Untangled: Let God Loosen the Knots of Insecurity in Your Life

Wow. I feel like this book was written for me.

From the first pages that Carey Scott pens in her first published venture, "Untangled", her words resonated with me. She introduces you to herself in a very transparent, humble and personal way at the get-go, and the reader is able to see why she could have so many insecurities lingering and fighting to control her soul. In her book, Scott points out the various "knots" that can "tangle" up our lives; from our family and friendships, to our home and the social media, she connects how each of these facets can deceive us, warp our expectations of ourselves and steer us away from our focus on Christ, whispering into our soul that we are "not good enough". She also notes how these insecurities can affect those around us, and the ripple effect that can last for generations when we try to untangle our own knots instead of relying on the Lord to loosen the knots and redeem them in His time. Whether it is our marriage or facebook profile, we can place things on a pedestal in our hearts, and by placing an unhealthy emphasis upon their opinion, turn them into false saviors in our lives. Since only the sovereign Lord is constant and unchanging, this wreaks havoc upon our self-worth.

In each chapter, Scott wittily and whole-heartedly tries to point the reader to the power and validation of worth that is found in Christ alone and how, in His eyes, we are of immeasurable value. Almost every chapter ends with a personal testimony from different women, Scripture verses to anchor us to the Rock, a sample prayer to help break that specific tangle in our lives and questions to reflect. Bible verses are also scattered throughout each chapter, although this was my biggest beef with the book- along with seven other versions, the main "translation" of the Bible used was The Message. I guess I must be old school, and I'm sure it helped make the book flow, but I don't think Scripture needs to be simplified in order to make it personal and relevant. For example, at one point she reflects upon us being the salt of the earth, but the Scripture quoted refers to us merely as a "seasoning". Personally, I feel as though this translation takes away from the depth of meaning that can be found in the Word.

When "Untangled" first came up as a review option to my email, I almost did not request it, because I figured it was another one of those Christian living, self-help books being written today. They are a dime a dozen. I'm so glad I changed my mind. Personally, I think this is one of the best books I've read on this subject. As I read each chapter, my own depravity and helplessness become more and more evident, as well as the necessity for God's grace in every aspect, every moment of my life as I guard my heart against the insecurities that want to rise up within me. Although there is a lot of meat in each chapter, it is a quick read and I highly recommend this book.


Disclosure of Material Connection: To abide by the law of the land, in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, I just wanted to let y'all know that I was blessed to receive this book free from Revell in exchange for my review.

Sand in My Sandwich

Sand in My Sandwich is one of those light-hearted, easy reads that makes your time on the treadmill go by fast! It was a perfect follow-up to Holly Gerth's book, as Sarah Parshall Perry candidly and openly lays out her personal and family life for the reader in a witty and inviting memoir-style manner. From her perfectionist-driven legal career, to her whirlwind marriage to a laid-back, country boy husband, and from her three children (two with an autistic spectrum diagnosis) and various pets to her own diagnosis of Behcet's Disorder, she comically relates the good, bad and ugly; through it all however, Perry is always pointing out how God's grace can be seen and His love can be felt through all of life's situations, no matter what they are. With applicable verses to her life's battles scattered throughout, she reveals how even through our greatest cracks, blessings can still overflow from the jars of our lives.

This book is definitely not your normal "how-to" parenting book, but still contained valuable nuggets of wisdom in every chapter; it reminds the reader of God's sovereignty and the need to trust Him in both the big and little things of life. It reminds us that His power and grace are essential in parenting. And it reminds us of His ability to "take the chaos of us and make it something wonderful".

Disclosure of Material Connection: As stated in the review, I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for the review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

You're Loved No Matter What: Freeing Your Heart from the Need to Be Perfect

I knew I would probably enjoy You're Loved No Matter What from the first chapter. After a quick quiz to test whether we feel pressured to be perfect, author and life coach Holly Gerth delves right in on why women give up the grace God so richly holds out to us and strive instead for perfectionism, an expectation many women battle (especially in this age of facebook and pinterest)! She points out that this is exactly what Satan tempted Eve with back in the garden of Eden, and we are still fearfully trying "to be like God" in unhealthy ways. Chapter by chapter, Gerth uses illustrations, analogies and simple, easy to apply advice to stress that we need to focus on the grace God extends, freeing us to live how He created us: focusing on the talents He has given us and where He has currently placed us in life, and not expecting us to be perfect by ourselves or in everything.

Though much of this information wasn't necessarily new, this book was yet another great, practical and Scripture-filled reminder to focus not on the pursuits and viewpoints of this chaotic world, but rather look at our lives the way that the Lord does; to this end, she gently and positively reminds the reader that we are always perfectly loved by a perfect God. It ends with a "Go Deeper Guide" with questions that can be answered individually, with an accountability friend or in small groups. Though it was a quick and easy read, I will definitely be reading through it again to better absorb it's advice and take notes.

Disclosure of Material Connection: As stated in the review, I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for the review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255