ConversantLife.com and ConversantLife Books would like to congratulate author Richard Dahlstrom on his debut book O2: Breathing New Life Into Faith being named one of the Best Books of the Year by Publishers Weekly.  In the article, Publishers Weekly describes O2 as &ldquoAn original Christian voice [that] counsels spiritual balance.&rdquo  
Dahlstrom, the pastor of Bethany Community Church in Seattle, is a popular teacher internationally with the Capernwray Missionary Fellowship of Torchbearers.   He states, O2 was written to help people develop the time-honored practices necessary for our faith to thrive.  &ldquoToo often our lives get so busy that we start bearing the marks of spiritual disillusionment and burnout.  O2 helps you consider how to make your relationship with Christ the joyous adventure that God intends.&rdquo
Regarding O2, Publishers Weekly raves &ldquoDahlstrom, a Seattle pastor and international speaker, is an original and welcome evangelical voice of reason who offers skeptics and Christians alike compelling advice on living out their faith, Jesus&ndashstyle…In this book, he gives Christians tools to achieve spiritual balance by integrating these inwardly and outwardly focused spiritual practices. Dahlstrom&rsquos tenderness is deeply stirring, as is his tough stance in confronting modern believers&rsquo unwillingness to follow in Jesus&rsquo stead by serving sacrificially, reaching forth in love, and spilling out their lives for others. Dahlstrom&rsquos approach balances gentle compassion with fierce assessments of problems in the church today, making this an excellent guide to soul renovation.&rdquo
Similar accolades have risen from prominent authors.  Brian McLaren, the author of A Generous Orthodoxy states: "O2 is unmatched in giving disciples a coherent overview of the authentic Christian life. It is wise, deep, accessible, personal, balanced and beautifully readable too. It distills a gifted mentor&rsquos guidance for living in the way of Jesus&mdashappropriate for new pilgrims and veteran travelers alike. I know it was good for my soul.&rdquo
Donald Miller, author of Blue Like Jazz, agrees, &ldquoIn O2, Richard Dahlstrom illustrates a natural methodology for spiritual discipline that frees us from the consumer&ndashdriven, free&ndashmarket paranoia so often entangling our interaction with God. As our climate grows increasingly urban, Richard points us toward the mountains from whence our help will come. In climbing into this book, I found myself meditating on how clean the air can truly be. Thank you, Richard, for reminding me to breathe.&rdquo
One of the original blogging experts for ConversantLife.com, Dahlstrom quickly became one of the most popular as well.  Titled &ldquoRaincitypastor: God Is In The Mist,&rdquo his blog follows many of the same concepts presented in O2.   Current entries include &ldquoMr. Potato-god,&rdquo &ldquoYes We Must,&rdquo and &ldquoNegating the Fear Factor.&rdquo
Dahlstrom&rsquos blog can be found at http://www.conversantlife.com/richarddahlstrom.
O2: Breathing New Life Into Faith is available through ConversantLife Books / Harvest House everywhere. 
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For more information on CONVERSANTLIFE.com,O2, or for the opportunity to interview Richard Dahlstrom, please contact:
Lori Lenz &ndash FrontGate Media
714-553-5181