Book Review: In simple summary; I say...
"READ IT NOW!"
That basically sums it up. But I will attempt in my inadequate way to let you know how incredible this book is and how important is that you read it.
Everyone is hurting. In one way or another. It might be a chronic illness, death, addiction, depression, people that did you wrong or just a black hole in your heart that you just can't explain. It matters NOT what it is. But it is real. It's effects you daily. There is only one answer; Go to God. Only He can give you give you peace.
"The peace that comes from God is beyond our comprehension. God's peace stands sentry over our hearts and minds, protecting us from the demons or worry and anxiety." Joel Schnoor
JOEL IS MY FRIEND
Not the kind that I go to dinner with and hang out with. But the kind that has weaved in and our of my family's lives through out the years due to the common bond of home schooling. I met him way before he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. I was impressed, as was my family and specifically my son, by he and his family's behavior. Joel's daily walk was proof in the pudding. My son would come home from hanging out with his son and tell stories of how Joel got up before the crack of dawn and prepared pancakes for the family. This was before he was gonna cease the day; running, tennis, fishing, etc. His son ate apples to the core, including the seeds. Weird to us, but a lesson in waste not. Lessons that I wished I had used in my household. His wife was equally encouraging and an inspiration to me. Without realizing it their family had made a difference in our lives. It was one of those families that we looked at and said, "how can we be more like them."
GOD LED ME TO READ THIS BOOK
I read like crazy. In combination of that and having to take hot magnesium baths 1-3 times a day (the ONLY way I get relief from debilitating pain), I was seeking yet another good book. I tend to cry at the end of a good book, simply because it ended, thus having another good book lined up and ready is crucial to my well being! I went to my very own library that sits right in my house. Something led me straight to Joel's book. It was God. I had purchased it 3 years ago when it came out. Then set it on my shelf. I thought, well OK, I'll try to read it now. Well, try was not what happened. Tried to set it down was more like it. God always knows what I need when I need it. Without realizing it, I have been living a life somewhat in parallel to Joel's, although I must be honest, my path being many steps behind his in wisdom and maturity. I too have chronic illness, although his was somewhat sudden, mine has been a lifetime. The suddenness in mine being that of "taking me down," for the past 2 years. Joel's walk with God is what sustains him. Mine does as well, although like I said, mine being way less mature than his. I had an immediate urge to scream out to everyone hurting, which is everyone, "THIS BOOK CAN HELP YOU!" This being in conjunction with my burning desire to scream out to others that although I don't know much, I do know one thing; The Lord is the only way! Thus my blog.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14: 6 NKJV
AN HONEST GIFT
This book is well written, simple to read and pleasantly enjoyable. The way it is written is clever. It incorporates some of Joel's stories from growing up that give you insight into the simple blessings that parents can integrate into their family unit daily and what an incredible impact they can make. The stories are also sweet and a bit like settling down with a mug of warm milk and honey. Soothing. Joel is also witty in his own way. It makes the book quirky and lighthearted, amidst a serious situation and message. It is balanced with touches of honesty in his daily suffering, without the feeling of him complaining or having a "poor me," attitude. The message is monumental; The peace that comes from God is beyond our comprehension.
You can order Off Balance; Getting up When Life Knocks You Down. Joel Schnoor
here. He has written other awesome books as well.
BLOG: Joels' Ebullient Escritoire
http://www.amazon.com/Joel-Schnoor/e/B0035J37XK
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. James 1: 2-3 NKJV
"READ IT NOW!"
That basically sums it up. But I will attempt in my inadequate way to let you know how incredible this book is and how important is that you read it.
Everyone is hurting. In one way or another. It might be a chronic illness, death, addiction, depression, people that did you wrong or just a black hole in your heart that you just can't explain. It matters NOT what it is. But it is real. It's effects you daily. There is only one answer; Go to God. Only He can give you give you peace.
"The peace that comes from God is beyond our comprehension. God's peace stands sentry over our hearts and minds, protecting us from the demons or worry and anxiety." Joel Schnoor
 |
| Joel Schnoor |
JOEL IS MY FRIEND
Not the kind that I go to dinner with and hang out with. But the kind that has weaved in and our of my family's lives through out the years due to the common bond of home schooling. I met him way before he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. I was impressed, as was my family and specifically my son, by he and his family's behavior. Joel's daily walk was proof in the pudding. My son would come home from hanging out with his son and tell stories of how Joel got up before the crack of dawn and prepared pancakes for the family. This was before he was gonna cease the day; running, tennis, fishing, etc. His son ate apples to the core, including the seeds. Weird to us, but a lesson in waste not. Lessons that I wished I had used in my household. His wife was equally encouraging and an inspiration to me. Without realizing it their family had made a difference in our lives. It was one of those families that we looked at and said, "how can we be more like them."
 |
| Perhaps I have a problem purchasing books...? |
GOD LED ME TO READ THIS BOOK
I read like crazy. In combination of that and having to take hot magnesium baths 1-3 times a day (the ONLY way I get relief from debilitating pain), I was seeking yet another good book. I tend to cry at the end of a good book, simply because it ended, thus having another good book lined up and ready is crucial to my well being! I went to my very own library that sits right in my house. Something led me straight to Joel's book. It was God. I had purchased it 3 years ago when it came out. Then set it on my shelf. I thought, well OK, I'll try to read it now. Well, try was not what happened. Tried to set it down was more like it. God always knows what I need when I need it. Without realizing it, I have been living a life somewhat in parallel to Joel's, although I must be honest, my path being many steps behind his in wisdom and maturity. I too have chronic illness, although his was somewhat sudden, mine has been a lifetime. The suddenness in mine being that of "taking me down," for the past 2 years. Joel's walk with God is what sustains him. Mine does as well, although like I said, mine being way less mature than his. I had an immediate urge to scream out to everyone hurting, which is everyone, "THIS BOOK CAN HELP YOU!" This being in conjunction with my burning desire to scream out to others that although I don't know much, I do know one thing; The Lord is the only way! Thus my blog.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14: 6 NKJV
AN HONEST GIFT
This book is well written, simple to read and pleasantly enjoyable. The way it is written is clever. It incorporates some of Joel's stories from growing up that give you insight into the simple blessings that parents can integrate into their family unit daily and what an incredible impact they can make. The stories are also sweet and a bit like settling down with a mug of warm milk and honey. Soothing. Joel is also witty in his own way. It makes the book quirky and lighthearted, amidst a serious situation and message. It is balanced with touches of honesty in his daily suffering, without the feeling of him complaining or having a "poor me," attitude. The message is monumental; The peace that comes from God is beyond our comprehension.
...and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4: 7 NKJV
MY PRAYER FOR HIS FAMILY
My prayer is that you reap from your father's gift of joy and peace despite his physical battles. I pray that the example he is living daily is a gift to you and your own personal journey with the Lord. I pray that you can see past the physical disability and mostly enjoy and be happy for him in the attitude and immeasurable gift that God has given him. I pray strength for you all as I realize that it takes grace and lots of understanding and patience to help a parent (husband) in this situation. I pray strength as it is hard regardless. Joanna
here. He has written other awesome books as well.
BLOG: Joels' Ebullient Escritoire
http://www.amazon.com/Joel-Schnoor/e/B0035J37XK
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. James 1: 2-3 NKJV
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