As profound as it is personal. This straight-from-the-fire-forges-of-life book made me ponder and weep. Ann’s experiences are her own, but the lessonsAs profound as it is personal. This straight-from-the-fire-forges-of-life book made me ponder and weep. Ann’s experiences are her own, but the lessons and truths are for all. I devoured this every night before bed for three days, and walked away with a fresh sense of purpose and hope, a deeper love for Jesus, and plenty of conviction & encouragement. Exactly what my heart needed in this season. ...more
There were a lot of helpful & thought provoking ideas here. While I didn’t agree with everything, Lysa does a good job in highlighting how food shouldThere were a lot of helpful & thought provoking ideas here. While I didn’t agree with everything, Lysa does a good job in highlighting how food shouldn’t consume us to such an extent & how it relates to our spiritual lives.
I feel the need to caveat something I wished I knew beforehand. The primary focus of the book is directed towards those needing/wanting to lose weight or who struggle with overeating/emotional binging. For those whose struggle is the opposite—being chronically underweight, calorie obsessed, or have an ED—constantly reading about “diets” and cutting out foods may be triggering. There are still overarching principles that apply but just know the focus is different....more
Political commentary isn’t my genre forte by any means. With so many voices clamouring to be heard, it can be overwhelming. However, I’ve long enjoyedPolitical commentary isn’t my genre forte by any means. With so many voices clamouring to be heard, it can be overwhelming. However, I’ve long enjoyed Isabel’s commentary clips on Instagram, which made me even more curious about her book.
Isabel writes how she talks—passionately, authentically, personably. This was probably my favourite part of the reading experience! She offers up plenty of solid points & good food for thought, but her overflowing passion was what really caught my attention. A few topics struck me as repetitive, but that was a minor point. I’ve never “claimed” a generation as I was born in the years few people agree about being Gen Z or Millennial, and for all intents and purposes was essentially “raised Millennial” compared to my younger siblings and cousins. BUT! This is definitely a worthwhile read, regardless of what generation you fall under!
Content: language (mostly mild but includes an s-word and 4 f-bombs—>these are quoted material not the author’s words)
*Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions. ...more
Survival stories & memoirs aren’t go-to genres for me. But there was a special reason I picked this one up.
Back up to this past spring. One of my greaSurvival stories & memoirs aren’t go-to genres for me. But there was a special reason I picked this one up.
Back up to this past spring. One of my great-uncles whom I haven’t seen or talked to in over 15 years called me because he had read my book & loved it. I was touched of course, and as we chatted, we got to talking about books. Turns out he’s an avid bookworm himself. He asked if I’d be interested in reading Helen’s story—and who am I to say “no” to an 80+ year old bookworm who still hunts his trap line and reads in his cabin for three weeks at the time? I said I’d love to. So he mailed me his copy in the mail. Because you see, the book is out of print & his nearest book store where he discovers these hidden treasures is a 2 hour drive away.
Will I ever love survival stories? Probably not. And sure there was something theological conclusions I don’t agree with. But I can say it’s a miraculous story of survival, truly by the hand of God, and that’s what Helen discovered in the end.
It’ll be a story I remember because of my great-uncle. ...more
This devotional Bible study guide was the nugget of encouragement my soul so desperately needed during this season. The sections are short and yet fulThis devotional Bible study guide was the nugget of encouragement my soul so desperately needed during this season. The sections are short and yet full of grounding truths of God’s character. Katie’s style is incredibly conversational & much like one friend to another over coffee. Each reading was a nudge to lift my eyes upwards to Jesus and take comfort in His unfailing love & faithfulness. ...more
Liturgical writings are new to me, and I picked this up after a couple friends shared some beautiful portions.
This booWhat do I say about this book?
Liturgical writings are new to me, and I picked this up after a couple friends shared some beautiful portions.
This book was what my heart needed as it offered encouragement, perspective, and conviction. I soaked up every word & was frequently moved to tears. I already cannot wait to reread it and need to purchase volume 2 soon! ...more
When I originally heard about this book, I wasn’t sure if I would read it. But after hearing part of Jinger’s interview with Allie Beth Stuckey, I decWhen I originally heard about this book, I wasn’t sure if I would read it. But after hearing part of Jinger’s interview with Allie Beth Stuckey, I decided to give it a try.
And wow, did it ever pack a punch!
This book is NOT a tell-all or a family bashing. Jinger speaks with grace & tact along with love & gratitude towards her parents. Instead, this is a book that covers the harmful teachings of Bill Gothard & the dangers of treating man’s instructions like doctrine.
It’s open & honest & repeatedly pointing the reader back to the Bible and how we need to be wise discerners. The goal is not to deconstruct faith but to disentangle biblical doctrine from man’s tradition. To live in faith and not in fear.
I have a copious amount of notes & highlights, and I felt very seen through this book, as it’s a journey I’m on myself. It was encouraging & challenging & hope-filled, and I am so glad to have read it!...more
I had heard several positive things about this book & decided to give it a try.
On the whole, it was thought provoking. I have a love-hate relationshiI had heard several positive things about this book & decided to give it a try.
On the whole, it was thought provoking. I have a love-hate relationship with social media myself. I’ve met Kindred Spirits of whom I think the world, and yet on the flip side, there’s such an inundation of information & pressure to create content. No, this is not a SM bashing book, but rather a nudge towards being more purposeful in how we are using SM as a tool.
Although some areas felt repetitive & there are a few theological differences, Sadie’s style is conversational, offering helpful insight & encouragement....more
Change isn’t something I do particularly well with or enjoy. Deep down, I’m a hobbit at heart who likes routine, tradition, and the occasional adventuChange isn’t something I do particularly well with or enjoy. Deep down, I’m a hobbit at heart who likes routine, tradition, and the occasional adventure—no surprises or unexpected journeys.
While chronic illness makes every day unpredictable, through this book Kristen offered heartfelt perspective in realising that our limitations help us trust more fully in the Master Planner. Something I’m guilty of forgetting all too often.
Change is a part of life. But we don’t have to suffer through it. We can thrive. It’s all about perspective. . . . . “Wait time isn’t dead time: it's time spent awake and alive to all God wants to show and give us.”
This is probably my favourite book from the GirlDefined sisters as the topics were deeply relatable. Unfortunately I forgot to take enough notes,4.5⭐️
This is probably my favourite book from the GirlDefined sisters as the topics were deeply relatable. Unfortunately I forgot to take enough notes, and my brain is too tired to remember all of my thoughts. ...more
I originally bought this book for the cover, plus the fact that I needed a new Christmas devotional. Since I’ve enjoyed other books from the author, II originally bought this book for the cover, plus the fact that I needed a new Christmas devotional. Since I’ve enjoyed other books from the author, I was willing to give this one a try.
The style was easy & engaging, and each day’s reading—though short—was memorable. A refreshing look at the familiar account of Luke 1 & 2. I would definitely reread it again!...more
I don’t have the words for how amazing this book was!
It had been on my TBR for a while, but after some friends spoke so highly of it (thank you!!), II don’t have the words for how amazing this book was!
It had been on my TBR for a while, but after some friends spoke so highly of it (thank you!!), I finally took the leap, and I’m so glad I did!
For years I wouldn’t have acknowledged that legalism was an issue in my life… until I realised just how much is was. And this book was a breath of fresh air! It ministered to my heart in so many ways - encouraging & challenging me & reminding me I’m not alone.
It’s a book for women who feel like they’re drowning in expectations of being “a good Christian” & reminds us of the true heart of God and the gospel! Definitely one of the most impactful reads of my adult life! ...more
I was crying by the time I finished the introduction because it was like reading a page out of my own life/emotional diary. I was both excited and scaI was crying by the time I finished the introduction because it was like reading a page out of my own life/emotional diary. I was both excited and scared to jump into this book because… well, the topic hits close to home.
Lysa talks about how we divide our lives into “before” and “after” whatever trauma we face. The pain of seeing photos randomly pop up in our phones Memory section. What do you do when faced with pain that everyone tells you to “just get over” when it’s what drastically changed your life and you?
Forgiveness isn’t an emotion that makes things all sunshine and roses again. Forgiveness is a choice—and often a hard one—but it is also a process. The choice to forgive from the heart is the first step but working through the repercussions and trauma of the offence takes time.
This isn’t a theological exposé on the Bible’s teaching on forgiveness. It is personal testimony of a Christian woman with a biblical basis.
I highly recommend this book! It’s been one of the most impactful reads of 2022 for me, and I made SO MANY NOTES! It’s a book I will return to again.