Embracing a Beautiful God

Patricia Farmer's book has proven to be a most fortunate find. Whereas much of Christian devotional writing is often insipid and bland, PF writes with flair, imagination and insightfulness to make for most stimulating reading. PF states openly that she is indebted to the process philosophy of Alfred North Whitehead and the Christian process theology of John Cobb, David Griffin and Marjorie Hewitt Suchocki. One criticism of process thought is that it can often be very abstract and philosophical which is very odd since it often articulates a highly relational, immanent concept of God. PF does a masterful job demonstrating that the fruit of process theology can provide the basis for a vital, robust Christian spirituality that paints an intimate and engaging image of God. Written in short meditations, the overall theme of the book weaves together PF's many epiphanies of divine beauty found shimmering in all of life. Wedding theology with personal autobiography, the reading is substantial but also simply and deftly communicated for easy reading. In turbulent times like today, when so much is happening in the world that causes grief, disillusionment and despair, perhaps a needful healing resource is found in contemplating the Good News of God's inbreaking beauty and majesty. I believe that this book, read slowly and reflectively, can do much to sharpen the eye of faith to glimpse this ever-present counter-reality.

This book was recently recommended to me -- and I am so grateful it was. What a sweet, inspiring, charming and delightful surprise -- just what the doctor ordered for a dismal winter day! These short essays are perfect for reading one at a time, at random, whenever you want to digest something short but very meaningful and lovely. I keep it on my nightstand, and wish there were more books of essays like this -- today I am newly inspired to look at the beautiful, simple things around me with fresh reverence.

Patricia Farmer, through her inspiration and insight into the Beauty that is God in everyday experience, invites the reader to take in her meditations slowly and gently, pondering each one for personal application and edification. These stories are not to be gluttonously consumed, but should be lingered over-like sipping a fine, aged brandy. Both will leave you feeling warm and satisfied. -Lucinda J. Woodbridge

Patricia Farmer's "Embracing a Beautiful God" is an invitation to experience beauty in the midst of your everyday life. In the spirit of the Native American saying, "with beauty all around me, I walk," this book will inspire you to see beauty in playing with a cat, walking along the seashore, looking at a sunset, washing dishes, meeting a child at the bus stop, or simply enjoying a cup of tea or bar of good chocolate. In the wake of 9/11, we are apt focus on fear and danger as if they are the primary realities of life. While Patricia Farmer does not deny the tragedy and pain of life, she affirms that we also live in a world of wonder, beauty, and love. Her book calls us to what Rabbi Joshua Heschel describes as "radical amazement." Reading this book is a spiritual adventure and exercise in ordinary mysticism. It beckons the reader in the midst of her or his busy day to take a "beauty break," to see life more deeply, to discover God's presence and companionship. It reminds us that we can see ourselves and the world with new eyes - the eyes of beauty and appreciation.This book will awaken the mystic, the artist, the adventurer,and lover in you, and remind you that wherever you walk, you are on holy ground. The words itself transport you to a world of beauty in which divine creativity meets you around every corner.If you have been inspired by Annie Dillard or Ann Lamott or Anne Morrow Lindbergh, you will find this book a worthy spiritual companion.Bruce Epperly is a professor, retreat leader and lecturer, and author of many books, including "God's Touch," "The Power of Affirmative Faith," and "Mending the World."

My car broke down on the way to work today. Thankfully my wife and I had read Patricia Farmner's Embracing a Beautiful God at the breakfast table a few moments earlier. Reverend Farmer identifies the beauty of the ordinary as a beacon of divinity searching for us in a chaotic world. Her every day examples of beauty help me see the extraordinary in the mundane.For example, she uses the example of panning for gold to encourage us to search for the beauty in the common place. What was the gold been in my day today? A cell phone to call our AAA tow truck when my car died going to work, a bill for $214 to buy a fuel pump instead of a new car, people at work who genuinely care for me, a wife who still delights in me, eating popcorn after supper while sitting with her on the back deck swing.....thanks Reverend Farmer for joining me at my breakfast table and helping me see more beauty in each day.