Blog Archives
Award Winner WHY GOD MATTERS
Why God Matters
In June 2010, I had the pleasure of reviewing a book written by a father-daughter team of authors. The book, Why God Matters: How to Recognize Him in Daily Life, was probably not something that I would have picked off a shelf to read. However, it is one that I am glad I read. Though this book was written by two Catholics, it is a good book for any Christian to read. It is a great guide of how to see God in the small moments of life. You can read my review of the book here.
Recently, I received the following note from one of the authors, Karina Fabian. I’m so excited to hear about the award this amazing little book received. Hope you are too!
Dear Friends,
We just found out that Why God Matters: How to Recognize Him in Daily Life won the Christian Small Publisher Association Book of the Year under the Christian Living category. We’re very excited that our little devotional is touching lives so well that people cared enough to take time to vote for us. However, since this is a popular award, it depends as much on publicity as quality of the book—and that came from your efforts!
My dad, Deacon Steve, and I wanted to thank you for hosting us on tours, 
reviewing the book, and letting folks know about Why God Matters. We would not have won this award without your help.
I’ve attached the press release along with the award icon and book cover in case you want to share the news. Regardless, you have already done so much for us, and we are very grateful. May God bless you and yours in the big things and in the everyday.
Blessings,
Karina Fabian
www.whygodmatters.com
Karina and Deacon Steve, I am so happy for your success. I pray that God continues to bless you as you follow the path he has laid out for your lives.
When You Get Mono of the Soul
Yesterday, you read my review of the book Why God Matters: How to Recognize Him in Daily Life by Karina Lumbert Fabian and her father, Deacon Steven Lumbert. Today, I am honored to present the following post from Karina. This is one woman I know God has awesome plans for!
Lynn
When You Get Mono of the Soul
By Karina Fabian
Author Karina Fabian
Have you ever had mono? I got it for the first time at 43, and while the adult version o f mononucleosis is not as extreme as the teenage version, it’s nonetheless draining my energy. Aside from the annoying mystery of how I got “the kissing disease” when the rest of my family is fine, is the fact that I have too much to do to give into the exhaustion. There’s no cure, so I try to take care of myself, offer my suffering up to God and press on. It got me thinking, though.
Can souls get mono?
I’ve heard the expression “a tired soul,” and we have all had those times when it seems like faith is just so much work. When that occasional tired feeling becomes malaise, isn’t that like mono of the soul?
How do we get it? Sin infected you? Satan’s trying to bring you down? Only God knows for certain. Just like with mono, there’s no prescription for a cure (though Divine Intervention is always God’s prerogative). But there are things we can do.
Spiritual food: the doctor warned me that mono would make my appetite go down but I had to make myself eat well. So, too, can “mono of the soul” make you not want spiritual food: prayer and worship (and for Catholics especially, the Sacrament of the Eucharist.) But these are vital if we’re going to stay spiritually healthy.
Rest: It’s a temptation to take on too much, to push too hard, to do-do-do and forget that sometimes, we are meant to receive just as we are meant to give. This is the time to receive. Ask others for help or prayers. Spend time in a place that gives you comfort. Find a light meditation or read something inspiring. Drop out of some activities, maybe in favor of finding something else that will nurture the soul. God calls us to be all things to all men, but that doesn’t have to mean all at the same time.
Offer it to God and push on. Just like in life, we can’t give up everything and throw the covers over our heads and sleep for two weeks, so we can’t give up on our relationship with God. The Catholic faith talks of offering our suffering to God; it’s something anyone can do. God, in His mercy, can take the sacrifices we make–in this case our suffering–and turn them into something wonderful, but we have to take the first step of giving them to Him.
Mono–physical or spiritual–stinks. But by placing our faith in God, we can survive it–and just think of how wonderful you’ll feel when you’re well again!
About Karina Fabian
Karina (Lumbert) Fabian was born into the Catholic faith, but truly grew to love it as an adult. As a busy mother of four, she finds some of her strongest encounters with God’s love happen in the ordinary events of the day-to-day. Karina started her writing career with diocesan newspapers but ahs settled into writing fun-filled fantasy and science fiction that nonetheless incorporates the principles of faith-filled living. Her web site is http://www.karinafabian.com/ and her blog is at http://fabianspace.blogspot.com.
Review of WHY GOD MATTERS
Why God Matters
It is easy to see God in the “big” moments of life—protection through a car accident, healing from a disease the doctors say is incurable, the birth of a healthy baby after years of infertility. These are all obviously miraculous moments. In such times, we can’t help but recognize what God has done and give Him thanks for it.
But what about the smaller, everyday moments of life? How often do we stop to think of how God is moving in our lives then?
In their book Why God Matters: How to Recognize Him in Daily Life, Karina Lumbert Fabian and Deacon Steven Lumbert share stories from their own lives that show God at work. Their stories show how God can use simple, everyday moments—like sharing a bowl of rice or sending flowers to a friend—to show His love to us. They also illustrate small ways we can show God’s love to others.
At first, I was hesitant to read this book. The authors make no secret of their Catholic faith—the cover even sports the Catholic Writers Guild Seal of approval. This book was written by two devout Catholics, for a primarily Catholic audience. Raised in a Protestant home, Catholicism is something I have never understood. The churches I have attended emphasize a one-on-one relationship with Christ. I have never been able to grasp the concept of confessing sins to a priest or asking a saint to pray on your behalf. Why can’t you just take your prayers directly to God? When I looked over the book and saw that a portion of The Catechism was used in each chapter, I grew even more nervous. I was afraid that I was opening myself up for a book completely focused on a side of religion that is foreign to me. Even worse, I was worried that I would read how wrong my particular brand of faith is.
I was very pleasantly surprised. As I said, Karina and Deacon Steve make no apologies for their beliefs. I admire that. Throughout this book, they also made no attempt to sway the reader toward sharing their beliefs. They are just very straight forward—“I love God and this is why.” They showed how acknowledging God in the everyday moments of life can lead to a deeper understanding of Him.
Reading this book did not really help me to understand Catholicism any better—and that’s OK. I don’t really think that was what the authors intended. What I did come away with was a better understanding of God and a deep desire to appreciate Him more every day. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to enrich their relationship with God.
Upcoming Reviews
May 29
Looks like I will be off my feet for a while, facing some unexpected surgery. My “vacation” could be anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks, depending on how complicated the procedure is. So I’ve decided that I will spend that time reading and writing! I have a reviews all set to share with my faithful readers. Some of these books are AWESOME! One in particular has made me think and brought me closer to God. Love it! Mixed in with the reviews will be some guest posts and interviews from the authors. I sure hope you enjoy them!
June Reviews–
Inside Story by Susan Paige Davis
Love Starts with Elle by Rachel Hauck
Why God Matters by Karina Lumbert Fabian and Deacon Steven Lumbert
Returning Injury by Becky Due
July Reviews–
When Love Ends and the Ice Cream Carton is Empty by Jackie M. Johnson
Beachcombers by Nancy Thayer
Have you written a book you need to have reviewed? Please let me know! I’d be happy to add you onto my schedule!
