Fiercehearted by Holley Gerth |Re:View

Powerfully moving with fresh honesty that goes beyond the “normal” things to admit. Holley Gerth expresses her deepest, heartfelt longings with a rich, descriptive hand and invites readers to join her as she dives deep into the reality of what it is to be a woman and to have flaws.

I got this book several months ago and—sadly—couldn't get to it until now, but as most things tend to happen, it came at the perfect time. The holidays were over and I was able to curl up with this book and devour it in big, over-large chucks that fed my soul in ways I can barely find words to describe.

I absolutely loved the format of this book. Each chapter was only a few pages and felt more like reading Holley’s journal entries. That, or personalized posts created just for the empty space my heart needed it to fill.

I think this book can be life-changing for those who read with an open heart. To hear Holley’s message that it’s possible to be brave—to be fiercehearted—even when you feel the least bold. To hear her heart for true beauty and her realization that who you are made to be is exactly who you need to be.

Intersect: Where Your Story and God's Story Converge | RE:View

Ever wanted to have a tool to engage your neighbors and friends in deep conversations? Worried about how to start those conversations? Intersect by Rob Peabody and Cris Rogers creates the perfect opening for those very conversations. It's a great resource for anyone interested in hosting a small group that goes beyond the surface and that opens the door for spiritual discussion.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I first popped this DVD in but I was pleasantly surprised by what it had to offer. With sections dealing with things like disappointment and trust, I appreciated the fresh approach to starting a conversation.

The short videos, well done and creative, each follow a shared story told with honesty and openness. The diversity of backgrounds of those who share spans from a stay at home mother to an ex-con. It's about realness and the truth of what we all face in an easy to understand context that isn't overly Christian (in respect to the language used). I liked this fact because, living in a spiritually-adverse city like Washington, D.C. I can see how these videos could be helpful for opening doors to talking about faith and personal beliefs.

A few gems I took on my first listening:

"Real life is not a dream." - Rest

"The suffering that we experience might not be the wrath of a divine being but the chaos and evil of the broken world." - Disappointment

I'd definitely recommend these videos to small group leaders. They discuss topics that are relevant to most ages and people of all walks of life. I would recommend that the small group leader listen to them first. Because of the nature of the videos, the elements of faith are less overt (though not ignored) and I would advise being prepared with a few scripture references to go along with the stories that are told in the videos. You can also check out the Intersect website for more interactive material and more information.

Rating:  4*
Purchase: Intersect DVD

Video Description

Follow the journey of five individuals as they tell authentic stories of circumstances that have forced them to examine how God might fit into their lives.

This five-week small group resource helps spark spiritual conversations. Starting spiritual conversations with those outside of the church is a worthy, yet often difficult and intimidating task. Intersect was designed to help overcome those barriers. It is an easy-to-use resource, perfect for sharing with co-workers, friends, neighbors, and family to enter into meaningful conversations.

Each film is accompanied by thought-provoking questions designed to encourage participants to examine the world in which they live and the life they are pursuing, always ending with a conversation on how Jesus intersects the current topic. Allow this powerful new film resource to engage those you are in relationship with and then propel them forward in their next step with Jesus.

_________________________

I received a free copy of this DVD for review purposes, but was under no obligation to watch it or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.

Jumping out of Your Comfort Zone by Jamy Whitaker | Guest Post

I'm excited to introduce you to my friend Jamy. We met at the ACFW Conference last year and she is just the sweetest! I know you'll be encouraged by her post today and don't forget to leave a comment because she has graciously offered up a giveaway copy of her book, Get Real: Stop Hiding Behind The Mask!

 _________________________________

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28, NIV)

The majority of us like to live within our comfort zone, because we feel safe and secure. However, if we are going to fulfill the purpose that God has for us, we are going to have to take that first step of faith. This is not easy. Many times we sit inside our safe, comfy box and think of all these reasons why we could not possibly step outside. I speak from experience; making excuses is exactly what I had been doing for quite sometime.

Over a year ago, I was sitting in a Bible study group trying to decide whether I was going to step out of my comfort zone and let those around me know where I felt the Lord was leading me. I will admit that this was difficult for me to do. It puts you in a very vulnerable place when you step out in faith and announce what direction you are going for the Lord. I knew by letting these women know, they would be watching me closer to see if I indeed followed through or simply retreated back to the security of my comfort zone. However, I knew the Lord was leading me in the direction of speaking and writing and I could not imagine turning my back on the purpose He has for my life.

For those who do not know me, this is so far outside of my comfort zone that I could no longer even see the box. Obviously, this is exactly where God wanted me, relying on His power and strength instead of my own. God has given me this passion to help others through my speaking and writing and He wanted me to jump out of the box and follow His path.

From Flickr by Denise P.S.

Therefore, I took that first step by telling those precious women what the Lord had placed on my heart and the direction I was headed. I asked for their prayers as I started this journey. I do not know where this road will take me, but I am certain I do not want to continue to sit on the sidelines. I made the choice to chase hard after the purpose God had given to me.

Since that first little step God has been redirecting me by closing and opening doors. Some opportunities were beyond anything I could have ever hoped for or imagined, but that is simply how God works. It all starts with that first step or leap of faith out of your comfort zone. The road will not be easy, but God has promised to walk with us every step of the way. Do not be satisfied with sitting and watching life pass you by. You need to get up and get going on your own journey.

Now, it is your turn. I challenge you this week to spend some time with God and see where He is leading you and then make a list of things you need to do to start your journey. Then, I want you to select one thing from the list and do it this week. No more excuses!

_______________________________

-->I am married to a wonderful man, Mitch. He is truly a blessing from God. He works as a project manager for Interior Fixtures. When he is not working, he can be found roaming our woods known by all as Whit-Akers. We have 5 wonderful children. Yes, that’s right 5. I cannot believe that God blessed us with so many children. They range in age from 7 to 17. They are the joy of our lives.
Join me as I work to stitch God's truths into everyday life.
Website: www.jamywhitaker.org
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamyWhitaker
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJamyWhitaker

Simplify:Ten Practices to Unclutter Your Soul by Bill Hybels | RE:View

I was drawn to the title of this book. Simplify. Can't we all use some simplification in our lives? I know I can!

Bill approached the idea of "practices to unclutter your soul" with a light and intuitive perspective that I found refreshing. He used real life examples drawing from his own life and ministry as well as the lives of others he's interacted with. I also enjoyed how he included specific action points at the end of each chapter. For those willing to dig in deeper, he has provided a lot of great questions and activities to further growth.

The only thing that knocked it down from a solid 4 stars for me was that it really took me a long time to get through due to some lengthy, semi-surface level things. The overall approach Bill takes is great, but I found some parts dragging. There was definitely scripture incorporated, but I would have liked to see more exposition and drawing from Jesus' ministry to today. That may just be a personal preference thing for me when reviewing faith/theology based books.

I'd still definitely recommend it to any one interesting in decluttering their life. For those willing to take stock and be very practical about approaching simplification, they will find Simplify. a great resource and starting point.

Rating: 3.8*
Purchase: Simplify: Ten Practices to Unclutter Your Soul

Book Description
(from Amazon)

Exhausted. Overwhelmed. Overscheduled. Sound familiar? Today’s velocity of life can consume and control us . . . until our breakneck pace begins to feel normal and expected. That’s where the danger lies: When we spend our lives doing things that keep us busy but don’t really matter, we sacrifice the things that do.

What if your life could be different? What if you could be certain you were living the life God called you to live—and building a legacy for those you love? If you crave a simpler life anchored by the priorities that matter most, roll up your sleeves: Simplified living requires more than just cleaning out your closets or reorganizing your desk drawer. It requires uncluttering your soul. By eradicating the stuff that leaves your spirit drained, you can stop doing what doesn’t matter—and start doing what does.

In Simplify, bestselling author Bill Hybels identifies the core issues that lure us into frenetic living—and offers searingly practical steps for sweeping the clutter from our souls.

 ______________________

I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.