THE DEEPER LIFE by Daniel Henderson

Thought provoking stories and self-discovery questions help readers find purpose and satisfaction in life. The longings referenced in the subtitle include a longing to know who God is, a longing to know who we are, and a longing to find out why we are here. The book provides space to record thoughts and answers to the questions so that readers can clarify their values, passions and purposes, all with a goal of improving quality of life. For example, there are exercises to help a reader determine his or her theology and identity. There are examples from the author's own life and work with other people. There are other books and systems for examining your life that are similar to this one - ways to help you discover your purpose or develop a personal mission statement. This one is well-organized and easy to use and relate to. I think this would be good to use for a Sunday school class or a church or business small group.

Just in time for Easter! If your Lenten season or Easter preparations have left you looking for "more" in your spiritual life, considering reading The Deeper Life.

4 out of 5 stars

* I received a review copy of this book from the publisher, Bethany House, for free in the hope that I would review it honestly on my blog. Regardless, I only review books I enjoyed. I don’t believe in passing on negative reviews. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

WEDNESDAY: Discovering Your Divine Assignment

Another book for those looking for their purpose in life. Readers have the opportunity to complete some assessments and questions as they consider God's Word and their interests and strengths. This would be a good book for group study so that readers could get feedback from others as they work through the assessments.

WEDNESDAY: Cure for the Common Life

I am always on the look out for a book to help me pinpoint where to focus my energies, or discern my gifts/passions, etc. This was one of those books - I also bought the workbook, which is a nice accessory for the book. In this book. Max Lucado encourages readers to look back in life to see where the "sweet spots" have been. Then they can use that history to highlight strengths and passions for the future. I really enjoyed this book.

THURSDAY: Your Child's Strengths

I am hearing more and more about a philosophy switch from focusing on problem areas and trying to improve them to a focus on strengths. The idea behind it is that a person's weakness is not likely to ever become a strength, but we pour effort into making it mediocre or average when we could be building on the person's innate strengths instead.

In Your Child's Strengths, Fox talks about her experiences as the director of a New Jersey boarding school. She says the story of developing strengths in young people is "about igniting each child's individual potential and preparing him/her for successful, fulfilled lives in school and beyond."

This was a challenging and inspiring book. It includes exercises for children that can be started between the ages of 9 and 13. Even though my son is not that old yet, I still found suggestions and encouragement in this book that I can use now.