Adventures & Travel,  All Things Bookish

The Divine Adventure: Giveaway and Book Review

July 6, 2021 /

Rebecca Friedlander had me at her title. I love the idea of our relationship with God being a divine adventure. In her book, she outlines twelve spiritual practices to strengthen and enrich our walk with God.

In order, they are:

  1. Say yes (to God’s grace)
  2. The quiet place
  3. Search the Scriptures
  4. Community
  5. Forgiveness
  6. Pilgrimage
  7. Obedience
  8. Meekness
  9. Sacred rest
  10. Giving
  11. Fasting
  12. Worship

While many of the principles were familiar to me, some were new, or Friedlander challenged me to think about them in a way I hadn’t considered before. Through the pages, she is open with her own experiences and empathetic toward others while offering practical steps to grow in each practice. For anyone wanting to escape spiritual ruts, this book will offer a refreshing perspective on practices we may take for granted or not be exercising as fully as we should.

Personal Takeaways

Let me offer a few examples or nuggets from this book that I plan to spend more time thinking about (or perhaps scribbling to a sticky note as a reminder).

Saying Yes

For starters, saying yes to God doesn’t mean knowing exactly what the next right step is. This idea is liberating, because it takes the pressure off ourselves and turns our focus to God who does know what “next yes” we should say. Friedlander writes, “He watches for those who will choose to partner with him rather than try to figure things out on their own” (22). Confession: I am very much a planner or figure-it-out-er, but am finding that with many things in life, figuring out the next step is beyond my ability. Instead, I need to take God’s hand and trust Him to partner with me in the journey.

Searching the Scriptures

Friedlander also gets incredibly practical, such as when she talks about the practice of searching the Scriptures. One of her suggestions is to get a new Bible every few years so our eyes don’t gravitate toward just the verses we’ve marked. I’ve been treasuring and taking notes in the Bible my parents bought me many years ago but like this suggestion for looking over the Bible’s pages with a fresh perspective.

Practicing Community

My husband James and I enjoy hosting people at our home, which has been a renovation work-in-progress since we purchased it. Early in the process, I sometimes felt frustrated because our home wasn’t as finished as we’d like it to be, but I told myself that it doesn’t have to be perfect to be a welcome space for our guests.

Friedlander affirms that conditions don’t have to be perfect to practice community. She writes, “Spiritual community simply requires a heart full of love and a space for people: we can all do that” (74).

Going on a Pilgrimage

Honestly, I wasn’t sure where Friedlander was going to take this idea. When I think “pilgrimage,” I think of false religions that make followers take a journey as a required practice. However, I decided to read this chapter with an open mind, and I’m glad I didn’t skip it. She defines Christian pilgrimage as revolving “around a destination holy site or a place that inspires our faith” (100). The purpose is not to fulfill a duty but to “create space for God to show up in our lives” (100). She goes on to say that the trip doesn’t have to be far, only that it should create a break from our normal routine to remove distractions and allow us to focus on God. As someone who enjoys travel, I can appreciate this idea and will have to give it more thought.

Giving

When most people think of giving, they think of money, but Friedlander explains there are other ways to give too. I really like the way she breaks down giving into three types: gifts of time, money, and talents. The gift of time can be such a simple but generous way to invest in someone’s life, while a proper perspective on our talents can prevent frustration. She explains, “God doesn’t always select our obvious gifts for his service” (169). Wow! I’d never considered that idea, but I love her challenge to “ask God to show you where the place of his blessing is, and then watch for opportunities” (171).

Giveaway Opportunity

The Divine Adventure is available wherever books are sold, and today, I’m also giving away one paperback copy.

To enter, all you have to do is leave a comment on this post. You could comment on one of the ideas above or say why you think this book would be an encouragement to you or someone you know. You may also share my related posts on Facebook or Twitter. (Just be sure to tag me!)

A few considerations:

  1. You must be over 13 years of age to enter.
  2. You must have a US address. (Sorry to my international friends!)
  3. The winner’s name may be posted on this site and/or social media.
  4. While this contest may be shared on social media sites such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, this promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with these entities.

The giveaway runs through Sunday, July 18, and I’ll announce the winner on the blog and Facebook that week.

~ Kristen

Special thanks to the Blog About Blogger Network for hosting this giveaway.

All quotes are taken from: Friedlander, Rebecca. The Divine Adventure. Baker Books, 2021.

Congrats to our Giveaway Winner!

Congrats to Brittany for being the winner of the drawing for one copy of The Divine Adventure! Thank you to everyone who commented and participated.

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24 Comments

    • Kristen Hogrefe Parnell

      July 6, 2021 at 12:23 pm

      Hi Jane, I hear you! I agree that 2021 is just as challenging as 2020 but in different ways. I’ve entered you into the giveaway. Blessings to you!

    • Jennifer Morris

      July 6, 2021 at 4:45 pm

      God is good all the time! After church services on Sunday, I began to think about how God’s presence is with us every day of our lives. When we have that tug on us where we feel we are second guessing something, it is God speaking to us. When people say we have an angel on one shoulder and the devil on the other symbolic of our conscience, it is really God speaking to us. He is laying the path out for you, hoping you chose the right one. When you second guess your choice that is the tug of the devil trying to steer you off the path the Lord has laid out for you.

      • Kristen Hogrefe Parnell

        July 6, 2021 at 5:23 pm

        Thanks for your comment, Jennifer! I’m so grateful for God’s presence too.

  • Linda Gawthrop

    July 6, 2021 at 12:13 pm

    As we emerge from COVID confinement it is important to learn from this experience and reestablish those relationships and renew our commitment to a better.future.

    • Kristen Hogrefe Parnell

      July 6, 2021 at 12:24 pm

      Hi Linda, thanks for your comment! You’re so right that we can learn something from this pandemic. I’ve entered you into the giveaway.

  • Lelia “ Lucy” Reynolds

    July 6, 2021 at 12:29 pm

    Thank you for the chance. Sounds like something we all need to read and grow from. Blessings

    • Kristen Hogrefe Parnell

      July 6, 2021 at 12:58 pm

      It’s my pleasure to share about this book. Thanks for your comment, and I’ve entered you into the giveaway. Blessings!

    • Kristen Hogrefe Parnell

      July 6, 2021 at 1:00 pm

      I’m so sorry to hear you’re in the hospital but hope your stay will be short. Wishing you a speedy recovery! I’ve entered you into the giveaway.

    • Kristen Hogrefe Parnell

      July 6, 2021 at 2:38 pm

      Thanks, Barbie! I’m glad you found those suggestions helpful too. You’re so welcome! I’ve entered you into the giveaway.

  • Beverly Laude

    July 6, 2021 at 7:02 pm

    I would love to get this book. I need encouragement every day, sometimes more than others. My dear hubby’s health is declining and I find myself feeling very pessimistic about that.

    • Kristen Hogrefe Parnell

      July 6, 2021 at 7:34 pm

      Hi Beverly, thanks for your comment! I’m so sorry to hear about your husband’s health and trust this book would be an encouragement to you. I’ve entered you into the giveaway.

  • Renee Tucci

    July 6, 2021 at 9:22 pm

    I’m always looking for additional ways to strengthen my faith and be even closer to God!

  • Cindi Hoppes

    July 6, 2021 at 9:34 pm

    Hi! Like many people, my emotional/mental state is something I have been working on for awhile. Your book would not only help me, but the inspiration is sorely needed.
    Many thanks, Cindi
    ❤️

    • Kristen Hogrefe Parnell

      July 7, 2021 at 1:00 pm

      Thanks for your comment, Cindi. I’m so happy to enter you into the giveaway.

  • wen budro

    July 7, 2021 at 1:26 am

    This looks like a wonderful book with some great messages. I particularly like the ideas of sacred rest and saying Yes to God. Those are important and challenging themes for me.

    • Kristen Hogrefe Parnell

      July 7, 2021 at 1:01 pm

      I agree, Wen! Thanks for sharing, and I’ve entered you into the giveaway.