Customer Reviews

I Run to the Hills: Reflections on the Christian Journey

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

C. Maggie Woychik is a very eloquent writer that has a way with words. She draws vivid pictures in your mind. Even a small quote like this one from her book:

"For I fear not death, but the cessation of opportunity to leave my imprint, Your imprint, on this perishing planet, Here and Now." (page 128)

leaves one with much to ponder.

This is a life changing work that's hard to put down, once begun.
The author stirs the heart of the believer and reaches out to the searcher through this inspiring and beautifully written story. We are encouraged to draw hope and strength from the Master as we journey through life with all of its ups and downs. As we read, it challenges and inspires us to draw closer to our Friend who is always with us each step of the way and is the only true source of perfect love. I Run to the Hills: Reflections on the Christian Journey

I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised when I started reading this book. I was really expecting the typical daily devotional. This book is anything but typical!

This is a beautifully written, unbelievably eloquent collection of essays. Much more than a daily devotional, this book will enlighten, challenge and inspire the reader! While it's not an incredibly long book (136 pages), this book is one that you will read in short bits and reflect and challenge yourself with.

This is definitely one not to overlook when searching for something to deepen your walk with the Lord.

Christian philosopher Maggie Woychik guides the reader in an intellectual, emotional and spiritual trek in search of God and his truths. Using a variety of techniques including poetry and parable, Maggie provides fodder for the heart and brain. Although it would be easy to do, I don't recommend reading this one in one sitting. Read over time; contemplate it with equal measure of prayer and introspection. When you're done, give it a rest--then read it again.

In some ways 'I Run To The Hills' was not an easy book to read, as it was challenging. It really made me think and question my walk with God, which is never a bad thing.
I enjoyed the poetic style of writing, and loved the authors choice of names for the characters.
Her style of writing and command of the English language is excellent.
'I Run To The Hills' is intriguing. It's a book I shall read many more times, and reflect on the truths in its pages.

This is a beautifully poetic work. It's not to be devoured a paragraph or page or two at a time, rather it's a chance to sit and savor the writer's alpine journey with the Savior. The writer is eloquent allowing the reader insights into the uphill trek that we all must make. But take heart, the Savior goes ahead, follows behind and walks by our side.

This book was provided free of charge. No payment was provided in return for this review. The publisher had no editorial rights or claims over the content or the conclusions made in this review.

Woychik reveals her heart and soul in this thoughtful collection. The beautiful imagery takes you to a peaceful place. Her journey sets a spiritual example for anyone who wants to follow her "trail" up the slope to the feet of the One who made the mountains!

Two pages into chapter one, I found this gem: "Genuine intellect may not always have the right answer, but it will never ignore solid evidence." And I was hooked from there on!

Woychik's slender volume presents a steady progression of intimate and thought-provoking insights into the Christian life. Never settling for the easy answer, always digging beneath the surface, always willing to ask the hard questions, she offers, in beautiful prose, a study of the triumphs and mistakes that, as Christians, we all undergo at some point in our journey of faith. There's something here for the reader, no matter where he is in his walk.

The book is reminiscent of Pilgrim's Progress in many ways and elegantly borders on the allegorical in most of the chapters. Although I never tired of Woychik's marvelously fluent and beautiful writing, my only complaint is that sometimes the extended metaphors clouded her intent. A little more directness in places would have helped drive home her points.

All in all, an inspiring read!

Escape life's chaos and noise with a run to the hills. Like Hannah Hurnard's Hinds Feet in High Places, this story is more than a look over Maggie Woychik's shoulder to view her personal climb of faith, it is an invitation to commune and climb with the Master.

The followers of Christ are individually unique and yet God has implanted each with a similar inner longing - the desire to leave an imprint for the Lord with the world. Though the Mountain Maker (Jesus) miraculously longs to personally direct us we have each in our quest fallen off the path, taken wrong turns or found ourselves listening more to other travelers than to Christ himself.

I Run to the Hills is like a welcoming hug on our return to the path, and a tender guide to accepting and trusting a consuming love that never looks to itself. How can our hearts not love back!

Introspection and soul-cleansing can sound fearful, but Woychik reveals the true nature of repentance - freedom and rest from struggling and depending on our own frail strength, and accepting love that doesn't depend on anything we do.

The reflections are thoughts you can (and will) return to, until you will find your love and understanding of the Mountain Maker growing and your heart so full you too will be writing your own love song.

Eloquence, wisdom and reflection is found throughout this exceptional book.

Maggie Woychik's I Run to the Hills: Reflections on the Christian Journey is as it states in the title a journey through the thoughts and ponderings of a christian.

The writing style is quite unlike what I am accustomed to and very refreshing.

Inspiring vivid mental imagery sometimes by poem, sometimes by short essay, the reader becomes lost in the thought of the concepts, not merely the story.

Much of the book provokes reflective response in the reader. Though it is a short book, it takes some time to absorb. I pondered such thoughts as:

* "Musing involves our innate sense of inspiration or genius. Today, musing (thinking deeply at at length for a purpose of discovery) is an almost forgotten concept. Time is too scarce in our hustle and bustle society to allow for questionable extravagances, like musing."

* "Genuine love adores from a distance, content to watch and patiently wait. But, idolatry worships and kisses the fetish, intent on immediate gratification."

* "Is it really possible to live on the brink of wonderment?"

This is indeed a book conceived and experienced by many a quiet time in deep reflection.

Those who have such times with their Lord will enjoy and identify with the emotions and thoughts described in this book. Quite an enjoyable book to read. Be ready to ponder and perhaps seek out some of the concepts mentioned.

Reviewed by Keiki Hendrix
Reviewed for Maggie Woychik
Disclaimer: I am thankful that Maggie Woychik offered a copy of this book to me for review free of charge which has now been donated to the library of Westwood Baptist Church.