Hannah Whitall Smith truly believed God intended His creation to enjoy a happy, prosperous life. Her devotional classic, published over 100 years a...
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Jan 10, 2012
Hannah
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I was thrilled when Ben found an old copy of this at a bookseller's in Boston. I'd long heard about it, and having a hardback, thick-paged, decades-old version seemed to give it even more weight. It's interesting to read this as a reflection of its time, with its answer to any doubts or troubles in life simply being, "believe more." It seems that now, the conversation in Christian and theological circles has turned, viewing doubt as not necessarily a bad thing. I find myself feeling in
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Aug 05, 2007
Jessica
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This title really seems a bit trite for the magnitude of wisdom and mature Christian discipleship which it's pages contain.
Plan to be enlightened (seeing biblical principles and scripture in a new way-even though the book was authored in 1875). Plan to be challenged (all our modern self focused-self absorbed Christianity is refuted bit by bit). After all this we see through a clearer glass, a more simple Christian life wich does indeed bring happiness- or what I would refer to as true bibl More...
Plan to be enlightened (seeing biblical principles and scripture in a new way-even though the book was authored in 1875). Plan to be challenged (all our modern self focused-self absorbed Christianity is refuted bit by bit). After all this we see through a clearer glass, a more simple Christian life wich does indeed bring happiness- or what I would refer to as true bibl More...
Dec 30, 2009
Leroy
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I first read this book, at least part of it, when I was in college in the mid-1950s. I read it again, partly for nostalgia reasons. I was happy to read it again, but I probably enjoyed it far less this time than when I read it the first time. Not only has my theology and view of Christianity changed over the last fifty years, but the general milieu of American society and American churches have changed quite a bit also--except, perhaps for fundamentalist churches.
Dec 28, 2008
Holly
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This book is not for any but the true seeker of knowledge because the author's language is dated and difficult to follow. For me, it was a gem. The author answered many questions that I did not know I had about my spiritual life. Questions like "If I have truly turned my life over to Christ, why am I still so flawed?" and "How does one really "turn your burden over to him?" I know why it has been a Christian best seller for 150 years. I love her approach to Christi
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Dec 30, 2011
Ki
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I don't agree with Smith on all her points, but she writes a great book. I find it so complelling that it was written over a hundred years ago, but addresses the more fashionable question of our time; happiness. She purposes that true Christian Happiness lies in total surrender and union with God. She covers the topic from several angles (which might have been dull if I had read it all at once, but broken down over a matter of weeks was no trouble), and even gives practical advice and real life
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Nov 23, 2009
Betsy
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A real gem of a book. This was originally written as a magazine article, but was such a success, it was printed into book form. Small enough to carry in your purse, with the kind of wisdom that will suprise you.
Feb 09, 2011
Rachel
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This book is such an encouragement, treating common spiritual difficulties practically. The tone is like a good friend, compassionate yet for your own good is not afraid to tell you what you're doing wrong. I especially appreciated the chapters addressing the unfortunate tendency for people to use their feelings/emotions to gauge how they are doing spiritually or even to know what they believe. Smith does a great job clearing this up, and even uses the analogy of a mother-child relationship to
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Oct 15, 2009
Melanie
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Really great book. Make me ask myself, am I being a true Christian and am I doing things out of love, fear or duty? One I want to buy and read regularly.
May 03, 2011
Amanda
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I was hesitant to read this, but a couple of my friends rated it well so I thought it was worth trying. I was so pleasantly surprised and I can't remember the last time I was so influenced by a book. The perspective she opened up and the analogies she gave were new, yet familiar. I have been a Christian my entire life, so I didn't expect to get much out of it, but was humbled to realize that I have much more to learn. After I finished the first few chapters I thought she would just go over t
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Mar 28, 2011
Read1000books
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Although I disagree with her "quietism" approach to Christian living (let go and let Jesus do it all), this remains a Christian classic.
Jul 22, 2010
Thomas
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This book started off good, then died after a few chapters. Finishing it was long and excruciating. I don't recommend it.
Mar 28, 2011
Jim
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Fabulous read. It will sit next to Bonhoeffer's The Cost of Discipleship.
Jul 20, 2009
Glen
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This woman from a century ago really knows her stuff. I can see why Dallas Willard was so influenced by this book. Very inspiring!
Jan 19, 2010
Charlotte
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remember liking it... but the book is unfortunately forgettable. don't remember a thing from it.
Mar 25, 2009
Carol Rich
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This book is a classic! It reminds me of C. S. Lewis' "Mere Christianity" and challenges the reader to trust in God and to discover the true secrets to happiness. I LOVE THIS BOOK!!
Mar 21, 2011
Stephanie
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Absolutely one of my favorites. She tackles the hard spiritual questions.From the very beginning of that Christian classic, my thoughts were molded by her teaching. Although this book is still in print and for sale, you can also read it online. I especially recommend the first chapter: God’s Side and Man’s Side. To paraphrase the author, God’s part is to do all the work, your part and my part is to trust Him.
Jun 05, 2011
Jennifer
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A Christian classic. Practical and inspirational -- and simply explained. Filled with wisdom and insight. It's one I will reread.
Sep 25, 2007
Spiritual freedom from everyday struggles in life. Focuses on complete surrender to God's gift to us and putting faith before feelings, God's will before our self.
Dec 17, 2009
Jeremy
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after the build-up I got for this book I was kinda disappointed. I think there are better in the same genre, like Celebration of Discipline or Normal Christian Life
Jul 28, 2010
Madoline
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Much spiritual wisdom in living the "Christian" life moment-to-moment in this classic. I had to read is slowly to take it in and reflect as I went.
Mar 25, 2008
Grandma
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An absolutely sweet and charming book written long ago, but still relevant today. A help to keep life simple in this hectic, complicated world.
Nov 04, 2008
Emily
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Too basic to finish reading. It might be good for a new Christian who struggles with the foundational issues of Christianity.
Nov 18, 2008
Rofhiwa
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well I got it as an Audio Book, u know the kind u just listen to someone reading it out to ya as mp3 files....
Aug 08, 2008
Beckynovacek
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this is in my list of top 10 books. i'll always have a copy or two on my bookshelves.
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