Work in Progress: An Unfinished Woman's Guide to Grace

by Kristin Armstrong

When Kristin Armstrong was in the pit of her divorce, she eagerly read every spiritual book and devotional she could get her hands on out of a hunger to connect with someone who knew exactly what she was going through and how she felt. Now, at a time when society offers so many conflicting messages about what it means to be a woman, Kristin invites readers to discover grace as a way of life.
Using real-life anecdotes, biblical wisdom, and insight born of hard experience, Kristin teaches women the twelve traits of grace, inviting reflection and interaction. Warm, engaging, and practical, WORK IN PROGRESS examines what God has to say about being His kind of woman in the twenty-first century.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Christian

240 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Kristin Armstrong is a mother, a writer, and a runner. She has written six books, including her latest, Mile Markers: The 26.2 Most Important Reasons Why Women Run.

Reviews

[Darla · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dear friend gave this book to me for Christmas in 2013. When I read it during my quiet time in early 2014, I remember how Kristin's life experiences resonated with me even though our lives are so different. It was a blessing and I am thankful for it. <3

[Di · Rating 3 out of 5]

I so enjoy Kristin Armstrong, but this book was a little weak. I loved Mile Markers, where she spoke about her own experiences, and what they've revealed to her. This book paints in much broader strokes, and spends a lot of time speaking in generalities about who God is, and how we should respond. There were strong sections, but overall I felt like she was holding back.

[Selene · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this up from the library because it was referenced/quoted in a women's Bible study in which I was participating. While I liked how the way the chapters were structured, I just felt as though much of the advice was a bit trite. There was nothing unique or new here. I get the sense that Ms. Armstrong has a lot more to say, and I'd be interested to read/hear what that is.

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Armstrong has been through the ringer. As the ex-wife of infamous cyclist Lance Armstrong, she's had the opportunity to do some self-examination in ways that many of us don't. Lucky for us, it has made her wiser, more charming, more generous, and more faithful. Yet despite this, there's not a jot of ego - she is authentic and humble. A lovely read.

[Ann J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very insightful meditation from the ex-wife of Lance Armstrong.

My favorite "We have different gifts, according to the grace given us" - ROMANS 12.6

[Sherrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Work in Progress" by Kristin Armstrong



(from inside flap)
You've seen her: She brightens a room. Her confidence is unshakable. Her integrity inspires others. Her laughter is contagious, her hugs are addictive, and her passion for spritual things compels you to see God more consistenly and creatively.
This is a woman of grace. If you find that description a bit daunting, don'e be intimidated. Anyone can develop the traits of a gracious woman--the key is being open to improvement.
Kristin Armstrong invites you to smooth some of your rough edges and discomer grace as a way of like. Using real-life anecdones, biblical wisdom, and insight bron of hard experience, Kristin explores what God has to say about being His kind of woman in the twenty-first century.
Warm, engaging, and practical, WORK IN PROGRESS explores twelve traits of grace and invites reflection and interaction as you put into practice what you read.
"Take your time," Kristin urges. "Enjoy being a work in progress. Revel in the adventure. Bask in your unveiling. We are all unfinished, but bit by bit the glory of His likeness is being revealed."
Come and share your unique, utterly necessary light.

I'm not too keen on reading religious inspirational books. I feel like they are preaching to me, which I don't like either. The way I practice my religion is my business. But this book was very inspirational and gives the sense that you can do it. I really enjoyed this book very much.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew Ashly enjoyed Kristin's monthly column in "Running" magazine,
so I was eager to read her book. I really like Kristin too. Her
writing is easy to read, with the right mix of life experiences, talk
of family, sharing struggles as a single mother, and spiritual insights.
Examples: "Just like my children enjoy exceeding my expectations, I want to be a delight to my creator." "Spiritual success requires letting go of expectations and outcomes and allowing God to move on your behalf." "When we are in proper relationship to one another, we yield a circle of strength that more easily rolls over the potholes of life." "Gratitude is a key part of the revelation and the celebration."
"We are pleasant company when we are intent on pleasing God." It helps
that Kristin lives in Austin. She doesn't gloss over the pain of her
divorce from Lance Armstrong, but she focuses on living her on life in
grace.

[Charity Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gosh, I read this book years ago as a mom in the trenches with 6 teenagers. Yes, all at once. This mom's encouraging words got me thru a lot of stuff. Kristin is on my list of moms I hope to interview some day. And yes, she use to be married to Lance Armstrong the bicycle racer.

[Becka · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is less of a book and more of a devotional. I already follow Kristin (ex-wife of Lance Armstrong) on runnersworld.com, where she has her own blog about running among other things. She has always been spiritual, positive and realistic in her blog. I love her writing and was excited to read this book, which I love and would encourage any of my female friends to read. Each chapter is a different topic (Wisdom, Authenticity) and are the 12 traits of grace. She writes like a normal person, a good friend, who is not perfect but is striving to do better.

[Margaret]

This is an awesome book. It is beautifully written. The book is written in 12 unique chapters. I loved all of them. I did have favorite chapters. Those chapters were: Beauty, Softness and Authenticity. Here is a little something I loved from the chapter on Beauty...."When you are reveling in your passion and living your purpose, you are becoming transparent, reflecting the inner beauty of God. Think about it, when you watch someone doing the thing they were meant to do, aren't they gorgeous? Well, so are you."

[Farrah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Armstrong touches up on the topics of beauty, confidence, softness, trust, truth, generosity, forgiveness, courage, diligence, wisdom, authenticity, and freedom. I found her use of Bible verses throughout her book and her interpretations of them relating to various situations in life to be very helpful in better understanding them. Amazing to me how books always pop into my life at different moments when I most need them for some particular purpose.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first half of the book was stronger than the last half, but Kristin's writing is crisp, smart, and insightful. As she writes about her divorce to Lance Armstrong, parenting three young children, developing a closer walk with God, and forgiving her ex, she shares ideas and scriptures that help us meetthe challenges of everyday living. Some of her anecdotes were charming and savvy and made many scripture verses come alive for me.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say as a pretty non-religious person, I really thought this book had a lot of great lessons in it. Actually, I think every woman who reads it would get something out of it. I was lucky enough to hear Kristin Armstrong speak a few weeks ago and I was inspired to read her book. I think it's one of those books I will read a few times to really get the most out of it.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great everyday approach to very real spiritual attributes and how to build them in our daily lives. I like the format of small chapters, almost a read-a-day, but also really like Kristin's voice -- she seems like any girlfriend I would hang out with :-)

[Vickie Jenson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to read Kristin's side of her divorce with Lance Armstrong. As her title suggests she used a lot of grace and doesn't talk about it alot. It was a good book but I didn't really glean anything new from it.

[Kristen Genet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one I'm going to have to reread from time to time. I really wish I could go for a good long run with Kristin Armstrong, too...or at least out for a cup of coffee. I think we'd get along well together.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

i really liked this book. i did not think i would enjoy it. i was expecting the typical preachy pull yourself up by your bootstraps christian rhetoric but that was not it at all! i appreciated the author's transparency and honesty. this book had some grest scriptures and was a good quick read.

[Robin Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful every woman should read.

[Pat]

The subtitle says it "an unfinished woman's guide to grace."
Lots of good thoughts and Bible scriptures to help us all on our journey to grace.

[Shanna Barney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I liked her insight on woman and how we are a work in progress. It is truly a guide to grace.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

good read...what more can i say. :)

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far it's very easy to read. Kristin is so relateable both in her runner's world blogs and this book. Very inspirational.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I planned an event at which Kristin was a guest speaker. I adored her! The book is inspirational as well.

[cati · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summer Bible Study. Not great but ok. Not really any new insight, but it is always good to read the word again and again.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great bits of wisdom throughout the whole book! next time I read it, I'll have to start a journal specifically for it :)