The God I Love

A Lifetime of Walking with Jesus

By: Joni Eareckson Tada

Narrated by: Joni Eareckson Tada, Ken Tada

Length: 14 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

A little girl on a big horse, cantering across a spring-green pasture...wide-eyed children gathered 'round a beach fire, listening to a father's stories of the high seas...an expansive, you-can-see-forever view from the top of Pike's Peak...another view from a Stryker frame, where an active young woman learns she will never walk again...heading down a church aisle to marry the man she loves...looking into the eyes of a child in a wheelchair, and seeing the family God has prepared for a loving heart...sitting by the pool of Bethesda, reflecting on the miracle of healing God has performed in her heart....

The God I Love brings to life these and many other moments. It offers an eternal perspective from a woman in a wheelchair who affirms that the God she knows and loves is the center, the peacemaker, the passport to adventure, the joy ride, and the answer to her deepest longings. Raised in an active, adventurous family, Joni Eareckson Tada worked hard and played hard to keep up with her older sisters and athletic father - until one day, a diving accident left her a quadriplegic. But the tragedy that could have ended her life was in reality the beginning of an amazing, constantly unfolding story of grace that has touched the lives of millions worldwide and brought Joni unexpected joy and fulfillment.

In this book, Joni unveils the God whom she has found to be faithful through over thirty years as a paralytic. This is not the story of a woman who has all the answers or who is very different from you. Joni struggles with the same fears, questions, and heartaches we all have in common. But as the weeks and months turn into years, and the years into decades, she meets her Savior at every turn.

In this book, you'll discover that he is there for you as well, no matter what your circumstance or situation may be. Written with beauty, feeling, and amazing honesty, The God I Love captures the heart and soul of one woman's powerful, deeply personal journey of hope. It is a sojourn from a naïve child's belief to a tempered faith that transforms and transcends personal tragedy, bringing light to the darkest places and good out of the most difficult situations, and offering glimpses of the glory that awaits God's children.

©2003 Joni Eareckson Tada (P)2003 Zondervan

Critic reviews

"In this tender, beautifully written memoir, [Tada] reflects with vivid detail...Christian readers should appreciate this mature, absorbing reminiscence of a remarkable life." (Publishers Weekly)
"A moving, well-told memoir of both the desperate and the hopeful hours that led Tada to realize her mission in life as a minister to disabled persons the world over." (Booklist)

What a mighty God!!!!

I have been saved for over 17-years and have never been touched more than when I have read or listened to anything from Joni Eareckson Tada. When I downloaded this audiobook I knew I was going to be blessed but I never expected so much. This is the story of Joni's life but mainly the story of the many things God has taught her throughout her journey with Him.

Even if you have already read this book you need to download it just to hear Joni's wonderful narrative of her own story. This is truly a story for the ages about a paralyzed woman who, by the grace of God, has learned the most valuable lesson that any of His children can ever learn: Sometimes God says "no." Not because He doesn't love us, but because He loves us so much that He wants to give us His very best: Himself.

If you desire to dive into the depths of the goodness of God and begin to understand more of His loving heart toward those He calls His own then don't miss this one!

Highly recommend!

Absolutely wonderful! So inspiring, heartwarming, emotionally and spiritually moving, encouraging, comforting , edifying Christ centered and God glorifying. I could go on, but I think you get the message. I. will listen to this book again, and again.
The narrator is Joni, herself, with her husband, Ken, reading the Scripture verses.
Joni did a great job narrating, she was wonderful! What a blessing and gift of God, is she!

Extremely relevant and personal

I mostly downloaded this for my wife to listen to, but I was hooked immediately. Joni relates as a real person with the same questons and concerns all of us have. She drives successfully at the real relationship between God and us, and why He is loved. I not only listened to the entire unabridged audiobook, but I played it again for my children (7 and 9). They have eagerly listened to all 14 hours back and forth from school. Every car ride began with an immediate request from them: "Let's hear the Joni story!". Much of what I want to say to my children is expressed in this memoir. And much of what God has to say to me is there too.

Fantastic

Listen to it again and again, and let it speak to your heart. It’s a story that is powerful, beautiful, and hopeful. It will change you…no matter who you are, or where you come from. It’s her own journey, in her own words, and it was truly amazing.
Thank you Joni…God used your book to move and inspire me!

A Refreshing Guide to the Christian Life

Thank you Joni for another book that inspires me to keep looking toward 'The God I Love' for all the answers to the questions in my life. I am so excited that people who have never heard your story, may hear it for the first time in this book, and for those of us who have read your books and followed you for 30 years, we get to revisit, like you have, all that God has done in your life. I recommend this audio book to anyone who wants to let the Lord into every area of their lives and have an understanding of what He wants for them. Joni's voice is so nice to listen to, too!

Heartwarming!

The author is a wonderful storyteller. Her reading adds a great flare to the book. The stories told cover her life from early years until recent past. She has the ability to paint a word picture to make you feel right there, with her. She openly shares both the ups and downs. She is not afraid to admit to her mistakes and to confess her dependence on God. The book is full of flavor. You will find joy, encouragement and inspiration. I will listen to this piece over and over.

Such a blessing! such an encouragement!

I praise God for Joni and what He has and is doing in her life. Her journey with the LORD is such an inspiration to me. I love how authentic she is too about her struggles. may God continue to bless you in amazing ways!

joni's book

everything was great. I loved the story, I love Joni's narration, I loved the deeply meaningful parts she wrote about.

A Beautiful True Story of a Life and Ministry

One of my favorites! Joni has an amazing memory and weaves her experiences in a beautifully written story! It is absolutely wonderful that she reads this audiobook herself! I'll be listening to this again. I've also purchased the CD version to give as gifts. Highly recommended! The results of listening to this book brings you back to the title, "The God I Love". He is honored and glorified here!

An Open Door

I have known of Joni since the early 80's. I knew she loved God, I knew she was a gifted artist. I knew she was truly a Christian Icon of our day, but this book however reveals many many things about her and her background I did not know. This book, all 14 hrs. of it, is truly a treasure. Yeah, it is long, but I love to visit with Joni and learn so much about her, her family, her faith and the road that brought her to where she is today. It is like getting to know an old, special friend, little by little. Her vivid insights into how God worked in her life, some truly miraculous coincidences and still it goes on. I will want to listen again when I am through. I have enjoyed putting in my earphones to hear her each time I walk, workout at the gym, clean out the garage or just wait in long Christmas lines at the store. You will enjoy this if you have a thirst for knowing people, knowing how God wants to move in your life and knowing God.