Tuesday, May 12, 2009

The Principle Of The Path by Andy Stanley


There’s a question you should be asking yourself right now. Andy Stanley helps to dissect that question in his latest book, The Principle of the Path. The question: Where are you headed? Stanley describes how “direction—not intention – determines our destination.” Stanley writes about some of his life decisions and highlights stories from the line of David, depicting many real life examples that show if you desire to get to where you want to be, you need to be walking in that direction. Distractions, listening to your heart, and refusing to accept that your decisions now have ramifications for later, all influence why you sometimes stray from the once desired path. Stanley writes, “My hope is that by becoming aware of this powerful principle, you will have the wisdom to know which path to choose and the courage to stay the course.”


I found myself quoting this book to my husband and friends in multiple conversations. With straightforward, honest language Stanley succeeds at challenging comfort with status quo. By means of probing questions, personal confessions, humorous accounts and Biblical wisdom, Stanley proves that where you will end up is directly influenced by the direction you are moving. I’d be quick to give this book to a loved one. The impact The Principle of the Path has upon your life is dependent upon how willing you are to be challenged, how open you are to recognizing your direction and potentially changing your direction when you are off track or even lost.


Why does the direction you are headed in matter? Andy Stanley answers that with, “God cares about the direction of your life.”


I’m thankful to be reviewing books such as this for Thomas Nelson Publishers.

14 comments:

  1. It remindes me of Fiddler on the Roof - when Tevia says something along the lines of...if we don't know where we came from, how can we know where were going? And, if we don't know where we're going - our lives are as shaky as a fiddler on the roof.

    Great thought!

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  2. Sounds like a great one! I would think it especially applies to us writers. Knowing what direction we're headed is especially important. It means we really need to be in tune with God's goals for our writing!

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  3. This book sounds fantastic! I'm going to go request it from my library. Very nice review--you're good at it!

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  4. Oh, I'm going to add this one to my Amazon order. It sounds wonderful, and I know Hubby will love it too.

    Thanks for sharing!

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  5. Sounds good! Thanks for such a great review!

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  6. Wait--you're NOT supposed to listen to your heart? He and I must define that differently. Hmmm.

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  7. Sounds like a great book! I used to hear Andy Stanley's teaching on a local radio station, but they stopped carrying it some time ago (went to an all music format). I enjoyed reading your review and I'm adding this to my list of books to read.

    I also plan to come back and visit your site when I have more time to read. This looks like a place I would really like to be.

    Thank you for your visit to my place and your kind comment. Always good to meet new friends. = )

    Blessings to you,
    Tracy

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  8. Sounds like a great book. Perspective and directions are key to getting to where you want to be. :D

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  9. Tess, I love Fiddler on the Roof!

    Jody, what you wrote is something I'm praying about daily...it's hitting close to home.

    Eileen, I think it's sweet you wrote Hubby. :D

    Juliet, thanks for the comment.

    Luisa, complicated...do you have an hour for me to explain my thoughts? Here's the short: The heart, though potentially filled w/ good intentions, can trip us up. Man, this would ignite a great conversation!

    Tracy, this is a place *I* want you to be. That red apron was so sweet! Blessing back at you!

    Danyelle, I'm still thrilled I can see your face now. I think sometimes what gets confused for me is remembering where I want to be.

    I'm honored to read your comments and am loving getting to know you all!

    ~ Wendy

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  10. I pray God's directing my every step.

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  11. Love Andy Stanley. I firmly agree with your findings. Our path does matter.

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  12. Luisa, I think there's four competing voices in my heart: Self, devil, world, Holy Spirit. Paul taught in Romans to intentionally lay down desires of Self and be transformed by God's Word, and then we can distinguish between the devil and world appealing to me through Self's desires, and God appealing to me with His desires for my genuine good.

    It is very complicated. I absolutely believe God makes His will known if we are faithful to search for it.

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  13. Anne, thank you for the succinct and thoughtful explanation about the heart. I've never read/heard it put just like that before. I appreciate it! And praise God for your second point about him making his will known when we search for it! I could learn about Him for the rest of my life and never tire of it!
    ~ Wendy

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  14. Just poking around and found this post! This book is FANTASTIC, and you did a great job with the review. I'm blessed to called Andy Stanley my pastor, as we live near Atlanta and attend his church.

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