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Life Is Messy, God Is Good: Sanity for the Chaos of Everyday Life
The ordinary can be messy—but God is there. As Cynthia Yanof shares authentic—and often hilarious—glimpses into her stories, she helps shift our perspectives to understand God’s greater purposes, even in the seemingly ordinary places of our lives.
Whether you are navigating a child’s learning differences, working late on yet another deadline, or simply horrified that your morning routine now includes plucking chin hair, Life Is Messy, God Is Good reminds you that God longs for you to know He is with you, He is for you, and He is at work in you—even in the mess.
Cynthia Yanof knows how sloppy, slippery, and downright hard life can be. But as she reminds us through her laugh-out-loud stories and heartfelt companionship, God’s not surprised when we drop the ball, trip up, or have trouble getting our Spanx on in the morning. He can use our ridiculous messes and even the really difficult I-didn’t-sign-up-for-this losses to shape us.
In Life Is Messy, God Is Good , Cynthia invites us to reframe the challenges we’re facing so we can see God at work—and laugh more along the way. Join her in discovering
An encouraging—and hilarious—book for those seeking to deepen their faith while balancing the realities of work, family, friends, and everyday callings, Life Is Messy, God Is Good reminds us to see our stories through the lens of God’s greatest story of all.
Whether you are navigating a child’s learning differences, working late on yet another deadline, or simply horrified that your morning routine now includes plucking chin hair, Life Is Messy, God Is Good reminds you that God longs for you to know He is with you, He is for you, and He is at work in you—even in the mess.
Cynthia Yanof knows how sloppy, slippery, and downright hard life can be. But as she reminds us through her laugh-out-loud stories and heartfelt companionship, God’s not surprised when we drop the ball, trip up, or have trouble getting our Spanx on in the morning. He can use our ridiculous messes and even the really difficult I-didn’t-sign-up-for-this losses to shape us.
In Life Is Messy, God Is Good , Cynthia invites us to reframe the challenges we’re facing so we can see God at work—and laugh more along the way. Join her in discovering
An encouraging—and hilarious—book for those seeking to deepen their faith while balancing the realities of work, family, friends, and everyday callings, Life Is Messy, God Is Good reminds us to see our stories through the lens of God’s greatest story of all.
240 pages, Paperback
Published February 6, 2024
48 people are currently reading
2294 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Yanof
7 books12 followersI grew up in El Paso, Texas, with amazing parents who made sure Jesus was central to all we were about. I also have two older brothers, identical twins, who made torturing me as a kid central to all they were about. I love those Neanderthals now, but they really were awful individuals back in the day.
The first time I ever remember public speaking was in 7th grade in front of the First Baptist Church of El Paso. I was asked to give a short sermonette of sorts.
To know me is to know how fast I talk; however, this particular time, I apparently broke the record speed, being particularly nervous and unprepared. I rambled on for approximately ten minutes before very dramatically saying… “in conclusion.”
What exactly I was concluding is something we will never know, but my 13-year-old self promised that day I would NEVER be a public speaker. God had other plans.
After high school, I attended Baylor University in Waco, Texas (Sic’ em bears), and then went to law school, where I earned a J.D.
I practiced law for about seven years before opting out of law for full-time motherhood and ministry.”
The first time I ever remember public speaking was in 7th grade in front of the First Baptist Church of El Paso. I was asked to give a short sermonette of sorts.
To know me is to know how fast I talk; however, this particular time, I apparently broke the record speed, being particularly nervous and unprepared. I rambled on for approximately ten minutes before very dramatically saying… “in conclusion.”
What exactly I was concluding is something we will never know, but my 13-year-old self promised that day I would NEVER be a public speaker. God had other plans.
After high school, I attended Baylor University in Waco, Texas (Sic’ em bears), and then went to law school, where I earned a J.D.
I practiced law for about seven years before opting out of law for full-time motherhood and ministry.”
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 9, 2024
This book has some great truths but I couldn’t walk away telling you what it was actually about over all. I did enjoy the humor!
August 17, 2024
Loved this book! The author had me laughing out loud. Great, practical concepts that I will be thinking about for a long time.
July 1, 2024
Yanof is a decent writer and story teller and I appreciated her humor as she shared different stories from her life. Is life messy? Sure. Is God good? Theoretically, yes, but what God are we talking about?
Everyone believes in a different version of God and a lot of those versions have vastly different examples of what is “good.” What Yanof thinks is good and therefore represents her God’s benevolence or prudence another person may find bad. What another person thinks is good and by her own logic would therefore be godly, she may find bad so then it’s not godly. “God is good” would be more precisely written as “MY God is good.”
I love that she loves her God and finds strength in her faith. What I don’t love is her vague references to the “enemy.” The subtext is that the “enemy”is anyone who doesn’t express their faith the same way as her, and that in order to be received in her version of the kingdom of heaven, she has a moral obligation to herself and others to make sure they meet her expectations of a faithful life according to her understanding of God.
It’s a meddlesome take on faith at best and a really exclusive one at worst. She said that 80% of Americans believe in a higher power but less than half attend church regularly. It makes me wonder if the “enemy” isn’t people who don’t claim a faith but the people who make church unwelcoming by imposing their will on others instead of respecting faith in its varying expressions.
Everyone believes in a different version of God and a lot of those versions have vastly different examples of what is “good.” What Yanof thinks is good and therefore represents her God’s benevolence or prudence another person may find bad. What another person thinks is good and by her own logic would therefore be godly, she may find bad so then it’s not godly. “God is good” would be more precisely written as “MY God is good.”
I love that she loves her God and finds strength in her faith. What I don’t love is her vague references to the “enemy.” The subtext is that the “enemy”is anyone who doesn’t express their faith the same way as her, and that in order to be received in her version of the kingdom of heaven, she has a moral obligation to herself and others to make sure they meet her expectations of a faithful life according to her understanding of God.
It’s a meddlesome take on faith at best and a really exclusive one at worst. She said that 80% of Americans believe in a higher power but less than half attend church regularly. It makes me wonder if the “enemy” isn’t people who don’t claim a faith but the people who make church unwelcoming by imposing their will on others instead of respecting faith in its varying expressions.
January 4, 2024
I'd love to hang out with Cynthia Yanof, the author of Life is Messy, God is Good. She has a hilarious sense of humor and a heart as big as Texas. I can picture us enjoying fancy drinks at a coffee shop, laughing about the recent antics of our family members, and then praying for all of them before we parted ways.
In her newest non-fiction book, she shares events from her life as a woman, wife, mother, friend, attorney, and Christ follower, always beginning with a humorous anecdote and linking it to her beliefs about God. She and her family have gone through some challenging times, yet I could definitely relate to her life, even thought I'm not a mother.
Ms. Yanof has the ability to view life through glasses with bushy eyebrows and a big rubber nose attached - she seems to find the humor in any situation as a coping mechanism. However, this book isn't just all humor and "fluff" - she explores deep themes as well. Her stories had me laughing out loud one minute and overcome with tender emotion the next.
I didn't find any new revelations in this book, but I really appreciated the reminders of God's love, especially at the beginning of a new year. A new believer will find a warm description of a kind and loving God in these pages.
Thank you to David C. Cook for the review copy of this meaningful book.
In her newest non-fiction book, she shares events from her life as a woman, wife, mother, friend, attorney, and Christ follower, always beginning with a humorous anecdote and linking it to her beliefs about God. She and her family have gone through some challenging times, yet I could definitely relate to her life, even thought I'm not a mother.
Ms. Yanof has the ability to view life through glasses with bushy eyebrows and a big rubber nose attached - she seems to find the humor in any situation as a coping mechanism. However, this book isn't just all humor and "fluff" - she explores deep themes as well. Her stories had me laughing out loud one minute and overcome with tender emotion the next.
I didn't find any new revelations in this book, but I really appreciated the reminders of God's love, especially at the beginning of a new year. A new believer will find a warm description of a kind and loving God in these pages.
Thank you to David C. Cook for the review copy of this meaningful book.
December 27, 2023
“Life is Messy, God is Good” is nothing short of a treasure. When I tell you I was laughing out loud literally starting with the first page, I mean it. This book is an absolute JOY! Cynthia’s hilarious wit mixed with her heartfelt words of wisdom made this book virtually impossible for me to put down. Page after page, chapter after chapter, I went back and forth between fits of laughter (and copying down my favorite one liners to use on my family later), and meditating on the rich insight and stirring biblical truths found within Cynthia’s stories.
This book is authentic and true in a way that makes reading it feel like sitting down with one of your dearest friends. Cynthia encourages readers to look at life’s trials through the lens of being held by our ever-present and sovereign Creator who is always for us, always good, and always love even in the midst the messiest of messes. She invites us to take life a little less seriously, to open ourselves up to a good dose of silliness, and above all else, hold fast to the One above it all.
*My most sincere thanks to the publisher for sending me an advanced electronic copy of this book in exchange for my honest review*
This book is authentic and true in a way that makes reading it feel like sitting down with one of your dearest friends. Cynthia encourages readers to look at life’s trials through the lens of being held by our ever-present and sovereign Creator who is always for us, always good, and always love even in the midst the messiest of messes. She invites us to take life a little less seriously, to open ourselves up to a good dose of silliness, and above all else, hold fast to the One above it all.
*My most sincere thanks to the publisher for sending me an advanced electronic copy of this book in exchange for my honest review*
June 28, 2024
Thank you to Goodreads Giveaways for selecting me as a winner of a free copy of this book.
The cover drew me in initially, but I did like the content A LOT. I listened along on audio and was glad because the author's voice was great! Really enhanced the read and helped navigate all the dialogue in parenthesis (there was a lot...see what I did there LOL). Overall, I enjoyed it and ran to get my highlighter for a few parts. Would make a great Christian book club read. Lots of breaks and discussion points.
The cover drew me in initially, but I did like the content A LOT. I listened along on audio and was glad because the author's voice was great! Really enhanced the read and helped navigate all the dialogue in parenthesis (there was a lot...see what I did there LOL). Overall, I enjoyed it and ran to get my highlighter for a few parts. Would make a great Christian book club read. Lots of breaks and discussion points.
February 28, 2024
Cynthia Yanoff is a great storyteller! This book is filled with truths that are told in a down-to-earth, “this is real life” kind of way. It is sprinkled with hilarious stories that bring each truth to life and I appreciate Cynthia’s willingness to tell it how it is and be totally transparent in the process. I really enjoyed this book!
May 25, 2024
Not a deep theological read, but a fun one.
I enjoy Cynthia’s podcasts and her personality. Her book is a fun conglomeration of stories that she weaves into life lessons. The last story is particularly memorable. Not a life-changing kind of book, but more of an encouraging friend walking through life with you.
I enjoy Cynthia’s podcasts and her personality. Her book is a fun conglomeration of stories that she weaves into life lessons. The last story is particularly memorable. Not a life-changing kind of book, but more of an encouraging friend walking through life with you.
July 22, 2024
I enjoyed reading this book with friends! Cynthia is a great storyteller and uses humor to embed real truths throughout the book. Easy to read with lots of nuggets to discuss as we went. I feel like I know Cynthia like a friend and look forward to listening to her podcasts! I would recommend her to friends, especially those seeking what a relationship with Jesus looks like in their life.
August 10, 2024
BUT….In the mess, God is there
I loved the humor within this book; however, I was so touched by the heart wrenching stories that we all endure in this journey of life! No matter what, life can be messy but our God is always there! Thank you Cynthia for following your dream and sharing your book with us.
I loved the humor within this book; however, I was so touched by the heart wrenching stories that we all endure in this journey of life! No matter what, life can be messy but our God is always there! Thank you Cynthia for following your dream and sharing your book with us.
September 2, 2024
Life is Messy, God is Good... an autobiographical story, recounting events from her life that reinforces her beliefs about her religion and how it shaped her family. Interesting, but preachy throughout. Feel good stories mixed with excerpts from the bible and experiences that mold her faith.
September 13, 2024
A very quick listen. This author could be my kindred sarcastic spirit. So many times I would laugh out loud or go back to hear what she said again. Her stories resonated with me. Uplifting, sure, but more importantly it made me feel like a new friend who got me had just been found.
October 16, 2024
I’ll be honest , I didn’t love the book as I read the first three chapters but it really grew on me and by chapter 10 I couldn’t put it down. Thank you Cynthia for the words of wisdom, of comfort, and of deep reflection. Praise God for such amazing women in our society!
October 27, 2024
Super short listen. It was good. Lots of stories. I can tell that book is exactly like the author is in real life. I felt her. Somehow God sends us all the crazies stories for us to tell them. lol. I would have really appreciated this book more when my babies were little.
February 17, 2024
Best book! Great stories and incredible message.
February 19, 2024
Hilarious and gospel truths that are so needed to hear over and over again. Love her real approach to this crazy life and will probably listen again.
February 23, 2024
Hilarious and so meaningful at the same time. You will be blessed hearing her heartwarming and honest storytelling. Then, go listen to her podcast. It’s more of the same. So relatable!
April 18, 2024
Love Cynthia's humor and her down to earth grace.
One of the best books I have read this year.
One of the best books I have read this year.
June 2, 2024
A fun, light book with some core truths mixed in.
July 12, 2024
A book that is similar in style to Bob Goff’s love does— a collection of personal stories with biblical antidotes. Cynthia is a great and funny writer.
September 8, 2024
LOVED this book. It was a light and quick read with tons of humor, personal stories, Bible verses and biblical teachings. Great book!
November 2, 2024
This was a fun, informal, book. The author has many ideas/statements that make you think. A very welcome way to visit Christian life. Light hearted and funny while stimulating deep thoughts…
December 10, 2024
Easy, nice read. Worked well for our small group. Has some good one-liners that leave you thinking.
December 28, 2024
So good. I laughed out loud many times and was inspired by her wisdom.
March 5, 2025
A book that seemed to be so lighthearted and comedic ended up being full of meaningful messages that I needed to hear.
October 4, 2025
4.5
Sweet book. The author takes real life personal stories and equates them with practical Biblical truths. Very engaging and humorous read
Sweet book. The author takes real life personal stories and equates them with practical Biblical truths. Very engaging and humorous read
October 30, 2024
I have listened to Cynthia's podcast since she started it a few years ago and I love her collaboration with Heather in their new Sidetracked podcast. Life is Messy, God is Good is like a long conversation with a friend about some of the messy aspects of life. You laugh, you sigh, you cry and you walk away encouraged.
I enjoyed listening to the audio because Cynthia is hilarious!
I enjoyed listening to the audio because Cynthia is hilarious!
October 14, 2024
Timing matters. I started this book and struggled to connect, but a few months later when I picked it up again it was what I needed when I needed it. Cynthia has a voice of humor and depth. Thank you!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews