Christian chick lit

Confession: I'm not usually a fan of Christian fiction.

But as I rediscovered my kindle the week between Christmas and New Year's, I decided to give a Christian chick lit book I found on my kindle a try. Can't help that the title was right up my alley... Around the World in 80 Dates: Confessions of a Christian Serial Dater. I could definitely identify with the characters in the book.

I found this book to be a fun, quick, easy read. I could relate to the characters well and really enjoyed Christa Banister's style of writing. Her humor was witty and she has obviously travelled to the cities mentioned in the book. It was cool to recognize some of the places mentioned.

"Unlike the majority of my Christian college friends, I decided I could forgo the husband for the first couple of years after graduation. Instead, I'd date casually, concentrate on my career, get more involved in church, and pay off that pesky student loan. And since I was being so responsible, maybe I'd save up for a down payment on a renovated downtown loft. And maybe the latest Prada bag. Or a trendy Fendi clutch, depending on my mood. Of course, after all that was accomplished and I'd traveled to some of Europe's best sights, I'd consider settling down and getting married." (Kindle Locations 46-49)

"But more and more, I'm beginning to see the wisdom in not getting hitched by the age of twenty-two" (Kindle Location 296).

I liked this book so much I bought her second book: Blessed are the Meddlers: Confessions of a Serial Matchmaker.

Although I did not enjoy this as much as the first (might be because the first book is more relateable in this stage of my life), I enjoyed the continuation of the story nonetheless.

The story focuses more on Sydney's still single younger sister, Samantha, who I could relate to in a lot of ways as a college graduate.

"The comfortable bubble she'd lived in for four years was about to burst, thrusting her smack-dab into the real world. And unlike college-with student loan payments on hold and a slew of friends just a short walk down the hallway-the real world was full of uncertainties" (Kindle Locations 884-886).

Quick, fun, easy reads.

Real Marriage

You may be questioning why I am reading a book on the topic of marriage. I am single and not even dating anyone.... But I truly believe in learning as much as I can about marriage before actually BEING married. This book has a super honest tone to it since Mark and Grace Driscoll share openly about some struggles in their own marriage, especially early in their marriage. Like many couples, Mark and Grace are complete opposites, which led to many obstacles for them in marriage.

They are not afraid of this subject, which is refreshing for someone like myself who grew up in the church and rarely heard these subjects discussed with such openness.

The book is divided into three sections: Marriage, Sex, and the Last Day. In the first section, they talk about some of their own baggage they brought into the marriage. It is important to know that matters of the heart do not heal themselves and you need to speak openly about what you are bringing to the table. In the second sections, they cover everything from what is permissible in marriage to pornography to abuse. The third section might be the most applicable and important section because it is basically a list of questions to discuss with your spouse about how you want the end of your life to be. From that goal you work backwards to where you are at this moment and how to get to where you want to be.

Some of my favorite quotes are:

"Marriage is about friendship. All the talk about spending time together, doing life together, making memories, being a good listener, growing old and taking care of each other, being honest, having the long view of things, repenting and forgiving can be summed up in one word -- friendship" (23).

"Married life can seems as if it's only five days long. The first day you meet, the second day you marry, the third day you raise your children, the fourth day you meet your grandchildren, and the fifth day you die first or bury your spouse to go home alone for the first time in many years" (35-36).

"[Y]our standard of beauty is your spouse" (109).

The following quote is why I believe it is ESSENTIAL for churches to approach the subject in middle school rather than just in high school (if at all): "A staggering 90 percent of children between the ages of eight and sixteen have viewed pornography on the Internet, in most cases unintentionally  The average age of first Internet exposure to pornography is eleven. The largest consumer category of Internet pornography is boys ages twelve to seventeen" (113).

"When someone stalks you, is obsessed with you, and threatens you, it's psychological abuse, and it changes you drastically" (125). Hello, TWILIGHT! Media has an important part in what we consider acceptable...

"Marriage is for our holiness before our happiness" (159).

"Researchers have estimated that sexual assault occurs in 10-14 percent of all marriages.... Under no circumstances is sexual assault of any sort acceptable in marriage" (202). I found that statistic very surprising and saddening.

I know this is the longest book review post I've done, but I can't tell you how much I enjoyed reading this book. Obviously I could put up more quotes, but you'll just have to read the book (you can do it -- it's only 220 pages).

So Long, Insecurity

Beth Moore is a great author. While I am more familiar with her Bible studies than regular books, I could not shake the feeling I needed to read her book, So Long, Insecurity.

The thing I like most about her style of writing is that she lets the reader know she's right there with us. "I’m a common woman sharing common problems seeking common solutions on a journey with an uncommon Savior" (13).

"Insecurity refers to a profound sense of self-doubt—a deep feeling of uncertainty about our basic worth and our place in the world" (17). I don't know anyone who has NOT felt those feelings at some point in life.

The awesome thing about this is that we KNOW where we can find true security: in Christ. "Let Him bring you peace. Let Him tell you you’re worth wanting, loving, even liking, pursuing, fighting for, and, yes, beloved, keeping" (77).

Moore includes a prayer that would be a great reminder to hang up somewhere. "Make me the kind of woman a little girl could follow to dignity and security" (174).

Moore knows that women are not the only ones who sturggle with insecurity. "Generally speaking, men withdraw when they feel insecure—and women cling. Men give off the don’t-mess-with-me vibe. Women give off the please-mess-with-me vibe" (195).

"In Christ, you are so much stronger than you think you are" (258).

I don't know about you, but I really needed to hear the message that was contained in this book. I own it on my Kindle if anyone wants to borrow it.

Best Question Ever

I really like Andy Stanley's style  of writing. His books are easy to read (not always as easy to APPLY) and straight to the point. He uses personal examples that lets the reader know Stanley's right alongside us in our struggles to do what's right.

"What's morally and culturally permissible is often not what's best for us" (32).

"I don't know too many adults who are living their dream.... We rob ourselves when we make decisions in the moment with no thought of how these decisions will impact our future" (53).

"You are not the only one affected by your choices" (156).

"Private decisions have public consequences" (157).

Throughout the book, Stanley dares you to ask one simple question: "What is the wise thing for me to do" (179)? Based on your past, present, and future hopes and dreams, is the relationship/career/financial decision wise? In addition to asking yourself, he challenges you to seek counsel from a few wise friends and to bring the question before God.

Like Stanley, I am sure that this simple question will forever change how I make life decisions. Thankful for his book.

I reviewed this book for Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers Blogging for Books. I received this book for free in exchange for a review of the book.

Spark: Transform Your World One Small Risk at a Time

The first thing I noticed as I opened the book was that the font was not Times New Romans! Good choice. As I read the book, I laughed a lot. That does not mean I did not think about and evaluate where I am in life right now. Jason Jaggard is highly relateable through his writings. I would like to think that if we were to meet face to face, we would be friends.

 

The main question Jaggard asks throughout the book is "'What's one risk I can take this week to make the world a better place?'... 'What's one way I can serve others?'... 'How can we reflect the character and impact of God' (52)?

 

"You can spend years talking about risks, but your life won't change until you start taking risks. It's not enough to know the information. It's not enough to have the conversation. You have to move on to application" (68). 

 

My favorite chapter was eleven. I relate to the girl he mentioned in a story who said "I just don't feel like I have anything to offer" (129). He proceeded to list several things that made her unique. His challenge is to use what you have.

 

Jaggard, about speaking in front of thousands of people, said, "I wanted the opportunity, but I was afraid I wasn't capable.... There's a tendency in many of us to just stay where it's safe to avoid opportunities that would demand something from us that we're not sure we can give. And that, if anything, defines a life without God -- a life that doesn't need Him to exist" (167).

 

After telling a story about a jr. high overnight retreat, Jaggard says, “Sometimes people need just a little bit of hope. They need to have someone believe that their lives can be better tomorrow than they are today. That they can be better tomorrow than they were today (203).
 

I really needed this book... and chances are someone else does too! I highly recommend it.

 

I reviewed this book for Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers Blogging for Books. I received this book for free in exchange for a review of the book.

fiesty missionary

I read this book the week before I turned 28. What was the rush? Mary Slessor was 27 when she prayed to God to become a missionary. I love reading these books... they are for young teens, but I enjoy the story as if we were actually right alongside these amazing people. 

Mary was a fiesty young Scottish woman who loved people in Africa. She was a trailblazer for sure and like Gladys Aylward had her fair share of struggles.

Mary was actually engaged for a bit of time, but because she was expected to move to a different city and work with other people than who she felt called to, she broke off the engagement.

These women encourage me in my life. I may not know what God is up to these days, but I definitely sense that he has a plan for me. The two people groups I feel called to are Italians and middle school kids. I would be fine working with either and have had the opportunity to interact with both. 

So thankful to God for a great cloud of witnesses and their testimonies of how God worked in their lives. 

Unstoppable

Nick is at it again. This book is a book of hope. It reminds people that they have a life purpose and meaning. 

"I've found that when I'm most confused about God's plan for me, when I'm seriously struggling to figure out what I should do to serve His purpose, He will place someone in my path or create a situation to reveal that purpose or to test whether I walk the talk" (19).

I like that Nick was real about his own struggles and wanting to help others get back on track. "If you feel yourself sliding into despair, drained of energy, and depleted of faith, ask yourself, 'What matters most to me? What gives me joy? What drives me and gives my life meaning? How can I get that back" (46)?

"When God calls you to do something, you may not understand or be enthusiastic at first. But you should always be passionate about Him, which means you will do anything for Him" (80).

I really liked reading about how Nick met his wife in chapter three. He shared his own insecurities about finding true love and it is so beautiful to read about how God planned it all out for him and Kanae. 

I am thankful for the testimony Nick Vujicic continues to share through his ministries and books.

I reviewed this book for Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers Blogging for Books. I received this book for free in exchange for a review of the book.