Simplify by Bill Hybels

            
                Do you remember a time when life felt so much simpler to you? Maybe you can't or perhaps your recollection of your toddler years has faded into the distance. And, if so, you're not alone. Most people I know find life anything but simple. And, whether Christian or non-Christian alike, this lack of simplicity affects everyone and can have a dramatic impact on our ability to function and enjoy our lives. Bill Hybels new book Simplify, addresses the quest for simplicity and offers helpful suggestions on moving into a less stressful and easier way of living.
              As many people already know, Bill Hybels is the founder and pastor of Willow Creek Community Church in the suburbs of Chicago, which is one of the largest churches in the United States. He has authored several other books, but the book Simplify is written after many years of intense living and the discovery of the lack of simplicity in his own life, which he details throughout the book. I received this book for free from the book review program for bloggers, available at www.tyndaleblognetwork.com. I was not required to write a positive review.
              The chapters are arranged with contrasts as their emphasis, and build a case for ten principles to unclutter your soul. The titles address topics such as "From Exhausted to Energized", "From Anxious to Peaceful", "From Drifting to Focused" and many others. The issues addressed are real life, practical issues. You will find many things that you have encountered in at least some of the areas that will be applicable to your own journey toward simplicity. And there is a wealth of suggestions in the pages of the book.
             I am, however, a tad bit torn on how to rate it. Can you benefit from it? Yes. But, in spite of that, I didn't find it to be as enjoyable of a read as I would have hoped. Perhaps it was too simplistic (pun fully intended). I wasn't intrigued by the contents and did not find it to be personally impacting. Though, as I said, there are benefits that can be derived from the contents. If you choose to read it, you may find it contributing toward a simpler life. And, for that reason, I hope that others will find it to be a blessing to your life.