Monday, March 29, 2010

What Do An Actress, a Publisher, and a Pastor's Wife Have in Common?

No, this isn't a trick question or the answer to a riddle. Instead I've added some additional reader comments. The first name you might recognize if you're into sitcom re-runs or have a long memory. And yes, I actually know her!

Dr. Betty Hassler has written the book I’ve been living recently. For much of my Christian life, I have felt very comfortable with God in a box, albeit, a structure built on Bible-based principles. A few years ago, God jumped out of my box and invited me to follow Him into the Mystery of a wild and wonderful life lived most fully by holding His hand. Living Between the Ditches is a masterful invitation to know God as Truth and Grace, Rock and Breath, Eternally and In-the-Moment…but always as Love.

Lisa Whelchel
Actress and Author of the best-sellers, Creative Correction and The Facts of Life and Other Lessons My Father Taught Me. Dallas, TX

In Living Between the Ditches, Dr. Betty Hassler helps people grasp the wonder, the complexity, and the mystery of following Christ. Too often well-meaning teachers try to blend and balance opposing biblical truths, robbing them of their power. Keeping them opposite is a source of depth and strength in spiritual life. They become ditches when we focus only on one to the exclusion of the other. Some people won't like this book because it doesn't present easy, prepackaged formulas of spiritual life, but many will find it uplifting, insightful, and rewarding.

Pat Springle, author, president of Baxter Press and former senior vice-president of Rapha Treatment Centers, Friendswood, TX

Dr. Betty Hassler’s fascinating book, Living Between the Ditches, is a must-read for any Christian who lives in an imperfect world. This author has a way with words. She combines her literary genius with wisdom from life experience and personal familiarity with the God of the universe. Result? A fun read with depth and heart. As a child of God who has personally felt His loving rescue from the ditches of life, I can assure you that this book will inspire you. It will reaffirm the truth that God loves us enough to help us keep balance during stressful days of our lives. What a God! And what a book! Thanks, Dr. Betty, for the reminder.

Diana Davis, Author of Fresh Ideas—1000 Ways to Grow a Thriving & Energetic Church, Fresh Ideas for Women’s Ministry, Deacon Wives, speaker and women’s ministries conference leader, Indianapolis, IN