BOOK REVIEW - Distinctly You

BOOK DESCRIPTION
All of creation is content to be what it was made to be except us. Fish flourish in water. Ants are not worried about their size. But we waste time on the three C's--comparing, competing, coveting. We aim at the bull's-eye on someone else's board, pursuing a race we weren't equipped to run. Cheryl Martin shows women how to develop their God-given uniqueness rather than becoming fixated on what they are not or do not have. Distinctly You unveils the actions and attitudes that may be sabotaging women and explores ways women can engage and build up their unique talents, interests, and strengths. Readers will be inspired by examples in the Old and New Testaments of people who were exceptional for God's kingdom. As the author shares her ongoing quest to be distinct for his glory, readers see how God created them to thrive.

Author's Website:  http://cherylmartin.org/web/product/distinctly-you/

MY REVIEW
When I saw this book online, I was immediately interested because I struggle with my self-worth. I have lived 40 years and still fight the battle of trying to be like everyone else. I have always felt the part of me that was distinctive was not good enough. Turning 40 made me come to my senses and figure out how to end this mind war once and for all and I was glad for the opportunity to read Cheryl Martin's latest book.

The book was divided into two sections which I thought were appropriate - blockers and builders. In my journey I have finally determined my blockers - the people/things I have given the power to define me - and I felt that Cheryl's reminder that only God should have that power was exactly what I needed. She writes about the 3 Cs - comparing, competing, and coveting. I am guilty of the comparing for sure - everything it seems that I think or feel can be traced back to comparing myself which ultimately is an insult to the One who created me. He created me to stand out, but my error was that I was wanting to stand out for myself and not God. This is what I feel is the practical message of the book - is my focus on me or God? It reminds me of the logo He>me. She also offers advice on how to tackle these blockers and begin building your distinctive self.

The two section format was well thought-out and I appreciate that her advice was backed up by Scripture. Cheryl is transparent and uses examples from her own life as she lays out the blockers and that helps me, as the reader, to better accept her advice. Distinctly You is a great book if you are looking to become the person you were created to be - a distinctive child of God who He created for a purpose with a plan for your life.

"Success from God's perspective is guarantees to those who are seeking His guidance and following the path He ordained".

"I was using the wrong measuring sticks (my peers' strengths and my expectations) to determine my worth and to define distinction. God never uses someone else's talents and abilities as the plumb line for our achievement." 

I was provided this e-book for free as an Advanced Reader Copy by NetGalley and Bethany House, a division of Baker House Publishing, for my honest review.

BOOK REVIEW - How to Enjoy Reading Your Bible

BOOK DESCRIPTION & AUTHOR'S WEBSITE
Do you feel like you should read the Bible more?  This book will help you want to read it.  Keith Ferrin has been talking to churches for years about enjoying God's Word. Here he shares the most helpful ideas and habits you can start using today. You will find ten proven tips that are equally practical whether you are a longtime Bible student or simply exploring what this life-changing book is all about.  Aimed at deepening your relationship with God, these simple suggestions will help you focus more easily as you read, remember Scripture better, and most importantly, enjoy the Bible and its Author more than you ever dreamed possible.
http://keithferrin.com/

MY REVIEW

"You have not truly mastered any part of the Bible until that part of the Bible has mastered you" - Bob Shinrock.

 

I met Jesus in 1982, but I fell in love with Jesus in 2001 when I felt His calling and discovered my spiritual gift was teaching.  I am somewhat of a study nerd...I love the research of studying and then sharing what I learn with others.  This is most evident in regards to His Word.  I love the Bible and cannot get enough of His story.  This book will be a reference I keep on hand to gift others I meet who desire to know how to read the Bible with a "relational" approach.  It is that helpful and I wish I would of had it years ago!

Ferrin has written a wonderful reference for new and long-time readers of the Bible.  I enjoyed the personal way in which the book was written.  It was as if he were sitting with you at Starbucks sharing with you his 10 tips for having a better time "hanging out" with God.  With his one-on-one writing style, it was easy to become motivated to put the tips to use.  The tips are practical in that they are lined out in a good format and they are easy to understand.  This practicality made the book extremely motivating.  It feels as if he were your Bible Reading Coach and reminding you that it can be so much fun.

"How to Enjoy Reading Your Bible" has truly encouraged me and I look forward to working through the challenges he presents at the end of the book.  Even though my time with the Bible is frequent, I do see that I can sometimes fall into the "informational" reading approach.  It is so easy to find yourself there in a dutiful feeling instead of a desiring feeling.  My heart so desires time in the arms of my Redeemer and getting to know Him more deeply.  The book has also refueled my love for sharing the Bible with others and I have asked my Pastor to possibly facilitate a Small Group to put these useful tips in the hands of my fellow church members.

I was provided this book for free as an Advanced Reader Copy by Bethany House, a division of Baker House Publishing, for my honest review.