Why God Matters: How to Recognize Him in Daily Life

God Does Matter

I was not sure what I would think about this book when I began reading it. I am a Christian but not a Catholic. In fact, I know virtually nothing about Catholicism. I was not sure how much this book would relate to me.

I was so happy to discover just how much I enjoyed this book. Each chapter was written like a mini-devotional, and it hit me right where I was living. Advice was practical, heartfelt, and Biblically sound. It gave me hope for the desperate situations in which I find myself lately. The authors understood what it meant to live out their faith.

I was most pleased that the Bible and Christian principles were emphasized over Catholic traditions. Once in a while, references to Catholic practices I do not practice--praying to saints, rosary beads, etc.--were mentioned, but I did not find these offensive. I found that these were not the emphasis of the book. Praying to God in times of distress and keeping one's faith strong were the most important premises of this book.

This is book I will be keeping and will turn to often when I am going through hard times. I would recommend reading it as a devotional and not just reading it straight through. Each short chapter is thought-provoking for a whole day or week. It will definitely uplift your spirits and return your focus to where it should be--God.

a useful Catholic resource

WHAT DO I THINK: I think this is a great resource for someone who is searching and looking to strengthen and deepen their fledgling faith. This book is full of real life stories with life application sections to get the readers thinking and digging a little deeper. I believe this book meets its intended purpose of taking a new believer to that next step of faith.

"Why God Matters"

This is a book on Catholicism written by Deacon Steven Lumbert and his daughter, Karina Lumbert Fabian. Although I was raised in Catholicism, I have to admit that we weren't taught in the same manner as described in this book. I have also come to learn there are different Catholic 'denominations,' for lack of a correct term. They are based on the different ministries of the Holy Spirit, as explained by a priest some four years ago. Might explain why I did not receive these same teachings.

I appreciated the forthrightness of both father and daughter about their personal faith, their personal journeys, and their use of Scripture. They delineate what the different phases of the Catholic walk is in a very real and personal way to them on a day-to-day basis. They touch on giving, helping others, legacy of love, habits, temptations and consequences, suffering, prayer, faith, relationships, balance, angels, and being an influence in their lives using their own experiences, life lessons, Scripture, and Catholic catechism.

I can't say I got a greater understanding of what the Catholic Church teaches on many issues I consider important in my life today. Some of their referenced books may do more to explain.

I was disappointed that Jesus and His death and resurrection power, along with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, were not mentioned as our sources of power to live for the Lord, as well as being 'born from above,' as discussed in the gospel of John, chapter three.

This ebook was provided by Nicole of Tribute Books in exchange for my honest review. Writing this review does not constitute me a believer in Catholicism.

Highly Recommended

As a novice book blogger (not sure at what point I'll consider myself "experienced/an expert"), I enjoy reading other people's posts prior to writing my own review of a book. The reason isn't to confirm my opinion - that decision has already been confirmed - but to review what they have to say in the event I want to add MORE to my post. In this instance, I am extremely happy I did.
There were several reasons I was drawn to request Why God Matters - How to Recognize Him in Daily Life by Karina Lumbert Fabian and Deacon Steven Lumbert. First, I was raised in the Catholic faith by the most amazing Christian mother you could ever meet. Second, God is a HUGE part of my daily life and I love reading books about Him and how I might be able to grow even closer to Him! Third, I currently attend a Church of Christ (as an adult) and wanted to see if perhaps I missed something while attending the Catholic Church (although extremely young when I left the faith-more to come on this below). Fourth, and last, I love to read books that require me to reach outside my "normal/everyday" circumstance and learn/grow my world of understanding as I know it today.
After reading this book, I realize I missed a tremendous amount of the Catholic Church history/faith/beliefs leaving the Church as an 18 year old child (I am not trying to say that all 18 year olds are children-however, I WAS!). The circumstances surrounding my departure are considerably opposite to the outcome of chapter 5 in this book. There was a time (a VERY LONG TIME) I would have been bitter after reading this chapter: titled "Out of the Depths of Despair". I would have been extremely angry that God HEARD his prayer and from all aspects I could see and grasp, He must not have heard MINE! I had to consider "what had I done in my life that HE chose NOT to answer my prayers". Thank God He is so patient, forgiving, and sovereign (now that word took a VERY LONG TIME for me to get my arms around) and allowed me to wander IN the depths of despair and ultimately, return to Him (although it took me about 10 years)! And to be able to say now - Deacon Steve-I am extremely happy all worked well for you!
Just after I turned 18 years old, my mother suffered a massive heart attack. My mother was my world-although she wasn't what I consider beautiful, she was the most amazing woman I had ever met. She was kind to everyone, never had anything negative to say about anyone or anything-simply extraordinary. She passed away, in the coronary care unit, a few shorts days later. Followed by my father's determined effort to find out what was causing the pain he had been suffering for years - which turned out to be cancer-and after a valiant fight, passed away 10 months later.
My entire life had been spent in Church. Raised by a mother that adored God: taught to pray, attend mass, thank Him for EVERYTHING we had, see His hand in everything, and attend all the ceremonial services in our Catholic Church; well where was HE when I needed Him? The following years (about ten of them), I spent wandering. But I must say - I KNOW He never left! I felt HIS footprints in MY sand-even while we were traveling! And I want to tell Karina - NEVER give up hope (and I'm sure you won't)! I read that one of your children is questioning his faith. I am here to tell you that they can't forget what they were taught as children. As the old sayings goes-you can run, but you can't hide! He is in control and will

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