Author Stapf offers a remarkable compendium of stories, allegories, wisdom, and memories as daily meditations for spiritually-minded readers. The three hundred sixty-five titled entries touch on subjects that range from the etheric to the earthly, all with the clearly intended focus on God’s role in human life, revealing in multiple ways how to recognize, appreciate, and utilize it. “A New Year” opening reminds readers to rely on God’s loving-kindness as the unknown events unfold. In “Not Just an Attachment,” the author suggests that many people look at God as “relatively unimportant,” whereas he should be attached to all of life’s actions. On Independence Day, Stapf presents a look at “True Freedom,” asserting that sin enslaves while Christ is the way to genuine liberty.

Wide-ranging subjects include the fiftieth anniversary of the Woodstock concert, memories of putting a coin in the church collection plate as a youngster, the author’s stay in a hospital with personal observations made in that environment, diet and exercise (including spiritual exercise), and preparing for changing weather compared to anticipating and preparing for the return of Jesus. A brief look at modern technology evokes the declaration that, though we won’t relinquish our cell phones, we must continue to concentrate on the higher purpose “for which God has given us life.”

Stapf has written previous works on religious themes and brings his background in electrical engineering, business management, and ordination as a Lutheran pastor to these endeavors. As is clear from the personal to universal viewpoints expressed in this work and the book’s tightly specific attention to calendar events, Christian theses, and biblical references, Stapf has a gift for organization and imagination. Those elements combined will make this guide a useful, inspirational, and shareable resource for group discussion and individual application.

Return to USR Home