It truly was an incredible weekend. Phase one of our remodel was done, and we had Paul Young, author of "The Shack" in to speak on Saturday and Sunday at Snoqualmie Valley Alliance. What struck me immediately about Paul, was how real and authentic he was. Conversation was easy, and grace-filled. You wouldn't know you were cruising the the 405 with a man who has sold millions of copies of his book.
Each session was marked with the same level of genuineness as he wove his own story in and out of the story found in "The Shack." If you have never read the Shack, you should. It is a modern day parable of the reality of God's goodness even in the midst of tragedy, or our own "great sadness" as the book reveals.
Paul definitely has a way with words and crafting an engaging story that is not only captivating, but enlightening and thought provoking at the same time. This book has been the conversation piece at coffee houses all over. And what most excites me is the way it has created a conversation about God, Trinity, Pain and suffering, and goodness among people who believe and follow Jesus, as well as those who don't.
Some of the dialog involving the personages of God in the book have also caused quite a stir among some Christians. It should come as no surprise that any author who majors on the theme of grace will get attacked, and Paul has taken his share of criticism.
Should you desire to look more deeply into some of the themes found in the book check out the book "Finding God In The Shack" by Randal Rauser. Rauser is a theologian and he looks through some of concepts found in The Shack, and he does it from a theological point of view.
I am so glad we had an opportunity to experience and learn from Paul...your many emails of thanks and kudos relaying how his sessions drew you closer to Christ in very real ways is also encouraging!
And remember, Papa is rather fond of you :-)
Monty
There needs to be a way to download your podcasts or a feed URL to subscribe to so we can listen away from the PC. If there is one let me know!
Posted by: Joe Givens | August 13, 2009 at 09:05 AM
You can download off of iTunes...do a search for either my name or Snoqualmie Valley Alliance...let me know if that works for you!
monty
Posted by: MC | August 13, 2009 at 01:59 PM
Well I am old school and don't use ITunes. I use just a basic podcatcher application to download into my IRiver. ITunes and the IRiver are not compatible.
Posted by: Joe Givens | August 14, 2009 at 09:02 AM
hhmm...i'll ask the person who handles the upload if there is an option for you :-)
mc
Posted by: MC | August 14, 2009 at 03:17 PM