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

A Mom's Prayers for Her Son: Praying for Every Part of His Life

As a mother of three young boys, I'm constantly on the lookout for books that give wisdom and direction in raising boys. More so even than these however, I'm constantly looking for guidance on how to pray for them. Prayer is such a powerful tool and weapon at our disposal, and I constantly feel like I lack in this department, which grieves me because I know how effective it is and how it is our best way to communicate and have fellowship with our Lord and Creator. As Rob Tiegen says in the beginning of the book, "Out of all the things my wife does for our family, the greatest are her prayers for us every day. It's a tremendous way that she demonstrates love for her family." I've read other books on being a praying wife and mother, but they have usually all been general in nature, not necessarily giving examples. This one is different.

I loved A Mom's Prayers for Her Son! Written by Rob and Joanna Teigen, the book has a brief preface from each author before diving right in to the meat of it... 77 prayers that cover the needs of your children ranging from discipline and comfort issues, to spiritual maturity and future decisions. The last prayer is even one for when we don't know what to pray! Intermixed between these are encouraging stories from mothers, as well as advice or wisdom when it comes to topics like idols, blessings or failures, where we as parents can become part of the problem. For example, one point that stuck out to me was that we need to be careful in praying for blessings, because when we think we are praying for bread, we might be praying for stones instead, and we don't want the perceived blessings to break their communion with God. Even though I probably wouldn't pray these prayers word for word, they still gave me wonderful ideas so that my prayers don't become monotonous and rote. Each chapter (prayer) also begins with at least a couple of verses (usually in NIV) that pertain to the topic, which I was so thankful for, because if you enjoy praying Scripture over your children, these will give you some direction on where to begin. Although directed towards mothers for their sons, I think many of these prayers could be adapted to meet the need for prayer for siblings, friends, etc, and I have done this already.

I received a copy free in exchange for my review, but unfortunately it was lost in the mail. It must have been divine Providence though, because when the copy arrived, I had been frazzled after a week of dealing with three sick children. I sat down and began reading/praying through some of the prayers and I could just feel the burdens and weariness being lifted and a divine peace settling over me. These prayers were also a timely reminder that no matter how 'great' we are as parents, every good gift is from above, and only God can bring the increase into their lives, giving us a freedom to just be ourselves, if we choose to acknowledge and apply this truth. Although I recommend this book, I think it is best as a reference to go to when you need guidance with what to pray for a specific situation, as it was hard for me to read straight through for the review, even with the scattered personal stories throughout (which I don't think this was made to be a book for that), as many of these prayers are not applicable to my younger children yet!

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

Simplify

Simplify. The book showed up on my doorstep as I was surrounded by boxes and junk, packing for our interstate move. Simplify. It sat on our counter amidst the crazy schedule of our last month, the goings and comings, "last" dinners with friends, celebratory meals with coworkers, tearful farewells. Simplify. It travelled with me as I begrudgingly left my children behind and flew to an earthly paradise with my husband who attended conference seminars while I read and explored. Simplify. It lingered on my nightstand through all those first lonely, emotional nights in our new home.

I think this book took me the longest to read of practically any book I've read recently. And it's not because it was not good or applicable. It's because it was. A little too much. From time management to friendships, God gave me this book in His perfect timing to gently whisper to me and constantly remind me of what I need to do: Simplify.

In his book, Bill Hybel focuses upon ten aspects of a person's life, and how we can simplify and declutter these areas, leading to a richer, fulfilled life with our family, coworkers, friends and most importantly, God. By becoming more discriminate with our lives, we are able to better fulfill God's calling for us, rather than sacrificing the intangibles for the non-essentials that will deplete us.  Each chapter ends with "Action Steps" to give you ideas and help you accomplish the chapter's objective. At the end are two appendices dealing with seeking out a life verse (as a supplement to one of the chapters of the book). The book is filled with practical, applicable tips and one-liners that got me thinking...

• How would I spend my time if I truly believed and lived as if God were in charge of it?

• Knowing that simple decisions have generational legacies, what investment of my time am I taking with my husband, my children and those I love?

• Am I living my life in light of this, with the knowledge that I will one day stand before God for the actions taken in this life?

• Are my excuses really just the surface of underlying character issues that need to be dealt with?

• Am I living my life as though God's current provision for me is not enough? Am I joyfully living within this provision?

• Am I so filled with the grace and love of God that I am not easily provoked when the minor irritations of life beset me? Are they first world problems? Am I in need of a reality check? Am I prioritizing people over convenience?

• Am I fearful and deceived, or am I allowing Christ to reign fully within me, his hand steadying me as I walk on the waters of life?

• Am I thinking in terms of the years for this present life, or in the immensity of the eternal?

• What is God wanting to teach me in my current season of life? Is Christ enough for me?

So I read and reread it's chapters. Underlining. Jotting notes and prayers in the margins. Starring sections. Silencing myself from the voices of the world, listening for the whispers of God amidst my tears. No my life still isn't perfect. No, I still have a long way to go before it's bare-bones and only for Jesus. Yes, I've heard some of this information and advice before, but this book helped to keep things in the forefront of my mind. Yes, I will probably mess up again, and need reminders like what this book offers. But I'm on the right course for this race. And for that I'm thankful.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book by Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for an honest, personal review.

I Need Some Help Here!

 

I knew this book was going to be good when I saw the cover of the book and could relate to the picture. With three little ones running around the house, life can be a bit crazy. It's so easy to become overwhelmed, embarrassed or guilty, especially when you compare yourself to others, or your children are not going according to the plans or dreams you had envisioned.

I Need Some Help Here! is a book written by Kathi Lipp. It is filled with not only wisdom and practical advice, but examples and stories from mothers who have weathered and survived the storm of parenthood through the grace of God. I feel like this is a book that I will look back upon often, as it easily relates to young children as well as teenagers. Each chapter points out how the parent can feel desperate, helpless, frustrated or powerless while in the battlefield of life; it then follows with a section highlighting an attribute of God in each of those circumstances. I loved that. It is so easy to forget that He is above all and in all when we are in the trenches. Additionally, many chapters ended with scriptural prayers that can be prayed for both yourself and your child.

This book is for all those moms that need to be reminded that we are not alone, even if it appears that way on the outside. It also serves as an encourager for us to not hold it in, but seek friendships with others that support us, people we can be honest and transparent with, ones that will stand beside us, raising us up and praying for us.

This review was given in exchange for a free copy of the book from the publisher. All opinions are my own. :)

Finding Spiritual Whitespace

This post is part of the  “Finding Spiritual Whitespace Blog Tour” which I am a part of...
To learn more, CLICK HERE!  

 

We've been a bit non-stop lately.

I once heard the analogy that your life is like a bunch of glass jars lined up on a mantle. Each jar is representative of the time in your day spent with someone or doing an activity. There are only so many jars you can place up there. If you try to put up too many, something else will fall off.

I feel like this is how my life has been these past few months. Some things have unfortunately fallen off the shelf and others aren't getting the time and quality they deserve as I live a jam-packed schedule. And, as, evidenced by the past few posts, my shelf has been sagging, burdened by the weight of it all.

Enter the need for whitespace. In her book, Finding Spiritual Whitespace, Bonnie Gray explores how we can awaken our soul to spiritual rest and a closer communion with Christ. The Bible clearly portrays God as the divine Creator, the great artist in this world, who formed us all to be beautiful individuals... His handiwork. Gray argues that all great works of art and composition need to be surrounded by whitespace, the place where the eye can rest (or in the case of a composition, a musical interval break). Whitespace quiets the noisy background and gives artistic value. Nurturing our souls with whitespace is a call to actually live a life of extravagance, to recognize that God created us beautiful, as is, and we don't need to clutter up our lives like pictures overtaking a fridge and continue to perform in order to improve ourselves. We need whitespace in order to live a beautiful life for God.

Bonnie Gray was working on her book when she began suffering from anxiety and was diagnosed with PTSD. She began suffering from insomnia and reliving painful memories from her past, ones she thought she had overcome, but had really just been pushed and hidden within her. Through her struggles and search for whitespace, she discovered four elements that are key in this endeavor: creativity, adventure, community and soul care. Gray, the faith barista, writes and provides examples of how you can sip and delight in these elements while nurturing your soul. At the end of each chapter she provides questions and activities for reflection, ideal for a small group setting.

The book was written in an interesting way, skipping from painful memories of Gray's childhood, to more present ones and sessions with her psychiatrist, to reflective application for the here and now. At times it was difficult for me to read, though I wonder if it was mostly from my own burdens at the time. God used this book to speak to me however; almost each chapter I read helped me as I struggled to trust and serve His direction in our move. I was reminded that often, the harder path is to choose rest, looking to none but Jesus. It is not always easy to choose the intimacy rest requires over the safer and easier path of continuing along in my normal routine. It is not a simple flip of a switch, but requires intentional effort to forcefully stop myself to not think of our impending move, but when I did so, it was only then that I felt peace. At my most vulnerable moments was when I could truly feel an intimate relationship with Him, knowing that when I am weak, He alone is glorified. I would definitely like to read this book again, soaking up more of it's applicable wisdom.

 

Bonnie Gray is the writer behind Faith Barista.com who wrote a book about her inspiring, heart-breaking journey to find rest. I was given a free copy in exchange for a review.
If you would like to know more about the freedom and rest  in Christ that whitespace can give you, you can get a copy HERE.