stay connected and see the needs around you.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, and Interviews and Reviews, as part of their Book Review Blogger Program. I was not required to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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