*Welcome to Adulting by Jonathan "JP" Pokluda "Will I be single forever?" "How do you cook chicken (and make it taste good)?" "Can Monica and Rachel really afford such a great apartment in NYC?" "Do I have to adult?" All real questions my 20 year old self pondered at the beginning of my sophomore year in college. I was recovering from a breakup, trying to stay afloat in my nursing classes, and figuring out how to find friends and community during the exciting, chaotic, transformative period of life known as college. It was all so overwhelming. I needed a break. To get away. So I gathered my summer earnings and booked a plane ticket to San Francisco. I learned so much about adulting on that trip- God used it to stretch and challenge me, and to develop within me important life skills that are still useful in my adult life today. Skills like: Navigating airports... It was my first solo flight, and I missed my plane during a layover in the most confusing airport that has ever existed (aka O'Hare). Reacting in emergencies... Did you know an earthquake in San Francisco sounds like a trash truck crashing into your house? Neither did I. Taking public transportation... If I had a nickel for every time I got on the wrong bus... In all seriousness, though, I did learn a lot about God and about myself during my San Francisco adventure. He gave me a heart for the nations as I walked around Chinatown, Japantown, and other neighborhoods where people of different cultures gathered to work, live, and play. He taught me the value of friendship and community as I caught up with old friends and met new ones. He showed me that even if I never married or dated someone ever again, I would be okay because He is more than enough. My worth and happiness come not from money, a job, or a significant other, but from having a relationship with the God of the universe. Being an adult is not centered around your salary or climbing the corporate ladder, but around pursuing and knowing the God who created you. After all, this world is temporary, but eternity is, well, eternal. If you are in your 20's (or know someone who is), you should probably just skip to the bottom of this review and get this book. It really is that good. If I could buy 100 copies and give them to all of my students, I would. Welcome to Adulting by JP Pokluda offers insight into navigating the confusing transition into adulthood. Full of Biblical wisdom, personal experience, and a little bit of wit, JP tackles topics like dating, finances, work, community, and a variety of other relevant issues in the lives of those of us in our twenties. He beautifully balances solid Biblical wisdom with relevant topics in a way few books I've read have managed. JP stays grounded in Scripture with each topic he covers, and I found myself grinning from ear to ear with how Scripture-centered his wisdom is! Throughout the book, JP's vulnerability builds such trust and respect between himself and the reader through sharing his personal shortcomings, what Scripture has to say about the topic, and how to practically apply Scripture to live a Christ-centered life. If you enjoy reading, you could easily read this book in a few sittings. The chapters are intriguing and JP's writing style makes it hard to put the book down! I loved the chapter on dating. And eternal perspective. And conflict. And authority. Actually I loved all the chapters, but let's focus on the one on dating. Eventually I had to stop highlighting because I realized I was highlighting everything. What does the Bible say about qualities we should look for in a potential husband or wife? How do we become the type of person a Godly man or woman should marry? What does dating look like for the Christian? All good questions. You'll have to read the book to find the answers. My rating? 6/5 I don't give a 6/5 rating often. This is not a fluffy, feel-good book about how to be a grown up. This book will challenge you. It will call you to a higher standard of living in how you date, work, fight, forgive, and live as a man or woman of God. It would make a great read for anyone in their 20's (or even early 30's) or for anyone who works with/ lives with/ is friends with someone in their 20's or 30's. So, basically, it's a great read for just about anyone :) *I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest, unbiased review!*
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