Note: I am veering away from the traditional format of how I write my book reviews, because this book, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller struck a rather personal chord within me.

I often remember scenes in my life by what music was playing or popular at the time. For example, remember the song Sunglasses at Night by Corey Hart? I was playing in my neighbor’s front yard and we had to sing that song to enter the forest hideaway on the side of their house. What about the hip hop She Drives Me Crazy by the Fine Young Cannibals? Envision my sister and I riding in her Chevy Blazer as we act like idiots opening and closing our mouth like a large Bass. Or each time the Hottie Hubby and I went mountain biking in college we blared Too Much to Say by The Dave Matthews Band. India is fondly remembered by Sting’s song Fields of Gold. Skiing with the Hottie Hubby was always preceded by Love, Liberty, Disco by the Newsboys when we lived in Colorado.

No music was playing when I read Miller’s new book, but if there had been, U2’s album No Line On the Horizon would be the elevator music in the background. This work (U2’s) as a whole, sounds like the theme track of a life, my life (right now). It isn’t that the words necessarily resemble my life . . . though some do . . . but the way the music moves from its highs to its lows. I can’t explain it any more than that because I am clueless regarding musical terms.

Donald Miller’s latest book is filled with random stories and events, much like my comments above. Upon closing the book at 10:58 PM last night, after reading to the Hottie Husband over the phone for an hour, I was left with two thoughts to ponder:

1. The book is so random that I am not sure what I just read.
2. The book is a lineup of seemingly random events that make up 250 pages of Donald Miller’s life. Isn’t that like my life? Random events that together create my life . . . my story. And it is a beautiful thing.

But random events, random scenes create defining moments. Thus, this book has me pondering my life . . . the story God has me living out.

Miller’s book helped me realize and accept the fact that I am a dreamer and it’s OK for me to be such. God created many types of people. We need them all. The world does need me in a small way. But at times, I am wracked with guilt because I so desperately want to act upon my dreams, but don’t feel it would be logical or important. I want to create an insinuating event that spawns action in my life, in my family, and even in the world. I don’t want to do this alone. I want a shared event, connecting my random existence (I know that God didn’t create me randomly, don’t worry–I’m not questioning my existence within God’s plan) with another to make the experience, the new memory concrete and impactful.

I’ve come to realize that I have been created with a longing for action intentionally. It allows me to be a part of God’s work. And truthfully, I wish to employ a lot more action in my life, alongside my family.

So world, watch out. I am looking, watching, and praying. I am preparing to create an impact, fuel a mission, and touch something larger than me.

And while I do that, I will begin with being fully present in the now. Enjoying the temporary events, the seemingly random events that really aren’t random.

So was this a good book?

Yes.

Did I agree with everything?

No.

Did Donald Miller make me think?

Probably too much!

Was it worth the read?

Definitely. It was a great shared experience with the Hottie Hubby.

Want to win it? Thomas Nelson Publishers sent me two copies . . . one for me and one to give away!

RULES

Please, please, please . . .do not put more than one entry per comment. I will be using www.random.org to pick the winners. So if you would like for your comments to count, leave individual comments.

All options are worth 1 entry, unless otherwise stated.

1. (Mandatory) Tell me something that you need to do to live more “presently” and “fully” in your world. Or tell me about a dream you have and desire to turn it into reality.
2. Tweet about this giveaway, making sure to include @GranolaMom4God and leave a comment back at the blog.
3. Become one of my fans if you aren’t already!
4. Become a follower of me on Twitter or Facebook . . . leave separate comments for this. And if you want another entry, become a follower of Donald Miller . . .@donmilleris.
5. Write a blog post about an event that changed your life and leave a link back to your post.
6. Put my blog, https://jodimckenna.com, on your blog roll in a continuously visible location, not just a blog post.
7. Grab my button and place it on your blog for all to see!
8. Check out Donald Miller’s blog (www.donmilleris.com or website www.donaldmillerwords.com) and tell me something you learned.

Remember, only #1 is mandatory. The rest of the entries are optional, but you MUST comment separately for each one.

The Fine Print: I will email you when you have won. You cannot win more than one giveaway. I must have your email address to alert you to your prize. You can include that in your comment or email me separately at thegranolamom4god@gmail.com. You must respond within 24 hours.

Contest ends 10/6/09

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