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Shattered Dreams: God's Unexpected Path to Joy
by
Larry Crabb
If God loves me, why does life hurt so much?
“A new way to live is available to us,” writes widely respected author and counselor Larry Crabb, “a way that leads to a joy-filled encounter with Christ, to a life-arousing community with others, and to a powerful transformation of our interior worlds that makes us more like Jesus.”
You’ll see how God moves you from shattered dre...more
“A new way to live is available to us,” writes widely respected author and counselor Larry Crabb, “a way that leads to a joy-filled encounter with Christ, to a life-arousing community with others, and to a powerful transformation of our interior worlds that makes us more like Jesus.”
You’ll see how God moves you from shattered dre...more
Paperback, 224 pages
Published
April 16th 2002
by WaterBrook Press
(first published 2001)
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I found it mediocre at best. There were some reasonable thoughts - but they seemed obvious to me, (joy is not the same as happiness...pain points us to Christ because we need him most when we are hurting...etc.), while other points seemed to complicate the thesis he was trying to prove.
And my first problem is with his thesis: "Shattered Dreams are necessary for spiritual growth."
I disagree. BROKENESS is the necessity for spiritual growth...a broken and contrite heart. While a shattered dream M...more
And my first problem is with his thesis: "Shattered Dreams are necessary for spiritual growth."
I disagree. BROKENESS is the necessity for spiritual growth...a broken and contrite heart. While a shattered dream M...more
This was exactly the right book at exactly the right time in my life.
Shattered Dreams gave me permission to freely process the grief of realizing that God owes me nothing, in spite of the ubiquitous teaching that "if I do this, then God will (or has to) do that for me". Nowhere in Scripture does God promise to fix my life up the way I wanted-- therefore I don't have to feel guilty about bad things happening in my life. Not only am I not in control and may never understand, it's okay because a G...more
Shattered Dreams gave me permission to freely process the grief of realizing that God owes me nothing, in spite of the ubiquitous teaching that "if I do this, then God will (or has to) do that for me". Nowhere in Scripture does God promise to fix my life up the way I wanted-- therefore I don't have to feel guilty about bad things happening in my life. Not only am I not in control and may never understand, it's okay because a G...more
We led a community group in our neighborhood. On September 17, 2007, a couple in our group lost their 11 month old baby in an accident at home. We grieved, we prayed, we celebrated life and then we listened as our group wanted to understand what had happened in relationship to God. So, we began a study of Dr. Larry Krabb's book Shattered Dreams. A roller coaster ride of emotion, enlightenment and human experience commenced and for almost three months we worked through understanding shattered dre...more
How did I bump into this book in the public library? I wasn't looking for it ... by the call number it must have been next to Francis Chan's Crazy Love, which was on my list of books to read, recommended by a friend.
Larry Crabb is not new to me. He's a good author. I just haven't been reading self-help books of any kind for awhile. The timing of reading this book is incredible, a definite 'God Thing'. I could have written this book, if I knew how. This book is DYNAMITE! That means it KICKS! so l...more
Larry Crabb is not new to me. He's a good author. I just haven't been reading self-help books of any kind for awhile. The timing of reading this book is incredible, a definite 'God Thing'. I could have written this book, if I knew how. This book is DYNAMITE! That means it KICKS! so l...more
This book is absolutely awesome! I felt like it was written for me. I never had a book answer my questions and raise new ones so thoroughly. Sheds amazing light and new meaning on the book of Ruth.
I have been in a period of disillusionment, wanting to know what God promises in the here and now. If you're wondering, "How do I find the faith that lets me see what is invisible, to passionately believe that He's always wonderfully and lovingly responsive when He seems so callous?," then this book is...more
I have been in a period of disillusionment, wanting to know what God promises in the here and now. If you're wondering, "How do I find the faith that lets me see what is invisible, to passionately believe that He's always wonderfully and lovingly responsive when He seems so callous?," then this book is...more
I received this book through LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program and I wasn't that excited. I find many Christian self-help books to be formulaic and oversimplified. Might I also point out that Christian self-help is a moronic classification since Christianity is all about Christ working in people unable to save themselves. So it was with great trepidation that I cracked open the cover and read the Author's Note and Introduction. "Not bad," I thought, "but I don't hold out much hope for the r...more
Who hasn't experienced shattered dreams - moments when our lives feel as if they are falling off their axis, spinning out of control, crashing down at our feet. Who hasn't found themselves devastated and broken, spilled out and hurting, desperate for restoration and redemtpion. What is happiness- True contentment - Security - Blessing? Where does one find these things in this broken and stained world filled with disappointments and heartaches?
Larry Crabb bodly declares the compassion and immeasu...more
Larry Crabb bodly declares the compassion and immeasu...more
Jul 29, 2011
Candice
added it
I'm not that crazy about Larry Crabb's writing style, and in this book, I also did not like the assumptions he seemed to be making that unless you've had your dreams shattered, you cannot hunger for the love or presence of God in a raw enough way. Maybe it was the word "shattered" that I was constantly stumbling over, because what about those who have not experienced a truly "shattering" event? That's not exactly something you look for. I just felt a little off throughout my reading.
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Firstly this is not a quick fix book. Larry Crabb uses the story of Naomi to beautifully illustrate the journeey God takes us to joy from absolute brokenness to hope and joy. I particularly liked the image of Jesus as the bridegroom in Boaz' preparation for his wedding to Ruth. Naomi said "my daughter. The man will not rest until the matter is settled today". We may not always feel Gods presence but He is always working to bring us closer to Him. Very challenging and freeing book.
A gift from Gigi Wallace. Larry presses the idea that we can't truly experience a desire for God alone, without loss and disappointment. Our good desires in life fall short of God's best for us. We pray for heart, success, blessings on our children, but often the bumps drive us to our knees. The process is much like grief—denial, anger, acceptance and a much deeper reliance and relationship with God in the end.
This book made me angry at times, so much that I had to put it down and pick it up again later. But that's because it was so full of truth, so honest. I feel that this book helped me begin to scratch the surface of letting go of some of my "human" dreams and embracing God's dreams for me.
I read most of this book, but in a real hurry. Looking forward to going through it again at a slower pace. He uses the story of Naomi and does an excellent job of showing how good can come out of shattered dreams. God uses healing communities to bring redemption.
What I'm learning...
"Something bad happens. I hurt. I feel unhappy. I long to feel good. I ask God for help. I am resolved to feel better. I do whatever I can to make at least a few dreams come true. That is the way of the flesh.
Something bad happens. I hurt. I feel unhappy. I long to feel good. But I trust God. His pleasure matters more than mine. But His pleasure includes mine. I believe that. So I abandon myself to His pleasure. I live to please Him. I work hard and live responsibly and st...more
This book was a really interesting meditation on Naomi in the book of Ruth and the role of suffering in the Christian life. I enjoyed the parts about Ruth and Naomi the most, and appreciated the way the book rejected the notion that Christianity should bring wealth and comfort. The book also had intriguing thoughts about how one can strengthen a relationship with God even in suffering. I guess the three stars are because I find it difficult to praise suffering as much as the author seems to. I'm...more
This book adds a new dimension to my thinking. It is not holy like the Bible but i am considering what I gleen from it and comparing it to what I have read in other books. Like A Praying Life by Paul Miller.
I was preaching in Florida and got to meet some peeps at the event I was at. Long story short, one of the ladies had lost her mother to food poisoning a few years prior and another lady had lost her month a few weeks prior. They both told me about this book and how Crabb was able to use the scriptures to walk them through why God would shatter some of our dreams and how to deal with such grief impacted life moments.
I picked up the book and couldn't put it down. The wisdom is solid because it com...more
I picked up the book and couldn't put it down. The wisdom is solid because it com...more
I really enjoyed this book when I was reading it, but for some reason didn't finish. Even if it's a good book, sometimes I get distracted. :) Hopefully I can pick this one back up.
This book really challenged the way I pray and how I see the difficulties that our family faces. Finished it and then immediately read the whole book again and took notes.
We used this book in a Bible study. It was either loved or hated. I hated it.
While reading the first chapter, it took everything in me not to throw that book across the room. Apparently the author has had problems with being angry with God and assumes his entire audience has suffered the same experience. I'm sure there are people that struggle with the issue, but not everyone.
Throughout the entire book, there were things I disagreed with.
I hated the book. If you ever struggled with being angry w...more
While reading the first chapter, it took everything in me not to throw that book across the room. Apparently the author has had problems with being angry with God and assumes his entire audience has suffered the same experience. I'm sure there are people that struggle with the issue, but not everyone.
Throughout the entire book, there were things I disagreed with.
I hated the book. If you ever struggled with being angry w...more
I have mixed feelings about this one. It started out good, but left many unanswered questions. Perhaps I'm too close to it right now.
Most inspiring book I have ever read! Such an eye opener! Great for the believer and non-believer! I recommend to everyone!
One of the best books I've read on experiencing and understanding pain, loss, and tragedy by focusing on the life of Naomi.
It was healing... also daunting.
I cried alot.
I realized I am just as broken as I suspected.
I cried alot.
I realized I am just as broken as I suspected.
This book really makes you think about the reasons for shattered dreams and how to handle them.
My dreams were shattered and I have been stripped of all worldly things, but I have found God in a new way and dedicate my life to serving him. This book helped me through a really tough time in my life. I recommend it to anyone going through a difficult time.
I am re-reading this book. Very thought-provoking. Gaining new insights...
Being broken makes me desperate for Jesus and for community!
Being broken makes me desperate for Jesus and for community!
Larry always challenges my thinking and encourages me to become the woman God has called me to be!
I don't have much experience with shattered dreams, but enjoyed the book.
Larry Crabb does this a lot: "I'm going to tell you what Naomi saw, but bear with me while I tell you this first." a LOT.
Larry Crabb does this a lot: "I'm going to tell you what Naomi saw, but bear with me while I tell you this first." a LOT.
I think everyone should read this book. Very enlightening way of looking at struggles.
Be sure to have a box of tissues near by as you read this one. But so good!
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Dr. Larry Crabb is a well-known psychologist, conference and seminar speaker, Bible teacher, popular author, and founder/director of NewWay Ministries. In addition to various other speaking and teaching opportunities, Dr. Crabb offers a weekend conference throughout the country entitled Life on the Narrow Road and a week-long School of Spiritual Direction held in Colorado Springs, CO. He currently...more
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