A Different Kind of Good Book

Do you ever long for time just to spend with a good book? You know, turn off the TV, radio, phone, cell phone, computer, neighbors' dogs, etc., and just hunker down for 8 hours with a good book? Sometimes a book just pulls me right inside the covers and I don't want to come out. "Partners in Prayer" by John Maxwell yanked me inside yesterday and won't let me escape! Ok, over 10 years old and possibly out of print, but packed with powerful content! Having served as a placeholder on my bookcase for several years, recent stirrings urged me to pick up the book and read it. A typical book read for me starts at the front cover and goes straight through from the tiny print telling me where to find it in the Congressional library to the bold print in the back guiding me to other great works by the author. The last few times I have been drawn in like this, I was riding shotgun for a crazy Jersey-girl bond agent...and if you know who I mean, you know these are opposite ends of the reading chart! "Partners in Prayer" ("PIP") was different. Seems lately there has been an inner directive to learn about fasting and the spiritual significance of fasting. Now if you personally know me, you know that recently I look more like a woman who appreciates a good meal and a good desert, than one who would consider fasting - talk about modern miracles...this could be another one in my life! Wouldn't you know, right on the front cover it talks about a 'Special section on fasting'! So this time, I started in the middle of the book and worked my way to the end and then started at the beginning. Ironically, seems I have done that in many other areas of my life before, but never a book! (Different topic, different day!) For about eight years, I have had a very intentional, active prayer life --sometimes wondering if I was 'doing it right', but none the less continuing to pray -- and I am finding very direct, simplistic, understandable and applicable instructions from Mr. Maxwell. The section on fasting was informative and now has me on a quest to find a book solely devoted to fasting and spirituality. In the meantime (you know, that time frame we spend so much of our lives in), I will continue to study "PIP" and work on writing projects. Fact in point, if I would spend more time looking at the computer screen or the notebook, I would probably notice fewer toys to be picked up, papers to be put away and cobwebs gently inhabiting our home....I feel a different topic coming on... Seems that once God places a thought in my heart and head, it doesn't go away until I act on it, so for now, it is back to the book! Experience an awesome day! Suzanne