A Woman's Heart for God: Drawing Closer to the Lover of Your Soul

by Sheila Cragg

Sheila Cragg knows of what she writes. She is the primary caregiver to her disabled and ailing husband and has also experienced some of life’s deepest setbacks. But through all of those circumstances, she has drawn increasingly closer to the Lover of her soul and developed a rich, devotional lifestyle that she admits would never have happened otherwise. In A Woman’s Heart for God , Cragg shares her own life experiences and provides scriptural insights, creative ideas and interactive questions to help readers tailor their times with Him—whatever their circumstances—pinpointing how to remove any obstacles that are keeping them from intimacy with Christ.

Genres: Faith

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

For someone who needs and wants to come closer to God this is a good book to get you on your journey or back on your journey. Sheila Cragg has had many trials and tribulations in her life and can humanly say sometimes you don't have answers, but you can have faith! This book overall, had many good points, suggestions, and thought provoking questions at the end of each chapter. I have never been one for bible verses so to speak, but Sheila puts them so appropriately in the book to correlate what she is sharing with the reader. Overall, great book for those who are unsure of where to start! Thanks Sheila for sharing your faith and your story with all of us! Blessings to you and your family!

[Jjudyfl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book from Goodreads.
I have a problem with the idea (in the title) that a woman's relationship with God should be any different from a man's? Perhaps the author only meant to refer to HER own personal story.
I value that Sheila Cragg chose to tell many anecdotes and examples from her own life to illustrate her points.
The chapter I most valued was Chapter 4, Receiving God's Grace.
The Chapter I had a problem with was on Simple Prayer. Shouldn't prayers be quiet, deep and respectful? My friends don't get 140 characters of text-messaging, and other than some "HELP MEs" and "THANK YOUs" during the day, it's worth the wait for the tranquility and peace that comes from 100% of my attention directed Upward.
BUT - That's just me...
This is a heartfelt book. Anyone who does not have a relationship with God, or wants to renew one, can probably benefit from some of Sheila's thoughts and suggestions.

[R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving this book. I usually read Christian Fiction so this book is a change of pace, but I am thoroughly enjoying it. I have found many passages to reread and ponder. She speaks truth in a genuine and down to earth way. I appreciate her personal stories sprinkled throughout along with her insight and spiritual wisdom. And she has a very personable way of writing, like we are sitting together on her patio having a heart to heart. I am savoring this book and will be rereading it over and over again.

[Christa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a signed copy courtesy of the author: ) I was very excited to read it and I was not disappointed. The depth and sincerity of this book is astounding Beautifully written. A real gem! : )

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book because the advice hit straight in the heart. Thank you.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book at a Goodreads give away. This is one of those books that each believer should read, because life is often far from what we desire it to be. This book provides the reader with words of wisdom as to how to deal with the rough spots in life. It does this from a Biblical stand point as it teaches the reader how to draw closer to G-d and find His peace which surpasses all understanding. We are not promised a perfectly peaceful life. We are not promised an existence without suffering in this world. While life is a wonderful experience most of the time, we will encounter times of pain. This books helps with that. It provides hope when none appears to be evident.

I read some reviews when I received this book discussing the reviewers' beliefs that Christian will not have suffering just because we are Christians. The reviewers made it sound as if the author was coming from a position of viewing life as if it were nothing but suffering. I did not get this impression at all. I read this book while going through some difficult times in my life. It provided support and encouragement. It did not try to gloss over life by painting some pretty picture of reality. It did not make it sound as if God would make all of my dreams come true just because I asked. It was truthful. It showed the world as it really is, and helped me find the strength I needed. It helped me see that God does have a plan for our lives and that His plan is more perfect that anything I could every dream of wanting for my life. It showed me that I and others who have less than perfect lives are not alone. It helped me see the beauty in walking in accordance with God's will. I highly recommend this book.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sheila Cragg uses her own personal life and antecedes from other Christians to create a book about drawing closer to God and having a meaningful relationship with him. Each section includes discussion questions to help you think and implement the chapter's teaching in ones life. I found the chapter on how to start and maintain a spiritual journal quite helpful. The chapter on receiving God's grace is the best chapter in the book that I feel every Christian should read. Unfortunately I disagree on some points, especially those dealing with illness. Overall the book is a useful tool to help you along on your personal journey with God.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as part of GoodReads First Reads giveaways.

This book is absolutely amazing! It is a great book that has advice that I believe is applicable to any Christian, man and women alike. It gives great ideas for getting to know the Lord better included making scripture index cards to bring with you throughout the day. It gives great advice about prayer and memorizing scripture. It also discusses how to release your life to the Lord and become closer to Him. I would recommend this to any Christian.

[Amy]

I won this as a goodreads giveaway. It took me to get through it but I did. It is not the kind of book you read in one sitting. Although there are a lot of great thoughts and reflections, they seemed a little scattered and lacked depth. I do think this would be a good book for someone new to the faith because it could give them a little information about a lot of biblical ideas.

[*book*lover* · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! It is very well written and helped me through some things.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot wait to read this book! It looks like a really good book, and hopefully it will help me.