“On impulse, I opened a new message screen and typed, 'To You; Love, God.' I then began to share as succinctly and poetically as I could what I would like to have God say to me in an e-mail if that were possible.”
     --- Will Bowen, Introduction

Will Bowen, an ordained minister, author and keynote speaker, began writing TO YOU; LOVE, GOD in order to teach and inspire his church members during the week when life often became hectic and the words of Sunday's sermon had nearly faded. The emails were an immediate success and eventually were compiled into a year's worth of daily readings.

"Will Bowen, an ordained minister, author and keynote speaker, began writing TO YOU; LOVE, GOD in order to teach and inspire his church members during the week when life often became hectic and the words of Sunday's sermon had nearly faded."

“Begin each day with a deep awareness of God's presence, guidance, and love for you.” This is the message that permeates Bowen's love letters as he imagines God might have written to His children if He had an Internet connection. Despite some reservations the author had about “speaking for God,” he believed that, having a relationship with God and knowing the Bible, the positive results would overrule his trepidation and the book was born.

Each month the devotional focuses on a different topic, and each day offers an aspect of the topic designed to problem solve and encourage the reader. January begins with “Awaken” and offers, “Awaken to the plight of those around you. Their burden is as heavy as your own.” The segment goes on to emphasize one’s individuality yet still being connected to others.

February's focus is “Love” and advises: Love others as I love you. March talks about “Release” and how comforts of the past may become prisons in the present. Bowen writes with a poetic tone that never gets so abstract that it loses its practical application. Throughout the rest of the year are chapters that address “Transform,” “Transcend,” “Appreciate” and “Flourish.” Each day inspires the reader to look around, look outside of self, look inside of self, be aware of those people, places and things that are really important.

The only reservation I have about wholeheartedly endorsing this book is the fact that I could not find one single scripture reference in it. That is, there is not one reference to God's actual words from the original love letter He wrote to His children. So, while we, as believers, appreciate the love and grace of God and the unconditional way that He accepts anyone who chooses to follow Jesus, there is a bit more to it than happy happy. There are times when bad things happen to good people. When prayers seemingly go unanswered. When your best efforts are to no avail. There are times when God seems distant and strangely silent.

These are also times when we need encouragement and direction on how to keep the faith when everything around us seems to be falling apart. So, while the intention to focus on the positive may be just what we all need at times, there are those times when poetry, no matter how well meaning, just doesn't satisfy. On the other hand, the Source knows that life is not all beer and Skittles, and provides wisdom for those times when faith is tested.