Rhinestone Jesus: Saying Yes to God When Sparkly, Safe Faith Is No Longer Enough

by Kristen Welch, Ann Voskamp (Foreword)

In high school, Kristen Welch wore a big, sparkly rhinestone “Jesus” pin to school every day and carried her Bible wherever she went. (Yes, she was that girl.) But she didn’t realize her faith, though sincere, was shallow; much like her artificial accessory, it would one day tarnish, no longer a true fit for who she was. As real life catapulted Kristen into places and situations she’d never imagined, there came a day when she stood shocked in the slums of Africa and realized in one desperate moment that Jesus wasn’t enough for her. At least . . . she wasn’t living like He was. On the brink of a risk bigger than any she’d ever taken, Kristen knew she didn’t stand a chance―unless she was willing to put aside the rhinestones and get branded by the real thing. Rhinestone Jesus is the story of one woman’s journey from comfortably living a safe, “good-girl” faith that didn’t cost much, to realizing that God was daring her to say yes to a bolder, more authentic, more dangerous way. This story of spiritual adventure throws the doors wide open for any woman who’s ever thought of herself as “just a mom.” Kristen will inspire and empower you to say yes to God right where you are―and stand amazed at how your life will shine.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Faith, Christian Living, Memoir, Religion, Christian Non Fiction

272 pages, Paperback

First published April 18, 2014

About the author

Kristen Welch is a mom just like you and me--only funnier. Her blog, “We Are THAT Family” (www.wearethatfamily.com) is read by over 70,000 women a month, who enjoy her often-hilarious, always-honest reflections on motherhood, marriage, and Christian life. In 2010, she went to Kenya as a blogger for Compassion International, and regularly contributes to online magazine Blissfully Domestic and (In)Courage, an inspirational blog for women. She lives in Texas with her husband and three children.

Reviews

[Traci · Rating 2 out of 5]

The title doesn't really fit the book--this is more the story of the foundation of Mercy House with some 'think about it' type tips tossed onto the end of every chapter. The writing isn't great--this reads like a 7th grader's report--but I think the biggest issue is that I'm not sure what purpose Welch had for this book. Is it to rally us to support her, is it her share her tale, is it to encourage us to start equally big movements or is it to discourage us from such things? The last two issues were particularly problematic--with the premise of the book being that we should all say a big Yes to God that seems impossible...Welch turns around and spends a great deal of time saying that most people shouldn't start international aid efforts and should just do small things for their community. She describes discouraging people who have written to her wanting to start Mercy House like organizations of their own. It adds up to a book that doesn't have a clear message.

It's thought provoking and Welch is certainly admirable, but it is also incredible how much money it has taken to impact so few individuals. The hundreds of thousands of dollars involved in Mercy House had actually (at the time of the book) only helped 12 girls and their infants. Comparing that to the work of other foundations is thought provoking, and so reading Rhinestone Jesus didn't inspire me to financially support Mercy House, which I definitely did not expect when I started the book. I admire that Welch and her family have devoted their lives to helping the poor and feel badly giving this two stars, but it's just not a 3+ star book.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Rhinestone Jesus" arrived on my doorstep at precisely the right time - just when I needed it most. Being recently thrust into a situation where my faith had to go from being sparkly and safe to being real and gritty, Kristen Welch's Scripture-rich reminder to say "yes" to what God is calling me to - right here, right now - gave me the strength to wade through a trial that surely would have been much uglier and damaging without it. This is all because Kristen was not afraid to give God her "yes", to use His Word as the backbone, and to share her story of action and faithfulness (in the little and big things). It's not unusual for me to highlight portions of a book that stand out to me in some way, it IS unusual for a book that I've finished to look like it's been tarred and feathered by highlighters and tabs like "Rhinestone Jesus" does now. I will be adding it to my "Read Again" bookshelf and revisiting it soon and often. No matter what your "yes" to God is right now, even if it seems insignificant to you (or to others), give it and give it freely - and watch miracles happen. And read "Rhinestone Jesus" while you're at it.

[LeighAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it and I'll probably read it again!

[Louise Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rhinestone Jesus is a delightful story that will encourage all families on how to live a purposeful life honoring God and growing strong Christian children. Kristen, the children’s ministry leader, realized something was wrong when her husband Terrell , a youth pastor, asked her what happened that stopped them from being the dreamers they used to be. When he brought home a laptop and encouraged her to write, she began to see what purpose God had for her life that would enable her life to count. Although Kristen wanted things her way, she found she couldn’t be the Mom she wanted to be without God’s help. Even her marriage needed God’s help, for Terrell confessed he was addicted to pornography. For a while they suffered from infertility. Then Kristen was asked to go to Kenya with Compassion International and to blog on the poverty and needs there. What she saw changed her, caused her to cry even when cooking or bathing her children because in Kenya there isn’t much food, if any, for the poor to cook nor is there clean water to drink and to bathe in. What did her family start to make that could be sold to help Kenya’s poor? When the Kenyan post office wanted a large bribe to give Kristen the box that had been mailed to them, what did they do to get it? Did their family have arguments, dirty rooms, and meltdowns like most families? What were the twelve areas they decided their family should focus on to help them live counter culturally? What five points did she indicate help create a strong family? Fantastic book!

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh.My.Goodness! What a fabulous book! I thought this was going to be another mommy blogging book when I stared it. And it was good – “My youngest child told me the other day that she wanted to be the president of the United States. ‘Really?’ I asked. ‘Because you want to change the world?’ ‘No,’ she answered. ‘I want to be the boss of you.’” And Kristen confesses that her family is THAT family – the one whose children throw tantrums in Target and the one who the emergency room nurses know by name and the one who struggles living godly lives, where the husband struggles with pornography and the wife struggles to not shop too much.
BUT THEN Kristen took a trip to Africa with Compassion International that rocked her world. What could she do to change her world, she, just a mom with dirty laundry and dust bunnies galore. This is what she did and her response to other moms is “Dear moms, love God; love others. It’s a simple response to His great love for us. You don’t have to do something big for Him; just do something because your yes matters! He can make something beautiful from your life too.”
What I loved about Kristen’s book was I didn’t leave it feeling guilty for not doing what she did or feeling like I should. Instead I felt like she was saying do something that is my passion that honors God. Fabulous book and I really want my book club and all my friends to read this one! Wish I could give it more stars than 5!!!

[Bukola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kristen's life changed after an encounter in the sewage-filled Shanties of Kenya. Although she had been a "Church Girl" all her life, with a sparkly rhinestone pin to prove it, Kristen's eyes were opened anew in Kenya, and for the first time she saw that God is all one really needs. This experience led to the birth of Mercy House, Kenya, a safe place for pregnant teenagers. It's easy to fill our lives with clutter and have misguided notions about God and what He requires of us, but when we are privileged to have experiences like this one, nothing is the same. In this book, Kristen shares her experiences in daily life with her family, how they are not much different from any other in the challenges they have to face; dirty laundry, fighting kids and the rest. She also shares how, together, one "yes" at a time, they are following God's purpose as a family. One important lesson that the author shares in this book, is that all you need to do is say "yes" to God. You don't need to have everything together, and sometimes you won't even be clear on what exactly you're saying "yes" to. But be assured that it is a domino effect; your surrender and acceptance of purpose will lead others into theirs.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rhinestone Jesus is a humerous and inspiring book about a woman who said yes to God’s plan for her and her family and the result was amazing. After the author told God yes, things set in motion and the result was a great ministry: Mercy House. Mercy House is located in Kenya and there the family runs a safe, loving, and Christian home for homeless teens that are pregnant. Though this ministry is thriving and doing great work, things were not always so. The author was so honest retelling the story of her and her family’s journey about how Mercy House was established and I found her honesty refreshing. The author recounted that though the family did experience good times, there were many times when things were difficult or things just did not go as planned. Instead of giving up, they kept trusting God and telling Him yes and He worked things out according to His plan. For me, I found this story to be encouraging because it reminds me of the great things that can happen when I don’t give up when things get hard and what can happen if I just trust God instead. This is a great read and I hope other readers enjoy this story as much as I did.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A most inspiring read! If you feel the desire to help, to make a difference, but feel inadequate/disorganized/too busy/overwhelmed... PICK UP THIS BOOK. Kristen Welch shares the story of her "yes", when confronted with poverty, disease, and death in the slums of Kenya. How she hones her desire to facilitate change, by choosing one need out of the thousands that exist is an incredible journey of faith, heartache, enlightenment, and God's hand in hers and her family's. Mercy House Kenya, her international non-profit that rescues young pregnant girls from the slums and provides pre and post-natal care, education, and life skills, is in the God-sized business of breaking the cycle of poverty and despair. She shares the good, the hard, and the ugly of changing lives, even while raising her busy young family, and reminds us all that even our small yes's can bring about enormous shifts for the better. Be prepared to dog-ear pages and underline passages... this one will stay with you. Giving away two copies on my blog (http://heidimilton.com) through Wednesday, May 6.

[Natalie Homer · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book read like several other Christian feminist type of books I've read lately, and like the others, it was disappointing. I would really like to see a Christian woman write about theology in a manner that isn't just another mommy blog turned into a book. Welch focuses a lot on how motherhood is divine, and how she experiences God through her children and how she serves God by taking care of her family. I don't disagree with this necessarily, but talk about regurgitating "sparkly, safe faith" that women in the church have been dealing with for centuries.
Like another reviewer mentioned, I was also a little put off at the "Do as I say, not as I do," lesson about Mercy House and charity and good works. What she wanted to get across to her audience was not clear to me. I guess if the reader comes into this one not expecting anything revolutionary or different or pro-feminist, then they might enjoy it quite a bit.

[Cecily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea what to expect from this book other than I knew I liked the few blog posts I've read by the author on her blog We Are THAT Family. I had no idea it was mainly her story of how she developed a house in Kenya for pregnant girls living on the streets. It was truly one of the most beautiful stories I've read. While other books on serving third world countries have left me feeling guilty and overwhelmed to the point of just pushing it out of my head, this book was inspiring and so so relatable. Kristen is gut level honest and I identified with her in so many ways. She has a way of writing things in a compelling but often dry and humorous way that kept me invested and laughing. I felt like I went on the journey along with her and her family. This was a completely life changing book!

[JoJo Sutis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is absolutely one of my favorite nonfiction reads this year!
I really felt I was able to go on a faith journey with the author as she shared her own experiences.
I love that she isn’t afraid to be real and authentic with readers about what living for Jesus really looks like and the fact that our excuses and reasons to say “No” to whatever He is calling us to do- just don’t hold water!
I was so delighted that she included photos throughout the book and the “Unpinned Faith” sections at the end of the chapters really put what I was learning into applicable steps.
Rhinestone Jesus will inspire, challenge and encourage readers to step out of their comfort zones into an active, exciting, adventure with Christ!!!

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Rhinestone Jesus" is primarily the story of how Kristen Welch, a mommy blogger from Texas, founded Mercy House in Kenya after visiting the country with Compassion International. I enjoyed reading about her experiences, but I didn't like the "Unpinned Faith" sections at the end of each chapter. Yes, Kristen has experience in doing something many would consider extreme, but it felt strange reading her advice for readers--maybe because she doesn't seem like enough of an expert after only a few years of leading her organization. I think this book would have worked better as a memoir rather than memoir-ish self-help.

[Mariejkt · Rating 2 out of 5]

1st part of this book was very interesting and good to read. Then it turned into at least to me an infomercial on the needs of 3rd world countries. I wish the 2 halfs of the book matched. Oh well.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not much on nonfiction, so it took awhile to read this, but it was an interesting and compelling story.

[Kari Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE sparkly, but Rhinestone Jesus shines bright above the rest!
During the adoption of our daughter, Zoie, one of my adoption friends encouraged me to read her twin sister’s blog saying…it’s kinda a big deal. That’s when I started reading Kristen Welch's blog, We Are THAT Family and it quickly became one of my favorite places to go. I have loved watching her journey as a struggling mom (aren’t we all) having the courage to say yes to God in her mess. God turned her ordinary into something extraordinary. What an honor joining her on this crazy adventure trekking through mommyhood madness, marriage restoration, loving big in Kenya and serving refugees in her community!
Y’all this girl is CRAZY! I love crazy. Kristen has millions of people stop by her blog and runs her nonprofit, Mercy House in Kenya, which rescues pregnant girls in extreme poverty supported by bloggers. That’s crazy, too.

I started reading Rhinestone Jesus as part of Kristen's launch team and loved it from page one! It revealed the behind the scenes about the girl who lived a sparkly, safe faith. I connected with her desire to be a "good girl", but never quite living up to the expectations I set for myself. I was 40 years old when I finally said yes in my mess… I did it afraid! I have never regretted a single second living the God-adventure He planned for my life…the moment I said YES! God has that for you, too!

I wanted to share with you 3 reasons you should RUN & buy this book:
1. If you are wanting to do more for Jesus whatever season of life you are in. You can say YES!
2. If you are in that in-between place, desperate to say YES to God but no knowing the exact question.
3. If you want to let go of everything that is holding you back and start a God-adventure and really start living.

I hope this book makes you laugh, and cry, and opens your heart to love big. Your small yes can change the world!
Kari Gibson, blogger at My Crazy Adoption #yesinmymess #rhinestonejesus

[Rachel Lundy · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Rhinestone Jesus, Kristen Welch tells her story and shares about the journey God has brought her on. She shares about high school, the early years of marriage, and the challenging days of motherhood. She shares about the hard things God brought them through as a couple and as a family. She tells the story of travelling to Kenya with Compassion International and her heart being broken there. The time in Kenya shook her awake from her American dream, and soon a dream for a maternity home in Kenya began to grow.

I loved reading Kristen’s heart in these pages. She is real and honest in Rhinestone Jesus. She will be the first to admit that their family isn’t perfect, but they are striving to glorify the Lord in all they do. In the process of telling her story, Kristen also shares practical tips and ideas for nurturing our own families, growing closer to one another, and keeping our family focused on glorifying God.

Throughout the book, Kristen encourages other Christians to follow the Lord and say yes to Him in whatever He calls them to do, no matter how “big” or “small” it is. She says, “Saying yes isn’t really about doing it all. It’s about saying yes right where you are. It may seem small or insignificant, but any time you love someone or care for another person’s needs, you’re changing their world, and yours, too. It’s about looking up from your everyday life and seeing opportunities around you to make a difference. It’s about loving others as we are loved.”

Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of Rhinestone Jesus. All opinions are my own.

[Amy E Patton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was excited to read Rhinestone Jesus by Kristen Welch of We are THAT Family blog. Something about the author, the premise of the book, and what God is doing in my life told me this was a book I needed to read. After the first few chapters I began to question my intuition. Not because it wasn't a good book, a heart felt story, and important one, but rather because I wasn't enthralled. I didn't see how this story applied to my now. Then I got to chapter 5 "The Day I Woke Up." Suddenly everything I thought this book was going to be began to unfold before my eyes and more. Kristen took me from where I am- waking up to the deception of the American Dream and the needs of the world around me- to a place where I could see myself saying yes to Jesus in the middle of my mess. I discovered practical steps to free myself from guilt and ways to balance the knowing of suffering and the realities of my comfortable life. I was prepared with the truth that saying yes won't always be easy. It will, at times, be messy and difficult. I was encouraged to persevere because the God sized joy waiting on the other side of my yes is so very much worth it. I am grateful Kristen shared her story, especially at a time when Christendom seems to be waking up and asking important questions like: What can I do? I am so not equipped for this. I highly recommend Rhinestone Jesus to anyone considering taking a short term mission trip,to anyone who is dissatisfied with the status quo in their lives, and mostly to anyone wanting to discard their rhinestone religion for a real relationship with Jesus that shines full of His love for us. You won't be disappointed.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't remember when or how I first learned of Kristen Welch, but I follow her blog (We are THAT family) on Facebook. I like her writing style and that she gives it to you straight, no sugar coating. Because of that, I wanted to read her book.

The bulk of the book relays the story of the founding of The Mercy House, a home in Kenya for pregnant teenage girls. The founding of The Mercy House was a result of Kristen's first trip to Kenya with Compassion International. Kristen felt led to say Yes to God. One simple yes from Kristen and her family set the wheel in motion.

The following passages spoke to me as I was reading:
"We often don't do anything because we think our contribution won't be enough. Or we convince ourselves that we must do something great for it to be important. We don't act because we lack the confidence. We convince ourselves that our contribution couldn't possibly matter. This is a lie to keep us idle and focused on ourselves."

"One of my greatest challenges is living with one foot in the first world and the other in the third. And while I can't ultimately change either of all, I can live with intention, and that's what changes me, my family, and maybe the world."

"I am convinced that families who seize opportunities to say yes are stronger because of their common cause."

"...one simple yes can be a catalyst for God to do what we've never seen done before."

[Heather Rogero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartily recommended for anyone desiring to dip even a toe into the stream of possibility to dream of what God could do in and through them! With compassion, the written words allow one to glimpse into how God can show up in ones humanity and invade hardship and destitution for His glory.

Having first met Kristen in 1992, when we shared the same dormitory hall in undergraduate school, her character even then was graced with a sincere passion to write truth and make a profound difference. Having just finished the book, the pages encapsulate her faith in God and obedience in the midst of sincere humility and transparency. One can see the beautiful transformations take place in multiple situations where to the human eye, it resembles nothing more than a "mess". In obedience, the theme of "yeses" become a beautiful portrayal of humanity and God's redeeming transformation and provision in a God-sized task and the story of His work of drawing others with like-minded hearts to make an eternal and global difference.

It is practical embracing motherhood, marriage, family life, and reaching beyond the borders of home. It is profound in that Kristen's story, when given to God, becomes a glorified example of what He can do with a "yes," even when that yes comes with personal cost and undeniable joy.

[Laura A. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Rhinestone Jesus” was simply beautiful. It was a compelling story that left me in tears and a heart to say yes to God no matter what it might “cost” me.

I hardly ever read non-fiction, but this is one I would reread again. As I was reading, I felt the Holy Spirit convict me on many things concerning my personal life. Numerous times I had to place the book down and enter into a heart-to-heart with God if I was saying in a certain area that I knew He was leading me to say yes in.

In many ways, I felt Kristen was a companion in my own life story as her story from Kenya to now as she continued to say yes. She didn’t beat around the bush with words, but plainly told of her fears and joys as a Mom and wife.

I so related.

Never once did Kristen write in a way that brought me down. Instead, she encouraged me as she never lost hope in times of darkness. I’m so grateful that she wasn’t afraid to share how in those times she was angry with God. Yet, each time with that situation she shared how it was Jesus who was the working in her to keep going and saying yes.

This book comes very strongly recommended to any reader. It’s one that will make you think as well as reflect on your own life concerning your journey with Christ.

[Karrilee Aggett · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I heard Kristen Welch (from We Are THAT Family) was writing a book, I knew I was going to read it! She is hte President of the Mercy House in Kenya and that ministry captured my heart awhile ago! So I expected to learn of the history of how Mercy House came about. We learn that - and so much more! Kristen writes about real life... about how she set out to change the world and then life happened, and it drained, and it left her a little disillusioned. She is achingly honest about marriage and parenting and how God redeemed and healed and began stirring her up towards being authentic and real and saying, as she puts it, #YesinmyMess.

At the heart of this book, of her heart for this book - is the assurance that we all have our own "Sweet Spot"... our own "one thing" and yours (and mine) may not be Kenya, most likely it may just be around the corner of where you live. But we are all invited in to say Yes... to do both small and big things, starting right where we are! - See more at: http://abidingloveaboundinggrace.blog...

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've followed Kristen's blog, "We are THAT Family", for years and was so excited when she announced the upcoming release of her latest book, "Rhinestone Jesus". As a member of her launch team, I was able to read this amazing book before the official release, and I was so enthralled with its contents that I finished in no time at all. Kristen encourages us to live courageous, messy, bold lives for Christ and to be open to stretch our faith by being willing to say yes to God.

Kristen and her husband, Terrell, are so transparent in writing about the struggles they faced in their marriage and throughout the process of starting and continuing to run Mercy House, a maternity home in Kenya. She truly speaks what she feels God is calling her to share with her readers...

There is so much encouragement contained in the fourteen chapters and one of my favorite quotes is on page 152: "The bad in our lives gives God ample room to show up and prove His goodness. He doesn't promise we won't have hardships; He promises us we won't be alone in them."

[Amanda Prihoda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read a lot of Christian self-help books in my life, and they often me feeling inadequate. Kristen's faith story leaves me feeling bold and ready to act. Rhinestone Jesus is the story of one woman saying "yes" to Jesus, through difficult church ministry situations, through motherhood, through starting a blog and traveling to Kenya with Compassion International. Eventually, God calls Kristen to start a maternity home for young, at-risk mothers in Kenya. This is the story of God working miracles because one woman couldn't ignore the pain and suffering she witnessed, but instead chose to keep saying yes.

Kristen is brutally honest about her fears, anxieties, doubts, and panic attacks -- which gives me hope that I can make a difference for God too, in spite of my fears. She gives so many questions and practical ideas to help the reader consider what God wants him or her to say "yes" to. I savored this book, praying and crying through most of it. I encourage every Christian to read and share Rhinestone Jesus.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm new to Kristen's blog, We are THAT family, and her honest, vulnerable writing style is appealing. It's the same writing she brings to this book, the story of how her "safe" walk with Jesus was turned upside down by a visit to the slums in Nairobi. Welch talks candidly about her family's struggles in ministry, she and her husband's marriage troubles, and the daily ordinary that tries to convince her she's not enough.

The more I read about her journey from American woman with a home decor obsession to founder of a maternity home for single moms in Kenya, the more her words rooted themselves in my heart. I was in tears when it was over because her story makes me believe that one person saying "yes" to God can have an impact far beyond what anyone can imagine.

She doesn't sugarcoat the struggles and deep disappointments or the work that it takes to pursue a God-sized dream. But she also doesn't leave out the glorious answers to prayer that are beyond human comprehension.

An inspiring read.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

God *can* use you, but you have to be willing - will you say "yes"?

Real life, real struggle, real victory, real mess, real hope. A well written book recounting Kristen's (& her family's) journey to an impossible dream. Because she said yes. The beautiful thing about this book is she knows her "yes" necessarily looks different than my "yes" will or your "yes" - because we are different people. Because God has equipped us differently - and serving God wherever he has placed us is what makes us authentic. When we stop trying to fit Jesus in our life, and start fitting our life into Jesus. 




If I have the leisure of nit-picking, I'd knock the book a half star to 4.5 because she quotes The Message paraphrase of the Bible is what is commonly used, not an actual translation. Since the half-star option isn't available, the overall content and message of the book definitely deserves 5 stars. Highly recommend.

[Sharon Gray · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked a lot of Kristen's story ~ her writing style is very conversational, like sitting with a friend on her front porch. And certainly the lessons she has learned and the changes she has made in her life are very inspirational. But at the end of each chapter, she added a kind of "lessons you should take from this" section that was just unnecessary. I can learn the "life lessons" from anyone's story without having it preached at me. I know this is a tendency with Christian books ~ to turn it into a Bible study or devotional of some sort. But her story is compelling enough without all of that. I really loved Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts, and one of the things that I appreciated is that she did NOT do that. I found myself just wanting to be done with the book ~ it became a tedious chore to read by the end. And that is sad, because Ms. Welch certainly has a lot of interesting things to say.

[Tia Plum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend Rhinestone Jesus. It's a page turner from beginning to end. Some authors life stories can be hard to connect with, but NOT this one. Kristen tells the story that God has written of her life in a way that makes you feel like good friends. And like a good friend, Rhinestone Jesus challenges you to think about the story God can write with your life if you say YES. With every page, you'll sense Kristen encouraging you to utter your small yes right where you are. Every chapter captivates in a new way and each one ends with Unpinned Faith where Kristen shares thought-provoking questions and practical suggestions to dig deeper. It's that extra nudge to step out in faith, say YES and grab hold of that "God-sized dream" that's in your own heart! Rhinestone Jesus is like a good friend who tells you the truth you need to hear.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Usually I'm not one to gravitate towards Christian mommy blogger books, but I occasionally read Kristen Welch's blog, saw the Kindle edition of her book was on sale for $3.00, and bought it on a whim. I AM SO GLAD I DID. I could not put this book down, could not stop thinking about it, and could not continue my life somewhat unchanged. Her openness and honesty with marital struggles, raising children, seeing poverty in Africa, and starting a nonprofit was refreshing and convicting. Welch is a decent writer, and is relatable and humble.

Unlike Ann Voskamp's "One Thousand Gifts" (which I absolutely hated---ironic, as Voskamp is quoted multiple times in Welch's book), I received renewed conviction on gratefulness, true wealth, happiness and needs/wants---WITHOUT loads of guilt. In some ways, I feel like this book changed my life. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

[Jennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book wrecked me in the best possible ways. When the book came I was in the midst my yes- well this one. I was planning and packing for a three month mission trip to Zambia, Africa with my husband and five year old daughter. I've followed Kristen's blog for years and "know" the story of Mercy House Kenya. In reading Kristin's story I feel like I lived it with her. From ministry, motherhood, marriage, and everything in between. The words resonated with me. It's a beautiful story of how Jesus is changing the world. Don't say no to God based on your circumstances! Say yes right there in your mess! Philippians 4:13. I can't wait to see how God continues this story! It's powerful stuff! Pray for your yes (even in the everyday) and follow hard after it. You're not alone in that.

[Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first picked up this book, I thought it was going to be a fictional, but encouraging story about someone's ups and downs with Christ. What I found instead was Kristen's real-life journey through motherhood and marriage and saying yes to God. Though I do not think that I am the intended audience (the book is more focused on motherhood and marriage than on any other part of life), as a college student, I still find Kristen's testimony and experiences encouraging. Even though she did not know where saying yes to God would take her and her family she still ended up trusting His plan. Her real, raw accounts of her experiences encouraged me to continue to say yes to God and his plan instead of what I want to do. I loved this book, and the 5 stars are well earned.