The Purpose Driven Life

[SueScribe]

Anyone have any thoughts about this book? I'm reading it now, one chapter a day (as recommended). I cross-check the scriptural references against my mother's old King James version of the Bible and I do the Appendix study/thoughts guide. Ummm. I knew I was somewhat over the edge, somewhat, shall I say - completely bonkers - but . .

Anyone have any thoughts about this book ?

Thanks.

Sue

[IGID]

I have it and regiously read half way through. Now, it sits on the reading rack in my john room and I read a few sentences every now and then. I normally don't put a book down until I finish it. Does that answer your question?If you wrinkle the pages up a few times, it won't scratch you a$$.

[EricStratton]

Anyone have any thoughts about this book? I'm reading it now, one chapter a day (as recommended). I cross-check the scriptural references against my mother's old King James version of the Bible and I do the Appendix study/thoughts guide. Ummm. I knew I was somewhat over the edge, somewhat, shall I say - completely bonkers - but . .

Anyone have any thoughts about this book ?

Thanks.

Sue

I read and followed the whole thing for 40 days. Still searching for my "purpose"!

I read the book after several friends told me how great it was and how Rick Warren changed their lives, but I didn't get the same thing out of it. It was a good devotional book....Nothing more, nothing less....I disagree, philosophically, with Rick Warren on a lot of issue, but I think the "purpose" of the book was good.

[SueScribe]

I have it and regiously read half way through. Now, it sits on the reading rack in my john room and I read a few sentences every now and then. I normally don't put a book down until I finish it. Does that answer your question?

Kinda. More or less. Whatcha say we write one together? Call it . . "The Angst Driven Life", somethin' like that there? This guy has made a FOR-tune on this book, you know? Tons and tons of money, including some of mine (and yours).

Sue

[SueScribe]

I read and followed the whole thing for 40 days. Still searching for my "purpose"!

Something tells me I'll finish it up with the same results.

. . . but I think the "purpose" of the book was good.

Oh, boy-o-boy, so do I. Reckon what the royalties are, thus far? Maybe my purpose on the other end of the last page will be to come up with an idea to write a book that sells millions and gazillions of copies.

Yeah. That's the ticket.:smt118

[EricStratton]

Something tells me I'll finish it up with the same results.



Oh, boy-o-boy, so do I. Reckon what the royalties are, thus far? Maybe my purpose on the other end of the last page will be to come up with an idea to write a book that sells millions and gazillions of copies.

Yeah. That's the ticket.:smt118


I like your posts, Sue. I just wish you would open up more and quit sugar coating your opinions.:smt118

[Elle May]

I haven't read the entire book yet but I would think you have to examine what you are looking for while reading the book. It's kinda like prayer, you can't expect to pray and find your answer immediately.

[SueScribe]

I like your posts, Sue. I just wish you would open up more and quit sugar coating your opinions.:smt118

One o' these days, I'm just gonna let it all out - empty meself of myself and let my hair . . down. Maybe let it grow out first.

I like you too, EricStratton. Now, look what you've made me do. :smt022

[SueScribe]

It's kinda like prayer, you can't expect to pray and find your answer immediately.

And, WHY NOT, pray tell ?

:-D

Thanks, Elle. Makes sense. It's just, well, I ain't gettin' any younger and this "purpose" thing is becoming more urgent than it once was, say in my thirties. Or forties. Or . . well. That's enough of that.

[Elle May]

And, WHY NOT, pray tell ?:-D

Thanks, Elle. Makes sense. It's just, well, I ain't gettin' any younger and this "purpose" thing is becoming more urgent than it once was, say in my thirties. Or forties. Or . . well. That's enough of that.

My belief is that God does work in mysterious ways, but in his own way and his own time. Patience is a virtue.:)

[daisy]

Sue, I have not read it and was a bit turned off the absolute devotion paid to it by a lot of people.

It is not the Bible. Rick Warren is the pastor of Saddle Back church out in California and that church is growing out there.

I think different people's purposes and priorities change as their life goes through the seasons.

I think my purpose is to be me and all that goes with it. If that sounds all me, it isn't. I don't think that man knows my purpose and I am not sure we always have to know it to be doing what and where God wants us to be.


I think the best advice I ever had was from a now retired preacher. Be willing to go where and when God wants you to. And you are in his will by being available.

Sue, I may read it but I won't buy it. I will save my $$$ for what I need or want.


Don't let some of these authors make you doubt your life or what you have done. I don't think we need to know it all to be ok.

I had a boss, who I learned a lot from. On the other hand, one day at a sales meeting, she handed us a piece of paper with all our to be filled in goals in every area for 6 months, 1 year, 5 years. It had about 12 areas and I let that upset me for a day because I couldn't fill it in. Missed some sales because I let that throw me.

Well, my immediate boss got me back on track and scolded me for letting that throw me.

See, that boss that gave us that worked that way--very driven and knows exactly what she wants to a t and has it all worked out. I don't work that way.

She didn't hand me one of those for a long time after I filled out the next one because I dreamed and had a lot of fun with it. I wrote down every whim and fantsy and made up a lot of things.

[EricStratton]

Now Sue, you're just using Stratton to make me jealous!!!! :)

Warren has made enough to pay back his church all the money they've ever paid him in salary and continue preaching on no salary.

I just don't care for this book for my own reasons. Just as I don't care for Joel Osteen's "prosperity gospel."

No, Doc....Sue just recognizes a REAL champion!

As for Joeal Osteen: I don't trust anyone who smiles that much....and I don't trust preachers who talk about money that much....no difference in him and Creflo Dollar IMO.

[daisy]

Sue, I did some googling and found some others that checked the book against what the Bible says.

http://www.crossroad.to/articles2/2003/1-purpose.htm

[SueScribe]

Now Sue, you're just using Stratton to make me jealous!!!! :)

Dang, it - you caught me.

Warren has made enough to pay back his church all the money they've ever paid him in salary and continue preaching on no salary.

I just don't care for this book for my own reasons. Just as I don't care for Joel Osteen's "prosperity gospel."

. . . the "prosperity gospel" ? Say what ? Is it one of them God Wants You To Be Rich things, so send us your money ? Hum?

In all seriousness, I just rely on the original Book. If it ain't in there, then it just . . ain't. Know what I mean? Now, don't get me wrong here. There is a WHOLE lot of stuff in there I'm still grappling to comprehend. But, maybe that's the point, huh?

Sue

[SueScribe]

My belief is that God does work in mysterious ways, but in his own way and his own time. Patience is a virtue.:)

Thank you, Elle. I'm with you on that.

[SueScribe]

Sue, I have not read it and was a bit turned off the absolute devotion paid to it by a lot of people.

That's more or less my reservations, in a nutshell: Looking for faith in all the wrong places.

Thank you so much for some wonderful insights.

Sue

[SueScribe]

No, Doc....Sue just recognizes a REAL champion!

Be still, my heart . . .

[Guru]

Anyone have any thoughts about this book? I'm reading it now, one chapter a day (as recommended). I cross-check the scriptural references against my mother's old King James version of the Bible and I do the Appendix study/thoughts guide. Ummm. I knew I was somewhat over the edge, somewhat, shall I say - completely bonkers - but . .

Anyone have any thoughts about this book ?

Thanks.

Sue

* I sat through almost a whole year (when I was home) on Wednesday nights with this book being the material used. I guess it was ok, just my opinion. To me it was what just about anybody could have written. For the emphasis given to it at our Church I really couldn't personally agree with the hype. I have an instinct to withdraw from other people telling me the "truth" from their perspective and deciphering.

[SueScribe]

Okay...it seems my blog has been suspended.

Sue, try this link (http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&FriendID=104363312&blogMonth=12&blogDay=19&blogYear=2006)and look at my December 19, 2006 blog.

Great stuff, Doc. I particularly liked this:

"A person who has the abundant life can truly say, "it is well with my soul," no matter what the world throws at them."

Amen.

[SueScribe]

* I sat through almost a whole year (when I was home) on Wednesday nights with this book being the material used. I guess it was ok, just my opinion. . . .

To me it was what just about anybody could have written.

You nailed it, G. I put it away last night. Kept cross-checking the multitude of Bible versions against the old tried and true (for me at least) King James. Mr. Warren takes liberties with many of the verses he quotes.

For the emphasis given to it at our Church I really couldn't personally agree with the hype. I have an instinct to withdraw from other people telling me the "truth" from their perspective and deciphering.

See, this is a problem I have with some, maybe most, "organized" religion these days: This book was given emphasis in your church? Why - oh why - would a church preach/teach from something like this? I've heard preachers, personally heard (when I attended with my mother), preaching from the pulpit from an article in Time magazine. Excuse me, but aren't they getting a little far afield in such practices? Has The Bible lost its effectiveness for these people? What is it that Jesus said about serving two masters? We cannot serve both God and "mammon" - correct?

The last Sunday School lesson I attended (once again, account my mother's belief and love of her church) did it for me. No more Sunday School, no more "church". If I want to hear a Sunday School teacher's opinion about politics and politicians, I'll meet them down at the courthouse and we'll talk, or do it over a cup of coffee at my house, their house, a half-way house, but NOT - NOT - in a so-called "house of The Lord."

I feel closer to God when I sit on my porch early on Sunday mornings and read from the Scriptures than in any church I've attended in the past twenty years.

[Guru]

I know what you mean there. For many years I abstained and did what I called "searching for God through a bush-hog". I spent my Sunday mornings out on the place somewhere or just looking out the window at the landscape. This book was actually the center of attention and what our preacher worked from during Wednesday night meetings covering part of a chapter to a chapter each week. I sat with the rest of the people sometimes biting my tongue but feeling guilty because I was in Church and should know better to question it. I who often joke saying I'm glad I'm here, none of you should sit next to me in case lightening strikes. Sometimes I, like you, find myself loosing focus. Many times I sit there and read from the Bible no matter what else is going on.

[daisy]

I know what you mean there. For many years I abstained and did what I called "searching for God through a bush-hog". I spent my Sunday mornings out on the place somewhere or just looking out the window at the landscape. This book was actually the center of attention and what our preacher worked from during Wednesday night meetings covering part of a chapter to a chapter each week. I sat with the rest of the people sometimes biting my tongue but feeling guilty because I was in Church and should know better to question it. I who often joke saying I'm glad I'm here, none of you should sit next to me in case lightening strikes. Sometimes I, like you, find myself loosing focus. Many times I sit there and read from the Bible no matter what else is going on.


I have a cousin who has recently become a Christian and says her philosophy is no matter how wonderful an author is, she stays into reading the Bible and it is her main book.

It was so encouraging to be around someone who is still in awe of God and the newness of the truths of the Bible. Humbled me and she found out through a lady just offering a simple Bible study in the neighborhood. My cousin was wanting to study the Bible and showed up and was the only one.

I need to find a church that just focuses on the Bible again. Or start back reading it on my own.

Guru, I enjoyed bushhogging as a kid at my granddaddy's place. I did flat places and never ran over any cows. It is peaceful doing that.

[EricStratton]

You nailed it, G. I put it away last night. Kept cross-checking the multitude of Bible versions against the old tried and true (for me at least) King James. Mr. Warren takes liberties with many of the verses he quotes.



See, this is a problem I have with some, maybe most, "organized" religion these days: This book was given emphasis in your church? Why - oh why - would a church preach/teach from something like this? I've heard preachers, personally heard (when I attended with my mother), preaching from the pulpit from an article in Time magazine. Excuse me, but aren't they getting a little far afield in such practices? Has The Bible lost its effectiveness for these people? What is it that Jesus said about serving two masters? We cannot serve both God and "mammon" - correct?

The last Sunday School lesson I attended (once again, account my mother's belief and love of her church) did it for me. No more Sunday School, no more "church". If I want to hear a Sunday School teacher's opinion about politics and politicians, I'll meet them down at the courthouse and we'll talk, or do it over a cup of coffee at my house, their house, a half-way house, but NOT - NOT - in a so-called "house of The Lord."

I feel closer to God when I sit on my porch early on Sunday mornings and read from the Scriptures than in any church I've attended in the past twenty years.

Sue,

Like always, I agree with most of your post. I have shared this vision of, what a college professor of mine called, the "Biff and Bonnie Bible Studies" and Sunday school classes with you for a while now. However, I feel that I've been transformed a bit over the last year or so. My way of approaching Church is entirely different now.

First of all, I don't go to Church expecting to be intellectually stimulated anymore. Sometimes I am, but most of the time I am not. A preacher in Jackson said it best one Sunday (and I paraphrase): "It's not about what YOU get out of it....Church is about praising and honoring God." I used to always leave Church empty and pissed off at something the preacher or some dipshit in Sunday School class said that I didn't agree with. I realize, now, that this was because I was approaching Church like I was approaching school. I wanted to leave Church feeling smarter and like I got my money's worth.

Now, I go to Church with different expectations and intentions. I go to be "spiritually" fulfilled, not intellectually fulfilled. I have been amazed at how much more I am getting out of Church now that I'm not expecting the preacher or the Sunday School teacher/class to blow me away with their wisdom and knowledge. It has allowed God to touch me in ways I have never experienced.

Also, I go to Church now for the fellowship and to meet and get know other people outside of my normal circle of friends. I went to Church for years without ever really getting to know or wanting to know anybody in the Church. This fellowship part has been unbelievably rewarding as well, as I have met people of all age groups who I have come to enjoy.

I still roll my eyes in Sunday School class sometimes when some a-hole starts praising George Bush or something like that, but I don't let it ruin my whole day like I used to.

Just my two cents.

ES

[SueScribe]

Wow. "Searching for God through a bush-hog." All these fantastic posts. This is ABSOLUTE best thread going. What a difference a subject makes.

Thank ya'll SO much.

Sue

[amanda]

I picked up this book a while back after hearing many people rave about it. I know of one church at least that has done a "study" on it and after trying to read it, I just didn't understand the hype. Why do people need to read a book by someone else to help them define their "purpose". Everyone has a purpose, that is why we are born. I didn't get past the 4th Chapter before I "humphed" it and now it sits who knows where. Every day I arise from my bed I have a purpose given by God and I don't question what it is, I just let Him take the lead. :)

[SueScribe]

Where? When? You're actually studying from The Holy Bible? Wow. That's new, huh?

[amanda]

Where? When? You're actually studying from The Holy Bible? Wow. That's new, huh?

Some churches do that. You are welcome to come to mine anytime too. We stay on topic. :-D

[SueScribe]

Every day I arise from my bed I have a purpose given by God and I don't question what it is, I just let Him take the lead. :)

If I looked like your avatar, I wouldn't need to be led. Nice. Lucky ole' Butterball, eh?

By the way, since I take it you're a woman, can you explain to me how come I can't get in the women's private groupie thingy? I submitted my application, but have heard nothing from them. Kinda hurts my ole' feelin's actually. If they need PROOF I'm female, I can furnish that (although it would have to be by private e-mail and there would of course be a copyright attached to the submission, sworn statements to never-ever allow the photo to be published in any form, whether telegraphic, telephonic, telemarketing ["Does your hair remind you of this? Is the hubby scared to turn off the lights at night?], etc.)
:bhug:

[amanda]

If I looked like your avatar, I wouldn't need to be led. Nice. Lucky ole' Butterball, eh?

By the way, since I take it you're a woman, can you explain to me how come I can't get in the women's private groupie thingy? I submitted my application, but have heard nothing from them. Kinda hurts my ole' feelin's actually. If they need PROOF I'm female, I can furnish that (although it would have to be by private e-mail and there would of course be a copyright attached to the submission, sworn statements to never-ever allow the photo to be published in any form, whether telegraphic, telephonic, telemarketing ["Does your hair remind you of this? Is the hubby scared to turn off the lights at night?], etc.)
:bhug:

hmmmm....if I looked like my avatar I wouldn't need to spend so much time on-line. :laugh: I'd be making money modeling or on the big screen.

I'll have to talk with the other ladies about maybe letting you in. :)

[SueScribe]

Alrighty...Stratton's not going to stand for this. He's on the phone right now trying to find a church that will let him teach Sunday School. :smt118

:p . . . you reckon? :p

[EricStratton]

Alrighty...Stratton's not going to stand for this. He's on the phone right now trying to find a church that will let him teach Sunday School. :smt118

No....I know my limits...It would have to be a very "special and tolerant" church to let me lead a Sunday School class....I'm still learning to keep my mouth shut in the class I'm in now....My wife does a good job of helping me...She can tell when I'm not agreeing with something someone else is saying, and she pinches the sh*t out of me to distract me...

A couple of years ago, we went to a Sunday School class, in another town, for young couples....The topic of discussion was the role of women in the home....My wife and I didn't share the same views as the rest of the class, and it got ugly!:) Luckily, we stayed friends with most of the people in the class, but we never went back to the class itself. I think both parties were okay with that.:)

[SueScribe]

hmmmm....if I looked like my avatar I wouldn't need to spend so much time on-line. :laugh: I'd be making money modeling or on the big screen.

I've heard rumors. That IS you. Heh-heh.

I'll have to talk with the other ladies about maybe letting you in. :)

Well, g-golly, I don't want you to put your reputation on the line for me or anything, maybe I'll just apply to the Hottness group or something. Sooner or later, somebody HAS to let me in. Is there a group for Ancient Ageless Agile Also-Rans? Can I start one, just maybe? The topic would be limited to What Might Have Been. Sorta.

[SueScribe]

[quote=EricStratton;246753]No....I know my limits...My wife . . .

*sniff* Wife? :smt104 *sigh* Well, then. We'll have to discontinue our affair, as of tonight. :smt086

[EricStratton]

[quote=EricStratton;246753]No....I know my limits...My wife . . .

*sniff* Wife? :smt104 *sigh* Well, then. We'll have to discontinue our affair, as of tonight. :smt086

Formalities, Forshmalities, Sue....

http://johnwmacdonald.com/5521bill_clinton.jpg

[amanda]

[quote=SueScribe;246758]

Formalities, Forshmalities, Sue....

http://johnwmacdonald.com/5521bill_clinton.jpg



mmmmmmm.....hhhhmmmmmmm.....mmmmmmm......thanks Eric!!! Just LOVE these pics! :)

[SueScribe]

[quote=SueScribe;246758]

Formalities, Forshmalities, Sue....

http://johnwmacdonald.com/5521bill_clinton.jpg

Oh, oh . . . oh my . . ummm . . *mouth is dry* . . . oh . . Bwaaawhh . . my heart is breaking . . . oh . . .*Sue faints, falls from creaky chair onto lint-laden carpet* . .

[SueScribe]

and now . . . *climbing from floor* . . . I must sleep and dream technicolor dreams . . oh . . please let me dream . . .

Goodnight, ya'll wonderful people.

Sue

[Guru]

Wow. "Searching for God through a bush-hog." All these fantastic posts. This is ABSOLUTE best thread going. What a difference a subject makes.

Thank ya'll SO much.

Sue

* I have a strange way of approaching some things. Like most people I am the victim of cycles; some in daily life to a minimal degree and to the following of religion. I'm not wishy-washy but in a constant evolution. Doctrine's of the newest snake potion peddler don't influence me; I am led by my faith. I just find it very hard to follow the "New Truth" and I also don't think eggs ever killed anyone with cholesterol despite what is in vogue THIS year. Isn't it scary when you realize that you really don't know anything to the degree of it being a black and white truth world? To me it brings you face to face with your mortality. On a very short leash is my Alpha-Male personality. I consider it vain and trite. I didn't always think this. "What were once vices are now bad habits" (Doobie Brothers?) is a good example to escape. I think I could almost be Amish in another quarter inch or so. My distaste for vanity has, right or wrong, caused me not to sing in Church in probably 25 years. All that to say I'm just glad to be here, on the payroll and enjoying a greasy hamburger sitting in the corner. Since I've found this place there have been some outspoken posts that I have made, sometimes I question this. I suppose if I didn't feel I was in the company of good people in a truly open thinking forum I would not have made them. Right now is a good time to thank you all for being in a place that I found. I am on my last truly full night of a 3 week vacation and have enjoyed my visits here with all of you immeasureably. If I gave any of you "Thanks" or "Reputation" for a post I didn't do that lightly; I give measure where due from my way of thinking. Along that line I have given out one "Groan" and would retract it if I knew how. Somebody had an opinion and stated it; it wasn't wrong ... it was just different than my opinion at the time. It's been one heckuva day at the ranch and it's my icing on the cake to log in here and see all of you. Thanks.

[FloridaTransplant]

Don't look to someone else's book for the purpose in your life.