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Why God Matters: How to Recognize Him in Daily Life - Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year Award Winner Hardcover – May 3, 2010

by Karina Lumbert Fabian (Author), Deacon Steven Lumbert (Author)

4.3 41 ratings

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2011 Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year Award Winner

Many times one sees Roman Catholicism explained using either closely reasoned theology or an appeal to ancient writers of the Church. While both are legitimate approaches, the average reader looking to explore the faith is often left cold. In their collaboration, Why God Matters, Deacon Steven Lumbert and his daughter, Karina Lumbert Fabian, delineate the Catholic Faith as experienced by a pair of average, everyday people like the great majority who make up the 24 percent of Americans who share this religion. In the stories of this pair, one see both ways people come to Catholicism, by birth ('cradle Catholics') and by conversion. Their descriptions of their separate paths thankfully lack the religiosity of the all too common 'and then a miracle takes place' school of religious experience. Rather than blasts of light, fiery swords, spiritual fistfights, and angelic choirs, theirs is the long religious slog of the everyday. The effort that one must put out each day in the long trek to Heaven. What is Catholicism really like? One would be hard-put to find a better verbal painting of the faith so many call their own.

Print length

114 pages
Language

English
Publisher

Tribute Books
Publication date

May 3, 2010
Dimensions

5.51 x 0.43 x 8.5 inches
ISBN-10

0982256531
ISBN-13

978-0982256534
See all details

Editorial Reviews

Review

Each chapter gives an open-minded reader a dose of faith as an active element of a normal Christian's life anecdotes that pose real-life challenges recognizable as something you might discuss with a friend or pastor at your church over coffee and doughnuts. Call it comfortable theology. --Elizabeth Rackover, Catholic News Service

By seeing the ongoing process of becoming holy in ordinary circumstances touched by God, readers are encouraged to be more aware of their faith journey and the ways God speaks to them. The best way to use this book would be on a retreat, coupled with journaling and prayer, taking one chapter a day. --Mary Lynne Rapien, St. Anthony Messenger (AmericanCatholic.org)

This is a great book for people who are really searching for God. --Father Robert Reed, This Is The Day, Catholic TV

From the Author

The Changing Relationship of Father and Daughter
By Karina L. Fabian
From a guest post for Catholic Chicks

The first time I got critiqued was by my dad, Steve Lumbert. I'd made a book cover and misspelled "Bible." How frustrating to have to redo the whole thing! But I wanted it done right, so I re-did it.

Thirty-five years later, my dad and I switched roles in a similar drama as we wrote our first book together, Why God Matters: How to Recognize Him in Daily Life.

My dad loves to teach. He taught me to read. He taught me to repair a house. He even taught me why cars don't really blow up like they did on CHiPs. But he also wanted me to think for myself. I remember the moment he stepped out of the teaching role: I had called home for advice on a used car. After the fourth of fifth time he asked me "Well, what do you think?" I shouted, "I'll tell you what I think after I get your opinion!" In the end, I made up my own mind and had mechanic assess the car. Turned out to be a good decision--and a great car.

I graduated, went into the Air Force and fell in love. I didn't ask any advice--just announced it in a rush of joy. Ironically my dad, a Colorado State Patrolman, had met Rob a couple of years earlier--when he'd given him a speeding ticket. He'd liked Rob even then, he said. I left the Air Force to become a full-time mom and writer.

Then my dad did an extraordinary thing; a late convert to the Catholic faith, he became a deacon. Since I was a writer, he wanted my opinion of his homilies. This proved a difficult transition. It was one thing to have a mind of my own; quite another to apply that mind to my father's new line of work. The first few times didn't go well--he wanted affirmation; I wanted to treat him as if he had my level of experience.

Over time, however, I learned to be more gentle in my critiques; and he, more open-minded in considering them. As a result, when I was asked about writing a small book of faith stories and lessons called Why God Matters, I thought it would make a great father-daughter project.

It was a challenge, of course. These are no 15-minute homilies. Our stories had to touch hearts and get to the point fast. We also had a tight deadline. I had to trust that he could take the tough crit. It was a good thing we worked over the Internet instead of in person. Later, Dad told me how frustrated he'd get as I returned yet another bleeding manuscript with the demand, "What is your main message? Why should readers care?"

But just like when he corrected my spelling, we both knew the project was important enough to do right. He rose to the occasion, not only giving his stories focus and emotion, but also suggesting we add Catechism quotes to enhance the lessons. I have a greater appreciation for the Catechism thanks to our work.

Why God Matters tells stories in our lives that strengthened our relationships with God, but writing the book itself strengthened our relationship with each other. From Daddy-Daughter to writing team, it's been a fun journey, and I'm eager to see where we go next.

From the Inside Flap

"This is a short book which casts a long shadow in the literature of modern Catholic apologetics.

Many times one sees Roman Catholicism explained using either closely reasoned theology or an appeal to ancient writers of the Church. While both are legitimate approaches, the average reader looking to explore the faith is often left cold. In their collaboration, Why God Matters, Deacon Steven Lumbert and his daughter, Karina Lumbert Fabian, delineate the Catholic Faith as experienced by a pair of average, everyday people like the great majority who make up the 24 percent of Americans who share this religion.

In the stories of this pair, one see both ways people come to Catholicism, by birth ('cradle Catholics') and by conversion. Their descriptions of their separate paths thankfully lack the religiosity of the all too common 'and then a miracle takes place' school of religious experience. Rather than blasts of light, fiery swords, spiritual fistfights, and angelic choirs, theirs is the long religious slog of the everyday. The effort that one must put out each day in the long trek to Heaven.

What is Catholicism really like? One would be hard-put to find a better verbal painting of the faith so many call their own."Walt StaplesPresident, Catholic Writers Guild

From the Back Cover

Live Without Fear. Find Peace.Learn how to strengthen your relationship with God by seeing his presence in your daily life."Reflective, relevant and enjoyable, especially for those who find God absent. It reminds you how God is at work in all aspects of your life."Fr. Michael Louis Gelfant Brooklyn, NY"Real life stories point out how and where we can find God working in our lives. There is a lot to meditate on and each page leaves something with you. I could not put it down."

Sr. Monica Anne Biazuk, CSSF
Livania, MI"The entries in this devotional are special because they are not grandiose, overblown or 'Charlton Heston-esque,' but rather, they are small, personal, normal - yet significant."

Nick Alexander
Catholic comedian, keynote speaker & worship leader"Little Things Mean a Lot.That is a song from the 1950s and in a sense this book gives it a new meaning. Little things are just that - little. But when you enliven them with your faith and love, they become great. The choice of stories are most convincing because they are also authentic and inspire readers to see their lives as blessed, sacred and life saving - eternal life saving."

Fr. John M. O'Flynn
Pastor, retired"Reading Why God Mattersis refreshing. It gets you to think and reflect on what matters most and how our lives should be centered on God. Beautiful stories of actual life events along with Scripture and Catechism of the Catholic Church."

Marco Vegas
Director of vocations & director of deacons, Diocese of Pueblo

About the Author

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.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Tribute Books (May 3, 2010)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 114 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0982256531
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0982256534
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 8.8 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.51 x 0.43 x 8.5 inches

Customer Reviews:
4.3 41 ratings

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Karina L. Fabian
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By day, Karina is a mild-mannered reviewer of business software and services for Fit Small Business. After hours, she’s a psychic intent on saving the world; a snarky dragon who thinks he saves the world all-too regularly, a zombie exterminator who just wants her world clear of undead vermin, and Catholic religious sisters whose callings have taken them off our world. Needless to say, her imagination is vast, her stories legion, and her brain crowded. When she’s not converting her wild tales to stories, she’s enjoying living on the Space Coast with her husband, Rob, two of their four kids, her parents, and her two dogs. Learn more at http://fabianspace.com
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Deacon Steven Lumbert
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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.
http://www.whygodmatters.com
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Christina Weigand

Why God Matters: How to Recognize Him in Daily Life

Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2010

Verified Purchase

Why God Matters: How to Recognize Him in Daily Life

There are so many wonderful things in this book I'm not sure where to begin. So I guess I'll start at the beginning. I'm one of those cradle Catholics. For a long time I mistakenly believed I knew all there was to know about being a Christian. A few years ago, through some life-changing events, I learned that was not the case. In fact I discovered how little I did know. Ms. Fabian and her father, Deacon Lumbert's book "Why God Matters" reinforced this message and will serve to guide me on my journey to God.

This book reached out and spoke to me in so many ways. I'm not sure I could pick a chapter that didn't address some part of my life that needed attention. I like the way the chapters tell a very real life story and then show the lesson learned. With Biblical references and quotes from Catechism of the Catholic Church the lessons are driven solidly home. They resonate for cradle Catholics as well as those new to the faith. They encourage us to continue in a life-long pursuit of God and what He can teach us. Like Ms. Fabian says in Chapter 12, entitled My Non-Personal Relationship with God: "I want a relationship with God. I just don't want it to be "personal." I want a relationship that encompasses all of God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. One where he is all-powerful as he is all loving, where he listens to my trivial concerns with benevolence and maybe amusement-yet one where I can rage and share all and come crawling to him when I'm weak and confess my wrongdoings, knowing that no matter how small and wretched I am, he will be there for me, because after all, he is God."

The book includes fourteen chapters. The chapters are short and to the point and can be easily read in an afternoon, not that I would recommend that. My recommendation is read it through once and then go back and read one chapter a day, or a week or a month. Digest the chapter, figure out how it applies to your life, to your spiritual journey. Embrace the message, make it part of your life. This isn't rocket science, there may be no bolts of lightning, no burning bushes. Instead just simple life examples that can forever change your life. I truly love the fact, that it is in the simple moments in our lives where we find God. Ms. Fabian and Deacon Lumbert gently and wonderfully remind us of that with their book Why God Matters: How to Recognize Him in Daily Life. I for one am going to start looking and highly recommend this book to any Christian looking to do the same.

Like Ms. Fabian and Deacon Lumbert, I believe St. Vincent De Paul defines this books message best: "The affairs of God are accomplished little by little and almost imperceptibly. The Spirit of God is neither violent nor hasty."

Check out the website [...] for more from the authors or have a story to share about your journey.

God Bless,

Christina Weigand
[...]

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Tammy W

Good book for new Christians

Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2011

The authors of Why God Matters encourage new believers to "recognize the constant presence of God within them." This book shares their own experiences and their own journeys to spirituality while encouraging others to continue to delve deeper in the search for Why God Matters to the reader. This book is good for those pondering taking that extra step. No opinions or doctrines are pushed at the reader, just stories of encouragement.

I received a copy of this title for review purposes, free of charge. No other compensation, monetary or in kind, has been received or implied for this post. This Review is my honest opinion.

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Jeffrey Pinyan

Finding God in the unremarkable events of life

Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2010

A deacon and daughter duo -- Dcn. Steve Lumbert (a convert) and Karina Lumbert Fabian (a cradle Catholic) -- have written a pleasant and spiritually uplifting book on recognizing God in everyday life, Why God Matters. It's a quick read, and because of that, I think it's likely to catch you off-guard.

Through fourteen chapters, the authors bring you through "the long religious slog of the everyday" (Walt Staples (President of the Catholic Writers Guild), dust jacket) and relate how they found God operating in the seemingly unremarkable events of their lives. Instead of taking the approach of systematic theology, they share steps of their journey of faith that brought them closer to God -- or rather, that reminded them of just how close God is to them.

From Deacon Steve, I was reminded that the faith is not something to merely be "observed" (like President's Day); instead, "God must be an active part of our lives." (Chapter 1) During his teenage years he and his brothers were known as trouble-makers, a reputation which landed them in a jail cell for a day... for a crime they didn't commit. The experience inspired him later in life to teach his children "about honesty, integrity, truth, and resisting temptation" (Chapter 3), something I think we can all relate to.

His sensible words about balancing his life as a deacon (between marriage, work, and the diaconate) is especially timely for me: "It's not easy to keep balance. ... The temptation to overextend myself by saying yes to everything is strong." When we find ourselves biting off more than we can chew, we should ask ourselves, "What has God given [me] as [my] first vocation?" (Chapter 11) Finally, the patience of a friend in an airport reminded him of God's unmatchable patience with us: "Like a good friend, God waits patiently for us at journey's end." (Chapter 13)

His daughter challenges us to stop being martyrs over trivialities and lay our cares and worries upon the Lord. When she senses herself making mountains out of molehills, she says this simple prayer: "Lord, let this end in me now." (Chapter 4) By learning how to pace herself throughout the day, she finds peace throughout her week, and Sundays become a day of rejoicing rather than refueling. Her advice to pacing yourself spiritually includes committing yourself to Confession at least once a quarter, and then once a month; and in order to help your family follow your example, "Gently lead them from the front rather than push them from behind." (Chapter 10) When it comes to dealing with a family member who does not believe in God (another situation I can relate to), she candidly admits, "it scares me as nothing has ever scared me before." What's her response? "I pray for him ... and I make small sacrifices on his behalf." Instead of despairing, she loves and gives an example of hope. (Chapter 14)

But her most stunning advice comes in Chapter 12. For her, a "personal relationship" with Jesus Christ doesn't quite cut it. "It smacks to me of name-dropping," she says. She identifies the ways that a "personal relationship" for humans falls short of the sort of relationship we're called to have with God. Even the closest friends keep things private from one another in their relationships: "Do I want limits on my relationship with God?" Personal relationships include trivial banter, but "I am not a peer with God." And then there's the inevitable give-and-take of our human relationships -- "once in a while, the other person will be weak" -- but that's not the case with God.

Karina challenges us to have a relationship with God that is "more than personal," a relationship that lets God be God and reminds us that we're not! The "life lesson" of the chapter asks, "Does [your relationship] encompass all of God, or is it the 'personal' relationship of 'my buddy Jesus,' or the aloof spiritual relationship of an untouchable deity?"

I'll be honest: I usually read books with "closely reasoned theology" and "appeal[s] to ancient writers of the Church" (Walt Staples), which sometimes leave other readers feeling cold. This book came out of left field and reminds me to breathe with both lungs, to think with head and heart. It has reminded me to look for God in the everyday. It has pointed out to me that God is not just a matter to discuss: God matters.

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