Book Review - Why God Matters

About the Book
Do you feel distant from God? Do you want a closer relationship with him? God is with us always, sometimes in ways we don't even realize. Deacon Steve Lumbert and his daughter Karina Fabian share their stories of how God led them from casual belief to deep devotion, and offer tips and exercises to help you see God's hand - and take it.

Far too often, we expect God to show Himself in grand ways yet ignore when He makes His presence known in the day to day. Neither Lumbert nor Fabian had dramatic conversions. Rather, God led them into deeper faith through the seemingly minor details of life: pot of rice, a habit of prayer, a frustrating flight home, or a barefooted stranger. This father-daughter team have written a delightful, quick book about finding God in the day-to-day. With thought-provoking quotes, heartwarming stories, Bible verses, passages from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and simple exercises the reader can fit into his or her daily routine, they help others recognize God's presence. Great for the casual or converting Catholic longing for something more in their relationship with God, or the "advanced" Catholic wanting light spiritual exercise.

The book marks a series of firsts for the father-daughter duo. This is the first book that the two have written together, although Fabian is well published in the science fiction and fantasy arena. While Fabian does write articles for magazines and diocese newspapers, this is her first nonfiction book. This is Lumbert's first book ever.

One thing this is not, however, is their first collaboration. From planning club fundraisers to building basements, the two have worked together on many projects. However, working on this book brought a new level to their relationship. "We were sharing some personal stories, some we'd never talked about before," Fabian said. "I learned things about my dad's past that had only been hinted at as I was growing up. I also learned a little more about how he thinks. Writing this book helped me know my father better."

About the Authors

Karina Lumbert Fabian was born into the Catholic faith, but truly grew to love it as an adult. As a busy mother of four, she finds some of her strongest encounters with God's love happen in the ordinary events of the day-to-day. Karina started her writing career with diocesan newspapers but has settled into writing fun-filled fantasy and science fiction that nonetheless incorporates the principles of faith-filled living.

Deacon Steven Lumbert officially converted to Catholicism in 1988, but had been a "practicing" Catholic long before that. He met his lovely and loving wife, Socorro, while serving in Roosevelt Roads Naval Base in Puerto Rico, in 1966. They raised their daughters, Karina and Regina, in the faith. Steve spent 30 years as a Colorado State Trooper, but retired when God called him to the diaconate. Currently, he serves the Diocese of Pueblo as the Associate Director of Deacon Formation. 


My Take on the Book
This book examines the ways in which God works in people's lives. Whether it is a small or large scale intervention or a life changing aha moment, this book examines these experiences and shares them with the reader to think of the grander scheme of God's plan.

The book was straight forward and the authors, though strong in their convictions, never tried to force their beliefs on the reader. As a reader, instead, you are brought along for the ride, and the learning.

I liked the way that each chapter was set up in a format that the reader could expect. The chapters provided the reader with quotations, a Life Lesson, and a Bible verse. This helped to make this book a nice devotional.

While this book is targeted to a Catholic audience, other denominations will also gain something from reading this book as well.

If this book sounds like one you would like in your own library you can find it on Amazon!