This is the second book I've delved into by John Ortberg, and I'm eagerly anticipating reading more of his works.

He has a remarkable way of writing with both wit and charm, taking what could potentially be a complex message and distilling it into a passage that is easily accessible to everyone.

This particular book seems to resonate deeply with many people. In today's world, due to our excessive exposure to TV, movies, and other forms of media, we have formed a preconceived notion of what "normal" is.

We then tend to beat ourselves up (or others) if we (or they) don't conform to that idea of "normal." We hold an image of what is normal in our minds and feel disappointed when we discover that we (or others) don't measure up.

This becomes a significant stumbling block in achieving meaningful relationships and a sense of community.

On page 14, Ortberg astutely states, "When we enter relationships with the illusion that people are normal, we resist the truth that they are not."

Once Ortberg strips away the mask of what we think is "normal," he guides the reader through a series of important topics such as "True Friendship," "Authenticity," "Acceptance," "Empathy," "Conflict," "Forgiveness," "Confrontation," "Inclusion," and "Gratitude."

At times, this book was a challenging read for me, and I even shed a few tears. However, it has been immensely helpful in promoting my spiritual growth.

My only real gripe about this book is that there were an overwhelming number of anecdotes. As I was reading, I used a highlighter to mark the most crucial points, and it seems that the 234 pages of this book could potentially be condensed down to approximately 100.

Other than that minor drawback, it's been a great read.

The last chapter is truly one of the most remarkable explanations of heaven that I have ever had the pleasure of reading.

It is so profound and engaging that it makes the entire journey of reading through the book more than worthwhile.

The author's description of heaven is vivid and detailed, painting a picture that is both beautiful and inspiring.

It offers a unique perspective on what lies beyond this life and gives readers a sense of hope and comfort.

Even if you have read many other books about heaven, this one is sure to stand out.

It is a must-read for anyone who is interested in exploring the mysteries of the afterlife.

So, take the time to read through the book and discover the wonder of the last chapter for yourself.

You won't be disappointed.

I truly like this author's approach and writing style.

It is the first book of his that I have had the pleasure of reading.

After experiencing this one, I have a strong inclination to read more of his works.

One aspect that I find particularly beneficial is the questions at the end of every chapter.

These questions serve as excellent prompts for self-reflection, allowing the reader to engage more deeply with the content and apply it to their own lives.

Moreover, this book was highly entertaining to read.

In my opinion, entertainment is a crucial element in self-help books.

It makes the learning process more enjoyable and accessible, increasing the likelihood that the reader will actually finish the book and take away something valuable.

Overall, I am very satisfied with this book and look forward to exploring more of this author's works in the future.

Read a wonderful excerpt from this book. The profound truths seem to ring out in every sentence. I've never read John Ortberg before, but after reading this excerpt, I think I might look at his other books.

Here's a bit of what I read:

"We are often tempted to live under the illusion that there are people out there who are completely normal. However, when we enter relationships with this false belief, we resist the truth that in reality, people are not as normal as we think. We then embark on an endless attempt to fix them, control them, or simply pretend that they are something they're not."

"Everybody's Weird (yes, that's right). Because deep down in our hearts, we know that this is not the way we're supposed to be, we try to hide our weirdness. Every single one of us pretends to be healthier and kinder than we truly are; we all engage in what might be called 'depravity management.'"

I can't wait to read more of this book and discover what other insights and wisdom it has to offer.

I absolutely LOVE John Ortberg.

It's true that probably the most mainstream Christian writer is Max Lucado, and I do like Max too! However, in my opinion, John Ortberg is the best.

He has a unique way of writing that makes complex religious and spiritual concepts so accessible to the average reader.

This particular book of his is about community. It delves into important aspects such as how to deal with conflict, exclusion, and forgiveness within a Christian framework.

What I truly appreciate about Ortberg is his sense of humor. He manages to make each subject not only interesting but also darn relevant to our daily lives.

I find myself constantly engaged and inspired by his words. In fact, I wish he would write 1,000 more books! I can't get enough of his wisdom and insights.

His work has had a profound impact on my understanding of Christianity and how to apply its teachings in a practical way.

I highly recommend John Ortberg's books to anyone seeking spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of the Christian faith.

My first encounter with this book occurred in 2013 when I purchased a hand copy of it.

At that time, I was immediately drawn to its contents and found it truly captivating. However, after a while, a friend borrowed it to read.

To my disappointment, that friend never returned the book, and it has remained missing to this day.

This book is an absolute must-read for everyone. It contains valuable insights and engaging stories that will leave a lasting impression.

I cannot emphasize enough how strongly I recommend it. It is not the kind of book that you read once and then forget about.

Rather, it is a book that you will want to revisit time and time again, as each reading will offer new perspectives and a deeper understanding of its themes.

Despite the fact that I no longer have my original copy, the memory of this book still lingers in my mind, and I continue to recommend it to others.

If you have the opportunity to read this book, I highly encourage you to do so. You will not be disappointed.

A good book serves as a powerful reminder that we all possess our own flaws. We often go to great lengths to hide these imperfections from one another, as if it is not acceptable to live in a state of "normality" with our true selves exposed.

This particular book offers a humorous perspective on how we interact with each other, both as individuals and as a collective. It delves into the various benefits and, at times, the harms that our interactions can cause.

Undoubtedly, it is an excellent book for a group to study and engage with. The questions at the end of each chapter are designed to spark great discussions, prompting us to reflect on instances where we may be judging others without truly knowing them. These discussions can lead to greater self-awareness and a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics of human interaction.

Overall, this book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the intricacies of our social lives and the ways in which we can improve our relationships with others.

This is an extremely great book.

I have a profound love for John Ortberg. He is truly a gifted writer who has the remarkable ability to maintain your unwavering interest throughout the reading process.

This book has served as a powerful reminder to me regarding the crucial importance of community. In a world that often seems fragmented, it is essential to recognize the value of coming together with others.

Moreover, it has also emphasized the significance of accepting people for who they are, without judgment or prejudice. Each individual is unique, and by embracing their differences, we can create a more inclusive and harmonious community.

Overall, this book has had a profound impact on my perspective and has inspired me to strive for a more connected and accepting life.

The best thing I've carried in this year of non-fiction gender.

This year has been truly remarkable when it comes to exploring non-fiction works related to gender. It has opened up a whole new world of understanding and awareness for me.

Through reading various non-fiction books, I have gained insights into the complex and diverse aspects of gender. I have learned about the different experiences, struggles, and achievements of people across the gender spectrum.

These works have not only educated me but also inspired me to be more empathetic and inclusive. They have made me realize the importance of breaking free from traditional gender norms and stereotypes.

Overall, this year of engaging with non-fiction gender has been a transformative and enriching experience. It has broadened my perspective and deepened my appreciation for the beauty and complexity of human gender.

I look forward to continuing this journey of discovery and learning in the years to come.

A great book to read in a community group!

Reading is not only a solitary activity but can also be a wonderful shared experience within a community group. There are numerous excellent books that are perfect for group discussions and exploration.

One such book might be a thought-provoking novel that delves deep into human nature and relationships. It could spark lively conversations as group members share their interpretations and perspectives.

Another option could be a non-fiction book on a relevant topic, such as history, science, or social issues. This would allow for in-depth learning and the exchange of ideas.

By reading together in a community group, we can expand our horizons, gain new insights, and build stronger connections with one another. So, next time you're looking for a great book to read, consider choosing one that would be suitable for a community group and embark on a journey of discovery and discussion.

FIREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

Fire is a powerful and often dangerous force. It can start suddenly and spread rapidly, causing destruction and chaos. The sight of a huge blaze can be both terrifying and awe-inspiring. Fires can be caused by a variety of factors, such as human error, electrical faults, or natural disasters like lightning strikes. When a fire breaks out, it is crucial to act quickly and call the fire department. Firefighters are trained to handle these emergencies and work tirelessly to put out the fire and save lives. However, even with their best efforts, fires can still cause significant damage. It is important to take precautions to prevent fires from starting in the first place, such as being careful with electrical appliances and not leaving candles burning unattended. By being vigilant and taking the necessary safety measures, we can reduce the risk of fire and protect ourselves and our property.

I read the Chinese version of "Mattress Fellowship".

To be honest, it didn't seem to be of much great use.

It talked about a lot of chicken soup, which might sound good but didn't have much practical value.

However, it did provide some useful reminders.

For example, it might remind us to be kind to others or to have a positive attitude towards life.

But the examples and metaphors used in the article were really bad.

They were not vivid enough and couldn't effectively convey the author's intended meaning.

Overall, although the article had some shortcomings, it still had a little bit of value.

Maybe we can take the useful reminders from it and apply them to our daily lives.

But we should also be critical of the bad examples and metaphors and not be misled by them.