There are numerous excellent reminders within this book regarding the significance of relationships and community. It emphasizes not only the spiritual community but also the secular one. However, they are merely reminders, nice to hear but lacking in truly profound "aha" moments.

This might be the reason why I perceived the book as rather superficial. I became bogged down and, in fact, started to skim and even skip many of Ortberg's example stories. And then, overall, my feelings towards this book and its author were most likely negatively skewed early on when Ortberg included a particularly judgmental comment about how he would envision life if lived in a "world where shalom prevailed".

This book was chosen for my book club. Despite not being especially enamored with this book, I thoroughly relished our book club's review and discussion together. It was interesting to hear the diverse perspectives of my fellow club members and see how they interpreted the various ideas presented in the book. Even though I had my own reservations, the group discussion added a new dimension to my understanding of the text.

This book is truly remarkable! It is not only insightful, but also highly entertaining and enlightening. It is an all-around excellent read that has the power to touch your heart and change your perspective.

A friend was kind enough to share her copy with me, and as I delved into the third chapter, I knew I had to have my own. I have filled its pages with my thoughts and challenges to myself. John Ortberg is the kind of writer who has the ability to inspire, and he has definitely had that effect on me. As I read each chapter, I constantly found myself thinking, "I can do better at..." whatever aspect of my life or faith it may be. I will always keep my copy close, with all my precious notes, and refer to it regularly. While I may never achieve "normal" in this life, I can at least strive to be a little less strange!

If you are looking to do some deep soul-searching and truly understand the significance that God places on community, I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It is a must-read for anyone seeking spiritual growth and a closer relationship with God.

Ortberg is truly remarkable when it comes to illustrations. He has a unique talent for taking complex Biblical and theological topics and presenting them in a way that is easily understandable.

His ability to use vivid examples and relatable stories helps readers to better grasp the profound concepts within the text.

However, it should be noted that while some of the book's content is evergreen and remains relevant and valuable over time, there are also parts that have become outdated.

In fact, at certain points, the text may even verge on being cliche or stereotypical.

Despite these shortcomings, the overall value of the book cannot be ignored.

It still offers many insights and perspectives that can deepen one's understanding of the Bible and theology.

Listening to the audiobook version can also enhance the reading experience, as the narrator's voice can bring the text to life and add an extra layer of depth and emotion.

Overall, Ortberg's work is a valuable contribution to the field of Biblical and theological studies, and is well worth exploring for anyone interested in these topics.

I truly love this book!

The essential point is that every individual comes with an "as-is" tag. We are obliged to love people exactly as they are and in the situation they are in.

If you are attempting to alter someone or hoping that they would change, then you are not showing love and acceptance for who they truly are. At least for the present, this is the way God has made them.

Our Bible study group has delved into this book twice already. It is simply wonderful!

It offers profound insights and teachings that have had a significant impact on our understanding of love and acceptance.

We have learned to embrace people's flaws and imperfections, just as God does.

This book has become a source of inspiration and guidance for us in our daily lives.

We highly recommend it to anyone who is seeking to deepen their understanding of love and grow in their spiritual journey.

I really liked the fact that in each chapter, a passage from the Bible is expounded upon in a manner that is accessible to everyone. This makes it possible for people with different levels of religious knowledge to understand and gain insights from the teachings.

Moreover, I truly appreciated the author's sense of humor. It added a light-hearted and engaging element to the otherwise serious subject matter. The humorous anecdotes and remarks not only made the reading experience more enjoyable but also helped to drive home the points being made.

The combination of clear explanations and a touch of humor makes this book a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the Bible or seeking spiritual guidance. It manages to present the profound wisdom of the scriptures in a way that is both approachable and memorable.

I would highly recommend this book to others who are looking for a fresh and engaging way to explore the teachings of the Bible.

Another great book that I have completed is by John Ortberg. John has a remarkable way of presenting various topics in a crystal-clear manner. His honesty is truly endearing, and the anecdotes that he skillfully sprinkles throughout his book add a touch of charm and relatability.

What I found particularly moving was his last chapter on the first five minutes. The way he presented this concept really made me stop and think. Those three simple words, "the first five minutes," hold so much significance. It made me realize how crucial those initial moments can be in setting the tone for the rest of an experience, whether it's a conversation, a meeting, or a new beginning.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for inspiration and practical wisdom. John Ortberg has a unique ability to connect with his readers on a deep level and offer valuable insights that can truly make a difference in our lives.

I first came across Ortberg's work, namely "The Life You've Always Wanted", during my freshman year of university. I was immediately struck by his writing style back then, and that impression has endured. In this remarkable book, Ortberg delves deeply into the concept of community. He vividly expresses the idea that we are designed to live our lives in the company of others, and explores both the joys and the challenges that such a way of life can bring. His final chapters poignantly touch on the difficulties that we inevitably encounter when it comes to relating to others, forgiving, and telling the truth. At the same time, he challenges us to engage with the deeper themes of commitment, accountability, and gratitude towards one another. The book is deeply rooted in scripture, yet it is also incredibly practical. You are bound to fall in love with this book!

Willow Creek's Pastor John Ortberg offers us a straightforward and uncomplicated class throughout this delightful book.

He provides valuable advice on "how to build 'normal' relationships" and guides us on a journey of forging successful friendships and relations.

While I don't regard it as a literary masterpiece, I do indeed appreciate his writing style and his objective perspective on human interaction.

The chapter on the seven steps towards resolving conflicts is particularly enjoyable and enlightening.

It presents practical and easy-to-follow strategies that can help us navigate through the inevitable conflicts that arise in our relationships.

Overall, this book is a great resource for anyone who wants to improve their interpersonal skills and build stronger, more meaningful relationships.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced relationship builder, you're sure to find something of value in Pastor Ortberg's teachings.

Wow - I cannot express enough praise for this book.

It has the power to make me burst out laughing (OUTLOUD) one moment and bring tears to my eyes the next. It can make me smile with joy and groan with anticipation.

This is truly an amazing book. It is written in a way that helps you remember what you have read, filled with enough heartwarming stories to touch your soul.

I absolutely LOVED it!!!

Every page is a delight, and I found myself completely engrossed in the narrative.

The author has a unique talent for creating characters and situations that are both relatable and entertaining.

This book is a must-read for anyone who loves a good story that can evoke a wide range of emotions.

I highly recommend it to all my friends and family.

Once you start reading, you won't be able to put it down.

It's that good!

Ortberg begins with the fundamental premise that God has designed people to exist within a community. However, due to the fallen nature of humanity, establishing connections with others has become a rather arduous task.

Ortberg zeroes in on the crucial need for solid relationships and the essential character values that are indispensable for both creating and sustaining these strong bonds.

I have a great affinity for this book as it challenges the common perception that we should simply shy away from anyone who drains our energy or makes us feel uncomfortable. Instead, Ortberg passionately urges his readers to break free from the shackles of isolation and strive to enhance their ability to interact and relate to one another. This call to action not only encourages personal growth but also paves the way for a more harmonious and connected society.

By emphasizing the importance of community and the effort required to build and maintain relationships, Ortberg offers valuable insights that can transform our approach to interpersonal interactions and lead to more fulfilling lives.

NF - Christian

NF is a well-known American rapper and songwriter who is also a devout Christian. His music often reflects his faith and values, and he uses his platform to share his beliefs with his fans.

NF's lyrics are deep and thought-provoking, addressing topics such as faith, struggle, and redemption. He has a unique style that combines elements of hip-hop, rock, and pop, creating a sound that is both powerful and engaging.

One of the things that sets NF apart from other Christian artists is his willingness to be honest and transparent about his own struggles. He doesn't shy away from discussing the challenges he has faced in his life, including depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. This authenticity has endeared him to his fans, who appreciate his openness and vulnerability.

In addition to his music, NF is also involved in various charitable endeavors. He has worked with organizations such as the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the National Alliance on Mental Illness, using his influence to raise awareness and funds for these important causes.

Overall, NF is a talented and inspiring artist who is making a positive impact in the world through his music and his actions. His commitment to his faith and his desire to help others serve as an example to us all.

I was not anticipating to have any fondness for this book. In fact, I went into it with rather low expectations. However, to my great surprise, I actually ended up loving it deeply.

Throughout the reading process, I discovered a plethora of new and valuable things. It was as if a whole new world was opening up before my eyes. Moreover, this book had such a profound impact on me that I found myself shedding tears on numerous occasions.

One particular quote that truly stood out and engraved itself in my mind was, “To love another person, is to see the face of God”. This simple yet profound statement captured the essence of love in a way that I had never thought of before.

In conclusion, this is an absolutely brilliant and amazing book. The author has done an outstanding job in creating a work that not only entertains but also educates and touches the heart. Well done indeed!