I received a review copy of this book; all opinions expressed are mine.

“Life is meant to be a grand adventure,” writes Ginger Stache in her new book, Chasing Wonder: Small Steps Toward a Life of Big Adventures (Worthy Books). “There is plenty of wonder to be found; the problem is our days are so full of routine, monotony, and fear, that it is easier to stay on the treadmill of boredom than it is to step off into the unknown and discover something wonderful.” Can you relate to that? I know I can!

Stache herself has an adventurous spirit—she believes in adventure, big or small. She says our adventures become the memories we cherish and the stories we share, and they inspire us, teach us, and motivate us. Our adventures lead us into living a fuller life—the abundant life that Jesus promises us in John 10:10. “When we make room in our life for adventure, we open the door to greater wonder, bigger joy, and space for God to move in ways we may have never experienced otherwise.”

Throughout the book, Stache gives examples of what “chasing wonder” is all about through her own life experiences, ranging from humorous to scary to unexpected. And through all of these, she not only experienced the wonder, beauty, and joy of big and small things, but learned important life lessons, challenged herself by doing things she never dreamed she could do, and witnessed miracles.

There are three sections in the book: An Adventure Mentality, Live in Wonder, and Splashing Joy. Some points she brings up for us to think about and be challenged by are:

• My idea of adventure may be different from yours, or yours may be far more extreme than mine, but what people with an adventure mentality have in common is a desire to experience life deeply.
• Do you want a life that is always comfortable or one that is meaningful? Are you satisfied with the status quo of your day-to-day routine or do you dream of more?
• God has a totally different plan for you than He does for me or anyone else, but His adventure for each of us is still wonderful.
• Today can be a new beginning for you….allow yourself to make mistakes, to make room in your life for adventure, to learn, and to stand in awe.
• There are many things we run from…. The problem with running…is it keeps us from experiencing all that life has for us. A life without risk is a life without real relationships, progress, passion, and certainly without adventure or wonder.
• The wonder of the everyday world is an adventure in itself…. live in a state of wonder, wherever you are.
• Wherever you go…ask the question, “Where is the beauty here?” I’ve done this all over the world and I have never been disappointed.
• Experience the adventure of living with: Vulnerability, No masks, No pretenses, No one to impress, True freedom.
• Explore how you can build margin into your schedule and give yourself the time to be creative.
• Gratitude acts as a multiplier, a booster increasing the power of the wonder, amazement, and joy you experience, and it is key to a peaceful, meaningful, and fulfilling life.

At the end of every chapter, Stache includes a summary of key points she calls “Step by Step” to help readers focus on “next steps” to take in their journey of chasing wonder. She also includes a motivating quote at the beginning of each chapter. If you’re wanting your life to be filled with more wonder and adventure, this book offers lots of encouragement, wisdom, and practical advice. Stache ends her book by saying, “Trust God for the extraordinary. Make your world big, chase down some wonder, seize that joy, and let the adventures begin!”

Sharing at Wonderful Wednesday.