What must it have been like, walking in the garden, talking with God? What would it be like to share our troubles and joys openly with him, to breathe the fresh garden air, to see the light shining through the trees? What would it be like to hear his voice responding to our questions? How might knowing God's view on our stories heal our wounds and renew our hope?
No matter our circumstances, we all need God's perspective on our lives. We need to know how he sees us. Come on, girl, he says. Let my light shine in.
Breathing Eden is forty raw, honest, heartbreaking and encouraging conversations between women and God. These prayers are like our own: full of pain, celebration, anxiety, and joy. Each one helps the reader hear God whisper love and hope into their lives. And after each story, Jennifer offers readers a guided invitation to listen for what God is saying to them.
In these pages, readers will find hope and fresh perspectives. It's an invitation to come. Breathe Eden.
Breathing Eden by Jennifer J Camp is an amazingly powerful non-fiction book that will help people in their walk with Jesus. Jennifer Camp is the author of the twice weekly devotions Loop that help draw people closer to God. Breathing Eden is a collection of forty different stories from women struggling in forty different areas of life. There is the empty nester, the self harmer, the divorcee, the anorexic and many more. Each woman has the desire - to draw closer to God; to have God see and hear them; to know that they do not have to struggle alone. Which story will resonate with you? After each story there are four sections - listen, think, trust, pray. Each one is designed to help the reader on their unique journey. We listen to what God says. We think about some questions. We draw closer to God and trust Him. And finally we pray. The stories are true. Their cries are heartfelt. "I can't keep pretending to smile." Their searching for God is relentless. They and we need to know "I am with you even when you can't see Me." Their hearts are for God. God's heart is for His children. He longs for us to be with Him. If we wander from Him, He searches for us. He is watching and waiting. "You left for a while... I looked, awaiting your return each day...I was your true Father waiting for your heart to turn for home. And when you did... My feet pounded the pavement, running to you, shouting, waking up the neighbourhood at midnight yelling... She's back." The prodigal returned. There are some really hard questions in Breathing Eden. "Where was I at the ovens of Auschwitz?" In all the suffering of all the people, God walks alongside but we do not always see Him. "I am with you when you are sad. I never leave you. I am right here... I will let the light in." We need to trust He is with us. "God, you're here. Whether I can see you, feel you or not. I know you are here." Breathing Eden is such an incredible read. The stories are heart wrenching. The words are beautiful. The prayers are powerful. I cannot do this book justice. I can only urge you to read it. Let the words and the stories penetrate your soul and draw you closer to the God who loves you. I will leave you with: "Is the wind so loud you can't hear me? Is the night so dark you can't see me? Is the storm so great you can't find me? You are found, my love You are always found."
I received this book for free in exchange for a fair and honest review. No monetary compensation was received and all views expressed are my own.
Wow! I have just finished this book, which has taken me much longer to read than a book usually does (and I am going to go right back and reread it too), because it just isn't a book you can rush through. Breathing Eden, by Jennifer J. Camp, shares the stories and lives of 40 women, who are all, in one way or another, at a point where they are reaching out to God. These are women with real life situations, who share all the everyday trials, joys and questions that we do. They talk to God and then He responds. There is also a response required from us, with questions and activities, Bible verses, and prayers. While I have not experienced every situation that comes up in this book, I have been through many, and I really feel this book is anointed by God to do a great work through Jennifer's writing. I have been personally challenged throughout much of this book, as reading through these stories, God has reminded me of things I had put way back in my mind, and some things I thought I had overcome and dealt with. I believe God wants to remind all his daughters of some great truths - that He is our ever-present, all-knowing, loving, supportive, understanding, Father. He is the Light in our darkness. He breathes Fresh Air into our stale lives. He shows us New Things. Buy this book and read it yourself. Buy this book to give to the women in your lives: mothers, daughters, sisters, friends, neighbours, co-workers. There is something in here for us all.
"You gather us together. You gather us to you, into the circle where daughters come. You gather us and remind us, again, we are yours, we are loved, we are free. Oh, God, we see your beauty here. And in your beauty we have eyes to see our beauty, the freedom that comes when we claim our place, when we can bend our knees and let you take off the dark cloaks of shame that pressed us to the floor."
I first heard of Jennifer J. Camp through her devotional, Loop, a year ago and was not disappointed. Her devotional opened my heart and drew me closer to Jesus. So when I received an email about her new book, I had to read it. Again, I was not disappointed. The stories in Breathing Eden portray real people in real life circumstances. People like us who question God on tough issues we go through and see everyday. The unique thing about Jennifer’s writing is that she waits for God’s response. And when I read those words, my heart jumps for joy and my soul takes them in. The same happened when I first read Loop. This book will grab your heart and soul and leave you wanting a closer relationship with the Lord. The questions after each story make you think about your own life and what you would say to God if you were in each situation. I recommend this book to each and every woman struggling with life and want to be rescued. To those who want to hear God’s voice, the words will resonate in your soul. To those who need a Father, God is near and wants to hear from you. There is always hope in every situation and that hope is Jesus and we are His girls and this book allows us to hear His voice.
I really liked the idea of this book, but I wasn't overly impressed with how it was executed. Here's the format: we get a little letter with a brief glimpse into a woman's life, and then we get a brief reply, meant to be from God. Then, before moving on to the next girl, we get some questions to think about, and a prayer. I enjoyed the letters from the women, but it was the letters from God that I didn't like as much. They seemed rehearsed to me, and pretty much just said the same thing, repeating a lot of the things in the letters from the women. It just didn't really seem like they could be from God to me. But, I do think the women's stories are worth reading. I particularly liked reading a few of them before bed. The questions / prayers I think would be absolutely great to use in church activities, I just wasn't impressed with the words from God that this book featured. Note: I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book especially as you are given empty pages where you can make it as personal as you want by writing your own thoughts on the letter. The concept was well thought out, there weren't really any chapters as the book is made up of many different letter by different women.
The only criticism I would give is that I didn't think the presumptions of what God would have thought where necessary. A bible quote would have sufficed.
While I don’t think it was a groundbreaking book, I thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful imagined responses from God. At a time when I desperately need to hear God’s voice, I truly appreciate that. I love that the many prayers are so varied. It really shows that God will encourage and reach out to all his daughters, no matter where they are at.
I was honored to be part of the launch team for this gem! I felt myself relating to each of these stories and hearing God whisper to me in my own situation, almost in a "Jesus Calling" fashion. I love the broad range of circumstances in these stories. One of my favorite things about this book is that at the end of each story, there are interactive questions and activities to help you see and hear God more clearly. I found myself actually answering the questions and doing the exercises, something that I don't normally do. I would recommend this book for anyone who is needing encouragement and/or fresh perspective on faith.
Being apart of the launch team, I've had the opportunity to read this book early... but I'm not even to the 20th story yet.
Breathing Eden is a collection of 40 stories/prayers of 40 fictional women who are desperately seeking God, and God's responses. The stories touch on depression, marriage, healing, desire, etc.
I never expected to connect with almost every woman so far and have God's responses back personally touch me. Some of my favorite quotes from God and as part of a prayer from a story, inspired me to make graphics that helped me see God in a tangible way.
"Love is never mundane."
"I will overwhelm you, restore you to what has always been my plan: beauty, delight."
"Love," she said, "is either going to take up every little space in the room or it's going to head right on out the door & find a home someplace else."
"You can't close out light, child. You can ignore it. You can run. But it will shine all the same."
I love how after each story, there is a space to write a prayer in response to God, questions to go deeper, a trust exercise, and prayer. This book is not one you can rush through, but one I've found you can need to take day by day and let God delight in you.
Watch as you delight in him more, too. If you subscribe to Loop devotionals, this will be like having them everyday until you finish the book!
This book is an amazing portal into the lives of women who found God even in the midst of their most horrible trials. It is an eye opener and brings peace to those who, like myself, can relate to the personal stories and struggles of the women depicted in the stories in the book. A must read for any woman who feels she has lost her sense of purpose or self worth as it will truly help to shed light that there is an ever loving God who will always love, never leave nor forsake them.
I was honored and privileged to be a part of the launch team for Breathing Eden. I was given a copy of Breathing Eden in exchange for my honest review.
I had no idea how taken I would be with this book when I received it! Breathing Eden is such an amazing book, and so beautifully written. Jennifer J. Camp has a gift for writing in a way that makes women feel like they are being seen in God's perspective! Breathing Eden is based on 40 different women, 40 different situations, and 40 conversations with God!
I love this book because it helped me to understand that as a woman who has dealt with some of life's toughest struggles, I am not alone. It has shown me that there are so many other women out there who have struggled, or may still be struggling with some of the same issues I once did.
After reading this book, I feel so much more confident that I have a better understanding of God's loving presence in all areas of my life. No. Matter. What. He is listening to me, He is longing to answer my prayers, and He wants me to know how He sees me, as His beloved daughter! I believe this book has the potential to help Christian women to better understand their connection with God. It shows us that no matter what our situation, no matter what we have done, no matter if we mess up time and time again, He loves us, and He whispers love and hope into our lives.
I love at the end of each woman's story how there is a place to write your prayers as you listen for God to speak to you. There are also a few questions at the end of each story for us to think about, a section about trust, and a beautiful prayer at the end of each one.
I highly recommend Breathing Eden to all women, no matter if you are searching for a relationship with God, you're a brand new Christian, or you have been walking with God for years. This book is a must read!
Jennifer J. Camp takes a unique view in her new release, Breathing Eden, by sharing the various stories of women and how God has reached down and touched their lives. This book not only helps us to know we aren't alone in our struggles but that God does care deeply for and love each one of us. Whether you are looking for a book to use for a woman's Bible study or you just want to deepen your own walk with God, I highly recommend Breathing Eden. Each chapter starts with a story and is followed with by a time that encourages you to listen and think about what you want to talk to God about. Next comes a short series of questions for reflection. Then, you are encouraged to put your faith into practice through a trust activity writing a letter to your eight-year-old self. Each chapter ends with a prayer.Breathing Eden: Conversations with God on Light, Fresh Air, and New ThingsJennifer J. Camp
This book touched me in so many different ways. Each and every story will touch your heart. You don't want it to end. Every woman should read this book and let God speak to her.
I have been reading a story daily since receiving my copy of this book. I'm nearly 1/3 through, but have not been rushing it, because it is like the best of a Devotional, Bible Study, and Jesus Calling all in one! I'm struck by the depth that this book has accomplished. God is moving mightily in these pages to bring each reader to the end of themselves and fully into His presence. The place where restoration begins...and His beauty triumphs. I can't help but share about it with my friends...(now that's a true measure of it's impact!!) It will be a go-to resource. Worth revisiting to be continually challenged by the honest, soul searching questions and action steps. What a write Jennifer Johnson Camp! Thank you for being obedient to your Spiritual Gifts and call to build up the body of Christ! Ephesians 4:12-13. #IAmBreathingEden
God is amazing. He is real and in our everyday. Jennifer J. Camp has written "Breathing Eden," almost an ode to real parts of each of us women's lives. Brilliant just like her daily blog "The Loop," it is reverent words filled with personal meaning to me the single solitary being that I am. The stories are touching, revealing, raw, soothing. The author has managed to speak of me never having sat down and spoken to me. There is a part of me depicted in each story. It's authentic, I felt it the pain, the smallness, the bigness, the tug of war, the emotion of exposure yet the comfort of knowing I'm not alone, not the only one who suffers. Not alone, for my God sees me through each moment He has been victor, each experience He uses for His good as He has promised in His Word He would. My soul is bare and vulnerable, yet I am better for the wonder of this book called " Breathing Eden!"
This was the first time that I have ever been chosen to be a part of a book launch. That in itself was exciting! What I did not know is that God had chosen me so that I could open the book and immediately begin to hear what He has been been trying to speak to me. I appreciate the opportunity to be involved in this book launch. I do believe that God will use this book to speak to so many women on so many different levels. Throughout the course of this review, I have realized through so many other women's posts, that we all have so much more in common than we think. I expected to have this book completed by the time of the launch, but that is not the case. It is a book that you need to soak in and not fly right through. I hope you take your time to listen to God speak healing and direction into your life..........enjoy Breathing Eden!!
I absolutely LOVED this book!! It is definitely a page turner, but one that makes you think about you and your relationship with God. There are 40 stories from 40 different women, each speaking to God and him responding. Each woman is going through something in her life and comes to God. I love the way Jennifer Camp speaks to me through her stories. Even if I'm not going through the problem or situation that each person in the book is, I love that there is time for me to find what is similar in my life and theirs. After God's response there is a time for prayer and self-reflection. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to spend time reflecting about her faith and delving a little deeper into prayer -- it's just talking to God.
Still working my way through this wonderful book. Taking it slowly. The women of Breathing Eden are you and me, a friend or neighbor, sister or mother. All with different experiences, and all are reconciling their lives to Christ. I hope to do this with my Bible study group.
I first learned of Jennifer Camp through the Bible app, she has a Loop series which I found very uplifting, and had to subscribe to it as I felt like God was speaking to me through her in these series of letters. When I heard about the book I knew this is something I needed to read. Reading this book I felt like I connected with many of the stories in the book at some time or another in my life. "Breathing Eden" is something you need to read slowly to take it all in. Jennifer does a great job at the end of every story with little exercises that help you grow as a person and well as help you build a stronger relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I highly recommend this book to EVERY woman.
I can honestly say, there is not one word, or sentence for that matter, that can possibly begin to describe this book. Perhaps "WOW" can be a great word, but it will not give it justice. Jennifer Camp did an AMAZING job with this book. It has allowed me to feel every single emotion possible. Happiness, sadness, joy, chills, awestruck, tearfullness, smiles I mean, seriously! This is by far one of the first books that I have ever read where I cannot read more than I story because it is so profound. I HIGHLY recommend this book. All women need and should have a copy of this book. Believe me, it is just "WOW."
I loved this book. I read it like a daily devotional, reading one story at a time. At the end of each chapter are some questions, room to write your thoughts, a prayer, and some other little things to ponder over. This really helped me dig deeper into each story and figure out how it applies to me. Each mini story had something that I could relate to. God definitely spoke through Jennifer Camp in this book. The responses are phenomenal and exactly what I needed to hear. Sometimes we need to be reminded of just how much He loves us and this book does exactly that. It was a blessing to read and I cannot wait to share it with all of my family and friends!
This book… 40 women, 40 stories that you need to hear. Breathing Eden has been an amazing journey of a book to read. I have cried, laughed and felt all kinds of emotions while reading this book. Each story has been relatable to my life in some way. There’s even a journal section where you can journal your thoughts about each story. This book has it all, really. It’s so much more than just a book. It is a journey, one that I am so glad I took. I highly recommend this book as a must read for all women in any stage of life. You will find some way to connect to these stories. This book gets 5***** from this reviewer.
What a beautiful book!!! I have cried good tears throughout most of the book! So many stories of the different women I could relate to and feel the same needs they were describing and then to read the response that God would have for his daughters just would fill my eyes with tears at the wondrous love my God has for all His children. Even those days when we feel so unworthy, God is there!! I highly recommend this to all my fellow lady friends!! It will uplift your spirit and refresh your soul!!
This is not a book like any other I've read. These are real women's stories and responses from God to their prayers, which is both unbelievably moving and profound. There are so many different aspects of life covered in this book, insecurity, loss, pain, fear, identity, peace, hope, and on and on and on. In these 40 stories there were so many parts of myself reflected in the pages I could not wait to get to the next one. This book is very special in its ability to capture our hearts and show us how God sees us in every situation. This is a must read and a must re-read.
Breathing Eden has been a wonderful rejuvenation for my soul! No matter what story I read, God just leaps off the page and enfolds me in His arms. He shows me something each and every time I read it, something meant just for me. There have been many tears- cleansing tears, happy tears, grateful tears as I have read this book. If you want to be refreshed, if you want to hear from God, if you want to get in tune with your Heavenly Father, then this book is a MUST read!!
This book is so amazing. You can tell that it was written prayerfully. You can't read it quickly because God wants to interact with you on every page. This book is changing the lives of those who read it and God is meeting readers at their point of need. I firmly believe that every woman needs to get this book!!! God is healing hearts, opening places that have been shut off to Him and setting His daughters free to be who He designed them to be.
Breathing Eden is an incredible book of conversations between women and God. Each story has space and activities for individual contemplation and response to how God is speaking to the reader. As I read, even when the details of the woman's story may not have paralleled my own story, often I could relate the exchange to my own story in a way that resonated with my heart and God's message to me. I look forward to reading through this book again and again.
This book is very raw and vulnerable! When people share their hearts this way, so many connections are made with what my own heart has experienced in the past. It is encouraging and helpful to read that others have some similar experiences and that we share a common bond as women. It is helpful to read these stories. This is a book to sit with and rad slowly. A must read for sure!
This book is amazing. It touches so many aspects of our lives as women. Your don't have to be in the same situation as some of the women in the book to relate to their stories. God's response to each one is unique. This book is very healing. It really helps you see just how much God really loves us!
This book came to me at a time that I really needed it! The stories in this book hit home in so many ways. This book is a God-send and I enjoy it very much. The love of God is amazing, and He loves us no matter what, without borders. This book has helped me in more ways than I can describe. I thank God for it. please read it if you need to hear Gods voice to situations u are facing. I adore it.
I've been slowly ingesting the words of Breathing Eden since I've received my book. It has given me peace, guidance, & understanding. It is filled with those to be pondered life moments when you haven't quite figured out how to approach certain subjects. This is all complete with a journal and questions to ask yourself. I am proud to be #BreathingEden