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Shining Like the Sun: Seven Mindful Practices for Rekindling Your Faith
Shining like the Sun offers seven mindful practices--attentiveness, ordinariness, simplicity, rhythms, conversation, delight, and restoration--that guide readers to wake up to God as a living reality and to come alive in their bodies, minds, hearts, and deep in their souls. Through stories that illuminate each practice, simple observations, and tangible suggestions for how to embody each practice, readers will discover that God is hidden deep inside their own being. Whether changing diapers, stuck in traffic, or enjoying a glass of wine, we can touch God in any ordinary moment. We can always come alive. Written from a primarily Christian perspective, it draws from a variety of sources from the major world religions and will appeal to anyone who wants to cultivate mindfulness to get in touch with God as a living reality.
- GenresSpirituality
174 pages, Paperback
Published April 7, 2020
23 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
January 4, 2020
I have followed Steve Wiens for a long time, and he has never failed to open my eyes to things I have missed, things right there in front of me. In his book Whole, I followed him into the idea that I could find myself in many places in scripture—not just in the Prodigal son, but also in the older brother; not only in the people of Israel crying out for freedom, but also in Pharoh’s heart-hardening. When I listen to his podcast, I follow him into new ideas of faith and love and stillness. I would follow Steve Wiens anywhere. In Shining Like the Sun, he asks us to follow him on a search for God. Sign me up.
April 5, 2020
I’ve been listening to Steve’s podcasts for a while now and when I hear of his 3rd book, I was so excited. His first two books touched my heart in ways I had no idea that they would. This book has helped me become more accountable to things that I would negate in my personal life as well as in my spiritual life without even realizing that that is what I was doing. This book has helped me become more atoned to the things in my life, in my community, and within my work life. I, personally, have been through a lot within the last 2 years and this book has helped me become more aware of my emotions and has helped me feel the emotions I need to feel when I need to feel them versus what I was doing which was pushing them down and dealing with them at a later date.
I highly recommend this book. You don’t need to read his other books or even listen to his podcasts to fully understand the deeper meaning that Steve is getting across in this book. By reading this book, you may finish the book with a better understanding of yourself, your family, your church, and possibly even your community.
I highly recommend this book. You don’t need to read his other books or even listen to his podcasts to fully understand the deeper meaning that Steve is getting across in this book. By reading this book, you may finish the book with a better understanding of yourself, your family, your church, and possibly even your community.
April 16, 2020
I love the simple, ordinary approach to mindfulness that Wiens shares in Shining Like the Sun. It really strips away any performance-centered thinking. But it doesn't strip away so much that there is nothing to do. He gives us practical steps to take to help us in our journey to be our authentic selves.
April 7, 2020
When life slows down, or for that matter slows me down...it takes some time for my body and spirit to play catch up.
So reading this book, is perfect timing. Wiens writes "I don't want to live off the grid, but I do want to be able to reclaim where my grid ends and where everybody else's grid begins. I need to touch my edges"
The words, poems and stories like that illustrated in 7 spiritual practices are beginning to ground me in a disorienting season.
As with Wiens' other two books, this one is carefully structured to be relevant, and accessible. I felt his stories resonating to my own, the practices felt simple to explore and have helped me discover the Divine in my daily life.
So reading this book, is perfect timing. Wiens writes "I don't want to live off the grid, but I do want to be able to reclaim where my grid ends and where everybody else's grid begins. I need to touch my edges"
The words, poems and stories like that illustrated in 7 spiritual practices are beginning to ground me in a disorienting season.
As with Wiens' other two books, this one is carefully structured to be relevant, and accessible. I felt his stories resonating to my own, the practices felt simple to explore and have helped me discover the Divine in my daily life.
April 6, 2020
As I read Shining Like the Sun, I found myself wavering between wanting to devour its pages and savor it slowly. The author’s storytelling, unique perspective, and knowledge made it difficult to put the book down. At the same time, I wanted to try each practice I was invited into—to really sit in them and allow them to show me something new about myself, the people around me, and God. So in the end, I’ll do both. I couldn’t stop reading, and I know I’ll be back again and again—taking the time to “practice” the practices.
April 2, 2020
What a timely book for a time such as this! What a timely book for me as my faith is expanding, yet slowing down to enjoy God and people more. My pink highlighter danced over many sentences to ponder and savor! Wiens crafts a book of simple practices based on his widely-read past and I felt like he was taking my hand, leading me to a richer life with God and my fellow humans on this earth. He helped sharpen my awareness of my connectedness to humanity through God not just in my mind but right into my heart as Wiens reminded we are all this Big Life together. This will become a reference book for me as I go back to the dog-eared pages of "Learning to Ask Better Questions, Saying No to Wasted Time, Honoring the Holiness of the Moment" and many more! A great book with which to Shelter In Place!
March 23, 2020
At the beginning of the year I decided to be intentional with listening to variety of voices from a variety of backgrounds and angles. I signed up for two book launches with that intent. I read quite a variety on my own, but try not to recommend books that some in my sphere of influence may have trouble taking the meat and spitting out the bones. I knew that that this author came from a bit more liberal leaning in theology and was a little looser with language. All that to say I was still excited to read this book and glean truth that I knew would be found in it. I was not disappointed. I feel like my thoughts on these various practices and this journey of deepening in communion with God was strengthened and given a clearer more beautiful view.
The timing of these practices is perfect as we enter into a season of unknown and unprecedented time of home boundness. Practices such as Attentiveness, Ordinariness, Simplicity, Rhythm, Conversation, Delight, and Restoration are so perfect to hone in on as we all are spending extra time in our own personal space trying to do ordinary life in such an extraordinary time. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a deepening of ordinary life, for those looking to connect on a deeper, yet simpler level.
This book is certainly a tool to help one have better vision of God, others, and life. I am thankful for the opportunity to read an advanced copy from Fortress Press and to promote this book and this soul, Steve Wiens, who is a lover of God, others, and life.
The timing of these practices is perfect as we enter into a season of unknown and unprecedented time of home boundness. Practices such as Attentiveness, Ordinariness, Simplicity, Rhythm, Conversation, Delight, and Restoration are so perfect to hone in on as we all are spending extra time in our own personal space trying to do ordinary life in such an extraordinary time. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a deepening of ordinary life, for those looking to connect on a deeper, yet simpler level.
This book is certainly a tool to help one have better vision of God, others, and life. I am thankful for the opportunity to read an advanced copy from Fortress Press and to promote this book and this soul, Steve Wiens, who is a lover of God, others, and life.
March 27, 2020
My faith is a very important part of my life. This book addresses different ways to experience God. It’s very readable with ways to do some faith practices that will enlarge your ways of experiencing God. I highly recommend it in this time of scary viruses and feeling out of control.
April 14, 2020
I have been waiting for a book like this for a long time. Wiens has a way of inviting us into a re-engaged spirituality that feels real, safe, expansive and rich. His language, humor, depth of knowledge and practicality are approachable -- turning the ordinary into the divine and restoring delight to this thing we call faith. I highly recommend this book to anyone... especially those who struggle with God, the church or religion in general. I found myself breathing deeper and enjoying the mystery yet presence of God in our midst.
April 8, 2020
I will be re-reading my dog-eared copy of this book for quite a while. I mean, the very first paragraph might say it all:
“Well, here you are, reading a book about rekindling your faith, for God’s sake, despite the fact that you’ve long since lost the scent, despite the church and its foul theology, despite your worn-out eureka moments having long since expired. Maybe the only thing you know for sure is that some essential something has gone missing, and you’re willing to look anywhere to find it. You keep trying to find God because there really are things you still want from God, and that desire is perhaps the most glorious thing about you.”
Steve’s book brims with paradoxical practices that don’t ask me to do more than I’m already doing but instead invite me to stop. Pause. Listen. Feel. Hear. Risk. Reach. Believe. And hope.
This book feels like a roadmap back to where God really is, and who I truly am.
#ShiningLikeTheSun
“Well, here you are, reading a book about rekindling your faith, for God’s sake, despite the fact that you’ve long since lost the scent, despite the church and its foul theology, despite your worn-out eureka moments having long since expired. Maybe the only thing you know for sure is that some essential something has gone missing, and you’re willing to look anywhere to find it. You keep trying to find God because there really are things you still want from God, and that desire is perhaps the most glorious thing about you.”
Steve’s book brims with paradoxical practices that don’t ask me to do more than I’m already doing but instead invite me to stop. Pause. Listen. Feel. Hear. Risk. Reach. Believe. And hope.
This book feels like a roadmap back to where God really is, and who I truly am.
#ShiningLikeTheSun
April 7, 2020
This book arrived at just the right time. In a season where we have all been asked slow down, and change the pace at which we’ve become accustomed. I was sitting outside the other day, reading “Shining Like The Sun” and feeling the warmth upon my skin and a thought came over me. “Right now, everyone in my neighborhood has nowhere to be, except with one another, at our houses.” Taking the time to slow down and care for ourselves and those closest to us is a gift. Steve takes you on a journey, getting us to ask ourselves the hard questions about who we truly are. The seven practices are easy and necessary to help us rekindle our faith and bring us back to our Now.
March 22, 2020
"This book is for anyone to love that moment between letting go and grabbing hold."--Steve Wiens. Reading this book touched on something deep within my soul and brought me to tears. In this time of uncertainty, this book will resonate with those who feel their life is up in the air. Along with well-crafted, warm, and inviting writing, Shining Like the Sun includes practices to help you strengthen experiences in your life such as attentiveness, simplicity, and delight.
April 7, 2020
Shining Like the Sun was a real gift for me. It helped me remember that faith is a living, breathing thing, not meant to be stagnant or “complete.” The book provides seven simple practices that allowed me to learn more about myself, Jesus and the world around me, especially in light of the season we all find ourselves in right now. Wiens urges readers that by listening more, quieting more and choosing to sit in a season (even if it feels uncomfortable), we can find great joy again in our faith.
April 7, 2020
A great read if you want to rekindle your faith in God. I liken it to a modern day "The Practice of the Presence of God" because the author uses 7 mindful practices to help you be more aware of God in the everyday. If you enjoyed Brother Lawrence's writings, you'll appreciate this book as well. I found this very timely for myself considering all that's going on in the world right now.
April 7, 2020
Simple, practical, yet profound. It challenged me in unexpected ways and resonated deeply. I will come back to it over and over again to remind myself the importance of and how to come back and be grounded in "the now" as a helpful and beautiful spiritual experience.
April 8, 2020
The last thing on my to-do list this week was to read a book for pleasure. But these are strange days and I knew I needed to find something to provide a measure of hope or encouragement. Having enjoyed Steve Wiens’ books in the past, I thought at least this was likely to be an enjoyable read.
Pausing for an important aside:
This author has this unique ability to INVITE, to gently offer a question to consider, to open up possibility and wonder. And this is what sets his writings apart from so many other Christian authors I’ve read over the years (those authors tended towards more dogmatic, pragmatic and shaming tones). Pause over.
We are living through an unprecedented time of chaos, disruption and grief. But what a profound time this is to consider the practices the author highlights in this book: attentiveness, ordinariness, simplicity, rhythm, conversation, delight, and restoration. I was expecting an enjoyable book, and what I found with Shining Like the Sun was a timely and deeply encouraging work.
In Shining Like the Sun, Steve Wiens weaves together personal narrative, poetry, Biblical story, and favorite HBO shows with tangible practices for those of us who desire to be more present in our daily lives.
Our household (like so many) is juggling a great deal right now: sheltering in place, working from home, maintaining healthy relationships with one another, helping our first grader play and process and engage in distance learning. By the time I make it to bed each day I am exhausted, replaying the places where I didn't quite measure up. Last night I remembered the mantra from this book’s chapter on ordinariness: “It’s okay. You’re doing the best you can. My ordinary self doesn’t have to be perfect. God is with me as I am.”
My hope is that as we forge our way through this unknown, we might be able to carry with us the helpful tools laid out in Shining Like the Sun. And in doing so, experience God in a fresh and new way.
Pausing for an important aside:
This author has this unique ability to INVITE, to gently offer a question to consider, to open up possibility and wonder. And this is what sets his writings apart from so many other Christian authors I’ve read over the years (those authors tended towards more dogmatic, pragmatic and shaming tones). Pause over.
We are living through an unprecedented time of chaos, disruption and grief. But what a profound time this is to consider the practices the author highlights in this book: attentiveness, ordinariness, simplicity, rhythm, conversation, delight, and restoration. I was expecting an enjoyable book, and what I found with Shining Like the Sun was a timely and deeply encouraging work.
In Shining Like the Sun, Steve Wiens weaves together personal narrative, poetry, Biblical story, and favorite HBO shows with tangible practices for those of us who desire to be more present in our daily lives.
Our household (like so many) is juggling a great deal right now: sheltering in place, working from home, maintaining healthy relationships with one another, helping our first grader play and process and engage in distance learning. By the time I make it to bed each day I am exhausted, replaying the places where I didn't quite measure up. Last night I remembered the mantra from this book’s chapter on ordinariness: “It’s okay. You’re doing the best you can. My ordinary self doesn’t have to be perfect. God is with me as I am.”
My hope is that as we forge our way through this unknown, we might be able to carry with us the helpful tools laid out in Shining Like the Sun. And in doing so, experience God in a fresh and new way.
April 14, 2020
When I finished reading Steve's book, I cried. I didn't want it to be over. It seemed as if I could feel God's bountiful love embracing me, the reader, from every page. The wrestlings, searching and doubts that often crowd my inner landscape were laid out gently on the pages of this book as we are invited to be with ourselves and God in that often times messy place.
Steve leads us with loving hospitality, to inhabit the stories of Scripture in ways that invite us deeper into the mystery of what it means to seen by God.
This is a book about how to find God, when it has been hard, and the rules change, and when we have maybe been told that we aren't good enough, or we don't come to church enough, or tithe enough, or, or, or..........This is a book about how I can have a loving relationship with God.
There are seven practices that are suggested as time honored spiritual tools that are by design portals to bring us closer to the nearness of God; there in the nearness of God, we may feel a new joy and freedom.
Shining Like the Sun: Seven Mindful Practices for Rekindling Your Faith
Steve leads us with loving hospitality, to inhabit the stories of Scripture in ways that invite us deeper into the mystery of what it means to seen by God.
This is a book about how to find God, when it has been hard, and the rules change, and when we have maybe been told that we aren't good enough, or we don't come to church enough, or tithe enough, or, or, or..........This is a book about how I can have a loving relationship with God.
There are seven practices that are suggested as time honored spiritual tools that are by design portals to bring us closer to the nearness of God; there in the nearness of God, we may feel a new joy and freedom.
Shining Like the Sun: Seven Mindful Practices for Rekindling Your Faith
April 9, 2020
Some writers write the way they talk. Some writers write the way they ARE. I suspect Steve Wiens falls into the second category. This book is such a breath of fresh air. It's so completely approachable and welcoming. And HELPFUL, this book is so helpful. You can feel the author's genuine desire to offer up simple practices to help the reader come home to themselves and their faith.
If you've ever listened to Wiens' podcast, you know that he's an engaging host and a wonderful conversationalist. That very much comes through in the pages of Shining Like The Sun. He is warm, funny, and insightful. I found myself dog-earing page after page so I could return later and read again. Woven in with stories of his own life and the lives of his friends and family are familiar stories from the Bible. What's so enjoyable is the author's ability to turn the story around in his hands like a child with a seashell - marveling at the different ways you can appreciate and learn from stories we've heard so many times that we no longer hear them at all. He approaches it all with wonder and humor.
This book is a delight.
If you've ever listened to Wiens' podcast, you know that he's an engaging host and a wonderful conversationalist. That very much comes through in the pages of Shining Like The Sun. He is warm, funny, and insightful. I found myself dog-earing page after page so I could return later and read again. Woven in with stories of his own life and the lives of his friends and family are familiar stories from the Bible. What's so enjoyable is the author's ability to turn the story around in his hands like a child with a seashell - marveling at the different ways you can appreciate and learn from stories we've heard so many times that we no longer hear them at all. He approaches it all with wonder and humor.
This book is a delight.
April 8, 2020
“When the rhythm of your life forces you to live a lie instead of exposing your soul, you’ll need to get back in sync with the rhythm of the universe so you can remember your song. We all need help getting back in sync with the rhythm of the universe because we all lose the beat from time to time.”
I recently spent 3 days in the cardiac unit of our local hospital, under the care of wonderful doctors and nurses who worked to get my heart back into the right rhythm. It’s crazy how much we need to depend on others to get back in sync, when we find we’ve lost the beat. I happened to have a copy of Shining Like the Sun with me during that hospital stay. Imagine my surprise when I turned to the chapter titled Rhythm and read the above words. I soaked in the words and was comforted and healed by the beauty and truth revealed in each of the seven practices.
Steve Wiens’ new book, Shining Like the Sun, is like that – hitting you right where you are, speaking truth that hits home and helps you remember your song.
I recently spent 3 days in the cardiac unit of our local hospital, under the care of wonderful doctors and nurses who worked to get my heart back into the right rhythm. It’s crazy how much we need to depend on others to get back in sync, when we find we’ve lost the beat. I happened to have a copy of Shining Like the Sun with me during that hospital stay. Imagine my surprise when I turned to the chapter titled Rhythm and read the above words. I soaked in the words and was comforted and healed by the beauty and truth revealed in each of the seven practices.
Steve Wiens’ new book, Shining Like the Sun, is like that – hitting you right where you are, speaking truth that hits home and helps you remember your song.
April 13, 2020
The book takes us through seven practices - attentiveness, ordinariness, simplicity, rhythms, conversation, delight, and restoration - which help us to reconnect with God and ourselves. I love the way that stories, personal experience, scripture and wisdom from other faith traditions are woven together to create a book that is both reflective and practical and brings hope and reassurance. I read a chapter each night of this first week of social distancing and it was the perfect thing for bedtime.
April 8, 2020
One of my favorite things about all of Steve’s books is the masterful way he tells stories. He takes stories I’ve known all my life and turns them on their head with the deliciousness of a Hebrew word, which gives the story new meaning, or he takes the most ubiquitous Bible stories and finds the most beautifully human angle to breathe new life, which brings such a deep level of relatability. “Shining Like the Sun” is no exception. What a timely read. I already want to read it again. I loved the simplicity of the mindful practices, and when I reached the last words on the last page, it spoke to essence of my heart and challenged me to embrace these practices, not just for my own benefit, but for the blessing of opening my eyes to love others as they are, in all their beauty.
April 7, 2020
I read Shining Like the Sun a chapter at a time each morning for a few weeks, then went back and re-read it at one sitting today, and I recommend both approaches. Reading it in one go gives a good sense of the whole set of practices, which is helpful. But, of course, there is so much wisdom in here that taking just a bit at a time is even more fruitful. Right now I'm drawn to the chapters on Simplicity and Delight--probably because they are two especially grounding practices for the coronavirus shutdown. One thing I really like is the care Steve Wiens took with his endnotes. The book draws on stories and insights from many individuals and traditions; the notes provide just enough info to track down anything you were left wanting to explore in greater depth.
April 8, 2020
I cannot think of a better time in the world for this book to come out. Steve writes In a lyrical but easily accessible way, where his words seem to breathe new life onto ancient practices-with some new twists that are refreshing. Being in such uncertain times, Steve’s book has been incredibly grounding. The chapter on restoration alone is worth the price of the book- welcoming our own weaknesses and of those around us for our own mutual healing. It’s a fantastic read for the burned out, the tired, the uninspired. I’m so thankful to have this to turn to.
April 15, 2020
In Shining Like the Sun, Steve Wiens speaks to this moment in history by unpacking timeless practices for reconnecting with who you actually are and who you were created to be. Wiens walks us through 7 ancient practices with vulnerable storytelling, hard earned wisdom, and delicious, challenging questions that help the reader connect with what's really going on inside themselves. These practices will help us be present to ourselves and those around us, receive the gifts available to us in each moment, be who we really are, and expand our consciousness. As we enter into these practices we become acquainted or reacquainted with a God who is for us and is delighted in us. A gift of a book that I will enjoy wrestling with and revisiting over and over.
Read
April 13, 2020This book was a pleasantly insightful venture into ancient practices made relatable by an excellent communicator. Author, Steve Wiens takes you through 7 practices to help bring awareness to the ever present and equally ever elusive “here and now”. With each practice, Steve invites the reader into some of his examples of universal human experiences to help set the stage for how the practice can integrate into the modern chaos of global web connectedness. While the title implies it is a systematic "how to" and potentially another self help (which are fine), this book proved to be so much more than another self help book. The flow of the book touched on each individual practice in a unique way, yet wove together a well connected and wholly comprehensive work of art.
April 10, 2020
I am beyond grateful for this book. Honestly, especially in a time right now with social distancing and quarantine, it felt like talking with a friend the whole time.
Weins' capacity to be truthful but not brash, honest but not patronizing and hopeful but not pandering is what kept me turning these pages. There are so many books, especially in the Christian help realm, that deal with your shortcomings with a shame spotlight, telling you why you have failed and how to do better. This book is the opposite. The author brings to light the hope that is possible with the grace of a sunrise, it's gradual and beautiful and inviting.
I have already bought more copies for friends and I will again.
Weins' capacity to be truthful but not brash, honest but not patronizing and hopeful but not pandering is what kept me turning these pages. There are so many books, especially in the Christian help realm, that deal with your shortcomings with a shame spotlight, telling you why you have failed and how to do better. This book is the opposite. The author brings to light the hope that is possible with the grace of a sunrise, it's gradual and beautiful and inviting.
I have already bought more copies for friends and I will again.
April 20, 2020
After reading Shining Like the Sun, I felt a sense of freedom and hopefulness to once again rekindle my faith journey. It was a book I couldn't put down, but know I will return to often to reference the seven mindful practices Steve Wiens offers to assist us along our way. "Practicing mindfulness by returning to Here allows us to see each moment as a place where God is eternally waiting for us with love". Simple yet profound.
April 13, 2020
Books about God and Christianity can sometimes feel like another to do list or should read, and I don’t have time a lot of time for another one of those. I read Shining Like the Sun a bit at a time in between loads of laundry and caring for my kids at home. I really appreciated the format: a mix of quotes, practical exercises, bible stories and life stories. It was readable and so relatable. And best of all, it felt helpful and peaceful when the world feels so chaotic.
April 13, 2020
This book will get you to think about facets of your faith that you might have completely forgotten about. If ever there was a time to slow down and rekindle your faith, find your roots, and re-center your mind, this is it and this book will guide you through that process.
April 7, 2020
This book has been an incredibly refreshing read (especially in light of the pandemic the world is currently facing.).
Wiens has invited the reader into a journey through 7 practices of mindfulness. Through personal stories and experiences, Wiens introduces and explains how each practice helps build your faith. He meets the reader in the middle of a journey. A journey that recognizes there is space between what was, what is, and what will be. And it’s there in the tension of those spaces that Wiens invites the reader to enter into practices that will bring more presence and mindfulness not only to faith, but to daily life as well. It’s an invitation to wake up and come fully alive.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. This review is my own, honest opinion.
Wiens has invited the reader into a journey through 7 practices of mindfulness. Through personal stories and experiences, Wiens introduces and explains how each practice helps build your faith. He meets the reader in the middle of a journey. A journey that recognizes there is space between what was, what is, and what will be. And it’s there in the tension of those spaces that Wiens invites the reader to enter into practices that will bring more presence and mindfulness not only to faith, but to daily life as well. It’s an invitation to wake up and come fully alive.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. This review is my own, honest opinion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews