You know when you say or write a word over and over and it starts sounding or looking wrong. That's what the word "kind" was like this book. I followeYou know when you say or write a word over and over and it starts sounding or looking wrong. That's what the word "kind" was like this book. I followed and agreed with her overall points but for some reason it just started to get grating. I can't put my finger on why, exactly. I agree that we should have a lifestyle of kindness--that's why I picked up the book. I agree that there is a different between being nice and being kind. I agree that kindness is shown many different ways that are often overlooked--such as standing up for yourself and others even when it's not easy or you are the odd one out. But for some reason, I didn't connect with the author and her style of communicating these points. It almost felt like she was beating a dead horse trying to get me to agree with her on these points that I felt like she made clear very early on. Basically the book was a big repeat of the same points without any practicals. I mean, some. But I felt like we needed more than 'make eye contact," "smile at someone," "bring someone coffee unexpectedly," "say thank you." Then there were the stories. Now, bare with me, because I'm going to sound a little hypocritical here, because I LOVE a good celebrity memoir and I always hate it when reviewers complain about a celebrity talking about themselves too much or telling their own stories too much. But so many examples of kindness were just stories about her and other high-powered celebrities. Not just "normal people." I mean, she even talks like everyone who is reading this wants to be famous or wants to be on TV. Maybe it's a little because I am not necessarily a "fan" of hers, just thought the book looked interesting. Maybe it's because I don't get her style. But it just kind of rubbed me the wrong way. Also, I don't get her commentary at the beginning of each chapter in the audiobook. She set the book up with why she wrote the book, then read the chapter. If that was important enough to include in the audiobook, shouldn't it have been in the physical book. Most of it was very redundant and seemed like she just wanted to talk more. I'm sure this book is valuable for some readers. It just didn't connect with me....more
This review makes me sad. I went in to this Bible study with very high hopes. It is absolutely beautiful. The graphics inside are clean and trendy, anThis review makes me sad. I went in to this Bible study with very high hopes. It is absolutely beautiful. The graphics inside are clean and trendy, and it looks great on a coffee table. But sadly, I didn't get much out of it. There are several reasons that I came to this conclusion. I wanted so badly to love it. So much that I just kept giving it chances. Even after I hadn't gotten much out of it, I kept going back because I was so hopeful. The study is specifically geared to those who haven't read the Bible through, as a study guide and accountability plan. But that wasn't the issue for me--even though I thought the actual plan was poorly thoughout. I mean, one month he has us reading several small books of the Bible, but another month he has us read Psalms AND Proverbs (Psalms alone has 15o chapters). But that wasn't what got me. I kept going. Then as I read through the study, I noticed that some of the books of the Bible that are quite long, in fact only have one or two pages of his commentary/study/questions. What?! How is that a Bible study. The book of Isaiah--chock full of prophecies about Jesus--only has one reflection page? Really? But I kept pressing on. When answering the questions, I felt lost. I mean, really lost. Like I should have had an answer key that was missing. I mean, the Bible was supposed to be the answer key, right? But I read through the verses he said, and still couldn't understand what he was getting at with his questions. Should I? I think the point was for me to just look deeper into the verses than surface level, but I felt like I was always getting the answers to his questions "wrong" or missing something. And the thing is, he never says why he asks the questions. Just poses them. So essentially some of his questions actually made me feel stupid for not getting what he was getting out of the study. But I WAS getting something out of my reading. Just not the answers to his questions. Then there were some questions that were kind of like "duh" questions. So I posed this issue to the others in the Bible study group. And they were all feeling the same way. Like they were answering some of the questions with big ole question marks. I mean, all of us. One of the leaders said we were overthinking it, that there wasn't a right or wrong answer. But my thought is, then what's the point. If I'm answer with a question mark and feeling worse after reading this.... I mean, the Bible can often times be confusing enough until you have study it a lot. Why make a Bible study book that is also confusing....? Anyway, maybe this would be a good book for someone who enjoys abstract questions. Or maybe if you haven't studied the Bible before and just want the plan and accountability. Although, there are a lot of those for free of the YouVersion Bible app.
Or if you want a really pretty, Bible based coffee table book....more
The older I get, the more fascinating I find the topic of forgiveness. What a beautiful but sometime illogical idea. Right? Except that when you trulyThe older I get, the more fascinating I find the topic of forgiveness. What a beautiful but sometime illogical idea. Right? Except that when you truly start to unpack the idea of forgiveness, it isn't illogical at all. It's powerful. That's what this beautiful book is all about. The power of forgiveness. I love that story after story points out that forgiveness is something you do for yourself. It's, in fact, a form of self-love. Maybe people have wrong idea about forgiveness--that it somehow absolves the other person of what they have done or the trauma that they have caused. But in fact, it doesn't. It isn't about them at all. It's about getting your power back in a situation and not allowing what they have done to hold control over you anymore. Each of the stories throughout the book show a different side of forgiveness, a different way to forgive, even a different reason for forgiveness. And each one is truly impacting. I had never thought about ti before, until this book a conversation I had about one of the stories, but forgiveness is really a two-fold chord with empathy. They go hand-in-hand. In fact, if you are able to understand someone or their situation through empathy, then it either makes forgiveness easier to come by or possibly even unnecessary. I highly recommend this book and a journey of discovering what true forgiveness is. The diversity in the stories was also interesting to look at, but at the end the majority of the people were able to reach a point of forgiveness and healing through their faith. And I found that inspiring all by itself!...more
Who knew Princess Leia could write?! Just kidding (but also not). I always knew Carrie Fisher was also a writer, but geez, what I didn’t know was how Who knew Princess Leia could write?! Just kidding (but also not). I always knew Carrie Fisher was also a writer, but geez, what I didn’t know was how incredible of a writer she was. And I mean, a true writing talent. It’s one thing to write like this in your 60s, but those diaries from a 19 year old Carrie were just as incredible and emotional. What a beautiful talent who lived an often tragic life. But also, I loved the way she just talks about her difficult moments with such humor and high spirits. She just shines in this book!
Also, the way she describes Harrison Ford is EXACTLY how I’ve always pictured him. It had me rolling laughing as she described him. But somehow it just works for him. I mean, I still just love him as much as I always have.
Listen, I love all types of celebrity memoirs. The self-help ones. The high-road ones that don’t trash their co-workers or name the other stars who have hurt them. But I also really love the tell-alls. And this was just what I needed in my reading right now!...more
This would definitely be better as a book than an audiobook (which is how I consumed it). There's a fun bingo game and memes that obviously lose theirThis would definitely be better as a book than an audiobook (which is how I consumed it). There's a fun bingo game and memes that obviously lose their charm in the audio form. Also, this book should probably be read only after you are familiar with the enneagram and perhaps have even taken the test to find out your type. This book does not include a test or any information on testing. It exclusively discusses each enneagram type in depth.
With that said, I have followed Sarajane Case on Instagram for a while and love her memes and her insights into the enneagram, even if I don't always see myself in them. So I was excited to read this book as soon as I saw her releasing it.
I have to say, I'm a little disappointed. I'm not sure what I expected it to be, but it felt like it could have just been published as a blog post on each enneagram type more than a book. Again, not sure what I was expecting. I have read another book on the enneagram but it wasn't before I had done much to understand it or test/type myself so I wasn't really into it. Now I've done so much research and learning on it, that this sort of felt indulgent to be an entire book. Nothing I wouldn't have already read on Instagram (and not just hers).
It doesn't dive into how to relate to other ennegram types or how to best help each other. Really it is a chapter on each type. Covering the fears, desires, subtypes, wings, strengths, weaknesses of each type plus a letter to the type listening/reading. (Again, indulgent.) There was one section for each type that broke down a little of the practical ways to better see your weaknesses and strengths as good.
I don't know, it just left me wanting. I mean, I found myself tuning out a bit on all the chapters that weren't my type or my husband's or best friend's. Because it was written "to the type" so it was almost like I was reading 8 chapters not written to me and 1 chapter that was. (Okay, 7 chapters not written to me because I identify greatly with my wing type.) So I almost didn't finish it at all. There wasn't a lot of new takeaways on the other types than mine....or really even mine. And again, this is only the second book on the enneagram that I've ever dived into. So I felt like I could have learned a lot more.
Overall: just kind of meh. But pretty. And I definitely recommend her instagram....more
A practical bible study broken down by chapter and often by verse. This study dives deeper than the words on the pages of the Bible. It reveals God's A practical bible study broken down by chapter and often by verse. This study dives deeper than the words on the pages of the Bible. It reveals God's over for His creation, His people, and His desire for relationship with us. Crystal Sparks points out facets in the book of Genesis that point us to Jesus in a way that I have rarely seen done through a Old Testament study. She has insights and revelations from the Word of God for our practical, every day lives, that oftentimes Christians have a different time seeing. Through this study, she reveals them to us so that believers can practically apply the word of God and the stories of Genesis into our lives. I never loved Genesis more than I do now that I have a new perspective on it....more
Wowsers. I think I highlighted half of this book. That's how good it was. So good that I both listened to the audiobook AND read the ebook. This guy hWowsers. I think I highlighted half of this book. That's how good it was. So good that I both listened to the audiobook AND read the ebook. This guy has so much audacity, but not so much that he annoys me. (I'm looking at you, Gary V.) No, Bob Goff has the kind of audacity that is contagious. The kind that makes you want to run after the biggest ambitions that you've had, make them happen, and reach for the stars...or further. Not in an unrealistic way. Actually, he does a fabulous job of laying out the realities of going after your ambitions. The failures. The setbacks. The climbing toward the big ones that seem outright impossible but layering some of the smaller ambitions out like stairs to climb up so that the big ambitions come within reach. I have read a lot of book about dreaming big, visions boards, goal setting.....and I have enjoyed many of them. But this one just seems real. It seems so realistic and so relatable...even though he is an ex-lawyer who seems to have done just about everything there is to do. Still relatable. That speaks to just how real this guy comes across. Just how conversationally he talks and writes. I have already started taking action on some of the many highlightable portions of this book. In fact, it's made me rethink so many of my ideas and ambitions that my head is bursting...but in fact, so is my heart. Can you tell how much I loved this book? No, okay.... Just kidding, I'm sure you can. The thing is, I've read other Bob Goff books and just felt kind of meh about them. So much so that I almost didn't read this one. But I'm so glad that I did. And I have a sneaking suspicion that I will go back to it over and over again....more
I can't tell you how many times I have heard a woman say she isn't good at making friends or being a good friend. Like so often. Female friendships arI can't tell you how many times I have heard a woman say she isn't good at making friends or being a good friend. Like so often. Female friendships are so tricky. And I have often felt the same way. So I jumped at the chance to read this book.
AND HOW CAN YOU NOT LOVE A BOOK THAT STARS BY QUOTING FRIENDS!! Okay, but in all reality, the first few chapters I thought for sure that it was the book that I needed about 5-8 years ago but that I wasn't going to get anything else out of it. I moved around that time and felt lonely and friendless after leaving all that I had known and been comfortable with. A new city, where I knew no one with four kids. My goodness, I felt like I didn't have a clue who I was or what kind of friend I was looking for. That version of me needed this book....or so I thought.
Since then I've found the exact types of friends that she opens the book talking about. I have become an expert at setting boundaries and saying no when I need to and and I'm even learning to say yes a little bit more. So I really wasn't sure that I needed this book. About that time I thought about skimming. Maybe I'd just skim my way through the rest just so that I could say I finished. (I'm a finisher, gosh darn it, a finisher!)
She talks so much about authenticity in the beginning, which I totally get....but authenticity is something so important to me and highly important in friendship. So while I understand how this could resonate with a lot of people, some even whom I know, it doesn't with me. I don't see how you could have a true relationship without authenticity. Which is the author's point I supposed, but has not been an issue for me.
Then, suddenly, I realized this book was not just about finding friends...it was about being a better friend to the ones you have...and therefore becoming a better version of ourselves. Oh my goodness. Why am I so dense? It's about accepting ourselves among out friends. It's about opening ourselves to up to being friends with those we wouldn't typically choose as friends. It's about being open and available to people--and to ourselves.
I realized as I read that every woman really needs this message, because we truly are better together. She opened up things from the Bible that I'd never seen before about friendship. Like how the disciples were truly the best example of friendships from the Bible. All of them were different, differing backgrounds and differing current opinions, but they came together, got along, under one purpose and one mission. Also, I loved the idea that each friend could be there for a specific need we have. As in, we shouldn't expect one friend to be everything for us and fill every need....like one big super friend...the way we always see it in movies and TV. But that different friends can be there for us in differing ways and vice versa.
I mean, I started to really, REALLY like the author. We don't have a ton in common but I throughout the pages I just really like her. And I think that's pretty important in an author writing a book about friendships.
Plus her quotes are GREAT! They are fun and funny and relevant. Not stuffy and boring like so many chapter beginners. And she thinks Chris Pratt is dreamy....How could I not love her for that.
At one point I looked up other reviews (which I always do after I've already started the book because I don't like starting the book with a cloud of judgement from other reviewers). And I was shocked and not shocked that the bad reviews were pretty much all people who didn't know it was a Christian book and read it anyway....then reviewed it poorly for the author being Christian and talking about the Bible and Christianity! (eye-roll) I truly don't understand how a reviewer could read this and think the author judgmental. The only thing that made sense to me about that is that they jumped to the judgmental conclusion because she is a Christian the book is very "religious" meaning it quotes the Bible and has a Christian world view. She seriously gives so much grace that someone who didn't read or see that has to be simply reading into her words through their own hurt.
In the end, this is a book that all women (or maybe all "Christian" women?) could learn a ton from. We need each other in so many ways and I can't help but wanting to share this book with all the women I know who have said they aren't a good friend or aren't good at making friendships. Start by reading this book and becoming the friend you want to have.
>>Thank you to the publisher for a review copy of this book. My opinions are my own....more
Foster parents have always inspired and awed me. In fact I have had several friends who have fostered children, some even adopted afterwards. So I'm sFoster parents have always inspired and awed me. In fact I have had several friends who have fostered children, some even adopted afterwards. So I'm somewhat familiar with the system and the process and the emotional toll it takes on a person and a family. Therefore this book was a no-brainer. I had to read it.
It is the true story of a family who determines that they will keep the doors open to any foster child in need of a home for an entire year. And what a trying year that became.
Most of the writing was written in such a way as though the reader already knows and understands the foster system. I know some, but there were parts that were entirely new to me and I wish the author would have explained more of the process they had to go through. Maybe she thought it would be boring, but I feel like it could have been done in a simplified way while also being interesting. But that's just me.
Each story with each child was so different, as it would be in reality, but I didn't feel like the author got her flow until about halfway through the book. One story in particular, turned the emotional spectrum for me. At first I felt like she was keeping her emotional distance from the story, but then I realized that this year of fostering actually happened a while ago in her life. So then I just felt like the writing was emotionally stunted. But then it all shifted with one of the foster children, and from then on I felt her motherly emotions surfacing. Her descriptions flourished and I really felt her pain as well as her love.
The story itself was beautiful of course. Although I felt like the end just sort of ended. There didn't seem to be any resolution, anything letting me as the reader know what they determined to kept doing after the year was up. But then I found in the about the author that the family now has 8 adopted children...when they only had 3 in the book....which led to more wishing for more of a conclusion.
All in all, this was a beautiful book about fostering and why there is such a need for foster parents and a heart for these families. I loved that they were all about family reconciliation and focused as much on helping the parents as the children. It was beautiful.
>>Thank you to the publisher for a review copy of this book. My opinions are my own....more
I am currently reading Jentezen Franklin's Acres of Diamonds: Discovering God's Best Right Where You Are, and it opens up talking about this book, theI am currently reading Jentezen Franklin's Acres of Diamonds: Discovering God's Best Right Where You Are, and it opens up talking about this book, the original Acres of Diamonds. Franklin tells the opening story of the man traveling across the world looking for diamonds, only for his family to discover after he died that diamonds were literally in his own backyard. Franklin talked so well of this book, that while reading his, I paused for a bit to find the original book that Franklin's is branching off from. It is a book based on Russell Conwell's lecture. One that he said he was surprised was so well talked about and desired. But I think it's because the idea hits home. Conwell tells story after story of people who found success and wealth from something that was already in their hand or in their mind to do, but for whatever reason they had been putting it off. He talks about inventions that we log away as a "good idea" but something we never pursue...that could be your acres of diamonds. He talks about the things we have learned that we could teach others...that could be your acres of diamonds. While he quotes a couple of scriptures, the book itself is not very religion based (unlike Franklin's who is a pastor). It was very inspiring, though very short. Something I would listen to again. But for now, back to Franklin's Acres of Diamonds!...more
My feelings on this book are pretty much the same as the first book, Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Tales of Extraordinary Women, and I couldMy feelings on this book are pretty much the same as the first book, Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Tales of Extraordinary Women, and I could make a near identical review. I'm both encouraged and disappointed in the book. I'm encouraged because I love that my daughter is being raised in a generation when women have so much more opportunity to be strong women and to have voices and be heard. I'm disappointed because of the very specific type of woman this book illustrates. While the women span from all over the world, different generations and differing ways of being rebels....there are some types of women who fit the mold but are differing in beliefs who are left out. I know there could be more books to come in this series. Although, I probably won't be reading them with my daughter. Let me explain why:
While I wasn't surprised that there were no specific Christian rebel girls in this book either, it did disappoint me. The ideals of the book is to teach rebel girls about other rebel girls. If Mother Teresa, Bethany Hamilton, and Joan of Arc don't fit that description, then I don't know what being a rebel girl even means! But I was very disappointed to see that plenty of women were applauded throughout the book for standing up for their people, their country, their religion, their beliefs, and yet Christian women were left out.
Pleasantly, Corrie Ten Boom was included...someone I specifically was looking for in the first book. Still highly disappointed that in a book where women from all walks of life, all nations and ethnicities, all ages and all generations are highlighted, rebel girls with my own religious beliefs were in fact overlooked....more
I needed this book in a desperate kind of way! Self-promotion is my LEAST favorite part of being a creative or an entrepreneur. But this put a whole nI needed this book in a desperate kind of way! Self-promotion is my LEAST favorite part of being a creative or an entrepreneur. But this put a whole new spin on it. A mindset shift. That showing your work is not about you, or being arrogant, or trying to get people to like you or buy from you.....but it's actually doing a service to people. Like it's selfish to NOT show your work if you think it's any good or would help or inspire people. Why wouldn't a creative want to do so?
This is the kind of book you back to over and over again. What's interesting is his points are ground-breaking necessarily. (I mean, he is advocating "stealing like an artist" so I think it's obvious he is aware of this fact!!) But the WAY that he communicates them is flat out eye opening and inspiring. It's the kind of book that sets the book for pure creativity. Like, if I had time, I would read parts of this before every writing session!...more
Acres of Diamonds is rich with wisdom. Put intended. In fact, I loved the way this book started so much, that I paused and read the Acres of Diamonds Acres of Diamonds is rich with wisdom. Put intended. In fact, I loved the way this book started so much, that I paused and read the Acres of Diamonds by Russell Crown who Franklin mentions at the beginning—where he heard the original story from. It was short but it was also very inspired—just from an entrepreneurial perspective. Then I came back to this ready for more spiritual wisdom, and it was full of it. Full of wisdom for not only financial wisdom—as in how to find biblical ways to make money and fund the kingdom—but even ways to be grateful and to notice more of what we have in our hands and in our life. This is only the second book by Franklin that I’ve read, but his writing style is very easy to get into and to connect with. That is rare for me in books like this. I loved that he combined stories from history along with stories of people in his church, his friends, and his own personal experiences. It gave for a very well rounded perspective while also being incredibly inspiring. It reminded me of the acres of diamonds in my own backyard, in my own home, and in my own heart. Highly recommend....more
My friends know that I jokingly refer to Candace Cameron Bure as my style icon, so obviously I had to read a book of hers that was on her personal styMy friends know that I jokingly refer to Candace Cameron Bure as my style icon, so obviously I had to read a book of hers that was on her personal style. The thing is, I don’t really know who would actually buy books like this!! I’m not a big coffee table book, but maybe that would what this is? I don’t even know. It’s kind of a novelty book. A one-and-done book. I read it in under 2 hours and flipped through pictures like it was magazine. Mostly, since I already follow her, I’d already read most of this stuff on her social media somewhere. So nothing was really knew. Although I did find it nice and helpful that she didn’t only talk about expensive high end brands. She always mentioned her favorite affordable brands as well. But I guess it was fun. All in all, borrow don’t buy....more
This book is cute! I was a little confused about the audience for the book. I know she is a 20-something wife and mother, but it also felt like it wasThis book is cute! I was a little confused about the audience for the book. I know she is a 20-something wife and mother, but it also felt like it was written toward teen girls and young 20s. I am neither. So while I certainly wanted to read her book and enjoyed the style of writing, I can't say that I learned something new. Of course it was full of great scriptures and relatable stories. Her personal story is such an important story for young women to hear--not that it stops with young women, but she clearly relates well to them. Also, it wasn't written like a self-help book, so there weren't specific points or how-to's. (Another great reason it would be a great read for young women.) For me, it didn't connect for practical how-to's, which is something I look for in my teaching/self-help books. I want to be able to walk away from a book and know exactly what I can do take from it to apply to my life. I didn't feel that from this book. Nothing wrong with that format, just not exactly what I expected. As valuable and important as her story of fighting an eating disorder is, her resolution to it lacked that practicality that the reader could take away and say this is what I am going to do. Yes, confess to someone who will help hold you accountable with love and grace. Yes, dig deep into the Word of God. Yes, learn love yourself the way God does. But for me, I need more practical steps. But that just wasn't what this book was. Like I said, that's okay. It made for a great "memoir" style book....more
Going in to this book, I had no idea what to expect. I follow Hilarie Burton on social media and have read about her Mischief Farm, but was curious whGoing in to this book, I had no idea what to expect. I follow Hilarie Burton on social media and have read about her Mischief Farm, but was curious what she might actually write about being that she has always been very private about her life. But I am a lover of celebrity memoirs and an HB fan, so I knew I had to read it.
She opens the book with a clear promise: “ So, folks, this is a love letter. To a town. To a farm. To a man.” Beautiful.
And that’s exactly what this book is.
She doesn’t name drop throughout and she doesn’t try to slander or defame anyone, even though she very clearly could have from her early on acting experiences. Which I respect the heck out of. She starts the book after One Tree Hill and just before she met Jeffrey Dean Morgan. While her writing follows the path of their relationship, she does not attempt to follow the path of their career. In fact at times, she would say where he was working and I would rush over to IMDB just to find out what movie it was because she didn’t drop the name. It was actually refreshing coming from a celebrity.
In fact, their jobs could have been anything, because the book wasn’t at all about their jobs. They came up momentarily of course. But the point of the book was exactly as she stated in the introduction: relationships.
It’s basically one big love story to their falling in love with each other and with small town farm living.
There are garden tips throughout, even some recipes. Some of the moments were hilarious. Some were tearful. So don’t think that just because she is private and doesn’t share all the hot OTH gossip that she doesn’t crack open her heart, because my oh my, she does. Beautifully. Soulfully. But graciously. Even how she handles the Me Too movement toward the end of the book was done with such grace.
Honestly, the book made me enjoy her all the more. They both come across so very down to earth—well aware that they are well off enough to buy a sweet shop on a whim and renovate it to keep its legacy, but also aware enough to do the work themselves and feel like real people in the process.
I enjoyed it and hope Hilarie writes more. All my best to their small town, heartfelt endeavors and to their lovely family!
>>>>>Thank you to the publisher for a review copy of this book. My opinions are my own. ...more
Well I started out flabbergasted. In this study, Joyce is using the NIV as her base Bible translation throughout. I’m not even sure of who this versioWell I started out flabbergasted. In this study, Joyce is using the NIV as her base Bible translation throughout. I’m not even sure of who this version of Joyce is....or if the publishers asked her to do it. At the core of everything I’ve known about her is her use of the Amplified Bible translation. My gosh, she has even published an edition in her own name. So I’m utterly shocked for her to not use it as the main translation, and it took me a minute to collect myself and continue the study.
It’s a very good study. In fact, it’s my favorite that she has put out so far. Colossians has only 4 chapters so it allows her to dive in way deeper, not only into Colossians but also into the epistles that speak on the same topics. Her depth is truly shown in the study far more than the others. And she does quite from the Amplified quite often (although I still don’t understand why she didn’t just use it all together).
I read more than one section at a time, but I do see how valuable it would be as a devotional, reading one section each day.
>>>>>Thank you to the publishers for a review copy of this book. My opinions are my own....more
What a fun book. Maybe fun is the wrong word for a different reader, but for me this was fun. It was fun to see behind the curtain on a girl's life whWhat a fun book. Maybe fun is the wrong word for a different reader, but for me this was fun. It was fun to see behind the curtain on a girl's life who I remember shooting to fame, whose songs my friends and I sang in the backseat of parent's cars driving to volleyball games. It was fun to reminisce along with Jaci about the '90s and about teenage dreams of kids growing up in the 90s. Little snippets of her home life and family made me smile. Plus the beauty of the stories she connected to the Bible was done so well. Although, I'm quite certain Jaci's plan was for the book to be titled, "When God Repurposes Your Life" because that was the main metaphor theme throughout the book. Maybe the publishers wants her to change it to Rescripts because she was an actress? But I think it did the metaphor a disservice. Either way, I truly enjoyed this one!
As with every "celebrity" memoir, I highly recommend the audiobook of this one. She is a GREAT narrator after her radio and acting experience, and her personality made the listening that much more fun!
**Thank you to the publisher for a review copy. My opinions are my own....more
Great ancient history curriculum for elementary (and early middle school) homeschool. I appreciated that it was overall from a Biblical world view, buGreat ancient history curriculum for elementary (and early middle school) homeschool. I appreciated that it was overall from a Biblical world view, but without preaching Christianity through all of the lessons. A good overall context of many different country and regions in ancient history. Comes with great resources as well....more
Well I had such high hopes for this book. I first read the companion book "100 ways to love your husband" but didn't love it, so I hoped this one woulWell I had such high hopes for this book. I first read the companion book "100 ways to love your husband" but didn't love it, so I hoped this one would be a little bit more practical since the sections were a bit longer. However, I'm left with similar feelings as I was with the aforementioned book. I feel like Jacobson isn't super relatable, and neither is her marriage. I'm sure they have had some hard times. I'm sure that she has been annoyed by her husband. I'm sure that they have lived a realistic, relatable life. But none of that comes across throughout this book.
I've been married to my husband 17 years, and he is a wonderful man, a wonderful husband, and a wonderful father. We have the typical issues, where the little things get annoying, or we show our love in completely different ways. Which is why I wanted to pick up a marriage book to boost our love levels and give me some practicals. This wasn't the book for that.
This book actually left me feeling more blah at my husband. Like, so many of the affirmations were things that I didn't feel like I could say. I'm a realist. I understand the biblical aspect of speaking love and life into a person to bring the potential out in them. But I think there's a fine line between speaking to someone's potential and lying through your lips.
So some of these affirmations weren't relatable, weren't something every wife could even say to their husband, and some simply made me go, "Why isn't my husband like that?" Exactly the opposite effect than what the author - I'm sure - intended or wanted.
So the book wasn't for me. It might be for you. *shrugs*...more
