You’ve probably gotten sick of me by now mentioning over and over to everyone I meet this new book; The Shack. Well, yah, it’s awesome, and the author just happens to actually be a very cool guy! We started talking over some emails, and an amazing, out of the blue but very genuine friendship formed by God’s grace. Cool stuff. So, I’m on tour in the Northwest with a free Saturday morning and a borrowed car. I realize I’m pretty close to where he lives in Gresham, OR, and I invite myself over for breakfast! It’s crazy, but somehow he accepts!!! We actually meet at this funky diner and have an incredible time talking and getting to know each other over some weak coffee and great omelets. He has an amazing, jaw dropping, heart wrenching personal story. It was beyond inspiring to be in a face to face discussion with this guy. He’s a walking miracle and testament to God’s grace, goodness, and power. I’m still processing the deep stuff we talked about; like how God is not “present” in the future - but present in the NOW, how real Freedom is discovered, how God loves everyone uniquely and particularly, how God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit - the whole gang - are INSIDE me…hmmm…. Buy ME breakfast sometime and I’ll tell you more! …and READ The Shack!!!

Ok, so here’s the pieces of the puzzle: My long time buddy; Tim lives in an amazing tudor mansion near Seattle. It’s like an estate where you write poetry, sip tea, and watch the falling rain. I have 5 concerts up here this week, so I’m staying with him. My brand new friend; Brandon Bee just happens to be a world-class record producer living 3 streets away… So, put it all together… and it worked out perfect to be working on the new songs with Brandon and getting ready to record the RECORD OF OUR LIVES! I am SO thankful for these two friends and their generous contribution to my life, music, and ministry. Thanks guys!!!

Here’s our gracious host, and music aficionado; Tim:

The first day today went amazing! So, here’s a picture of Brandon, playing my guitar
as we worked on some tunes:

Yep, that’s a REAL DEER head in there! We’re hangin’ in the Trophy Room. We
turned “In My Weakness”, “Again we come to You”, “Psalm 23″, and “When the
World Closes In” into ridiculously cool, bluesy, rockin’ super-arranged
songs that are so much stronger (and more fun, I think!).

Here’s what these sessions kind of sound like:

One funny story:
As we were playing, something smelled funky in there! For several hours we each
silently thought the other was having some issues like stinky feet or
passing gas or something, and then, as we were getting up to leave we
finally noticed the big pile of dog poop on the carpet!

Ahhh, nothing like the wilderness of the Northwest…

It’s getting close, gang!!! This is the cover, so far. We are finalizing the Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound mixes and some bonus features. Please bear with us… I’ll keep you posted at every turn RIGHT HERE!

No, seriously…order that book below!!! YOU WON’T REGRET IT!!!!!! You’ll thank me…

This is it! I’m only going to recommend one book this summer,
and here it is:

A mentor-friend of mine told me about this book, so I ordered it immediately, and I am so glad I did! This is an amazing novel that you will be UNABLE TO PUT DOWN, yet God has been using it to actually touch many deeply. Reading it, I sensed God’s love in fresh, profound ways - my heart melted anew for my kids and family - and my God came CLOSE, His warm embrace unable to shake off…I am still reeling from the experience…

YOU’VE GOT TO READ IT!!! You order it from this link:

http://theshackbook.com/order.html

Tell me what you think!