I am going to take my liberties and offer a few quotes from the amazing author, “Sarah Young“. Almost every morning I read her devotional book, “Jesus Calling” and I love it. Because I am a Christian, The Bible is very important to me. I’m sad though that so many people look at it like a ‘religious’ book, rather than a love letter. I think that often times it can be misinterpreted or misunderstood. Sarah Young’s book really inspires me, because she brings it all back down to how it is meant to be – Relationship. One of the most fundamental needs of human beings – Relationship. To me, being a Christian is all about that – Relationship. Relationship, and not religion.
“…My joy and peace. These intangibles slake the thirst of your soul, providing deep satisfaction.”
“The glitter of the world is tinny and temporal. The light of my presence is brilliant and everlasting”
I have to give a quick shout out to my lovely blogger friend and talented poet, Frederic at poems & poèmes. The second last line is inspired by him. I love how he always says ‘Ah’ when he feels for something.
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Published by stacilys
I’m just a simple girl that is passionate about being relevant and making a difference in this world.
World traveler, lover of bright sunny days, experiencing cultures, good friends and conversation. I love my God and love my family.
I don’t believe that I have the Truth, but that I have a relationship with Truth and want to be closer to Him.
Canadian, born and raised in Vancouver, BC. YWAMer since 2000 and have traveled and lived all over the world –Hong Kong, China, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Afghanistan, Turkey, Germany, Argentina, Australia and The USA.
I moved to Brazil in 2002, married an awesome “Baiano”, Daniel, and we have two adorable kiddies, Caue and Hannah.
I am certified in fitness and nutrition and conducted physical conditioning classes while working with an arts and evangelism team and schools. I am also certified in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and TEYL (Teaching English to Young Learners).
"A God Coloured Girl in a Grey World" is my blog where I write articles based on my faith, post fitness routines, recipes and other health and wellness stuff. You can also check out a bit of my music at www.myspace.com/stacilys
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AH!!!
… considering the Bible as a Love Letter is deeply spiritual and fair (in my opinion). I must learn more about Sarah Young & her book. “Relationship, and not religion.”, it is also very profound, however the etymology of a word “religion” teaches us that it is linked with “link” and “relation” (Religion is, etymologically, an attempt to get “linked” with the Divine…) – and “relationship” is very accurate, since it implie sharing (You and God, God and you), I agree with your definitions!
“My joy and peace. These intangibles slake the thirst of your soul, providing deep satisfaction.”
“The glitter of the world is tinny and temporal. The light of my presence is brilliant and everlasting”
I love these quotes, I hope you’ll share more with your readers! They are universal, I mean buddhists or muslims people will recognize their own “path” to God (I like to think religionS are pathS to God)… thanks for sharing Staci, AH!!! you’re wonderful 🙂 ♥
You know, I love that ‘Ah’. That’s how I felt this morning during my quiet time.
Thank you for sharing about the etymology of ‘religion’ Frederic. I really didn’t know that. You’ve taught me something new. And I love the original meaning of it – ‘linked with the Divine’ – that is beautiful. I guess what I was trying to get at in this post is the negative connotation that it seems to have now-a-day. I grew up ‘unreligious’ and to me, ‘religion’ was like a set of rules or something not so ‘nice-sounding’. When I started considering life and the questions that are common for human’s to ask, I never considered ‘religion’ as something that had the answers. I was on a ‘spiritual’ search and found it in this overwhelming relationship with Him. So that’s where I’m coming from with this. It’s really too bad that so much negative stuff has happened in the name of ‘religion’.
I’m so glad you love these quote. I do too. Sarah Young has a real way of bringing Truth down to a real personal and intimate level.
AH!!! You’re wonderful too. 🙂 ❤
Loved these quotes! (already copy pasted along with the book and author).
I agree 100%. Reading FGM’s (love his poems too by the way) comment (Religion is, etymologically, an attempt to get “linked” with the Divine…) it would seem the original meaning has become sadly twisted somehow as happens with some words over time.
I remember the sweetness of the first few days after I found Jesus. Each day I would look down at some point and find a flower or flowers mysteriously “dropped at my feet”. I’m sure in each case there was some physical explanation, but it happened every day for about a week and never occurred before. I felt He was sending them as tokens of His love as if “dropped from Heaven”. That secured me on the path of a intensely personal relationship with Him. I’ve heard others with similar stories.
Hi Claire
“it would seem the original meaning has become sadly twisted somehow as happens with some words over time.”
–Yes, it really does carry with it now a negative connotation. I know that when I was seeking, religion was not what I wanted, or even considered. I was seeking something ‘spiritual’ which I didn’t connect with religion. I love its original meaning that Frederic shared. It really is too bad how it has gotten twisted over time.
Oh yes, I remember when I was a new Christian too. Because I used to smoke a lot of pot, I used to say, “Take a tok of the holy ghost.” My conversion was somewhat radical. I gave up the drugs and immorality immediately, but knowing so little at the time, I related my spiritual highs as being ‘high’. Of course I don’t say stuff like that anymore. I’m 20 years older now.
Your experience sounds amazing. It’s as if God was giving you little daily signs and saying, “See, I’m right here with you at all times.” Really beautiful. I have a similar story about when I really felt led to go out into a big park with my guitar and start singing my songs. As I started, this bird hovered over in front and above me and stayed there listening. I was totally amazed. It was like God was using confirmation through nature.
Thanks for sharing this Claire. Really awesome.
🙂
I LOVE “Jesus Calling!” Everyday, I seem to meet another fan!
Wow, I can’t believe how many people actually know about this book. I absolutely love it, and don’t get tired of it.
🙂
Aw. Very sweet nod to Frédéric. Hope y’all work together again soon. A lovely poem and I also have the Jesus Calling…and love it.
Oh yes, it was a great experience working with him.
Isn’t it the best book. I love it so much.
🙂
Yes, the best!! 🙂
I’ve been working my way through one of her devotion for a nearly a year now and I absolutely love her work. So glad you posted this! Blessings, N ❤
Oh, me too. I’ve been reading the same one for over two years now. It just doesn’t get old. Always fresh and refreshing.
Thank you Natalie and blessings to you.
🙂
I am not familiar with Sarah but know a grew that love her books – and now you too 🙂 and I enjoyed this post so I say “ah” too. ❤
Hehehe. Yes, ‘AH’ seems to hold great expression in it, doesn’t it. I love how Frederic does that.
I heard about this book from Sarah Young over two years ago. I checked out a sample on Amazon and knew I had to have it. It never gets old.
🙂
well I just a found a copy on our bookshelf – someone gave it my husband – and it is has a pleather cover – in an orange sienna color – 🙂
and while I am not looking for a daily devotional right now -I am going to put it on my nightstand to peruse later this month. I also knew an old lady – named Norma – and this was one of her daily reads when she was in her last few years here –
and the writing does seem timeless –
peace to you ❤
How about that. Wow, someone gave it to your husband? Interesting. Seems like it’s something a female would appreciate more. Has he read it at all? I’m sure it would touch men too though. She just seems to have a real way of bringing a message straight to the heart.
I hope you enjoy it. You’ll have to let me know what you think.
Peach to you too and a wonderful weekend.
🙂 ❤
oh I know – it totally feels like a female book. and I just asked my spouse about it – guess his mom gave it him – with a few other books that she just wanted him to peruse – and he said he did not read it – guess he looked at it real quick but does not remember one thing – ha!
but now that it is on my shelf I will be peeking in –
and by the way – I agree with you –
“Relationship, and not religion” amen to that.
and if more people knew that they would be blown away and in awe by the amazing satisfaction and joy that can be found in having a relationship with the Father – who intimately loves us and who does not want robots – but he calls us friend- and child. ❤
All I can say after learning about such a beautiful “love letter” and the beautiful poem that goes is Ahhhhhhhhh! It adds a beautiful intense.:)
Ohhhh, thank you so much. Truly intense. And very intimate and real.
May His love letter transform you from the inside out.
🙂
Now, that’s very wonderful and kind of you. Hoping transformation right now. 🙂 Stay wonderful Staci! 🙂
Ah, Frédéric is amazing. Nice post!
Hahahaha. I’m laughing because I just happen to be at your blog right now. I’m reading an awesome poem of yours at the moment. However, I won’t comment on it here. You’ll be seeing me over at yours in just a sec.
🙂
Oh yes, I agree. Frederic is truly amazing. A real gem.
🙂
Yes, he’s great. I’m reading your work as well. It’s very intriguing.
Jesus Calling = best devotional ever!
Ohhhhhh, I’m so glad you think so. For me too. I’ve been through it twice already. It just never loses its impact on me. I’m quite impressed as to how many people know about it. Maybe I’m just out of the loop because I live in the southern hemisphere and am not so in touch with what’s ‘hot’ in North America.
Thanks Jewels. Great name you have, by the way.
🙂
I love the poem! ❤
Awwww, thank you so much Neha. I’m glad you love it.
🙂 ❤
Love the poem, Staci. Your words always have an appeasing effect on me and I enjoy reading and re-reading it. ❤
I haven't read anything by Sarah Young, I'll give it a try though – Jesus Calling. 🙂
Awwww, thank you so much. You wrote such kind words, and I am so pleased.
I highly suggest reading Sarah Young’s book. I absolutely loved it. I’ve been through it twice. I still read it daily.
Thanks again sweetie.
🙂
Lovely poem, Staci. Thank you for sharing your inspiration. xo
Thank you Chloe.
🙂
Hey – I am back – and well I am not going to write too much – but just wanted to say that after reading about a third of Sarah Young’s book – I can tell you a few reasons why I do not like it. But first let me say that I can see why so many folks do like it – because she cleverly uses different scriptures and then writes encouraging notes in the voice of God – as if he was saying those directly to us. and while this may have value for many folks, I found these issues with her writing:
Some of the lines are patronizing (subtly) and also very quick – because after a questionable line that is “off” she will then add a bullet or powerful power zinger.
Second, the counselor side of me had my hair stand on ends on certain entries. For example, page 254 – august 31st – she says that “some of my children I have gifted with abundant strength and stamina – others, like you have received the gift of frailty” and then calls the reader frail and “weak ones like you” – well this is subtle – but it is talking down to the reader. First, by saying some have the gift of stamina and then others – “like you” – are frail is just wrong. Because the Bible does not say this at all. The bible says that WE ALL equally fall short of the glory of God and that we all are strong “only in and through him” there is no dichotomy – and maybe a few weaker women read this line and are not irritated by it – but not all women are frail – oh no – and it is not a gender thing – or a personality or talent mix – we all are strong when we are are weak and when He takes over.
Further, there are seasons of where we may have stamina and times when we may be feeling a bit more frail -but here words here are so “self-fulfilling prophesy” as the MANY times she keeps telling the reader they are frail – well it actually cements that in their head – and this is not the same as the “strong in Christ message” which she sorta goes on to in the next part of this entry – her message is actually subtly disempowering. Partly because it is followed by reading that some have been given stamina but you have not! (and she says it at least 3 times directly) – and well – it is off.
This may seem like splitting hairs, but in numerous other passages I detect very similar insertions of “not so biblical” points and for this reason I am not even resifting my husband’s copy of this book.
The other thing I do not like – and this is just a style thing – but I do not like her writing. She uses the thus and thou as if the King James version is more worthy – when it is such a faulty translation and when I seed those words I almost wonder if she was trying to make it sound more official. It is likely just a matter of her preference – cos she likely just prefers NKJ – but while I like that verbiage with writers of that period – I do not like that translation as much as other ones – (for many reasons) and I find her use of thou and thee to be distraction.
also, as we all know = when writers use certain words – it is like the jewelry we wear – or the extra dishes we put out at dinner to add flair – and her words just are not my style times she uses “encroaches” and “telltale” – well it actually irritates me – and I tried not to be critical – and even found some entries I had zero issues with – like October 22nd seemed spot on fully. but to me – this is not the tone or words I imagine God using when he speaks with me
Anyhow, I could give a dozen more examples, but this is long enough – (sorry) but will sum it up to say I can see why so many folks love this devotional – and likely 97% of it is aligned and inspiring and good – but because of the subtle “off sentences” that contradict and then talk down to the reader (as if we all have the lower intellect) – well it is not for me.
The Bible as a love letter – I’d never thought about it that way. I like that, Staci.
Hehe.
🙂