I Married Adventure: Looking at Life Through the Lens of Possibility

by Luci Swindoll

In this fun and creative full-color jewel filled with photos and artistic sketches, Luci Swindoll gives the reader a fascinating journey through a life well lived, one in which she purposefully chose to "marry" adventure. The classic, artful design and intriguing stories highlight Luci's unique insight and perspective that transform otherwise regular days and occurrences to experiences worth living. With the challenge to stop saying "if only" and "why me" and start asking "what if" and "why not," Luci encourages everyone to lead truly adventurous lives that yield countless blessings, lessons and inspiration. Never before has anyone modeled the joy and adventures of the journey with such clarity and insight. Readers will be drawn to I Married Adventure as it is Luci's first full-length book in over 10 years and is a personal tour of her unique approach to squeezing the most out of a life led by Christ.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography, Travel, Biography Memoir, Inspirational, Christian

224 pages, Hardcover

First published January 8, 2003

Reviews

[Kristine]

I saw Luci Swindoll a number of years ago at a Women of Faith conference and was impressed at her very happy single status. At the time, I scoffed at the idea that I would be continually single into my 30s. But in this book Luci has some great points. The whole of the book is written in short vignettes under great chapter titles and section headings. If you have a specific thing you want to look for, just check the table of contents. the book is not very linear, so that would work fine. It took me a few months to get through the whole book because I used it in my morning devotional time, which I was rotating with at least 3 other books. But I am glad I finished it. Take a look, see what she says about life, and maybe you'll adjust the lens you see your world through.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm just a Luci Swindoll fan. I enjoy her speaking style and have attended things specifically to hear her speak. However, having spent real time with her away from the crowds and spotlight I can say that she is a truly amazing person and she's REAL! She's honest and imperfect and I respect her.

[Sherri · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful and funny autobiography. Luci is a fan of the arts, photography,and travel. A packrat and caring person. She has learned to trust in God whol-heartedly through ups and downs. A great look into the life of a favorite from the porch of Women of Faith.

[Whitney Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

“It never occurred to me that God was at work in my life - I was too busy living it.”

This was such an enjoyable read! Because of Luci, I want to:

• save for a dream trip even if it takes five years
• go on an African safari
• make memories with friends
• listen through her “Classical Music That Everyone Should Know” list (I’m 2 down)
• send more postcards
• read more poetry (even if I don’t understand it)
• straight up copy her by getting a Cycladic Art Figurine for my desk to remind me “simple lines, simple thoughts, simple premise” when tempted to complexity
• have items/pieces in my home that are meaningful, not just on sale at TJ Maxx
• maybe try water colors?
• definitely go up in a hot air balloon + dog sled

She is an exemplar in being fun, creative, thirsty for knowledge and experience - and yet, down to earth. I loved learning from her.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luci is so very loveable and fun; her liveliness flows well through every page. She has a way of making me want to live so much better, bolder while also making me realize the pieces of wonderful in my life as is.

In I Married Adventure I especially enjoyed her enthusiastic joy sharing with us some inspirations in art. I feel I will be using this book as both a reference for life enrichment and for encouragement when this single life feels lacking.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. Found it on the shelf at my church. I had seen Luci speak at a couple of Women of Faith conferences. Loved her lessons at these conferences. She was authentic, honest and loved Jesus. You wanted to be her friend.
She writes like she talks. Straight forward. Honest. Sincerely.
I read this book in 2 days. Who doesn’t want a meaningful live? Luci lived that.

[Christa Stegemann]

Fantastically insightful book. Read it at a friend's house. Would like to own a copy in order to refer to it in future. It is only available in hardcover. I cannot afford to spend that much on one book. I am an old age pensioner.
October 2022

[Sandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love this book. I read it many years ago then reread it recently. Luci Swindoll was quite her own person and chose the life she led which was not the norm then since she was born in 1932 (til 2020) and chose not to marry. She was very artistic and appreciated the arts. An inspiring book.

[Mitchell Thoeni · Rating 3 out of 5]

A gift from my mother. This book wasn’t really written for someone like me, but there was plenty of wisdom for me to gather. I got a bit tired of all the preachiness of it but several parts stood out to me regarding the preciousness of life and how to appreciate and make use of it.

[Carol V · Rating 5 out of 5]

A refreshing read to start off the New Year! Positivity!

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it, inspired me to do more and dream more!

[Esther · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great encouragement to enjoy each day God gives us and try new horizons. Also, she says to write everything down in order to be able to read and remember later.

[Brooke Fradd · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by Swindoll and I enjoyed it!

[Colleen Manning · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this peek into the life of Luci Swindoll, a life much different from my own.

[Val · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun book! She had some great ideas too!

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book up at a used book location based on the title because I knew that title was on my wishlist. It was a good read and very upbeat and inspirational, but I kept wondering why it wasn't what I had expected when I put it on my wishlist. I decided that I had just read incomplete information about it. I was most surprised by the overtly Christian aspect of the book, with the emphasis on the personal relationship with God as a big part of the adventure. I am a Christian so I was fine with the message, but I hadn't expected it. And, as a woman in her 40s who made a choice to be single with no children, I was pleased to find an author who was unapologetic about making the same choices, even as she was being an active Christian advocate. But, again, I hadn't expected that.

Reading the acknowledgments at the end of the book solved the mystery. The author had been gifted a book with the same name -- about a woman who married a photographer/explorer and seen the world with him -- and challenged to write her own version. It was that other book that I had on my wishlist and kept looking for in this one.

As for this book, it helped to reaffirm my own life choices and gave me some ideas of changes I want to make and adventures I want to pursue. I know someone that I think will appreciate this book, so I will share it with her.

[Cait · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Some think being adventuresome means taking a trip around the world, bungee jumping, or walking into a lion’s cage at the zoo. Not at all. It’s an attitude, not a behaviour. It’s daring to be curious about the unknown, to dream big dreams, to live outside prescribed boxes, to take risks, and above all, daring to investigate the way we live until we discover the deepest treasured purpose of why we are here.”

After reading "I Married Adventure" by Luci Swindoll, I discovered that I have a few things in common with the author. We both have a love for life, an adventurous spirit, a curious nature and a strong faith in God. We do have one big difference though. While we are both single, I know in my heart I don’t always want to be. I look forward to the day I meet a wonderful man, fall in love, get married and start a family. To me, that will be the biggest, best adventure of my life.

But while I wait, discovering Swindoll’s book “I Married Adventure” was a blessing. She reminded me that being single can be an adventure. A great adventure too. God willing, once I meet the man I am going to spend the rest of my life with, I will never be single again. I should try to embrace this time of my life.

I have always loved adventure and I don’t think that will ever change. I travel somewhere new at least once a year, I try new things and I welcome new experiences. I definitely recommend this book to anyone with a similar spirit.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

John 10:10 is one of my favorite Bible verses. Obviously, it's one of Luci Swindoll's, as well. In I Married Adventure: Looking At Life Through the Lens of Possibility, she shares her delight in once-in-a-lifetime events, such as seeing leopards on an African safari. She also encourages us to enjoy every seemingly-mundane minute. Watching a bird in our own backyard can be just as wondrous as viewing exotic animals on another continent, as long as we have the right attitude. Every moment is a gift from God and He wants us to love and appreciate our lives for the time we have here.

[Lynne Vanderveen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was first introduced to Luci Swindoll as a speaker and writer at the first Women of Faith conference I attended. I loved listening to her speak. She has a great deal of wisdom and she imparts it with heart and humor. In this book, she quickly moves from childhood through her adult years in corporate America and then on to the chapter of her life that has made her well-known. I enjoyed reading her autobiography, but missed a bit of the humor she shares in her speaking engagements. If I had one criticism of this book it would be that the page design is very busy. I love looking at it, but my eyes aren't what they used to be and I had to read in small chunks. But it was worth the effort.

[Judi Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a motivating book to stretch myself and my brain! The whole time I'm reading this book I'm praising God for all the opportunities to provide us with fun and adventure and learning, and for His grace to help us grow and forgive us. I'm definitely motivated to grow and celebrate life more and to enjoy the here and now.

[Diandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Completely trite, with nothing new. Sure, one can achieve a level of satisfaction with living her life with Christ, but Holy God! Some of this crap was just common sense and regurgitated bibles. Droll and uninspiring.

[Gerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Luci's book. She has been a role model for me for years. I am glad I finally read this book. "Adventure is an attitude, not a behavior." As she encourages us to do, I am keeping my eyes and heart open to capture each moment and savor the present- good or bad.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so encouraging, interesting and inspiring!

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book encouraged me to keep living large. Life is bigger! Swindoll has tried a lot and keeps looking for ways to breathe deep and love life.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my all time (as of right now) favorite book! Luci is full of wisdom, humor and practicality.

[Nicole Mullet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aunt Elaine gave me this book and, in my characteristically pushy manner, I immediately demanded the majority of my family (and Kara) read it...

I think Luci is a pretty neat lady...

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic, I felt like i really got to know Luci and have found a bosom friend. lots of fun stories and practical tidbits ( like must have classical music) and great life advice

[Keesha]

I recommend anyone to read this book. Luci Swindoll has lived a very adventurous and exciting life in Ministry.....amazing experiences and great life lessons learned.

[J'pkorir Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome, awesome!
every girl must read this and prefferably before marrying

[Deb Wallis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was so inspiring. Live the life out of each day.