i created this MySpace page to interact with folks about the books. in a nutshell, 'Divine Nobodies' is my story of recognizing and shedding all sorts of religious conditioning that hindered my knowing God. 'Wide Open Spaces' continues the journey into exploring new spiritual territory and experiencing God beyond the confines of organized religion. for years i sat in church and thought to myself, "There's got to be more to it than this." now i know there is.
Who I'd like to meet: "I am tempted to say that Jim Palmer could well be the next Donald Miller, but what they have in common, along with an honest spirituality and extraordinary skill as storytellers, is a unique voice."
Brian McLaren, Author of Everything Must Change
Early Reviews of Wide Open Spaces...
"Jim knows the mess of the world. Jim knows the mess of the church. And he still has the audacity to believe that love wins. Here he has created a book of stories and reflections that cannot help but leave you feeling closer to God, with a smile that isn't just for Sunday mornings, and filled with the hope that another world is possible."
"Jim Palmer, the hall of fame pitcher, changed speeds on his fastball. Jim Palmer, the author, changed lives in our locker room. It has been an absolute pleasure to pass this book out to some of my teammates. As I read the pages of each chapter, I could literally feel God moving my heart further away from religion and closer to experiencing His desired freedom in Christ. If you want to escape the popular Christian treadmill or common Churchianity, Wide Open Spaces and Divine Nobodies are must reads!"
Paul Byrd, Major League Baseball pitcher for Cleveland Indians
"My favorite spiritual practice is underlining books. I stopped underlining Jim Palmer's newest book because I found myself underlining the whole thing. Few books in life have brought my soul more pleasure, or profit, than Wide Open Places."
Leonard Sweet, Drew University, George Fox University, wikiletics.com
"I could read what Jim Palmer writes all day. He’s honest, funny, and his perspective really gives you something to chew on. When you open up Wide Open Spaces, it’s like opening up a window on the first day of fall after a long hot summer, and letting that breeze rush in. It’s refreshing and invigorating, and oh so welcome."
Ernie Johnson, Jr., NBA on TNT
"A radical and welcome book about how to be an authentic Christian in a post-Christian world. Jim Palmer’s new words on church, faithfulness, and finding God in new places are a gift to us all."
Greg Garrett, Author of Crossing Myself and The Gospel According to Hollywood
"To anyone who has ever gasped for air within the claustrophobic confines of religion, to anyone who has ever held up her dukes to God in a desperate plea for honest contact, Jim Palmer suggests, 'Let's take this outside.'Wide Open Spaces is an invitation to freedom beyond the boundary lines of organized religion (which is more a mix of cultural bias and corporate structures than a celebration of the Truth that sets us free). This book is guaranteed to raise both your eyebrows and your hopes, to stretch your doctrine even as it stretches your faith. Every word rings true, even as it startles, with this bold—and biblically supported—proposal: that when we fulfill our true calling to be 'little Christs,' we partner with God as he works his perfect will, joyfully growing the kingdom 'on earth as it is in heaven.'"
Kristyn Komarnicki,
editor, PRISM magazine
Evangelicals for Social Action
"It is a rare achievement for any artist to follow their first work—one that remains as highly acclaimed as Divine Nobodies—with a follow-on work that is unequivocally better than the first. Jim Palmer has done it with Wide Open Spaces. The reading of Wide Open Spaces is not optional. It’s mandatory if you are one who desires to know God and be love in our world today. This book is an epic contribution to the way ahead. The implications of Wide Open Spaces are clear for the spiritual sojourner and the possibilities for a way of life for those who deeply desire something more in how they experience God on a day-to-day basis."
Richard Dahl, Author, Creator, and Editor of theporpoisedivinglife.com
"From the first chapter, it’s clear that Jim has written a brave book. He’s articulated much of the discontent I have felt with the church in America, and he’s done it not with cynicism (which would’ve been easy) but with a frank and gentle wisdom. I put the book down grateful for the reminder that being a Christian means vastly more than adhering to the paradigm."
Andrew Peterson, Singer/Songwriter
"No sooner does one come to the understanding of seeing the divine in others then Jim pops another at us - in the reality of Wide Open Spaces. I love the way Jim connects his story with the stories of others, and how God can move in us, around us, about us and through us to see the work in the kingdom. Sometimes life can be hard, but seeing the hand of God is a powerful way of expressing our walk - Jim does just that in this book - I would recommend it to anyone seeking to know more, find more, live more, understand more and journey more with the divine in us all. Get ready to be "Unzipped" as you explore the reality of God in many ways."
John O'keefe, Founder/Designer ginkworld.net
"Wide Open Spaces is an unabashed invitation to sail out of the shallows of stagnant, repetitive Sunday-only religion and to sail out into the adventure of a life lived alongside Jesus in the wild, open currents of every day life. As Jim attests, the rewards far outweigh the risks!"
Wayne Jacobsen, Author He Loves Me: Learning To Live In The Father’s Affection; founder lifestream.org
"Thank goodness Wide Open Spaces is done! I thought Jim was going to pass out from the heat as he pecked away on his laptop in that ugly rocking recliner in his garage."
Come see Tuesday March 4, 2008 A United Journey For Humanity's Weekly Featured Choices for "My Heroes, Our Heroes, Humanity's Heroes" "The Gifted Artists You Should Know" & "Creative Innovators Advocating A Global Difference!" ;-)
Just click on my profile pic to take you to view and listen to their awe inspiring stories for yourself up close and personal. ;-)
You will NOT be disapointed! ;-) They are EXTRAORDINARY!
I hope you are having a SPECTACULAR week!! ;-)
If united we dare to envision it there is no reason that united we cannot achieve it.
Much Love, Laughter, Light, & Blessings.... Peace~ XOXO Lesley (Chase) Barton A United Journey For Humanity Founder www.myspace.com/desertstarlight8 The Goodwill Treaty For World Peace US Ambassador www.goodwilltreaty.org The Bryant McGill Community Global Moderator www.bryantmcgill.com The Voices & Faces Project Survivor Participant People Magazine's March 2006 Heroes Among Us Series http://www.voicesandfaces.org/article_people.asp
Hey Jim, I just got back from the Emergent Women's convergence & heard your name come up a few times. I for sure am not the only one liking your books!
Hi There Jim! Thanks for the friend request. I pray that this message finds you blessed beyond measure... with a heart overflowing with laughter, smiles, songs and joy!!!
I must say you are right up my ally. Thanks for looking me up. I will be wanting a copy of your book for sure. Currently reading Millers' "Searching..." I had just run across it a month ago in a used book store over here in Hillsboro Village where I live and had never heard of him. Seriously. I have been refreshed to see other writers such as myself. Keep writing. Ken
Some of us get more confused than others...now I have 2 of you to keep up with?!?!? :) So are you going to do a PNW book signing with this one??? Come on out...I dare ya'!!
I am really looking forward to a new book from you. You have such a way of capturing the essence of real life, the thoughts, dreams, struggles, fears, of all of us who walk with our Savior!! Thanks so much for your part in making my walk richer!
